15 Easy Summer Protective Hairstyles for 2023

three african american woman with cool Summer Protective Hairstyles

The summer months are all about fun in the sun, but with the hot temperatures and high humidity, African American hair can quickly become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. That's why it's important to protect your hair with a stylish and practical summer protective hairstyle.

In this post, we'll share 15 of the best summer protective hairstyles for African American hair that will keep your hair healthy, beautiful, and on-trend all season long. 

Hair Vitamins

Should you wear protective styles in the summer?

Wearing protective styles during the summer months can be highly beneficial for African American hair. The sun, humidity, and other environmental factors can cause hair damage, dryness, and breakage. Protective styles help shield hair from these elements and maintain its health and beauty. Consider these benefits of wearing protective styles in the summer:

  • Protection from the sun's UV rays, which can cause dryness, brittleness, and split ends
  • Reduced exposure to humidity, which can cause frizz and tangling
  • Lower maintenance requirements, making it easier to enjoy summer activities like swimming and hiking
  • Long-lasting styles that can save time and effort on hair maintenance
  • Versatile options that can be customized to your individual style and preferences

Wearing protective styles in the summer can help keep your hair healthy, beautiful, and protected from the elements. Consider exploring different styles to find the one that suits your needs and lifestyle best.

What are good hairstyles for summer?

  • Box braids:

A timeless classic that can be styled in a variety of ways for a summer protective hairstyle that lasts for weeks

  • Cornrows:

A versatile summer protective hairstyle that can be worn in a variety of patterns and sizes to suit your unique style.

  • Fulani braids:

A trendy summer protective hairstyle that features a center part and braids that wrap around the head, perfect for keeping hair off your face.

  • Halo braids:

A chic summer protective hairstyle that involves creating a crown of braids around the head for a regal look.

  • Two-strand twists:

A quick and easy summer protective hairstyle that can be done on natural or relaxed hair, perfect for a low-maintenance look.

  • Flat twists:

A sleek and elegant summer protective hairstyle that's perfect for formal occasions or outdoor events.

  • Senegalese twists:

A thicker and more durable version of box braids that can last for up to 3 months, perfect for a long-term summer protective hairstyle.

  • Havana twists:

A chunky and textured summer protective hairstyle that's perfect for adding volume and dimension to your look.

  • Lace front wigs:

A quick and easy summer protective hairstyle that's easy to install and remove, perfect for a change of pace.

  • Sew-in weaves:

A natural-looking summer protective hairstyle that requires professional installation and maintenance, perfect for a polished look.

  • Crochet braids:

A low-maintenance and affordable summer protective hairstyle that's perfect for a beach vacation, or a quick style that can be done at home

  • High ponytail

A classic summer protective hairstyle that's perfect for keeping hair off your neck and face, while still being stylish

  • Top knot bun

A chic and easy summer protective hairstyle that's perfect for hot and humid weather, while still being elegant.

  • Braided bun:

A protective style that combines the elegance of a bun with the functionality of braids for a natural hair protective style for summer that's perfect for any occasion.

  • Twist out updo:

A summer protective style that combines the definition of twists with the volume of an updo, perfect for a chic and practical look.

What are the best protective styles for heat damaged hair?

 most durable protective styles are box braids and sew-in weaves. Box braids typically last for several weeks to a few months, depending on how well they are cared for. Sew-in weaves, on the other hand, can last for up to two to three months with proper maintenance. Other protective styles like twists, wigs, and crochet braids can also last for several weeks to a month with proper care. 

Hair Vitamins

These 15 summer protective hairstyles for African American hair are just a few of the many options available. No matter which style you choose, make sure to keep your hair moisturized and protected from the sun, heat, and humidity. With these stylish and practical summer protective hairstyles, you'll be able to enjoy all that the summer season has to offer without worrying about your hair.

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