Theresa Peter is a content writer specializing in the afro and curly hair care niche. She is based in Nigeria, and loves helping others learn more about the joys and challenges of caring for afro and curly hair. She's passionate about creating engaging and informative content that helps others keep their hair looking healthy, classy, trendy, and up to date. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with family and friends, trying out new hair products, or doing research and learning new things.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
For men with afro hair, the quest for a hairstyle isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about finding a balance between expression, style and practicality, while shielding their natural hair against breakage and damage. As more men continue to embrace and experiment with their natural texture, learning about protective hairstyles for men becomes a crucial part of their journey. And if you’re in that phase, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalista who’s been around for a while, or you’re just starting out on your natural hair journey, this article will take you into a world of creative and versatile styles put together specifically for men with afro hair. So, keep scrolling to find out more.
A protective hairstyle is any hairstyle that protects the strands, ends, and edges of our hair by keeping them tucked away and free from damages such as tension and breakage.
Our afro hair tends to be more fragile than other hair types and can break easily, so these hairstyles are basically designed to minimize manipulation and exposure of our hair to the environment or other elements that can cause damage.
@rickyrich_braids
But there are also other reasons why protective styles are important:
@dubaisalon_hairstylist
Despite their protective benefits, these hairstyles also offer cool and stylish looks. From cornrows to braids, twists, and locs, there’s a protective style to suit every taste and occasion letting you appear trendy and switch things up while giving your hair the rest it deserves.
Now that you understand what protective styles are and why they are important, let’s explore the exciting world of styling options available! Remeber, it’s best to go for a style that complements your personality and hair length, so dive into this diverse collection to choose what you like most.
Cornrows are the OG of protective styling. They’re literally the first thing that comes to one’s mind when they think of protective styles. This hairdo offers endless options with intricate patterns and designs.
@fairwithhair
@ibk.hair
You could opt for straight-back styles for a clean look, or get creative and go for geometric designs and curves. Criss crossed pattern and beads is a great way to step up the protective hairstyle too.
@eudetranca_
@ethaarstudio
Stitch braids are the answer to your need for a sleek, modern twist on cornrows. These beauties involve braiding the hair flat on the head, while showcasing the crisp unique sectioning, creating a smooth, seamless look.
@dubaisalon_hairstylist
You can make them thin, medium size, or a little thicker for a touch of personality. The style works on nearly all hair lengths, is very low maintenance, and looks great with a taper fade.
@zenngalleryy
Twists are one of the easiest protective styles out there and they are available for both men and women. This versatile style is easy to maintain and can be styled in a myriad of ways. As a bonus, unraveling them will leave you with gorgeous twist-out defined curls.
@creationsbymanii
@dubaisalon_hairstylist
Experiment with different sized twists and diverse parting patterns to add your own unique touch. Also, try three-strand twists; they look very similar to two-strand twists but are often thicker and offer a more defined look compared to two-strand options.
@tinabraids
@kentathehairartist
What better way to make a hair statement than with box braids?! These braids can be done with various lengths of hair and can also be achieved with braiding hair for a touch of color and thickness, offering endless customization options.
@raymarynho
@trancas_afro_studio_freedom
Box braids are the perfect protective style if you’re going for a long last. They are very beneficial for adding length and volume. You can also always add a touch of edginess with a disconnected fade or undercut or tie them up into Dutch braids or a men’s bun.
@fro.fosho
@stylesbyfola
If you’re opting for a defined look that keeps things natural and textured, finger coils are your go-to. This method involves wrapping small sections of hair around your fingers to create tight, springy coils. The style is perfect for shorter hair and offers a low-maintenance option.
@locs.byfelicia
@ibk.hair
Locs hairstyles offer a versatile and stylish option for those seeking a distinctive look. Short locs provide a neat and low-maintenance style, while long locs exude a sense of confidence and cultural pride.
@afrilocs
For those interested in a more intricate style, flat burrel twist locs offer a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. Regardless of the length or style chosen, locs hairstyles typically last for several months to years, depending on factors such as hair growth rate and maintenance routine.
@afrilocs
With a bit of practice or the right stylist all of these fascinating hair looks are achievable! However, mind that improper maintenance or excessive tension in your protective hairstyle can cause harm to the hair, leading to breakage, thinning, or traction alopecia. Therefore, it’s essential to practice proper care and maintenance to ensure your hair remains healthy and protected.
While protective styles are your hair’s BFF, even when you get them done, your hair still requires some TLC! No matter which style you choose, dedicating time to wash and condition your scalp and hair should be a priority. Here’s the low-down on how to keeping your hair fresh and happy while in a protective style.
Don’t forget your scalp just because it’s under wraps!
Use a light oil or moisturizing spray to massage the scalp 2-3 times a week to combat dryness and itchiness. Use a leave-in conditioner to moisturize your strands, preventing dryness and breakage during takedown.
Many people make the mistake of thinking they don’t need to clean their hair when it’s in a protective style. Just because you can’t see the dirt doesn’t mean it’s not there! Make sure to cleanse your scalp every 2-3 weeks with a clarifying shampoo formulated for braids or weaves. Your focus shouldn’t lie on the extensions themselves, place your attention on massaging the scalp.
Before going to bed every night, wrap your head in a satin or silk scarf to prevent friction and frizz. This helps to keep your hair fresh as cotton pillowcases can dry out your hair. The silky upgrade makes a big difference!
While protective styles are amazing, be sure not to leave them on too long. Aim for 4-8 weeks max, depending on the style and your hair’s needs. This allows your scalp to breathe and your hair to recover before the next protective adventure.
In essence, protective styles are powerful tools for maintaining healthy afro hair. They offer both health hair benefits and opportunities for creative expression, making them a valuable addition to any hair care routine.
By following the tips and trying out some of the protective hairstyles for men, you can ensure significantly reduced breakage and split ends, lots of moisture retention within your strands, reduced knots and tangles, and a lot of reduced overall hair damage. So what are you waiting for? Go give one of these styles a try!
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
