6 Protective Hairstyles To Try This Winter And 1 To Avoid

Nieshatanelle
5 min readNov 9, 2021
one of the best protective hairstyles: braiding patterns
one of the best protective hairstyles: braiding patterns

Natural hair can suffer in the winter, becoming dull, dry, and brittle. In the colder months, many women choose preventive hairstyles like varied braiding patterns, which relieve stress at the hairline, protect the ends, and needless manipulation.

Natural curly hair requires more frequent rehydration than straight hair since the spiral shape makes it more difficult for the scalp’s natural oils to reach the entire strand. Dehydration can be exacerbated by the lack of humidity in the air throughout the winter. You’ve got the perfect recipe for split ends and hair breakage when you throw in the friction generated by cold-weather accessories like beanies and scarves.

However, before deciding on the ideal protective style for you, you should assess the status and health of your hair. Take note of your hair density, porosity, and the amount of time your hair can stay moisturized between washes. Before deciding on your new protective style, ask yourself these three questions:

A. What Is The Thickness Of My Hairline?

Examine the hair in the first inch of your edges to see if it could benefit from a style that requires less weight, pulling, and product.

B. How Long Will I Keep The Style In Place?

Wearing a hairstyle for more than four weeks is counterintuitive since the longer the time between wash days, the less moisture your hair receives.

C. What Do I Want To Get Out Of My Hairstyle?

Whether you want to keep your length, save time, or just take a vacation from your hair routine, knowing what you want to achieve is crucial to choosing the proper style.

To get you started, here are the finest protective hairstyles to attempt this winter, as well as one style to avoid.

1. Straight Back Cornrows

ever wore sew in hairstyles? wear one now
ever wore sew in hairstyles? wear one now

Straight-back braids are making a resurgence, and they have a look that is both classy and informal. This braid is a stylist's favorite since it involves very little hair tension and no tangling because the braid is linked to the scalp.

2. Buns With Added Hair

braids for added benefits
braids for added benefits

Buns are a terrific low-tension, minimal-manipulation alternative and one of the most adaptable designs. Just make sure it’s not too tight, and release the grip on that hairband to relieve tension on the edges.

While you are, you can also read How To Create Traditional Braids?

3. Box Braids

most famous braiding patterns
most famous braiding patterns

Braids are an excellent alternative for women on the go, whether they have a busy schedule or simply don’t want to spoil their blowout during their weekly session. Be aware of styles that are extremely tight around the edges, as this can cause breaking and perhaps traction alopecia.

4. Sew-In Weaves

try sew in hairstyles if you haven’t
try sew in hairstyles if you haven’t

For a low-maintenance hairstyle, look to sew-in weaves. However, to keep this hairstyle from causing more harm than good, make sure to remove it after a maximum of four weeks.

5. Wigs

simple and effective protective hairstyles: braids
simple and effective protective hairstyles: braids

Wigs are the most popular protective style right now, and they’re perfect for rapid styling while still allowing access to your scalp. They’re particularly useful for weather protection while also removing any friction caused by cold-season equipment.

The quality of your wig’s lace cap is vital to consider, as some units are constructed of rough lace that can cause hair breakage. That being said, be sure to cover your natural hair with a wig cap and you should be fine.

You can also read “Why You Should Purchase Body Wave Hair Bundles” to give you extra knowledge.

6. Dreadlocks

dreadlocks as braiding patterns
dreadlocks as braiding patterns

While dreadlocks may appear to some women to be a militant style, Tolliver argues that they are actually a healthy way to keep hair length. Because the hair strands are physically sticking together, locs require more upkeep than many other styles, but if you’re prepared to commit to the loc life, this could be a terrific option for you.

Avoid: Faux Locs Aka Goddess Locs

Avoid this at all costs
Avoid this at all costs

I’m sorry to break it to you, but Tolliver considers false locs to be a no-no. Wrapping synthetic braiding around your natural hair creates the faux dreadlock effect. That implies the braiding hair’s synthetic fibers are physically stifling your natural hair while also robbing it of its moisture. Sure, they’re adorable, but the potential harm they could cause may not be worth it.

The journey to natural hair care is both gratifying and demanding. However, as you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

You can also head to True Glory Hair to learn more about braids in order to enhance your knowledge. While doing so, you can also shop for your favorite hair products such as Kinky curly clip in hair extensions to make you feel better and give you the best of the best products. Head there now.

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Nieshatanelle

Professional Hair Specialist - Make Your Hair Flair. Flaunt Them Magnificently, For They Are Yours! Hair doesn't make the woman, but good hair definitely does.