10 Fun Styles You Can Try After Installing Braids And Twists

Protective styling is awesome – you can tuck away your own hair, while still having a lot of different styling options. If you opt for braids or twists, don’t feel like you have to wear your hair down for the next one or two months. Keep reading for ten different ways you can try on your protective style.

The first style is this adaptation of your typical half up/ half down look. Simply part your hair in two sections (front and back). Gather the hair from the front section into a loose bun. Make it wrap around itself and bring it low onto the front of your head for a faux bang.

This is the classic half up / half down style, with another twist – this was done on bob length box braids. Excellent for the ladies who don’t want to be bothered with extremely long braids or twists, and it also has a retro ’90s vibe.

To me, Keri Hilson always looks awesome with her protective styles.To achieve this look, gather your braids into a loose ponytail near the front of your head. Let the braids frame one side of your face.

More ’90s vibes to keep you right! Part your hair as close as you can down the middle, and gather your hair into two buns. Cute, easy, and your hair is out of the way!

This is a hybrid of the half up / half down and the mini buns. Part your hair into three sections instead of two. Split the front section into two buns, and leave the rest of your hair down. Now you have the best of both worlds.

Don’t sleep on hair accessories! There are plenty of shops that you can find online and through social media that sell accessories for locs and braids. Buy some and add them sporadically to your hair. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with headbands* to give your protective style some extra color and flair.

I’ve seen this style done on natural hair, but it looks just as nice on box braids. It’s probably actually easier to accomplish with your hair braided up. Starting from the back, create a single braid going up to the top of your head. Don’t braid all the way to the ends; instead, gather your ends and put your hair into a bun. This is a great and low maintenance style.

Are you a pro at fishtail braids? Well don’t leave them for your natural hair! A fish tail braid looks awesome on longer hair, and braids or twists are a great opportunity to try one out. Not sure how to do one? There are plenty of tutorials on Youtube.

This style may look intricate, but it really isn’t. Simply take a section of hair from the front and create  a braid. Gather the rest of your hair and put it into a bun / top knot. Take the braided piece in the front, and pin it back into your bun. Viola! You’ve got a great braided bang with a nice bun.

Last but certainly not least, the classic topknot! This style might be a little heavy depending on how thick your braids are. Simply gather the hair on top of your head and secure with scrunchies. Make sure to use bigger scrunchies just to hold on to all of the hair up.