The cooler months have passed and summer’s record-breaking heat is here. Aside from deciding your summer OOTDs, I bet your other main concern is your tresses. I am a naturalista who usually lets my curls run free during summer but I feel the urge to try out a new look this time, something along the lines of protective summer hairstyles.
The blazing sun, salty water from the beach, or chlorine in the pool is the perfect recipe for frizzy and damaged hair. Protective summer hairstyles are here to give your strands a break from the unavoidable humidity and sweat attacks, whether you have bone straight hair or kinky tight curls. Do you want to keep your tresses in tip-top shape all summer? Stay with us and find out how you can enjoy your hot girl summer with these low-maintenance and trendy protective summer hairstyles.
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Protective Summer Hairstyles that Will Add Heat to Your Summer
Straight and wavy Vs Afro-textured
I find beauty in diversity. Hair comes in multiple textures, colors, curl patterns, and densities. When we talk about protective hairstyling what pops into most people’s minds is afro-textured hair probably in braids or cornrows, but the spectrum extends further than that.
There are protective hairstyles that work better on afro-textured hair but may not work for bone-straight hair and vice versa. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the difference between these two ethnic hair structures and find out what protective summer hairstyles will work for you, without the worry of unraveling or causing damage to your strands.
Afro-textured hair
“I am the Afro. Thick twisted and heavy, I remind you of who you should be. Aware of who you could be… If you acknowledge me…” – Kalia Glover (2013)
Afro-textured hair has the following traits:
- Hair grows parallel to the scalp
- It may have curls that are coiled, kinky, or Z-shaped. There is a hair chart that could help you know your hair pattern. Generally, afro-textured hair ranges from 3C-4C hair types.
- The shrinkage is real. The spiral nature of this hair reduces the length.
- It grows about 0.3 inches per month
- The strands are flatter compared to Caucasian hair
- The hair density is also slightly lower compared to Caucasian hair.
The spiral nature and hair texture make it easy to wear in protective summer hairstyles such as braids and twists as the hair easily locks.
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Caucasian, Asian hair
“Buttermilk and moonlight had woven together to make hair that flowed by day and shone by night. I loved her. How could I not? She was so very easy to love.” – Angela Abraham (2021)
The following are characteristics of Caucasian hair:
- Hair strands may be bone straight, wavy or curly
- Hair grows diagonally from the scalp
- Hair strands are oval-shaped
- Hair grows about 0.5 inches per month
- It is the densest hair type
Caucasian/ Asian hair may unravel or loosen faster in certain protective hairstyles due to its lesser texture and fine nature. Does that mean you shouldn’t try out these protective summer hairstyles? Of course not! That’s why we are here to show you what works best for your hair type.
Best Protective Hairstyles for Caucasian/ Asian Hair
1. Scarf with a messy bun
This simple and easy-to-achieve hairstyle can be your go-to on those summer mornings when you are having a bad hair day, or you simply don’t want to wear your hair out. Is it protective? Definitely! As long as you keep your ends tucked away safely.
To get this look, pull your hair into a high pony and secure it with a hairband. Create a rope braid and secure it with pins and elastic. Pull-on several hair strands to create the “messy” look then tie your scarf around to complete the look and stand out.
2. Dutch braid
All you need for this hairstyle is a bestie that knows how to braid. I love Dutch braids because they add a dimensional effect to hair compared to normal French braids which sit flat on the head. To spice up the braids, end in a fishtail style for a youthful and elegant look. These braids work on any hair length. Feel free to add colorful extensions while braiding for that bright summer look.
3. Bantu knots
If you have thin hair and need a more voluminous look without the extensions, Bantu knots are the way to go. They’ll give you bouncy over- night curls without the heat. For this look, start by splitting your hair into equal sections. If you desire huge curls you can split your hair into larger sections. Twist each section until it coils then wrap the coil around the base and secure it with an elastic. Take your deserved night-long beauty sleep and undo them in the morning and stunt with your damage-free bouncy heatless curls.
Best Protective Hairstyles for Afro Textured Hair
1. Crotchet braids
I love how braids look but the thought of sitting down for hours to get them done makes me think twice. Crotchet braids saved the day for me. They take a shorter time to install and still give you a natural braided look. It protects your hair from damage as all your hair is braided down. Crotchet braids don’t put too much tension on your roots, which minimizes hair breakage. It makes experimenting with multiple braided hairstyles from curls to locs and different colors possible. They are as versatile as a sew-in and simple to install – you can even do it on your own (moment of silence for that one strand of hair that’s always left out of the braid).
2. Bohemian box braids
This is one of those protective summer hairstyles that has been around for ages. This is because of how versatile these braids are. They can be worn thick, thin, long or short you decide! What I love about them is that they incorporate two looks into one that is both curly and straight. These beautiful braids can last you up to two months with proper maintenance, but don’t forget to take care of your scalp if you intend to keep them in for long.
3. Fulani braids
Fulani braids are all the rage this summer. Can we admit that we’d give almost anything to be a member of Beyoncé’s family? Sadly the closest we mere mortals can get to her is by getting hair inspiration from Solange’s famous red carpet Fulani braids. The cornrows give your hair a break whilst giving you a creative and put-together look. For these protective summer hairstyles, do not hold back on the accessories. Add seashell beads to give you that summer mermaid vibe.
Life is too short for boring hair especially during summer when the sun is out. Experiment with different summer hairstyles and find your style du jour for summer. Accessorize and play with color with these pool-friendly hairstyles while keeping your mane protected from damage. What are your go-to protective summer hairstyles? Share with us.
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