I remember back in the day when it was completely normal, a ritual even, to spend the whole day at the hair salon. And though I love a good butt skimming box braid set just as much as anyone else, between the pandemic, running two businesses, and having a kid, I can’t afford to be in the salon for 7+ hours getting my hair done. Our hair is so versatile and there’s so much we can do with it – even when you’re on the go. So, here are some quick protective styles for Black women that won’t take forever to do.
Crown Braid
Braids can take a variety of different forms, and when you don’t have the time to get a full head of tiny braids in, why not opt for a chunky braid to wrap around your head gracefully. You can quite literally wear your hair like a crown! A quick, easy, and stylish look.
Images: @shunashairstudio, @janaylarie_beautyllc, @adannamadueke
Goddess Braid Ponytail
This is a protective style that I first tried when I was pregnant with TKB, and it was a really great no-fuss style for me at the time. It lasted a good while, kept my moisture locked in, and I’d definitely to it again.
Two Strand Twists Without Extensions
Two strand twists are so easy to achieve by yourself, which is great if you don’t have time to go to the hair salon or if you’re trying to save money. It’s the perfect post deep conditioning style, and you can rock an amazing, bouncy twistout when you take them down. So it’s basically a two-in-one!
Images: @returning2natural, @goddessthairapy, @manekrush
Stitch Cornrows
Stitch cornrows are really in at the moment, and it’s a style that suits so many face shapes. I love the clean lines and cute details in a fresh do. And when the edges are laid too – gorgeous!
Images: my own, @braidsbydominique_, @crownsofbeautysalon
Ponytail Updo
If your hair is long enough to get into a bun, you can whip this hairstyle together in 30 minutes, much of which is spent laying your edges flat! Decide on a low bun or high bun, and then take your favorite hair extensions and secure them to the bun for either a straight or curly ponytail style.
Flat Twisted Bun
At the beginning of last year, I wore my hair in a flat twisted bun which was perfect for dressed up and dressed down looks. It was great to have my hair out my face and hassle free while I was adjusting to motherhood.
Image: my own, @goddessthairapy
Have a look here for more hair content!
I have done the two strands twist without extension. I like the natural braids protective styles. I’m rocking crochet faux locs now.😊
Yes and yes on all hairstyles. Tried them all and loved it. For the two strand twist without extension, cannot accomplish it on my own, still go to the salon.