Sometimes you just gotta give your natural hair a break. Nail the perfect look with these game-changing classic protective hairstyles that have seen a modern makeover.
- Nomzamo Mbatha in Faux Locs
Faux locs are installed by twisting or braiding the real hair and then wrapping additional hair around the shaft of the braid. Other than being a protective hairstyle, another upside of this hairstyle is that, unlike real dreadlocks – it is not permanent. So, whenever you feel like you need to switch up your look, you can just take them off.
Sho Madjozi in Cornrows
One of the most well-known protective hairstyles is corn rows. Formed using the underhand technique, you can leave cornrows in for weeks at a time if you keep your scalp moisturised and take care of them properly. Also, there’s no limit to the kinds of looks you can create with them. So, if you’re feeling a little adventurous – ditch the usual and a bit of personality to your hair with this colorful up do.
Ntando Duma in Knotless Braids
Knotless braids borrow the idea of the traditional box-style parts all over the scalp but take out the knot usually formed as a tight anchor at the base for the added extension hair used
for each braid. This means that the braid begins with your natural hair and extension hair is added mid-shaft for thickness and length – avoiding the unfortunate chance of hair loss, pain and irritation.
- Bassie Kumalo in Masai Twists
The word ‘Masai’ comes from a tribe of people found in northern, southern and central Kenya – this is where the technique used to do the Masai twist comes from. What makes this a favourite for most, is the fact that it’s quicker and less painful than the traditional twist technique. While the traditional twist may take 5 - 10 hours to finish, depending on the length and size, the Masai twist only takes 3 – 5 hours.
- Sbahle Mpisane in Bantu Knots
While others may call this a 90s look making a massive come back, bantu knots have been around for centuries. Women of Southern and Central Africa were, in fact, the first to wear the look. Easy to create and maintain, this hairstyle protects your hair by keeping it twisted and tied in during a long period of time.
We think we’re ready to get our hair did, how about you?
Main Image Credit: instagram.com/sbahlempisane