The ManicaPost
With all the protective styles for natural hair that exist, there’s no reason not to show off your unique curls and personal style. The ways you can express yourself through your hair even while shielding it from the cold winter are limitless! We have some favourite protective styles we want to share with you, but feel free to add your own spin to them and really make them your own.
Medium Box Braids
These braids will provide you with a simpler style that is easy to maintain while also staying on trend. They’re also a perfect starting point for a number of different winter styles including cute updos, pops of colour, and relaxed ponytails. You also have some options when it comes to length. You can stick with longer braids or go for a shorter style. Shorter and braided bobs are all the rage this winter!
Braided Bob
The braided bob is so cute it deserves its own style section! These are perfect for winter because you can have the look of braids without all of the weight that comes with longer ones. This look is perfect for any occasion whether it is a lazy day or you need a chic look for a formal event. You can even mix up your style a bit with different braid thickness or adding in some decorative cuffs to complete your winter look no matter what you’re wearing!
Double Halo Braid
There is no other hairstyle that screams winter more than the double halo braid. If you already feel like an angel, then why not look like one as well? To complete this look, you will use big, chunky braids for most of your hair with some smaller ones in the front, at the top of your forehead. You can then wrap them around the top of your head for a halo effect to bring the look together. Even if updos aren’t usually your thing, this is a look that suits anyone!
Cornrow Ponytail
Cornrows on their own are a great protective style for your natural hair, and they offer plenty of versatility. Bringing your cornrows up into a high or low ponytail is practical for winter and makes for an easily elegant style. Whether your braids are thick or thin, this style works beautifully with some added ornaments or a fun scrunchie, or you can go the simpler, classic route of wrapping one of your braids around the base of the ponytail. Plus, it’s super easy to keep your scalp and natural hair clean and healthy with cornrows when you use a Protective Styles dry gel shampoo.
Flat Twists
Flat twists are similar in appearance to cornrows, but tend to be easier to style on your own! Flat twists work beautifully on both natural and transitioning hair. Once you get a hang of the twists, there’s a tonne of styling options! If your hair is long enough, you can put the twists into a low bun, ponytail, or pigtails. Thick hair will tend to secure itself, but you can add accessories like butterfly clips or scrunchies for extra security. For shorter hair, try twisting from the nape of your neck up and leave some curls free to create a high updo.
Bantu Knots
Loving these buns, but you recently did the big chop? Don’t worry, even short mains can be styled into cute protective buns! Try out bantu knots; not only are they super adorable and edgy, but they’re easy to style with lots of versatility. Start by either parting your hair into regular, grid-like sections, or get a little fancier and create diamond-shaped sections. Using a styling gel or pomade, twist each section into a “knot” that can secure itself by tucking the ends of your hair into the knot’s base. The best part about this style? Once you undo bantu knots, you’ll have a head full of perfectly defined coils!
Chignon
Whether you’re dressing up, going to dinner with the girls, or just running errands, a chignon can be the style that carries you through all three of those activities! Classy and simple and oh-so-easy to style, a chignon works for natural or transitioning hair. All you need are hair pins and a covered hair tie or a silk scrunchie along with some styling gel to smooth your edges and keep everything in place! Depending on the occasion, add some flair with a hair scarf, flowers, or really anything else you can think of— let your creativity shine!
Natural Twist-Out Style
This is probably our favourite on the list because it really allows you to show off your natural curl pattern. We love braids, but there’s something so freeing about letting your gorgeous locks flow in this more au-natural style! This look is glamorous and bouncy and sure to get some heads turning. While it looks effortless, it does take some time to perfect, and without the right protective natural hair products, it won’t offer the same protection that braids would. That said, we think it’s totally worth the effort! And with just a little curl activator alongside a shampoo and conditioner, you can make sure your curls are healthy and on point all winter long.
