Four Protective Styling Inspirations from Willow Smith
Willow Smith is our celebrity inspiration for all things protective styling as we highlight four of her many gorgeous natural hair looks.
Willow burst into the celebration of natural hair scene with her song ‘whip my hair’ and since then, she has given us many natural hair style inspiration.
We love the following natural hair looks she slayed:-
*Pssst, we have the 411 on all things Protective Styling for Growth: Do’s and Don’ts.
1. Bob Braids
Bob braids are a fun and funky variation on the traditional bob.
This fun hair style is great for framing your face as well as adds a flirty but capable look to ramp up your style.
You can sass it up with braids or even curl the ends inwards for a less conventional bob. Either way, bob braids are a great addition to your protective styling ideas.
Check out our Hair Care for Braids: Ultimate Guide.
2. Buzz Cut
A buzz cut is the ultimate badass look and should be a staple for anyone who can rock the look.
Not only does it show off your face shape, but it is also a firm favourite if you have a nice head shape and want to flaunt it.
Having a buzz cut allows you to play with your features. Smoky eyes and strong lips complete this look. It is also a good style to rock when you have done the big chop and are transitioning to natural.
To get the most out of your hair growth journey, check out our Hair Growth: A Natural Guide to Optimal Hair Growth in 2024 guide on how to go from length to length.
3. Faux Locs
Faux locs are a firm NaHaZo favourite.
They are a great protective style to spot when going on that beach holiday, and also helps protect your ends as you grow your hair.
You can wear them in long, medium or short styles. They are also a good go-to when transitioning to natural and even look better as the style ages. For those naturals who favour long periods of protective styling, this is a must-try hair style.
Getting ready to unravel your braids? Get the 411 on How to Detangle Natural Hair for a quick, stress-free braids takedown.
4. Cornrows with beads
‘I am a sucker for cornrows and manicured toes’ croons rapper Nelly and NaHaZo agrees with him wholeheartedly.
On the cornrows specifically :-).
Nothing serves better than cornrows done well. To add sass to the look, you can accentuate the style with colourful beads.
Cornrows as a protective style has been worn by women with afro-textured hair for the longest time.
Not only is it great for protecting your ends, but it is very versatile, and it can even be dressed up for a formal function. It is therefore not far off to say that cornrows are the cornerstone of natural hair.
In a nutshell, these protective hair styles are good staples as you work towards your goal of healthier longer natural hair.
Looking for some style inspiration for your Mini-me? Try out our Natural Hairstyle for 3c Hair – Week 2.
Afr0-textured hair is very unique as we can rock different looks and styles, as we please.
Do you agree? Sound off in the comments below, and let us know what you think of Willow’s four protective styling looks.
And happy naturaling ladies!
