21 Protective Styles for Women With Short Natural Hair

Women can sometimes have a lot of problems when it comes to their natural hair. and same goes for short hair as well. They get dry frizzy and sometimes difficult to style. Knowing some protective hairstyles for short natural hair can be super beneficial for you!

Easy Protective Styles for Short Natural Hair

Whether you have extra short hair or have decided to cut your long hair short, with these protective hairstyles, you’ve got an answer to your short natural hair problems! No more excuses for rocking the cropped look!

1. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are always trendy and make a statement when it comes to protective hairstyles for short hair. It is such an elegant look that will have heads turning everywhere you go.

Easy to maintain, the growth and elasticity your natural hair will have after putting them into multiple mini buns will have you blown!

2. Flat Twists Updo

Flat twists are an amazing hairstyle when it comes to protecting your natural hair. They give you texture, without being too heavy on the head. Take it into a high – top bun for finishing this hairstyle off in a classy way. You have to try it to know!

3. Box Braids + Shaved Sides

Box braids are some of the most in-demand and trendy protective hairstyles for black women with short natural hair. Combining it with a box braided updo is an absolute genius move. To recreate this look, don’t forget to add in the gold ring detail. It’s a hairstyle that is clearly a head-turner.

4. Thin Dreads with a Side Part

Twists are great on their own but, combine them with dreads, and you have something unique to show-off. To try out this protective hairstyle for yourself, all you need to do is side part your short twisted hair and let your dreaded hair hang naturally.

5. 2 Strand Twists for Natural Hair

Big boxy twisted braids have always managed to make anyone sporting them look younger. They look beautiful and carefree.  Since they are easy to do, it is suggested that you give them a try for your short natural hair. The big twists also ensure that your hair has enough room to breathe while you give it space to grow.

6. Short Curly Hair with Bangs

The ’90s are back big time, and it’s a fact. So why not bring in a 90’s bangs look to our list. This short hairstyle will surely have heads turning your way. The tight curly bangs are a classic protective way to show off your natural hair. With the elaborate waves at the back, we love this look for many reasons!

7. Short 4c Hairstyle

For us, there’s no better way to do summer than getting a full-blown crop! To make it look sharp and elegant, you can recreate this look exactly. With the clean-cut edges and a wonderfully done fade, there’s no way you can wrong with this short protective hairstyle for natural hair.

8. High Full Bun

One of the most popular protective hairstyles for black women are these twists braids. You must have heard about box braids, but these box twists will leave you coming back to them again and again. They are not only intricate, forcing people attention to it but also elegant and good for your short natural hair!

9. Short Finger Waves

Protective short hairstyles don’t always have to look over the top. If you intend to go with a smoother and professional look, these finger waves are perfect for black women. Set in a sleek way, they say glamour and beauty. It’s the best way to wear your natural hair for important events and dates!

10. Weave Bun

An eye-catching intricate hairstyle is something nearly every girl dreams of. If you want, this gorgeous updo can be on your head too! Feather weaves look beautiful on everyone. Unlike the picture here, you can also opt to leave the rest of your hair open or into smaller coils and braids.

11. Criss-Cross Ponytail

Women’s dreads are an all-time favorite when it comes to protecting short natural hair. To spice up your twisted dread game, we suggest that you give the crisscross braids a try too. The tight coils ensure flexibility and elasticity while you let your hair breathe and grow!

12. Double Dutch Braid + Low Bun

Dutch braids are easily one of the easiest braids. You can do this at home too. With some help and practice, you will be able to plait your hair inside out for this look. Take your double braids to the next level by putting them in a tight bun at the nape of your neck.

13. Short Twists

If you’ve decided to keep your short hair natural, it will probably be one of the best things you do for your hair’s health. To give it elasticity and the freedom to grow healthily, you can try opting for thinner weaves. It will help you keep your face out of the way and look stylish at the same time!

14. Colored Bantu Knots

We have talked about Bantu Knots before in this list, but let us bring to you colorful Bantu knots. It is an amazing way to step up your Bantu game. The color here is purple, and it manages to look elegant and majestic at the same time!

15. Crisscross Thin Coil + High Pony

Crisscross patterns are usually gorgeous but intricate and require you to put in a lot of hours. If you’re up for that, then a good protective hairstyle for you should be something like this.

Cute, detailed and classy it is one way to ensure that your hair is the talk of the town! This is one of the classiest natural hairstyles.

16. Natural Hair Updo

If you are trying to make your long hair look manageable and tidy, the best way to go is by wrapping them around your head. This big wrap around the hair can be braided, twisted into tight or loose coils, and set into place with some oil or hairspray.

17. Mohawk with Weave

Thin twists are great in protecting shorter natural hair. They can be your go-to hairstyle anytime. But thin weaves or coils are common. To make them stand out, you can opt for a top that is anything but that.

18. Space Buns

Space buns were all the rage in 2015! But, who says it is just a trend that touched and go? Bring space buns back in with this cute natural TWA hairdo. It works not only for short hair but also for long hair as well and looks good on anyone.

19. Twists into Tree Braids

Boxed twists are the new thing. Everyone’s trying them out, and it is becoming one of the trendiest hairstyles there is. Short-haired girls wanting to keep your hair natural can surely opt for this casual and stylish look.

20. Blonde Faux Locs

Thin finger coils have always been one of the favorite protective hairstyles. They are easy to maintain and become a favourite for women’s natural short hair who are looking to grow their hair.

21. Short Hair + Shaved Sides

Box weaves are good on their own but when you add in a side shave, and a top coil you have a winning hairstyle to protect short hair. Easy to maintain till your side shave grows back, this hairstyle is something unique and completely out of the page!

Protective hairstyles don’t have to be boring. Now know that even you have tons of different hairstyles to experiment with. Short hair, when kept natural is the easiest and cutest to pull off!