While goddess braids and cornrows have become synonymous with the phrase “protective style,” twists have been relegated to an afterthought. Two-strand, Havana, and even flat twists have had their ...

Box braids are one of the most popular styles for Summer vacation thanks to stars like Beyoncé and movies like Poetic Justice. This style uses synthetic, straight hair to create long plaits The term ...

If you're a black woman who grew up in the ‘90s, chances are that you probably fell in love with box braids courtesy of Janet Jackson in "Poetic Justice," Brandy in "Moesha," and Stacey Dash in ...

Box braids range from Xsmall to jumbo. They're created using a three-strand braid technique, knotted at the root and falling straight down from the head, and tend to have very precise square or ...

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise. 1. Give yourself a blowout. This is an extra-important step. I love the look of curls as much as the ...

Braids and twists offer a stylish look, but they also serve as protective styles for natural hair, reducing manipulation and preventing damage. From the classic three-strand to cornrows, the ...

When it comes to protective styles, braids will forever be a fan favorite. They can be chic or casual, depending on how you decide to rock them. While a sophisticated braided bob can elevate the class ...

When it comes to protective styles, no style is better at keeping the manipulation of your natural hair at an all-time minimum than braids. The beautiful thing about them is that not only do they ...

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Box braids will always be the crown jewel of protective styles, but with new ...

Omenaa Boakye is a fashion and beauty writer and editor from the UK. Her byline has appeared in The London Times, Stylist, Brides, and BET, amongst others. Lupita Nyongo’s high ponytail is an elegant ...