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Rihanna Is Rocking Braids! Here Are 10 Other Celeb-Inspired Protective Styles To Rock This Season

Pretty Honore

Jun 19, 2019 07:47 AM +0000

Winter has come and gone and the condition of my hair is proof that it was cold out here, y'all. As the summer approaches and our tresses are starting to feel the heat (literally), it's time to say goodbye to our beloved silk presses and opt for less damaging hairstyle options. Rihanna proved that she was one step ahead of us all when she debuted her glorious red box braids while at the Fenty pop-up event in NYC, and it's got us all in the mood to get braided up!

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Fenty

As the true queen of the switch-up, the songstress has consistently served up #NaturalHairGoals for the past decade and her latest hairstyle proves that there's no end in sight. From Bantu knots to faux locs, Rih Rih proves that protective styles don't have to be boring, and celebs like Gabrielle Union and Tracee Ellis Ross also champion their natural hair in ways that will inspire you to head to the salon ASAP.

It's important to know that your edges are valuable and must be protected at all costs, sis. Luckily, xoNecole has you covered with this list of celebrity-inspired protective styles that will have you snatched all spring:

These two-strand rope twists are created using kankelon or yaki braiding hair. Add beads or jewelry for a more unique look.
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Rih Rih always comes through with dope hair inspo, and these faux locs in a relaxed ponytail are no exception. Faux locs can also be achieved using the crochet method. For a more refined style, opt for smaller locs.
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Bantu Knots

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Instagram post by Jourdan Dunn • Oct 12, 2018 at 8:39pm UTC

Jordan Dunn puts a modern twist on a traditional style by adding two braids and beads to her bantu knots. Unlike some of their other styles, this trendy hairstyle is relatively quick and can be done at home (with patience). For longevity, be sure to use conditioner when styling your hair to add shine and eliminate excess frizz.

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Made widely popular by Janet (Ms. Jackson, if you're nasty ), box braids will never ever go out of style. Big or small, box braids are always the wave, just make sure you find a stylist who can make a mean part (like Jhene, here, who's scalp is laid like the red sea). If you're bored with this traditional style, ask your stylist to part your hair in triangles instead.
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Tracee Ellis Ross is an OG in the natural hair game, and she proves that keeping it simple can be the best option. Add some length to your look by adding some high-quality braiding hair. French braids are a perfect option for the woman who wants to look fly on the fly.
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Not to be confused with faux locs, goddess locs have wavy, loose ends and are sure to bring out your inner island gal. Goddess locs normally require a different (sometimes more expensive) brand of human braiding hair but are also a great protective option for spring.
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This style was originated by the Fulani people in West and East Africa. For Fulani braids, the stylist uses unique braid patterns and beads to create one-of-a-kind looks that have been rocked by a number of celebs. Take your hair back to the motherland with this complex braiding style and add beads and jewelry for even more fun!
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Havana twists are another style using two-strand rope twists, but unlike Havana Twists, a more coarse texture of synthetic hair, like Marley braiding hair, is used.
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This teased fishtail halo braid in blonde is giving me all the life I need this morning. I have a lot of skills, but creating a braid like this admittedly is not one of my specialities. I'd suggest outsourcing and booking stylist to recreate this look.
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This throwback style inspired by Tessa Thompson is making a fashionable comeback. Microbraids have been popular since before my mom was in college, and that's partially because this style is so damned versatile. Put a twist on this old-school hairstyle by using ombre-colored braiding hair.
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Featured image by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Fenty

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