Top Summer Protective Hairstyles To Keep Your Hair Healthy

 

The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and summer is officially in full swing!

While we’re all excited about beach trips, barbecues, and poolside lounging, it’s equally important to consider how to keep our hair protected and healthy during summer. For those with natural hair textures, this often involves choosing the right protective hairstyles to withstand the season’s heat and humidity. 

In this article, we’re sharing our top summer protective hairstyles to help keep your hair looking and feeling its best all season long. Plus, with the added benefits of using Blissy silk accessories, you’ll have a winning combination for healthy hair. 

Top Summer Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Protective hairstyles offer a stylish, convenient way to help retain moisture, minimize breakage, and promote hair growth.

They also provide a break from daily styling or manipulation, allowing your hair to rest and recover. And let’s face it—you have better things to do this summer than spend hours on your hair.

From box braids to Bantu knots, here are 6 protective hairstyles for the summer that will turn heads and safeguard your tresses.

Braids

Braids are a classic protective style, and for good reason.

They’re versatile, low-maintenance, and you can style them in lots of different lengths and colors. Plus, they give your hair a break from constant manipulation.

Because you have better things to do this summer than spend hours on your own hair. 

Let's talk about 3 types of braids to consider this summer.

Box braids

Box braids are a go-to for the summer season and allow for different styling options.

You can opt for small or large braids, add colorful extensions, or accessorize with beads and wraps to elevate your look.

Cornrows

Cornrows involve braiding your hair close to the scalp in neat, straight lines or intricate patterns.

They’re great for keeping hair tangle-free and reducing friction that can lead to breakage.

Micro braids

Micro braids may take longer to install, but they provide maximum protection for your hair. These tiny braids can last up to three months if properly maintained, making them perfect for a busy summer schedule.

Why braids?

Braids are a great way to protect your hair from the sun, heat, and other environmental factors that can damage it during the summer. They also allow you to experiment with different hairstyles without damaging your natural hair.

Twists

Twists are perfect for those who want a great protective style that’s easy to install and maintain. They can last for weeks, and you can style them in many ways.

Two-strand twists

Two-strand twists involve dividing your hair into 2 sections and twisting them around each other.

Flat twists

Flat twists are similar to cornrows but involve twisting sections of hair instead of braiding.

Mini twists

Mini twists are smaller versions of 2-strand twists and are perfect for those with shorter hair.

Why twists?

Not only do twists offer protection and low-maintenance styling, but they also give you the freedom to switch up your look. You can wear them down, in a ponytail, or even in an elegant updo for a special occasion. Plus, when it’s time to take them out, you’ll be left with gorgeous and defined natural curls.

Bantu knots

Bantu knots are perfect for a striking summer hairstyle that’s functional and fashionable. You can achieve this look by sectioning the hair and twisting it into small knots, like mini buns. You can wear them uniformly across the head or combine them with braids.

Why Bantu knots?

Bantu knots keep your ends tucked away, reducing the risk of breakage. Once you unravel the knots, you get beautiful, curly waves.

Faux locs

If you want to try out a bold, new look without the commitment of having actual dreadlocks, faux locs are a great option for summer.

They're braided into your natural hair and can last for weeks.

Why faux locs?

Faux locs offer versatility in terms of length, color, and thickness. You can also experiment with different styles, like half-up and half-down, or accessorize them with beads or charms for a unique touch.

Wigs and weaves

Wigs and weaves are excellent options for keeping natural hair healthy and protecting it from environmental damage. They also minimize the need for constant styling and heat application, which can further weaken natural hair. You can promote healthier, stronger hair growth by giving your hair a break.

Here are two popular options for protective styles with wigs and weaves. 

Lace front wigs

Lace front wigs give the illusion of a natural hairline, allowing you to wear your hair away from your face without revealing any tracks. They are also versatile, and you can style them in several ways.

Sew-in weaves

Sew-in weaves involve braiding the natural hair down and sewing extensions onto the braids. This creates a long-lasting style that offers full coverage when styling. Make sure the weave isn't too tight, though, because it can damage your natural hair.

Why wigs and weaves?

You can change your hairstyle without manipulating your natural hair. Wigs and weaves can also shield your hair from sun, wind, and pollution.

Updos and buns

Updos and buns are classic protective styles you can style in several ways, from sleek and elegant to fun and playful. Simply gather your hair into a high ponytail or low bun and use pins, braids or twists to secure it.

Why updos and buns?

They keep your hair out of the way and allow for easy manipulation when adding accessories like scarves or headbands. Plus, they can last for days without you having to restyle them.

How to create elegant updos

Here are 6 tips for creating beautiful updos while protecting your hair ends.

• Moisturize your hair before styling: Make sure your hair is well-moisturized. Use natural oils like argan and coconut to hydrate the hair and reduce breakage.

• Choose gentle accessories: Use bands, hair ties, silk scrunchies, and pins that are gentle on your hair. Avoid accessories with metal parts, as they can snag and break your hair.

• Section your hair: Divide the hair into manageable sections to reduce tension and stress on your hair strands. This makes the styling process smoother and helps protect your hair’s ends.

• Tuck in the ends: When creating an updo, ensure you tuck in the ends securely but gently. This helps prevent the ends from exposure to environmental stressors and reduces the risk of split ends.

• Mind the edges: Be gentle with your edges and avoid styles that pull tightly on the hairline. Smooth your edges with a soft brush or your fingers, using edge control products if necessary.

How To Maintain Protective Styles

Maintaining protective styles is crucial to ensuring their longevity and the health of your hair. Here are a few tips.

 

Wash your scalp

A clean scalp is a healthy scalp. Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo to keep your scalp clean and refreshed. 

Protect your hair at night

Maintaining protective hairstyles requires proper nighttime care.

To minimize friction and breakage, cover your hair with a Blissy Silk Bonnet or sleep on a Blissy Silk Pillowcase. The smooth texture of silk helps retain moisture and minimize frizz, ensuring your hairstyle stays intact.

Use less tension

Make sure your hairstyles aren’t too tight to prevent stress on your edges and roots.

Blissy Silk Scrunchies are perfect for securing your hairstyles without causing damage. They’re gentle on your hair, preventing breakage and split ends. 

5 Protective Styling Tips for a Healthy Hair Summer Routine

Here are 5 tips to maintain healthy hair during the summer months.

1) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

The heat can dry out hair quickly, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. Use a leave-in conditioner or oil to keep your hair hydrated and moisturized.

2) Protect your hair from UV rays

UV rays can damage hair just like the skin (per Healthline). Use sunscreen to protect hair from the sun.

3) Deep condition regularly

The summer heat and humidity can cause hair to become dry and brittle. Regular deep conditioning treatments will provide much-needed moisture and nourishment to your hair.

4) Avoid excessive heat

Limit the use of hot tools and air-dry your hair instead. If you do need to use heat styling, make sure to use a heat protectant spray.

5) Use Blissy Silk products for your protective style

Integrate Blissy hair accessories into your daily and nightly routine.

During the day, use Blissy Silk Scrunchies to keep your hair secure and breakage-free. At night, use a Blissy Silk Bonnet to protect your hair while sleeping.

The silk fabric helps reduce friction and retain moisture in your hair, resulting in healthier locks. 

Makes This Summer Your Hair’s Best Season Yet!

Protective styles are essential for maintaining hair health, particularly during the summer.

By wearing protective styles, following these tips, and incorporating Blissy Silk products into your routine, you can maintain healthy, beautiful hair all summer.

Remember, protecting your hair is just as important as taking care of your skin. So, enjoy the sun, but don’t forget to protect and nourish your hair.

Ready To Protect Your Hair This Summer?

Invest in your hair's health by visiting the Blissy shop, where you'll find the perfect silk bonnets, pillowcases, and accessories to keep your hair healthy and stylish.