protective style

Low-manipulation hair method

A protective style is a hairstyle that shields natural hair from damage by tucking away the ends and minimizing manipulation.

Common among Black women, protective styles include braids, twists, locs, and wigs: I'm getting box braids as a protective style for the summer.

The term reflects hair care philosophy that prioritizes hair health and growth retention.

Opposites

exposure vs. concealment

protective stylehair down

heat and chemical treatment

protective styleheat styling

Shaping hair with temperature

heat and chemical exposure

protective stylesilk press

Heat-straightened natural hair

Family