5 Protective Natural Hairstyles To Rock This Summer – Help Me Choose One!

Glamazons,

Have you seen that hilarious meme: “List of things that ain’t nobody got time for: 1. That.” LOL. Well, the number one thing I don’t have time for this summer is spending three hours twisting/braiding/bantu-knotting my hair only to step outside and get attacked by the humidity. That is not how I want to spend my favorite season.

Right now, I’m rocking my natural hair in a puff on top of my head and while it’s easy to maintain and can be done with wash-and-go hair, I hate leaving my ends out and mourn the hair I lose by manipulating it everyday.

Besides, I hear that your hair grows more in the summer (have you guys heard that?) and if it’s true, I’d rather retain as much growth as possible in a protective style. You, too?

Then, you’ll love this list. Below, I rate the hottest protective styles to rock this summer (1 being the least desirable, 10 being the most) and try to figure out which I’m going to rock myself. Here are my top five choices:

1. Box Braids

PLUSES: I’m seriously considering getting box braids this summer! They’re so easy to manage and of course, they are beautiful and fashion-forward. Your hair also grows like a weed in them.

MINUSES: I’m a tad hesitant 1: because the braiding process can take forever; 2: some people braid too tight which puts undue pressure on your scalp; 3: they seem so hot and heavy (right?!) and 4: people act like getting them all in a bun is a small miracle.

BUT I chatted with Grace of LoveBrownSugar Sunday and she promised they get lighter after washes.

RATING: 6

2. Senegalese Twists

PLUSES: Like braids, Senegalese twists are great for giving your hair a rest and allowing it to grow. I love the look of them (one of my fave bloggers, Monroe Steele, is rocking them above). And the process is shorter than braids. There is also a variety of styles you can rock with them.

MINUSES: Some people claim to spend a lot of time re-twisting. They are also heavy like braids and can be cumbersome.

RATING: 7

3. Curly Weave

PLUSES: You guys know I’m all about a half wig but they’re way too hot in the summer. Weaves allow you to wear hair extensions without feeling like you have a wool hat on in the sweltering heat.

Your hair also can grow tremendously if braided properly underneath the weave (It shouldn’t be sewn too tightly. You can add hair to the cornrows so the thread isn’t pulling on your actual hair).

There are also plenty of textured weaves you can buy that will give you a natural look. I love Indique hair (seen above on Christina of LoveBrownSugar) especially their Bounce Organic Curl. I’m also a fan of Heat Free Hair.

MINUSES: It’s not as hot as a wig, but trust me, weaves aren’t the coolest style either. Depending on the brand, they can tangle and shed easily. And they’re also on the expensive side.

RATING: 5

4. Top Knot

PLUSES: If you don’t want to add extensions, you can choose a protective style and keep your hair off your face with a top knot. When I first started rocking them, I was putting my hair in a ponytail and wrapping the leave out in a bun but I soon learned that a tie or shoestring would allow me to create a fuller bun and doesn’t put as much tension on my hair as a ponytail holder (check out a video tutorial here). AND it’s free. For the win.

MINUSES: If your hair isn’t long enough for this style, you may have to add hair. Take it from me, putting weave in everyday for this look is not for the faint of heart. This style also won’t work well for activities like swimming if you’re on vacation.

RATING: 8

5. Updo

PLUSES: Am I the only one blown away by the sheer variety of updos for natural hair? From pompadours to French rolls, there are so many options. I loved my new roomie’s French Roll at dinner Monday and she said she literally put a French braid in her hair going toward the crown of her head and simply pinned her hair under at the top. Done and done! Check out more updos here.

MINUSES: Like top knots, your hair has to be a certain length to pull off this style and it’s not as convenient if you’re going for a swim.

RATING: 8.5

Which protective style would you rock this summer? Which one should I choose? Tell me in the comments. 

Kisses,

Glamazon Jessica