With fall quickly approaching and the temperatures starting to drop throughout much of the U.S., now is the time to up your grooming game and protect your natural texture. As you probably already know, cold weather can take a serious toll on hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and more prone to damage.
To keep hair safe from the elements,you’ll want to invest in more protective styling. Black women already swear by these styles to keep their hair damage-free (and looking good!) during the changing seasons. Now, thanks to notable celebs like Jaden Smith and Big Sean, male protective styling has been having a major moment.
From braids to locs, we’ve rounded up ten of our favorite protective styles to keep your hair looking fresh during these colder months.
Shoulder-Length Locs
Let Luka Sabbat make a case for sporting some medium-length locs this season. Not only do dreadlocks exude a certain level of cool, but they can also be styled so many different ways. Try switching up your look by pulling your locs into a man bun, ponytail or even a half-up style.
Four Cornrows
It doesn’t get more classic than four cornrows as Big Sean proves. Not only does this style look super sleek (as long as you keep your braids moisturized!), but it also works on any hair length.
Tapered Short Locs
Get the best of both worlds by rocking short locs on top and a tapered fade on the sides like Miguel.
Tiny Braids
Singer Steve Lacy sported some Kendrick Lamar-worthy mini plaits by Compton hairstylist @hairqueens310 that look super fresh.
Faded Twists
Bring some edge to your standard two-strand twists by pairing the style with a tapered fade. Follow hairstylist Susan Oludele’s lead and add in some gold hair beads to really take the look to the next level.
Intricate Faded Cornrows
When it comes to wearing intricate braided looks, almost no one does them better than John Boyega. Hairstylist Lacy Redway let her imagination run wild with the actor’s hair, pairing this super detailed cornrow look with a clean fade on the sides.
Tapered Long Locs
Jaden Smith took his long locs to new heights with this gravity-defying hairstyle. The partial fade on the sides adds a nice touch to his dramatic, twisted updo on top.
Short Locs
For Pyer Moss founder, Kerby Jean-Raymond, short locs have become his signature hairstyle. When they look this good, why even bother changing it up?
Face-Framing Box Braids
Internet sensation Rickey Thompson doesn’t just serve up iconic content, but also iconic looks like this mini box braid and shaved head combo.
Tapered Bantu Knots
Who says you can’t rock bantu knot and a clean fade? As Quincy proves, the two styles look insanely good together.
Are you a fan of protective hairstyles? Let us know in the comments below!
