20 Stunning Protective Styles for Short Hair

Protective hairstyles for short hair allow you to tuck away hair ends, prevent weather-related damage, and reduce upkeep. Short hair is often considered less versatile than longer hair, but it can be just as eye-catching when styled correctly!

Both chic and practical, protective hairstyles often incorporate extensions for added length and volume, providing flexibility in styling options. With the right techniques and products, short hair can be transformed into stunning styles that not only look great but also promote growth by giving the hair a break from pulling, tugging, and heat styling. 

Protective styles for short hair open up a world of possibilities. Read on for expert insights into how to craft your own.

Meet the expert

Monaè Everett, New York-based celebrity hairstylist and educator.

Porsche Waldo, New York-based celebrity hairstylist and owner of Ebony Design Hair Salon

Knotless Cornrow Chignon

To recreate Regina King's stylish low-cornrow chignon, begin by shampooing and conditioning your hair, then apply Cream of Nature Argan Oil From Morocco Perfect 7 before blow-drying your hair. “The light oil acts as a leave-in conditioner, protecting split ends and controlling frizz,” says Everett. “Divide the hair beginning from the arch of the left brow to the back of the head. Begin cornrowing, adding tiny pieces of hair extensions to each cornrow for a little extra length. To keep the cornrows appearing freshly done for as long as possible, add a foam like Cream of Nature Argan Oil From Morocco Style & Shine Foaming Mousse directly on top of the braids before covering with a scarf to set.”

Medium Box Braids

Zendaya’s look here can be achieved by adding synthetic hair, but according to Waldo, box braids can cause breakage and wreak havoc on the hair shaft if they are not maintained well. “To help minimize damage, I recommend maintaining your braids with a spray leave-in conditioner like Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner to hydrate and Jamaican Mango & Lime Sproil Spray Oil to moisturize." Waldo adds that another good alternative is to use human hair extension when installing box braids, as the lightness of the hair means less tension on the scalp.

Two-Way Cornrow Chignon

To achieve Yara Shahidi's stunning low-cornrow chignon, begin by meticulously braiding small sections of hair close to the scalp, creating sleek cornrows that frame the face. Gather the remaining hair into a low ponytail, then twist and wrap it into a chic chignon at the nape of the neck. Secure the style with bobby pins for a polished finish. This sophisticated yet modern protective style keeps hair off the face elegantly.

Afro Puff Ponytail

Issa Rae’s cornrows-and-afro-ponytail is a fun protective style that still allows you to show off the texture of your natural hair. “Start off by shampooing and conditioning your hair with Ouidad Curl Quencher Shampoo and OuidadTriple Treat Conditioner to moisturize your coils,” says Everett. “Add Ouidad Priming milk as a leave-in conditioner to moisturize your hair. Next, divide the hair from ear to ear, then subdivide the hair to create straight back cornrows in the front of the hair.” Gather the remaining hair in the ponytail and allow it to flow freely, embracing its natural texture. Apply a styling cream and use your fingers to expand the afro puff for added volume and flair.

Senegalese Twists

“Senegalese twists are similar to box braids in sectioning, but instead of three strands braided, you simply add Kanekalon extension hair and do a two-strand twist,” says Waldo. “After the entire head is twisted, you can style it in a neat bun for this sleek red carpet look. Be sure to use a huge elastic band so you do not put too much pressure on your ponytail. If pulled too tight, this could lead to hair damage from tension and could potentially cause hair loss.”

Long Crochet Locs

Although Chloe Bailey has been growing her locs most of her life, one hack to a fuller, more uniform look is to add faux-crochet locs, Waldo says. “This is a simple hook-and-latch crochet method that allows you to easily change your hair color or add length,” explains the stylist. “To achieve this look, the locs are French-braided down towards the nape and secured in a low ponytail as flat as possible. Then an open-top wig liner is added to the desired crochet area with the hairline left out. To finish the hairline, individual faux locs are added.”

Bantu Knots

“Since your scalp will be on display with this Bantu Knot style, begin by shampooing your hair with TPH Master Cleanse, then use the TPH Mint Condition Conditioner to moisturize a dry scalp,” advises Everett. “Next, create horizontal partings from ear to ear, then subdivide horizontally, creating triangles. Add a gel like the TPH Tough Cookie to shape and define the hair as you create each Bantu Knot. Twist each section until it begins to twist down onto itself. Pin in place.”

French Bob Wig

Naomi Campbell’s French Bob is a classic style we love! If you’re not ready for the big chop, wigs are a great protective style and allow you to try out different looks. “To make sure the wig lays flat and stays in place, braid your hair back in cornrows, put on a wig cap, then place the wig on top,” says Everett. “To keep the style sleek, use KeraCare Styling Wax Stick on top of the wig, then smooth the hair with either a hot comb or a flat iron.”

Goddess Locs

Megan Good’s Goddess Locs are giving us elegance and flair with a bohemian edge! “This style can be achieved by braiding the hair first and then wrapping the braid with Kanekalon Hair or with Goddess Locs Crochet Hair. For an exotic beach look, leave out curly tendrils here and there,” says Waldo. “The look is best styled with your edges laid using an edge control or curled up.”

Dutch Braids

Yara Shahidi's Dutch braids look stunning! And the good news is, this style is pretty quick to recreate. “Start off by shampooing and conditioning your hair, then add a leave-in conditioner like Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner to protect the hair as you braid,” says Everett. Part your hair down the middle and section it into two equal parts. Apply Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Edge Gel to the hairline and along the parting, and begin braiding each section from the front, incorporating extensions like Dosso Beauty for added length and volume if desired. Weave the braids tightly along the scalp, ensuring a sleek and polished appearance. Secure the ends with elastic bands, and gently tug at the braids to create a fuller look."

Fulani Braids

This protective style is a statement look with its combination of cornrows in the front, box braids at the back, and colorful beads added to the end of the braids. “To recreate this look, it’s all about the parting, so I recommend using a professional stylist who is great at parting hair,” says Waldo. “This style is best maintained by applying Nairobi Wrapp-It Shine Foaming Lotion and black Wrapp-It Styling Strips or a scarf until the hair is dry.”

Curly Ombré Faux Locs

“For these pre-constructed loc extensions, it’s best to have them installed by a professional,” says Waldo. “If you want to try and recreate the look yourself, you can buy loc extensions online, but it’s best to ask your stylist or loctician where to purchase the extensions, as the locs may need to be colored or treated to prepare for the install.” Eva Marcille’s locs give off an effortless bohemian vibe, as they have been styled to reflect the natural texture of her hair. “Once the locs are installed, you simply maintain them by twisting your roots to blend and grow seamlessly. I recommend accessorizing with hair rings or shells for the ultimate boho look,”says Waldo.

Twisted Bantu Knots

To achieve Reign Edwards' twisted Bantu knots, our stylists recommend starting off by sectioning the hair into small, even parts. Twist each section tightly from the roots to the ends, creating compact coils. Wrap the twisted sections around themselves to form small knots close to the scalp. Secure each knot with bobby pins to keep them in place.

Jumbo Cornrows

“This is the ultimate braiding style, as cornrows are a true protective style,” says Waldo. “This feed-in jumbo braid updo is achieved by adding Kanekalon pre-stretched hair to cornrows and then putting it up.” The stylist adds that this look will not only keep your hair secured, but it’s also quick to do. Regular braids can often take up a great amount of your day, but Waldo says these ⅔ jumbo braids will take approximately an hour to style.

Finger Waves

Most people don’t realize there are more ways to protect your hair than just braids. These timeless finger waves are a great example of how you can protect your hair from daily heat and still get up and go! “You can recreate Tiffany Haddish’s finger waves using a strong gel like Mielle Maximum Hold Gel Styler or Mane Choice Crystal Orchid Biotin Infused Styling Gel, and you’re all set! Just remember to tie your hair nightly with a tight scarf and you’ll be hair-maintenance-free for a few days.” 

Jumbo Knotless Box Braids

“These braids are ideal as a protective style and don’t take long to install,” says Waldo. “Less hair is purchased and needed, so it’s a great vacation style for someone who doesn’t want to invest time and money into getting braids.” The stylist explains that the real technique comes in the feed-in method used to add the Kanekalon hair extension. “Typically, hair is added by a knot at the base of the braids, but these are seamless and appear to “grow” from the roots with no visible knots. These require a particular set of skills, but with practice and a little Edge Booster, they are always a hit.  And of course, the longer, the better.”

Bohemian Braids

Teyana Taylor’s Bohemian braids don’t just look gorgeous, they're fashionable and practical. The style offers a lot of versatility and various styling options, including updos, ponytails, or letting them down for a relaxed look.

Jumbo Marley Twists

Brandy's style is installed in a similar way to natural double-strand twists, but the hair texture and size create a bolder look. “The twists have a natural luster versus a high sheen typical of braids,” says Waldo. “To get this look, section the hair into large sections and two-strand twist with Marley Twist Hair for Twists. A great hack for beginners is to section the hair in ponytails with seamless elastic hair ties then add the extension.”

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