30 Winter Protective Hairstyles for Black Women: Braids, Twists, Locs and More

Winter can be harsh on hair, especially natural black hair, as the cold weather and dry indoor environments can cause significant moisture loss. Protecting your hair from damage while maintaining style is essential during these months. Fortunately, protective hairstyles provide an excellent solution, ensuring that your 4c hair stays healthy while looking fabulous. In this article, we’ll explore winter protective hairstyles perfect for black women, kids, and anyone looking to protect their hair from the elements.

Box Braids

Box braids are a timeless protective hairstyle that is both versatile and long-lasting. They are created by sectioning the hair into small squares, then braiding each section with extensions for added length and volume. This style can be worn for weeks, making it ideal for those who want a low-maintenance option during the winter months. Box braids look fantastic on black women with natural black hair, and they’re suitable for various events, from casual outings to formal occasions. Plus, box braids long offer a chic, polished look, while box braids short create a playful and modern vibe. The style works well on both oval and round face shapes and complements dark and bold eye colors beautifully.

To achieve box braids, you’ll need a good-quality braid gel, extensions, and patience, as the process can take several hours. The braiding method involves dividing the hair into equal sections and braiding from root to tip. Maintaining box braids requires keeping the scalp moisturized with oils like jojoba or tea tree, and washing the scalp gently every couple of weeks. Use a silk or satin scarf at night to protect the braids and prevent frizz.

Cornrows

Cornrows are another popular protective hairstyle that is perfect for kids and adults alike. This traditional African style involves braiding the hair close to the scalp in rows, either straight back or in intricate patterns. Cornrows are an excellent option for those who want to shield their hair from harsh winter winds while showcasing natural beauty. The style suits various face shapes, and can be tailored to different hair lengths and textures. Cornrows work particularly well for natural short hair and can be combined with accessories like beads for a personalized touch.

Creating cornrows requires a fine-tooth comb for sectioning, a strong edge control gel to keep the style neat, and nimble fingers to braid the hair tightly against the scalp. Maintenance is relatively easy—just keep the scalp moisturized with oils or leave-in conditioners, and avoid heavy manipulation to prevent frizz. To maintain the style longer, wrap the hair in a silk scarf before bed.

Faux Locs

Faux locs are perfect for those who love the look of natural dreadlocks but don’t want the permanent commitment. This style involves wrapping synthetic hair around sections of your natural hair to create the appearance of locs. Faux locs are particularly great for the winter months, as they protect your hair from the cold and are easy to maintain. The style is ideal for black women who prefer longer hairstyles, and it suits most face shapes, particularly those with round or heart-shaped faces. Faux locs can be worn to formal events or styled casually for everyday wear.

To achieve faux locs, you’ll need synthetic hair, crochet needles, and a good styling gel. The method involves braiding or twisting your natural hair and wrapping the synthetic hair around it. Maintenance is simple, as faux locs don’t require frequent washing. Instead, focus on moisturizing your scalp regularly and using a silk or satin bonnet to protect the locs while you sleep.

Twists

Twists are a beautiful and versatile winter protective style that works wonders for 4c hair. This style involves twisting two strands of hair together, which can be done with or without extensions. Twists provide excellent protection for natural black hair during the colder months and are a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance style. Twists can be worn short or long, making them perfect for anyone who wants to switch up their look. The style works well with most face shapes, particularly square and oval, and is a great option for those with dark brown or hazel eyes.

Creating twists requires a detangling brush, hair butter or cream, and a wide-tooth comb. Start by sectioning the hair and applying a moisturizing product before twisting each section from root to tip. To maintain the style, keep your scalp moisturized and use a leave-in conditioner regularly. At night, protect the twists by wearing a silk scarf or sleeping on a satin pillowcase.

Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are a stylish and protective option for black women and kids during the winter season. This hairstyle involves twisting sections of hair and wrapping them into small buns across the scalp. Not only do Bantu knots shield your hair from winter dryness, but they also give your hair a bouncy, curly texture when unraveled. This style is especially suitable for 4c hair and works well for those with round or heart-shaped faces. The look is playful and versatile, ideal for casual events or even more formal occasions.

To create Bantu knots, you’ll need a detangling brush, leave-in conditioner, and styling cream. After detangling, divide the hair into small sections and twist each section tightly, then coil the twist into a knot and secure it with a bobby pin. To maintain this style, use a leave-in conditioner and oil regularly to keep the scalp moisturized, and wear a satin bonnet to protect the knots while you sleep.

Crochet Braids

Crochet braids are a fantastic protective hairstyle for winter, offering versatility and durability. This style involves braiding your natural hair close to the scalp and using a crochet hook to attach extensions. Crochet braids can mimic the look of many other styles, such as curls, waves, or locs, making them a popular choice for black women. This style works particularly well for those with oval or heart-shaped faces and complements a wide range of eye colors. Crochet braids are perfect for everyday wear and can be styled in various ways for different occasions.

The process requires a crochet needle, extensions, and a moisturizing braid spray. After braiding your hair into cornrows, use the crochet needle to loop the extensions through the braids. Maintenance involves keeping the scalp clean and moisturized, and using a light oil to prevent the hair from drying out. Cover your hair with a silk scarf at night to preserve the style.

Weave

A weave is a classic protective style that allows you to switch up your look while keeping your natural hair safe from winter’s harsh conditions. This style involves sewing hair extensions onto cornrows, giving the appearance of longer, fuller hair. Weaves are particularly popular among black women looking to achieve braids long or curly hairstyles without manipulating their natural strands. Weaves suit most face shapes, especially oval and round, and work well for formal occasions or day-to-day wear.

To install a weave, you’ll need a professional stylist, hair extensions, and a needle and thread. The stylist will braid your natural hair into cornrows and sew the extensions onto the braids. Maintenance involves moisturizing your scalp regularly, avoiding heavy oils that could loosen the weave, and wrapping your hair in a silk scarf at night to protect it.

Halo Braid

The halo braid is a stunning protective hairstyle perfect for both casual and formal settings. This style involves braiding the hair around the crown of the head, creating a regal, halo-like effect. It’s a beautiful option for black women with natural black hair, and it works well for most face shapes, especially heart and oval. The halo braid can be styled with accessories like flowers or beads for special occasions, making it an elegant and versatile choice.

To create a halo braid, you’ll need a detangling comb, braid gel, and a few bobby pins. Start by parting the hair down the middle, then braid each section from one side of the head to the other, wrapping the braid around the crown. Secure it with pins and smooth down any flyaways with gel. Maintenance is easy—just keep the scalp moisturized and protect the style with a silk scarf at night.

Flat Twists

Flat twists are a great option for those looking to protect their natural black hair in the winter while keeping things sleek and stylish. This style involves twisting two strands of hair flat against the scalp, creating a smooth, low-maintenance look. Flat twists are an excellent option for those with natural short hair, and they work well with various face shapes, especially those with oval or heart-shaped faces.

To achieve flat twists, you’ll need a detangling comb, styling cream, and a few bobby pins. Start by parting the hair and twisting two strands of hair close to the scalp, securing the ends with pins. Maintenance involves keeping the scalp moisturized and using a light oil or leave-in conditioner to keep the hair hydrated. Wrap your hair in a satin scarf at night to protect the twists.

Pineapple Updo

The pineapple updo is a fantastic option for black women with curly or natural short hair. This style involves gathering the hair at the top of the head, allowing the curls to fall naturally in a voluminous, pineapple-like shape. The pineapple updo is a fun, playful look that works well for casual outings or even as a chic everyday style. It’s especially suitable for those with round or square face shapes and enhances the natural beauty of dark and bold eye colors.

To create a pineapple updo, you’ll need a wide-tooth comb, leave-in conditioner, and a large hair tie. Gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure it with the tie, allowing the curls to fall freely. Maintenance is minimal—just refresh the curls with a water-based curl activator and moisturize the scalp regularly.

Goddess Braids

Goddess braids are a bold and beautiful option for winter, offering both protection and a regal aesthetic. This style is similar to traditional cornrows but with much larger braids, giving it a striking appearance. Goddess braids are perfect for black women who want to maintain natural black hair while showcasing an elegant look. This hairstyle works well for formal events or everyday wear and suits oval and round face shapes, especially for those with brown or hazel eyes. Whether worn in a simple pattern or with intricate designs, goddess braids make a powerful statement.

To create goddess braids, you’ll need a wide-tooth comb, strong edge control gel, and a rat-tail comb for precision parting. The method involves sectioning the hair and braiding close to the scalp, using thick sections of hair for each braid. Maintenance is simple—just keep the scalp moisturized and tie a silk or satin scarf around your head at night to protect the braids.

Senegalese Twists

Senegalese twists are a popular protective hairstyle, perfect for keeping natural black hair healthy during the cold winter months. These twists are sleek and elegant, offering a polished look that can be worn for weeks. Senegalese twists are great for those with natural hair who want a low-maintenance style that still looks chic. The style suits most face shapes, especially heart and oval, and can be worn long or short, depending on personal preference.

To achieve Senegalese twists, you’ll need Kanekalon hair extensions, a detangling brush, and twisting gel. The process involves dividing the hair into small sections, adding extensions, and twisting each section tightly from root to tip. Maintenance is minimal, but you’ll want to moisturize your scalp regularly and protect the twists with a satin bonnet or pillowcase while you sleep.

Jumbo Box Braids

Jumbo box braids are a larger variation of traditional box braids, offering a bold and stylish look that’s perfect for winter. This style is especially popular for black women who want to showcase natural black hair in a fun and low-maintenance way. Jumbo braids can be worn long or short, and their larger size means they take less time to install than traditional braids. They work well for square and oval face shapes and are ideal for casual settings or even more relaxed formal events.

To create jumbo box braids, you’ll need extensions, a rat-tail comb, and styling gel. The process is similar to traditional box braids but with larger sections of hair. Maintenance involves regular scalp moisturizing and using a silk scarf to protect the braids at night. Wash your scalp gently with a diluted shampoo to keep it clean and fresh.

Flat Twists into a Bun

Flat twists that transition into a bun are a sophisticated winter protective hairstyle that combines style and practicality. This look is perfect for black women who want to protect their natural hair while still looking polished and put together. Flat twists are created by twisting the hair close to the scalp, and then gathering the rest of the hair into a bun at the nape of the neck. This style is ideal for both formal events and everyday wear, and it suits oval and heart-shaped faces.

To create this style, you’ll need a detangling brush, edge control gel, and a few bobby pins. After creating flat twists along the sides of your head, gather the hair into a low bun and secure it with pins. Maintenance is easy—just keep your scalp moisturized and wrap your hair in a satin scarf at night to prevent frizz.

Passion Twists

Passion twists are a trendy and modern protective hairstyle that’s perfect for black women with natural black hair. These twists are looser than traditional twists, giving them a more carefree and bohemian look. Passion twists are great for casual settings, but they can also be dressed up for more formal occasions. The style works particularly well with oval and round face shapes and adds a fun and youthful vibe to any look.

To achieve passion twists, you’ll need Freetress water wave hair, a twisting cream, and a detangling brush. The process involves parting the hair into small sections and twisting it loosely with the water wave hair. Maintenance is simple—just keep your scalp moisturized and refresh the twists with a water-based spray to keep them looking fresh.

Feed-in Braids

Feed-in braids are a sleek and elegant protective style that’s perfect for black women during the winter months. These braids are created by gradually adding hair extensions to the braid, giving the appearance of natural hair growing longer. Feed-in braids are great for those who want a more natural look, and they work well for both casual and formal events. This style suits oval and heart-shaped faces and can be worn in various designs, from simple straight-back braids to intricate patterns.

To create feed-in braids, you’ll need a fine-tooth comb, braid gel, and hair extensions. The braiding method involves starting with a small amount of hair and gradually adding extensions as you braid. Maintenance is easy—keep your scalp moisturized, and protect the braids with a silk scarf at night to prevent frizz and breakage.

Kinky Twists

Kinky twists are a fantastic option for those with natural black hair who want a protective style that’s both durable and stylish. These twists have a coarser texture, making them ideal for 4c hair and giving them a natural look. Kinky twists are perfect for winter, as they help lock in moisture and protect your hair from the cold. The style works well for most face shapes, particularly oval and square, and is great for both casual and formal settings.

To achieve kinky twists, you’ll need kinky hair extensions, a twisting cream, and a wide-tooth comb. After parting the hair into small sections, twist each section from root to tip, using the kinky hair to add volume. Maintenance involves moisturizing the scalp regularly and wearing a satin bonnet at night to keep the twists in place.

Conclusion

Winter protective hairstyles offer a fantastic way to maintain the health of natural black hair while still looking stylish. Whether you’re looking for something long-lasting like braids or a quick and easy updo, there’s a protective hairstyle for everyone. Feel free to share your thoughts or any additional styles you love in the comments below!