15 Protective Styles Perfect for Short Hair, From Braided Bobs to Finger Waves

The Gist

• Protective styles for short hair helps reduce daily manipulation, prevent breakage, and support healthy hair growth .

• InStyle spoke with experts about the benefits of protective styling and along with their recommendations for the best styles to try.

Protective hairstyles for short hair allow you to tuck away hair ends, prevent weather-related damage, and reduce upkeep. Short hair is often considered less versatile than longer hair, but it can be just as eye-catching when styled correctly!

Both chic and practical, protective hairstyles often incorporate extensions for added length and volume, providing flexibility in styling options. With the right techniques and products, short hair can be transformed into stunning styles that not only look great but also promote growth by giving the hair a break from pulling, tugging, and heat styling.

Protective styles for short hair open up a world of possibilities. Read on for expert insights into how to craft your own.

Meet The Expert

• Monaè Everett is a New York-based celebrity hairstylist and educator.

• Porsche Waldo is a New York-based celebrity hairstylist and owner of Ebony Design Hair Salon.

01 of 15

Bob Box Braids

Taking a page out of her mom's book, Willow Smith took us back to the '90s with her braided bob . The style delivers just the right amount of nostalgia with its middle part and one side tucked behind her ear for an effortlessly cool finish.

02 of 15

Micro Braids

Zoë Kravitz's signature micro-braids are one of the most versatile protective hairstyles to try. Her ultra-fine, lightweight braids are paired with a partial sew-in, creating a hybrid technique that adds texture and dimension to the overall look.

03 of 15

Knotless Goddess Braids

Blue Ivy's goddess braids bring a bohemian feel that makes this style fun to wear no matter the season. Her knotless goddess braids feature highlights that add dimension and extra flair to the popular style.

04 of 15

Classic Cornrows

There's nothing wrong with going back to the basics with wearing a classic set of cornrows . This timeless protective style helps reduce daily styling and can last up to eight weeks when properly cared for.

05 of 15

Braided Bob

Tyla breathed new life into the braided bob by putting her own spin to the popular hairstyle. Rather than having her hair fully braided, she wears only a portion of the braids at the front while the rest of her hair is styled with a sew-in or quick weave.

06 of 15

Natural Double Strand Twists

Double-strand twists are very similar to Senegalese twists, but the main difference is that textured hair extensions are used to achieve a more natural look. "The hair used for this style doesn't typically have a high sheen like other synthetic extensions; it looks like natural hair," says Waldo.

07 of 15

Medium Box Braids

Zendaya's look here can be achieved by adding synthetic hair, but according to Waldo, box braids can cause breakage and wreak havoc on the hair shaft if they are not maintained well. "To help minimize damage, I recommend maintaining your braids with a spray leave-in conditioner to hydrate and [an oil spray] to moisturize," Waldo adds that another good alternative is to use human hair extensions when installing box braids, as the lightness of the hair means less tension on the scalp.

08 of 15

Afro Puff Ponytail

Issa Rae's cornrows-and-afro-ponytail is a fun protective style that still allows you to show off the texture of your natural hair. "Start off by shampooing and conditioning your hair to moisturize your coils," says Everett. "Add a leave-in conditioner to moisturize your hair. Next, divide the hair from ear to ear, then subdivide the hair to create straight back cornrows in the front of the hair." Gather the remaining hair in the ponytail and allow it to flow freely, embracing its natural texture. Apply a styling cream and use your fingers to expand the afro puff for added volume and flair.

09 of 15

Goddess Locs

Megan Good's Goddess Locs are giving us elegance and flair with a bohemian edge! "This style can be achieved by braiding the hair first and then wrapping the braid with [synthetic braiding hair]. For an exotic beach look, leave out curly tendrils here and there," says Waldo. "The look is best styled with your edges laid using an edge control or curled up."

10 of 15

Fulani Braids

This protective style is a statement look with its combination of cornrows in the front, box braids at the back, and colorful beads added to the end of the braids. "To recreate this look, it's all about the parting, so I recommend using a professional stylist who is great at parting hair," says Waldo.

11 of 15

Curly Ombré Faux Locs

"For these pre-constructed loc extensions, it's best to have them installed by a professional," says Waldo. "If you want to try and recreate the look yourself, you can buy loc extensions online, but it's best to ask your stylist or loctician where to purchase the extensions, as the locs may need to be colored or treated to prepare for the install." Eva Marcille's locs give off an effortless bohemian vibe, as they have been styled to reflect the natural texture of her hair. "Once the locs are installed, you simply maintain them by twisting your roots to blend and grow seamlessly. I recommend accessorizing with hair rings or shells for the ultimate boho look," says Waldo.

12 of 15

Twisted Bantu Knots

To achieve Reign Edwards' twisted Bantu knots, our stylists recommend starting off by sectioning the hair into small, even parts. Twist each section tightly from the roots to the ends, creating compact coils. Wrap the twisted sections around themselves to form small knots close to the scalp. Secure each knot with bobby pins to keep them in place.

13 of 15

Finger Waves

Most people don't realize there are more ways to protect your hair than just braids. These timeless finger waves are a great example of how you can protect your hair from daily heat and still get up and go! "You can recreate Tiffany Haddish's finger waves using a strong gel and you're all set! Just remember to tie your hair nightly with a tight scarf, and you'll be hair-maintenance-free for a few days."

14 of 15

Jumbo Marley Twists

Brandy's style is installed in a similar way to natural double-strand twists, but the hair texture and size create a bolder look. "The twists have a natural luster versus a high sheen typical of braids," says Waldo. "To get this look, section the hair into large sections and two-strand twist with Marley Twist Hair for Twists . A great hack for beginners is to section the hair in ponytails with seamless elastic hair ties, then add the extension."

15 of 15

Dutch Braids

Yara Shahidi's Dutch braids look stunning! And the good news is, this style is pretty quick to recreate. "Start off by shampooing and conditioning your hair, then add a leave-in conditioner to protect the hair as you braid," says Everett. Part your hair down the middle and section it into two equal parts. Apply edge gel to the hairline and along the parting, and begin braiding each section from the front, incorporating extensions for added length and volume if desired. Weave the braids tightly along the scalp, ensuring a sleek and polished appearance. Secure the ends with elastic bands, and gently tug at the braids to create a fuller look."

Read the original article on InStyle