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25 BEST PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLES FOR MEN

Harsh weather conditions can wreak havoc on your hair, especially if you have afro hair or locks. Constant exposure to sun, wind, and humidity can lead to dryness, breakage, and damage. That’s why protective hairstyles are essential.

Not only do these styles safeguard your hair, but they also offer a range of stylish options. From classic cornrows to modern twists, there’s a protective style to suit every taste. Discover the perfect balance of hair health and head-turning looks. Let’s explore the possibilities together.

Faded Cornrows

Faded cornrows are a popular choice for men looking to grow out their hair. This style combines a clean, sharp fade on the sides with intricate cornrows on top. To keep your hair healthy as it grows, remember to use a quality men’s conditioner to maintain moisture and prevent breakage.

Braids With a Crisp Fade Protective Hairstyle

Make a statement with a classic yet modern look. A center parting with two braids is a versatile style that suits various occasions. Complement this hairstyle with a sharp fade on the sides for a clean, polished finish.

Elevate your overall appearance by pairing this hairstyle with a well-groomed beard. Use high-quality tools like cordless hair clippers and beard balm to achieve a perfectly groomed look.

Single Braids With Added Length

Single braids are a classic protective style, but why stop there? Add some drama and length by incorporating hair extensions. Whether you prefer a subtle extension or a dramatic transformation, this is a great way to customize your look while keeping your natural hair protected.

Intricate Cornrows Protective Haircut

Cornrows offer endless possibilities for self-expression. Experiment with intricate patterns, shapes, and designs to create a truly unique look. Enhance the style with a clean fade on the sides for a sharp, modern contrast.

Four Cornrows Protective Hairstyle

The classic four cornrows hairstyle is a versatile option for any hair length. Keep your braids looking fresh and healthy by using a high-quality men’s hair cream to maintain moisture and prevent dryness. This timeless style offers a clean, polished look that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

Medium-Length Locs Protective Haircut

For those with mid-length hair, shoulder-length locs offer a stylish and protective option. Enhance your look by pairing your locs with a well-groomed goatee. This combination creates a masculine and sophisticated vibe. Experiment with different goatee styles to find the perfect match for your facial features.

Tapered Locs

Achieving a short and full loc’d crown requires time and dedication, but the results are worth it. Combine this bold style with a tapered fade on the sides for a clean and modern look. This combination creates a striking contrast between the full crown and the sharp fade.

Mini BraidS

Mini plaits, or braids, offer a stylish and low-maintenance option for men. Their compact size makes them a great protective style, helping to shield your hair from damage. To maintain their appearance and health, consistent moisturizing is key.

Bantu Knots Protective Hairstyle

This 90s-inspired protective hairstyle offers incredible versatility. Dress it up for the office with a tailored suit, or pair it with a colorful shirt and sunglasses for a laid-back beach vibe. It’s a style that effortlessly transitions from professional to playful.

Face-Framing Box Braids

This classic 90s hairstyle proves that some trends never go out of style. Its versatility is unmatched – wear it down in a low ponytail for a sleek look or coil it up into a bun for a casual yet stylish vibe. It’s a protective style that effortlessly blends retro charm with contemporary cool.

The ‘90s Inspired Locs

Relive the golden age of hip-hop with 90s-inspired locs. Gather your locs into high ponytails on both sides of your head for a timeless look that’s pure nostalgia. Lock in your style with a strong-hold hairspray to keep those ponytails bouncing all day long.

Single Braids

Single braids are a versatile and protective option for Afro hair. Whether you prefer a short, edgy look or long, flowing braids, this style offers both protection and style. Customize your braids with different lengths, thicknesses, and even beads or charms for a personal touch.

Loc’d Man Bun

Cornrows are a classic protective style that never goes out of fashion. Whether you prefer a simple, straight pattern or intricate designs, cornrows are a versatile choice. You can experiment with different parting styles, lengths, and even incorporate beads or other accessories to add a personal touch.

Tapered Man Bun Protective Hairstyle

Growing out your twists or coils without compromising your professional look? The tapered man bun is your answer. This stylish and practical hairstyle keeps your hair protected while maintaining a polished appearance. The tapered sides create a clean, professional look, while the top section can be gathered into a sleek man bun.

Cornrows

Cornrows are a timeless and versatile hairstyle that has been a staple in Black culture for generations. From classic straight-back styles to intricate patterns, the possibilities are endless. Cornrows offer a unique opportunity to express your individuality and showcase your creativity. Experiment with different lengths, designs, and even incorporate beads or accessories to create a truly personalized look.

How to Do and Maintain It Protective Hairstyle

Protective hairstyles offer a fantastic way to shield your hair from damage while showcasing your unique style. While they require initial time and effort, the benefits are well worth it. Let’s dive into the steps to achieve and maintain a stunning protective hairstyle.

STEP 1 – FIND A HAIRSTYLIST

Choosing the right hairstylist is paramount when considering a protective hairstyle. A skilled professional understands the nuances of hair care and can create a style that not only looks amazing but also protects your hair’s health.

STEP 2 – CHOOSE AN APPROPRIATE HAIRSTYLE

Your stylist is your hair’s best friend. They can assess your hair’s unique characteristics, including type, texture, length, and your desired level of maintenance, to suggest the perfect protective hairstyle.

STEP 3 – MAINTENANCE

Achieving a stunning protective hairstyle is just the beginning. Proper care is essential to maintain its beauty and protect your hair’s health. Regular washing with gentle products, deep conditioning to restore moisture, and styling with high-quality products are key. Shield your hair from moisture by avoiding showers and rain, and protect it during sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet.

Best Products Protective Haircut

Regular hair care is crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of your protective hairstyle. Wash and condition your hair according to your stylist’s recommendations. For styles like cornrows and braids, keep your hair moisturized by applying natural oils like coconut, avocado, or almond every few days.

Locs require special attention. Use apple cider vinegar to remove product buildup and prevent dryness. Keep your locs hydrated by applying natural oils and anti-itch treatments as needed.

FAQ

1. Do Protective Hairstyles Promote Hair Growth?

While protective hairstyles don’t directly stimulate hair growth, they create an optimal environment for hair to thrive. By minimizing manipulation, breakage, and exposure to environmental stressors, they contribute to hair retention, making it appear longer and healthier over time.

2. What are some protective hairstyles for men?

Protective hairstyles offer a multitude of benefits for men, including hair growth and reduced damage. Popular options include braids, cornrows, twists, locs, and finger coils. These styles help retain moisture and minimize manipulation, promoting healthier hair.

3. Are protective styles bad?

While protective styles offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential drawbacks. Tightly installed styles, such as braids, locs, and cornrows, can cause tension and strain on the scalp, leading to discomfort and even hair loss. Additionally, the use of hair extensions can increase friction and breakage.

Limited access to the scalp for washing and cleaning is another concern with protective styles. This can contribute to product buildup and scalp infections if not properly maintained.

CONCLUSION

Protective hairstyles offer a fantastic opportunity to nurture and enhance your hair’s health. By selecting a style that suits your hair type and lifestyle, you can enjoy the numerous benefits while showcasing your personal style. So, why wait? Take the plunge and discover the transformative power of protective hairstyles.


45 BEST CURLY HAIR COLOR IDEAS

The right hair color can dramatically enhance the beauty of your curls, boosting your confidence. However, choosing wisely is key. Factors like skin tone, eye color, and natural hair texture play a crucial role in selecting the perfect shade. This article presents 45 inspiring curly hair color ideas to help you find the ideal hue and technique to match your unique style.

IS IT OKAY TO DYE CURLY HAIR?

Dyeing curly hair is indeed possible without compromising its unique texture, but it requires a careful approach. Curly hair often demands specific care, and coloring can introduce additional challenges. To achieve optimal results and minimize damage, consulting with an experienced colorist is crucial. They possess the expertise to assess your hair’s specific needs and recommend suitable colors and techniques. 

OUR TOP PICKS

CHAMPAGNE ROSE

Whether you’re embracing your natural curls or styling them to perfection, elevate your ringlets with a shimmering champagne hue. The new Redken Shades EQ Gold Rose Hair Gloss in 010GRo Sparkling Wine adds a subtle rose-gold shimmer to lightened or blonde hair, creating a luxurious and iridescent effect. Consult your stylist to achieve this stunning, champagne-inspired look.

BROWN ROSE

Brown rose is a versatile shade that complements a wide range of complexions. This particular brunette rose hue, infused with subtle golden undertones, is especially flattering for those with darker skin tones. It creates a warm and harmonious contrast, enhancing the natural radiance of the skin.

RED HOT

Contrary to the notion that curly hair can’t participate in trendy cuts, the curly wolf cut is a prime example of how to embrace curls in modern styling. With its layered texture and shape, this cut enhances natural curl patterns while allowing for personalized styling. The addition of a carefully crafted curly bang beautifully frames the face, proving that curly hair can be both fashionable and flattering.

DARK AUBURN

Imagine the intensity of fire engine red colliding with the warmth of brown. The result is a fiery auburn hue, a captivating blend of passion and earthiness. This color combination is so vibrant and compelling, it’s almost too much to bear.

CREAMY GOLDEN BLONDE

A harmonious blend of cool, beige, and golden tones creates a luminous look that effortlessly enhances your complexion. This brightened palette adds captivating depth and dimension to your twists, making them a standout feature.

GINGERBREAD HIGHLIGHTS

Forget the notion that gingerbread hair is reserved for the holiday season. This brunette base infused with warm, reddish ginger tones offers a year-round glow, transforming your mane into a captivating blend of depth and radiance.

PURPLE

Fantasy hair doesn’t always have to be loud and bright. If you’re hesitant about colors appearing too artificial, a deep purple might be perfect. It’s so dark it can easily be mistaken for black, but with a magical transformation in sunlight, revealing its enchanting undertones.

LILAC BLONDE

If you’re drawn to this enchanting hue but hesitant to commit to a permanent change, consider a temporary option like Biolage Professional Color Balm in Lavender. Perfect for those with light hair, this color depositing conditioner offers a subtle lilac tint without the long-term commitment, allowing you to experiment with this beloved shade.

PERIWINKLE

Channel your inner rebel princess with the emerging pastel purple-blue hue. This dreamy shade takes on a whimsical yet edgy character when paired with violet accents, creating a look that’s both playful and bold.

PASTEL RAINBOW

Yearning for a dash of whimsy? Pastel rainbow hair might be your perfect match. These ethereal hues can fade fast, but don’t let that dampen your spirits. Incorporate a system like Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Shampoo and Conditioner into your routine to safeguard your vibrant color and let your pastel dreams last.

BLOODY MARY

Bloody Mary hair is a daring new trend that blends earthy and spicy tones for a truly unique look. This edgy style is perfect for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement, and we’re particularly obsessed with the bold contrast created by color-blocking the bangs. 

PURE GOLD

Golden pigments have a unique ability to enhance the warmth of medium to olive skin tones, creating a radiant complexion. Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Gold is the perfect solution to maintain your salon-fresh golden hair color between appointments. This revitalizing formula refreshes your golden hues for up to six washes, ensuring your hair continues to shine with luxurious warmth.

SUNFLOWER BALAYAGE

This balayage beautifully showcases the complementary nature of warm and cool blonde tones. Golden hues flatteringly frame the face, while cooler shades at the ends add a radiant touch that requires minimal upkeep compared to root maintenance.

COPPER MOCHA

Craving a captivating reddish-brown hue? Imagine a blend of fiery red, warm copper, and rich mocha – a truly unique color combination. To achieve this stunning look, ask your stylist to expertly mix Matrix Coil Color in shades 7M, 6CC, and 6RR. This harmonious trio will create a multi-dimensional, reddish-brown color that’s as beautiful as it is distinctive.

JET BLACK

Jet black hair doesn’t need color to shine. Unleash your curls’ full potential with L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Curl Expression Definition Activator Gel. This hydrating formula effortlessly defines and revitalizes your spirals, banishing frizz and leaving them bouncy and full of life.

GINGER

Those blessed with natural ginger hair have always been the envy of many, but now, achieving a fiery mane is easier than ever. Ginger hair has surged in popularity, with even the biggest names in Hollywood embracing the trend. Whether you’re born with it or not, there’s no denying the allure of this vibrant hair color.

PLATINUM

Platinum hair color is elevated to a dazzling new level when paired with the edgy precision of a pixie cut and the carefree allure of tousled ringlets. This striking combination creates a bold and unforgettable look that effortlessly commands attention.

WHITE

White hair offers a luminous, natural beauty that’s a far cry from its platinum predecessor. To preserve its cool tones, combat brassiness with a purple shampoo like Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra Violet. This essential product will help maintain your white hair looking its pristine best.

BLUE AND GREEN

Embrace your inner mermaid with a mesmerizing blend of blue and green curls. This ethereal color palette is particularly stunning on curly hair, as the cascading ringlets mimic the fluid motion of ocean waves, creating a truly enchanting look.

TURQUOISE

For a bolder aquatic mermaid look, consider a deep turquoise hue. This darker shade, combined with your natural hair, creates a stunning contrast and adds a touch of mystery to the classic mermaid style.

HONEY BLONDE

Honey blonde hair is as sweet and dreamy as a morning tea with honey. Enhance this natural beauty with Matrix’s A Curl Can Dream Light-Hold Gel. Infused with manuka honey, this gel defines your curls and coils without the crunch, leaving them soft and supple.

SILVER

Gray hair is inevitable, but you can make the transition smoother with a little help. Consider letting your natural grays shine through with a silver dye or subtle silver highlights. A colorist can expertly blend your grays for a stylish and effortless look.

STRAWBERRY BLONDE

Tired of the same old red or blonde? Strawberry blonde could be your perfect compromise. This fresh hair color offers a subtle change for redheads, blending warm golden tones with hints of red for a vibrant yet understated look.

SUNNY YELLOW

Illuminate your world with this vibrant shade of yellow. Known to evoke the warmth and energy of sunshine, this color has the power to uplift your spirits and boost your mood. A little sunshine can go a long way.

PEACH

Peachy pink is a flirty shade that flatters fair-to-light skin tones. Its practicality lies in its resilience: even when faded or washed out, peach still looks effortlessly chic.

MAUVE HIGHLIGHTS

Mauve, a captivating blend of natural and fantasy, is a versatile choice for curly hair. To enhance your complexion, ask your colorist to concentrate the mauve shade around your face, allowing it to illuminate your skin tone.

ESPRESSO

Espresso hair color is a sophisticated blend of black and dark brown, creating a neutral, high-shine tone that’s far from dull. Enhance your hair’s luster with Redken’s Shine Flash Hairspray for an even more dazzling finish.

SMOKED OUT ROOTS

Smoked out roots create a seamless transition between your natural hair color and the dyed ends, minimizing the appearance of regrowth. This low-maintenance technique extends the time between salon visits, allowing your hair color to fade gracefully.

SUN-KISSED GREIGE

Imagine a sun-kissed masterpiece on curly or coily hair. A cool, sophisticated blend of gray and beige is infused with shimmering gold, creating an iridescent effect that’s both modern and enchanting.

GEMINI HAIR

Can’t decide on just one hair color? Half-and-half hair, also known as Gemini hair, is the perfect solution. This trendy dual-toned look lets you embrace two sides of your personality or simply enjoy the thrill of trying out different hair colors without commitment.

DEEP RUST

We typically avoid anything rusty, from forgotten nails to stagnant relationships. Yet, the vibrant electric rusty red hair color defies this aversion. It’s a bold, unexpected choice that commands attention, proving that sometimes, a little rust can be strikingly beautiful.

SUPER-FINE STREAKS

Whether you prefer bold, chunky highlights or a more subtle look, there’s a highlighting option for you. Fine, delicate streaks can add dimension to curly hair and strategically placed highlights can also help to disguise gray hairs.

SPICY CURRY

Transform your deep brunette curls into a vibrant masterpiece with a dash of daring. Introduce chunky highlights infused with warm curry tones, adding depth, dimension, and a touch of fiery elegance to your natural base.

GOLDEN SUNRISE

Achieve a stunning “Golden Sunrise” hair color by blending warm and cool golden tones for a sun-kissed ombre effect. This dimensional look is beautifully showcased when styled in shoulder-length layers, maintaining depth and richness.

ENGLISH TOFFEE

Toffee hair color is a stunning choice for those with lighter eye colors. To maximize its impact, use toffee as an accent rather than an all-over shade. This strategic approach will create a voluminous, eye-catching look that highlights your natural features.

CHOCOLATE ALMOND

Indulge in the rich allure of chocolate brown hair elevated by subtle streaks of creamy almond. This decadent combination offers a modern twist on a timeless look, making it a luxurious and effortless transition for brunettes seeking a fresh hair color experience.

HONEYCOMB

Want a sweeter look? Try honey-hued highlights to brighten dark curls and create the illusion of fuller hair. Biolage Professional Volume Bloom Shampoo is a lightweight option that adds natural volume and shine without damaging your hair.

CHESTNUT

Chestnut hair color is trending. Embrace the rich, reddish-brown shade for a full-headed transformation or subtly enhance your brunette base with chestnut streaks. This versatile hue adds warmth and depth to any hair color.

COPPER BRONZE

Copper and bronze hair colors complement each other, creating a bold and warm look. To maintain the vibrancy of your copper hair and prevent unwanted brassiness, consider incorporating a toning hair mask like Matrix Total Results Brass Off Custom Neutralization Hair Mask into your hair care routine.

GOLD-FOILED

Turn heads with a metallic hair look. Achieve the perfect base for your style with a strong-hold product like Mizani True Textures Sleek Holding Gel. It locks your hair in place, ensuring your metallic masterpiece stays flawless all day.

MAROON

Maroon hair color is a popular choice for those seeking a vibrant yet professional look. This bold shade is perfect for the office, striking a balance between trendy and sophisticated. If your hair is naturally lighter, your colorist might need to darken your base first to achieve the desired rich maroon tone.

CHERRY COLA

Cherry cola hair color, a nostalgic blend of brown, violet, and red, is making a comeback. This versatile shade is perfect for year-round wear and offers a subtle, bleach-free way for dark-haired individuals to lighten their look.

PUMPKIN SPICE

Embrace the essence of fall with the captivating pumpkin spice shade. This universally flattering color, a perfect blend of sweet and spicy tones, is particularly stunning on darker skin tones.

AUTUMN LEAVES

Autumn Leaves is a vibrant color scheme that evokes the essence of fall foliage. Blending maroon, red, and orange in an ombre effect, this style captures the beauty of changing leaves, bringing a touch of autumnal warmth to any season.

HOW CAN I CARE FOR CURLY HAIR COLOR?

To maintain vibrant and healthy color-treated coils, your colorist recommends a personalized care routine. This includes a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner tailored to your hair density, such as Pureology Hydrate for medium-to-thick hair or Hydrate Sheer for fine hair. 

Additionally, incorporating a bond-repairing system like Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate can strengthen and protect hair from damage. 

To extend the life of your color and style, consider using a dry shampoo like Matrix Styling Refresher and a curl refresher spray like L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Curl Expression, reducing the need for frequent washing and heat styling.

CONCLUSION

Inspired by these curly hair color ideas? Remember, every head of curly hair is unique, so it’s essential to consult with a professional colorist to find the perfect shade for you. Save your favorite looks and bring them to your next appointment for a personalized consultation.