I'll proudly admit that I spend a good chunk of my time scrolling through social media for hair inspiration. I've dedicated entire folders on Instagram to braiding styles and boards on Pinterest to blended braiding hair colors I've been itching to try. This summer, many of the fashion crowd flocked to far-off destinations wearing easy protective styles that not only had me screenshotting their pictures for future hair styling appointments but kept me in the loop for which ones were trending.
Want to find out more? Keep scrolling to reveal seven of the trendiest protective styles for natural hair that were spotted on some of the most recognizable Instagram content creators. Then see the best product recommendations to help you pull them off before summer reaches its end.
Pearlescent Straight Backs
In all honesty, the last thing I want to spend time on as the summer draws to a close is my hair. For that reason, I'm taking cues from Instagram's fashion crowd and opting for simple, versatile protective styles that can take me into fall without breaking the bank. I haven't been able to stop thinking about how New York-based model and content creator Imani Randolph was photographed wearing her straight-back cornrows with delicate face-framing pearls added at the root. Aquatic-inspired hair might have peaked this summer, but I predict it will stick around a while longer.
Say goodbye to frizzy cornrows with the help of this lightweight foam mousse to combat frizz while adding volume, shine, and a soft hold for the extended wear of your protective style. The mousse is crafted from a blend of nourishing ingredients, including monoi oil to promote shine and moisture and shea butter to restore your strands. All of that is underlined by its beautiful fruity, fresh fragrance featuring notes of exotic frangipani, citrus, coconut water, tuberose, and sandalwood.
While it appears that Randolph had the pearls cornrowed into her hair, a similar look can be achieved by slipping a pearl hairpin in at the root. This one from modern luxury hair accessory brand Lelet NY is crafted using eye-catching multi-sized imitation pearls and gold plating for a sleek, minimalistic touch.
Goddess Braids
French curl braids may have had a grasp on braid-wearers in spring and summer, but knotless goddess braids defined the season. Not convinced? Check out how content creator Symphani Soto, who rocked them while vacationing in Spain and Portugal earlier this year. Elegant and free-flowing, this braided style is all about the loose tendrils and added body. If you're hesitant about trying them yourself due to their famously extensive maintenance, you're in luck. I've been so in love with them. I put together a how-to guide to keeping them fresh and frizz-free.
Making sure your hair receives the moisture in needs to remain healthy is key to extending the wear of your chosen style. Carol's Daughter offers a number of amazing products for braids, but their 7 Oil Blend Hair Scalp Oil is among my favorites. Made from castor oil to target weak, breakage-prone hair, this product keeps the scalp moisturized and your curls strong while in a protective style.
I love to use TGIN's Honey Whip Hydrating Mousseo to fight frizz and add moisture where I need it, whether my curls are out or in a protective style. Infused with raw honey, agave nectar, and coconut oil, this mousse is how I revive my hair. After you use this on your braids, keep it on the counter for all your styling needs, from roller sets to wash and go's.
Slicked Back Two-Strand Twist
I'll never say no to a good two-strand twist or braid, especially when it features a gorgeous satin ribbon as an unexpected addition to the style, as modeled here by content creator and model Chanel McKinsie. Simple yet effective, a two-strand protective style is my go-to for days when spending more than five minutes whipping your strands into shape doesn't sound all that appealing. If you need me during my next NYC trip, there's a good chance I'll be busy scoping out the ribbons at Mood Fabrics.
I'm a big believer in the idea that finding a good paddle brush can completely transform your hair game. Pattern's best-selling paddle brush uses flexible, heat-resistant bristles to guide and detangle all hair types into stretched, finished styles without hitting a snag. It also has an incredibly easy-to-clean matte handle to help prevent the brush from slipping and sliding in your hands when using hair product.
Place a small amount of this pomade in your hands, rub them together, and then gently work the product into your damp or dry hair to moisturize and smooth away frizz and edges while soothing an itchy scalp. Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Shine Pomade is made with rosemary oil, shea, and cocoa butter—hair ingredients that nourish and soften all hair types.
Honey-Colored Knotless Braids
Knotless braids are worn by the fashion crowd year-round, but this particular shade of gold has been emerging as a crowd-pleaser this summer. Spotted here in an Instagram post recounting a fun-filled girl's trip to Spain in July by content creator Amaka Hamelijnck. I'm convinced honey-colored knotless braids can look gorgeous on all skin tones (as the "right" shade of blonde is selected to compliment them).
I may not be able to tell you which shade of blonde to use for your braids, but I can point you toward a way to refresh them for weeks after they've been put in. If you've read my previous natural hair stories, you know how in love I am with this micellar-based dry shampoo alternative by Sunday II Sunday. Ideal for curls and coils, this rinse targets scalp scalps that are flaky, dry, oily, or have buildup with a formula that uses green tea extract, apple cider vinegar, and micellar water.
It's all in the title. Living Proof's No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer is a dry conditioning spray that tames up to 92% off frizz by replenishing your hair's natural oils and restoring softness, smoothness, and shine. Its unique formula features a powerful mix of amaranth seed extract, biomimetic five-oil blend, and a high-gloss emolliment.
Chunky Grungy Braids
This summer, we've also seen a major return to all things grunge. (Could it be a response to the sudden rise in the quiet-luxury trend?) Whether you identify with all things grunge or want to bring a touch of grunge inspiration to your style, using bold hair accessories is a fun way to add some edge to any protective style, like McKinsie does in this shot. The best part? It's quick and easy to recreate at home. Simply split your hair into two parts, braid back, and slip in some shiny hair clips.
Did you know that NuMe, a brand known mainly for its highly effective3 hot styling tools, has a line of stylish accessories? I'm obsessed with their function and stylish Safety Pin Hair Clips. They can be placed wherever you'd like, gripping the hair without budging until they're removed. Plus, they're large and strong enough to actually hold the chunky sections of your protective style.
You didn't think I would let you go without another great hair clip option, did you? These by Salocy are smaller than the previously mentioned NuMe Hair Clips but still pack a style punch. Available in both gold and silver, these safety pin hair accessories are mainly made from durable premium metal.
Passion Twists
This shouldn't be a surprise if you've been keeping up with the hair trends this summer. Passion twists have been spotted on fashion people everywhere, from the white beaches of the Hamptons to the cobble-stoned streets of Paris (content creator Claire Most is pictured hear wearing them in Paris). They offer movement, volume, and texture without the hassle of loose tendrils and can last for up to six weeks.
I swear by this gel by SheaMoisture to keep my edges in check for hours on end. Enriched with shea butter, peppermint, and natural flaxseed hair oil, the paraben-free edge control gel provides long-lasting hold and frizz control. If you have dark brown or black hair like me, rest easy iknowing that it dries completely clear.
Every protective style deserves a lightweight and durable rat tail comb. These from Leinuosen are crafted from celcon and stainless steel, using anti-static and heat-resistant technology to add luster and shine to dull hair. If you're doing your passion twists at home, it's good to have these on hand to create smooth, clean parts and bases.
Milkmaid Braid
Milkmaid braids are trending again, and we're hoping on it! Here, Randolph wears her natural hair swept into a chic milkmaid braid that shows off her gorgeous natural features and bright, colorful eye makeup. Like the chunky braids before, this style is easy to create: separate your hair into two sections, braid them, and then guide the braids to the top of your head and secure them into place using hair pins. How cute and easy is that?
Do you need to stock up on bobby pins? This pack by Heliums has got you covered on Amazon for just $4. Available in 11 colors to match almost ever hair color, each pack contains 48 bobby pins made from durable, high-grade, nick-free material and designed with a 2-inch wavy structure for hold.
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