The transition to natural hair can be a challenge. Often, your strands are straight and your roots curly, which can make styling your hair difficult. If you want to try protective styles that aren’t buns, here are some protective styles to try if you’re transitioning to natural hair.
Marley Twists
Marley Twists are two-strand twists using natural looking extensions. Marley hair extensions have a coarse texture that lasts for around 8 weeks. To ensure they last 8 weeks, ensure they are hydrated and nourished by using water and oil solution on the roots regularly.
Once you pick out your desired extensions, all you need to do is twist them around your own hair. Twist the top section in a downwards motions 4-5 times and then do the same with the bottom section only twisting in an upwards motions. Overlap the bottom twisted strands with top strands, keep twisting these brands together.
Learn how to master your Marley twists here.
Box Braids
Not only are box braids a great protective hairstyles as it keeps your ends tucked in and shielded from weather conditions, but they are low-maintenance and super on trend. Remember to take into account your hair’s thickness and health. Don’t choose big braids if you have fine hair, as you won’t get your desire volume and the weight could do more harm than good. Ensure your hair is shampooed, deep conditioned, fully dried and detangled before braiding.
Tie the top half up so it doesn’t get in your way. Divide the bottom section of hair vertically into two equal parts. Run wax through your hair, especially on the roots, as this will ease the braiding process. Take the folded extension and place it over your hair tie so it lies either side of your natural hair selection. This ensures you braid close to your scalp. Now start a regular three strand braid by weaving outer extensions under the middle strand. Braid until your natural hair runs out and then separate the raining two sections into three and weave until the bottom. Ensure all strands are the same size and length. Seal the tips in hot water.
Crochet Buns
Crochet braiding refers to the method of adding extensions to hair. Unlike the weave method, the hair used is loose and not on the weft and rather than being sewn in, crochet hair is looped under cornrows with a crochet needle and secured with knots. This is a great way of avoiding the damaging sew-in and simply latch your extensions to your cornrows.
Cornrow your hair from front to back. Incorporate the crochet hair in bits with a crochet needle. Slip the needle beneath the cornrow with the latch closed. Open the latch, hook the hair through the needle before closing the latch. Pull the needle and hair beneath the cornrow creating a medium hoop. Fold the tail over the cornrow and pull them through the loop. Use your fingers to twist the loop and put the tail through the loop. Do this again before pulling tight. Repeat until your entire head is complete.
Tree Braids
Tree braids get their name because they resemble a tree. The hair is attached and braided at the root, but then it branches out and is left unbraided at the ends. The benefits of this style is that you get the best of both worlds: the security of individual braids and the look of free-flowing hair.
This quick style starts with sectioning half-inch sections of hair before cornrowing them and adding a loop of extension hair. Ensure you leave small amounts of hair out every time you cross over the central strand. Tie a knot when you’re ready for the braid to stop, we recommend stopping just under the end of your natural hair.
Lemonade Braids
Inspired by Beyonce’s iconic hairstyle in the video for Lemonade, these braids are a mix of cornrow, with some Fulani style and a whole lot of laid edge. Lemonade braids are a versatile style with just one rule, you must always braid towards the side.
Use a rattail comb to get the perfect part and section your hair. A little edge control should be used throughout the braid, this will ensure your hair lies flat. While human braiding hair is best, you can use alkaline-free synthetic hair for a similar effect. Use plenty of mousse on top of your braids to help them blend into your own hair.
Passion Twists
A mix of goddess locs and Senegalese twists, passion twists are similarly created to locs but don’t require the wrapping. Install these styles in washed, moisturized and blow dried hair.
Don’t dry your hair totally straight as the style needs something to grip onto, and this ensures the blend is better. Separate one of the larger sections of hair into 2-inch sections, run gel through these sections, then split the small section in half. Hold onto the right and left section and twist them around the extensions. When it’s tight at the root, two strand twist the hair until the end. Do this around the entire head.
For more inspiration and tips for black hairstyles click here.
