We’re often aware of the effect brittle cold temperatures have on the skin but hair, on the other hand, is frequently left out of the conversation. Those with afro or curly hair can struggle during the winter months, as lower temperatures destroy any hope of hydration. This is where protective hairstyles come in.

If you keep your hair natural, protective hairstyles are a great way to zhuzh up your look without any real form of commitment – and they’re versatile. An added bonus is that they’re able to protect fragile strands from the havoc winter weather wreaks on hair.

If you’re up for protecting your natural hair this winter, these are the protective hairstyles to have on your radar. But first, let’s talk about the benefits.

What are the benefits of protective hairstyles?

As the name suggests, protective hairstyles help you keep damage to a minimum, without compromising on style. “Cold weather climates and dry air can be brutal for afro and curly hair textures, which is why it’s a good idea to keep hair in protective styles,” says hairstylist Charlotte Mensah. 

She believes these styles help retain moisture and protect it from the harsh realities of winter weather. “Protective hairstyles are also an excellent way to protect your hair while maintaining a level of style. These styles can also be a game-changer for curly and coily hair types,” says Mensah.

Putting aside the protective element, they also allow you to experiment. “Protective styles allow you to add colour, length, and complete restyle to your hair without the commitment,” says Mensah. Her favourites? “Box braids, goddess Senegalese twist, canerows crochet and faux locs are all great.”

How do you look after your hair while wearing a protective hairstyle?

The style may provide a helping hand in minimising damage, but there are still some care tips to help maximise the benefits. “It’s crucial to take care of your hair underneath,” says Mensah. She recommends avoiding heavy creams and instead opting for a hair oil or oil-based finishing mist. A pomade would not go amiss, as it helps to prevent your scalp from becoming dry or flaky and allows you to tame any flyaways.

As with anything, too much of a good thing can sometimes cause issues. “I recommend you opt for styles you can wear for a minimum of five days and up to a week or two max to ensure that your hair isn’t over-manipulated and not neglected. It’s all about balance,” says Mensah. 

How do you prep hair for a protective hairstyle?

As Mensah mentioned, these styles should be short term and advises never keeping them for longer than eight weeks, as this can often lead to hair loss. “As your new growth will stretch and damage, eventually breaking. Braids are an excellent way to protect your hair for a while, but eventually, you have to let your hair be free,” she says. Mensah’s favourites for this are “mini-twist bunto knots, jumbo braids, twist outs and cornrows”.

Looking after your hair before and during is key. “Always wear a silk or satin scarf to bed at night. The smooth texture prevents your braids from frizzing and keeps your edges looking fresh while protecting your roots from drying out overnight,” says Mensah. If that sounds like too much of a faff, a silk or satin pillowcase is a great option to help reduce friction.

Keeping the scalp moist and hydrated every morning will help prevent irritation, dehydration and breakages. Mensah recommends a solution with natural oils for this, such as her Manketti Oil or a leave-in conditioner. 

Images: Adobe; courtesy of brands