Protective style season is approaching and Summer 2020 is loading! Is it still going to be a hot girl summer for you?!? Chile, with this pandemic spreading like wild fire and the country in an uproar over the constant BLACK lives being lost at the hands of the police, I have decided to alter those Summer 2020 plans! Even though I have decided to put my summer plans on hold, it doesn’t mean your girl’s hair won’t be looking good! It is about time for me to give my hair a break from heat and constant manipulation and install a braided protective style! I have tried my fair share of braided protective styles and I have decided to share with you my top favorites.

1. Marley Twists

I’ve always loved this braided protective style. Once I taught myself how to install them… the game was over! These are super cute and lightweight. I always use the JANET COLLECTION AFRO TWIST BRAID in the color 1B. This braiding hair is my favorite to use when installing Marley twists because it blends so well with my natural hair and it lasts a long time. I usually use 5-6 packs and it gives me this full look!

2. Nu Locs

If you are looking for very natural skinny locs then Nu Locs by Bobbi Boss are the faux locs just for you. They look so realistic. I crocheted these nu locs using a simple straight back braiding pattern. I haven’t mastered braiding my own hair yet, so I had to pay someone to braid my hair back.

I opted to do a full crochet with these faux locs beacause they are a little tighter than the other faux locs. They are just a little bit harder to open than the Bomba locs or the Bae locs.” I usually use 5 packs of the nu locs. I decided to add some color, so I used 4 packs in the color 1B and 1 pack in the color T27. The crochet loop was the perfect size, which made this braided protective style very easy to install. After a while these locs do get a little frizzy, but I think it adds a realistic, natural look to the faux locs.

3. Goddess Faux Locs

I see why they call this braided protective style goddess locs, because when I have these installed I feel like a straight goddess! Out of all of the faux locs, I think these have a more sleek and polished look. These locs don’t get really frizzy.

I have tried different brands of the goddess faux locs. I usually do individual locs around the perimeter of my head and I crochet the locs in the middle. To my surprise the curl at the end of these lasts a long time and these locs are very easy to work with.

4. Bomba Soul Locs

Ok! So these faux locs are the most natural looking locs I’ve ever used. These get REALLY frizzy, which makes them look very natural. They remind me of Bob Marley’s hair. They are a little bigger than most of the faux locs I have used, which makes them easy to install individually. These locs are exclusively made by Bobbi Boss and are fairly inexpensive.

5. Box Braids

Out of all of my favorite summer braided protective styles, box braids was the very first one I got installed. I’ve never installed them myself, but I’m sure I can do it! I actually plan to experiment very soon and install the trendy “knotless braids” so make sure you are subscribed to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss out!

Braided Protective Style Maintenance

And let’s talk about how easy the hair maintenance is while having a braided protective style! It is still important to continue to keep your scalp clean and moisturized while protective styling. I usually moisturize my natural hair with mists, oils, and leave in conditioner.

I love rockin’ my braided protective styles. I have multiple style options! There is never a dull moment when I rock my braids, locs, or twists. Whether it’s a simple ponytail, updo, or just all down, I can always switch my hairstyle with ease!!!

Do you wear braided protective styles? Which one is your favorite! Let me know in the comments!

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