11. Bonus style! Faux ponytails or puffs – Short-term protective style
A faux ponytail piece or a puff is one of the quickest and simplest hairstyles to master when you just don’t have the time to do your own hair daily. With care, a sleek ponytail or puff can last a week to 10 days before needing to be re-done which makes for an excellent short-term protective style.
Final Thoughts
Protective styles don’t have to be boring. This is especially true with the variety of lengths and textures available if you enjoy adding extensions* to your hair. There are an infinite number of variations you can have with the aforementioned styles to keep you happy.
Accessories are also amazing tools that you can use to make your styles look fresh and keep you from being bored with protective styling. If you ever feel underwhelmed by the thought of doing a protective style, get inspiration on social media to get your creative juices flowing.
If you are not able to install protective styles yourself, finding the right stylist is vitally important to help you achieve cute styles while keeping your own hair healthy and thriving.
Traction alopecia is always a risk when it comes to any style that puts tension on your hair follicles and this doesn’t just mean braided styles. Ponytails or puffs pulled too tightly can also cause major damage to your edges. With this in mind, you must take care not to put too much tension on your strands or hairline in a bid to install your protective style.
Just remember that the aim of your protective style should be to help you protect your hair from the wear and tear that comes with frequent styling. This is what makes you retain length and leads to hair growth month after month.
LAKISHA WILKINS says
I AM DEAF I NEED TO KNOW HOW MUCH MY HAIR BRAIDING AND I PAY FOR IT BRAIDING KINKY TWIST
OK THANK YOU VERY MUCH SO BEST KINKY TWIST?
Alma Ruddock says
I dont actually know how much braids or kinky twists cost, prices vary depending on the stylist you ask. Please check with local hair salon. Good luck,
Luvisha says
how would you wash your hair weekly if braided and how long should you keep the braids to avoid manipulation. I have short natural hair and usually braid my hair keeping the braids for a month. is that too long?
monique says
I leave mine in for two months
Alana says
i dont like wearing weaves or braids if i do put them in they last for only 1-2 weeks. so what protective styles can i use with my hair and how long will they last as my hair do not keep styles for long (1 week)
Amber says
I have very thin/bald edges. What protective styles do you recommend?
Alma Ruddock says
Nothing braided if you have thinning edges I’m afraid. You should only do low manipulation styles like braid outs, twist outs and loose buns until you grow your edges back. Even after that any braided styles should not be used again because clearly your hair cannot take them.
Lovebug says
I had Lupus at one time and lost lots of hair on the crown of my head. I use to wear a wig but they seem to be taking my edges out. I have been putting my hair up and wearing a weave ponytail. What do you recommend.
Brenda Mines says
hair go natural does all natural I love it now that’s what I call good hair
Jennifer Grimes Whitticker says
I love this website!
Kimberly Miller says
Too late! It is cut!
Patricia Gillard says
I love them too I just put in mine 2 days ago. I learned how to braid and twist after I went back natural 3 years ago took me over a year to learn tho lol
Margaret Graham says
At least you learned. I can’t really braid. I tried Havana twist with Marley hair…not the greatest. But I’ll keep at it like you! Hopefully I’ll get it.
Patricia Gillard says
Takes a lot of practice and I know I’m not perfect yet but it’ll save you money also. I really hope you get it I’m sure you will! And Marley was my fave type of twist until I discovers the kinky afro hair only thing is it doesn’t come long like the Marley hair and I had to double up to make it longer to cover my hair.
Dinah Briggs says
Will be getting one of these style very soon, good post, I love the Bantu Knots.
Bernice Watson says
I bought a huge Afro wig. Do you think I can do a two strain twist style with it or just cut it down.
Diva Dealzz - Protective styles says
I like to wear that Kinky twist protective hairstyle which looks perfect on me.