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Back to Protective Styles

7 Protective Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Spring

Step into the warm weather season with a new ‘do.

27 Apr 2022

Nothing welcomes a new season more than a new hairstyle. So now that spring is here, it’s only fitting to experiment with an easy hairstyle or two. After dealing with the harsh, bitter winds of the winter season, your locks might need a little extra TLC. That’s where protective styles that strengthen hair come into play.

Protective hairstyles are basically a breather for your otherwise tired strands. The goal of a protective hairstyle is to limit the exposure and manipulation of your curls by keeping them tucked, braided and/or twisted. And most importantly, a protective style should be cute and easy to work with. There’s no point in protecting your strands if it’s a headache to maintain. We rounded up seven easy-to-wear, spring hairstyles that double as protective styles and are perfect to sport in the warm weather season.

1. The Pineapple

This 2-minute, tried-and-true style is a go-to for all types of natural hair. While it is easiest on short to medium-length hair, it can certainly work for longer hair, too. If you're not familiar with this curly-girl style, it’s pretty simple. To create a pineapple, gather all of your curls in a large elastic at the crown of your head. You want this loose pony to be a bit higher on the head than a ponytail.The key to the perfect pineapple is defined curls. If you’re working with second or third day curls, try adding a dollop of Wash Day Delight Hair to Foam Styler Aloe. Scrunching this lightweight foam into your hair will give natural looking hold and protection from frizz.

2. Spring Twists

Spring twists are a low-maintenance protective style that incorporates extensions that are tightly coiled. But instead of straight ends like Sengelese twists, spring twist hair extensions spring into the perfect ringlet–hence the name. If you’re looking for a protective style with extensions, look no further. Spring twists are lightweight, easy to style and work on every hair type. For added moisture, add Wash Day Delight Cream Serum Hair Moisturizer Aloe to your routine.

3. Cornrows

Whether you’re creating a dozen braids or just two Dutch braids, cornrows are a never-fail style. The best part about cornrows is that they are totally customizable. You can make them as big or small as you please, as long or short as you’d like and you can braid them in the direction of your choosing. There are so many ways to make cornrows truly unique to you. To keep your cornrows free from flyaways, spritz the Monoi Multi-Styling Milk every day to keep natural hair moisturized and frizz at bay.

4. Top Knot

When you’re in a time crunch, a sleek or messy top knot is an easy protective style. You sport it high or low, slicked back or tousled. But no matter what you choose, apply a styler like the Goddess Strength Diving Strength Leave-In Cream to keep hair shiny, moisturized and frizz-free. And maintain your hair with the Monoi Intense Repair Inner Strength System.

5. Knotless Braids

Similar to box braids, knotless braids are an all-over braided hairstyle that’s perfect for spring. The main difference between the two styles is knotless braids don’t have the knot at the root. The greatest benefit of choosing this style over the former is the major reduction in pulling and tugging at the scalp. Knotless braids are gentle on the hairline, too, which means your edges won’t be ruined by this protective style. Since your hair will be braided with extensions, proper scalp care will help you keep this style longer. Adding a dollop of the Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp and Hair Oil will help alleviate scalp dryness, flaking and itchiness.

6. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are the two-for-one style that every naturalista appreciates. Rock the knots themselves for a few days and then take them out and sport as perfect spirals before your next wash day. Just like cornrows, you can sport as many of these knots as you wish. Simply part your hair into a section, twist the section and wrap it into a knot. To smooth out each section, apply a leave-in cream like Mimosa Hair Honey. It adds moisture, shine and has been a fan favorite for 20 years. Finally, you secure with a gentle elastic or bobby pin and repeat on the remaining sections.

7. Space Buns

Yes, it’s 2022, but space buns are back and cuter than ever and they are super cute on naturally curly textures. To create space buns, part the hair in half and make two pigtails. These can be high or low, the choice is yours. Once your pigtails are in place, you’ll want to create two buns. You can twist, wrap, tuck or braid the hair into buns and create a sleek or tousled look. For a slicked-back look, apply the Wash Day Delight Hair Gel to Foam Styler Rose Water throughout the hair before styling. This is sure to keep smooth out any frizz or flyaways. And try the Monoi Complete Inner Strength System to keep your hair its healthiest.

For even more protective styles, check out 10 Hairstyles That Will Survive Your Workout.

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