7 Fall Protective Hairstyles You Need To Try This Season

Okay, let's talk about giving our hair a much-needed vacation this fall! 🍂✨ As a fellow natural hair girlie, I totally get the struggle of wanting to protect my curls while still looking fire. The whole "protective style" game has leveled up so much—it's not just about braids and twists anymore. Wigs, weaves, all of it is on the table now, giving us the ultimate freedom to switch up our look without stressing our strands. It's like a whole mood, you know? Whether you're feeling like a regal queen with intricate braids or a sleek baddie with a flowy mane, there's literally a protective 'do out there with your name on it. So, I dove deep into what's trending right now and rounded up seven fall protective styles that are absolutely worth trying. Plus, I got some expert tips straight from the pros to help you nail each look and keep your natural hair thriving underneath. Let's get into it!

01. The Versatile Locs (Faux or Real) ✨

If you've been sleeping on locs, it's time to wake up! The Bailey sisters are the ultimate inspo, showing us that locs—whether you're rocking the real deal or some fabulous faux ones—are just as versatile as any other style. Halle Bailey's chic bob-length locs? Chef's kiss. 💋

Licensed cosmetologist Breanna Bell breaks it down for us: "Natural locs are a lifestyle as much as they are a hairstyle. They allow the hair to grow without constant detangling or manipulation, and they are incredibly versatile." You can play with the pattern and wear them straight, curly, wavy, or twisted. So much room for creativity!

And hey, if you're not ready for the long-term commitment of loc'ing your hair, faux locs are your best friend. "They keep your natural hair tucked away, reduce daily manipulation, and can be styled in so many creative ways," Bell explains. For care, she recommends a good wash every 2-3 weeks, really focusing on that scalp cleanse to prevent buildup. Your hair will thank you!

02. Fiery Copper Custom Wig 🔥

Ready to turn heads? Take notes from Love Island star Olandria and her voluminous custom wig in fiery shades of copper. This color is literally fall in a hairstyle! Celebrity hairstylist Danielle Waugh says, "Red and orange tones are perfect for fall because they mirror the colors of the season. Think changing leaves, warm sunsets, and cozy vibes."

The best part about a full wig install? None of your natural hair is exposed! You get to play with these bold, fashion-forward colors without any bleach damage or the high maintenance of colored hair. It's a total win-win.

But listen up: For wigs and weaves to be truly protective, you gotta baby that hair underneath. Waugh says it needs to be clean, hydrated, and moisturized. If your wig isn't sewn down, slather on that leave-in conditioner or some lightweight oil at night. If it is sewn in, make sure your hair is properly cleansed and nourished before the install. And please, take breaks between installs to let your scalp breathe and prevent buildup. Your edges will appreciate it!

03. The Bob (All The Bobs!) 💇‍♀️

Bobs are having a major moment, and I am here for it! Long bobs, short bobs, middle-part, side-part... all the bobs! Bell suggests trying a bob wig if you're curious about different lengths and textures but aren't ready to commit to the chop. Ciara's sleek jet-black French bob is the ultimate inspo.

Not sure which bob is for you? Waugh has some face shape advice:

• Oval or Heart-shaped faces: A "sleek, chin-grazing" bob is your bestie.

• Rounder faces: A "longer midi-bob" (aka a lob) can help balance things out.

Think about your lifestyle too! A blunt, straight bob is perfect if you're low-maintenance. If you love movement and volume, go for a layered or wavy bob. So many options!

04. Asymmetrical & Edgy Styles ✂️

Y2K vibes are back, and so are asymmetrical hairstyles! Popularized by icons like Rihanna, this look is making a huge comeback. Think Ayra Starr's gram-worthy pose or Love Island winner Amaya Espinal's half sew-in, half cornrows style. The cool thing about Amaya's look? No cutting required! Just braid down one side for that edgy, low-to-the-scalp effect.

Bell says this look is "perfect for someone who wants to make a statement... the beauty who loves standing out in a crowd." It's edgy but still totally wearable. A word of caution from Waugh: whether you go for this or any braided look, avoid styles that are too tight! "Excessive tension can cause breakage and thinning edges," she warns. Ouch! Let's protect those edges, ladies.

05. Textured Blowout Wig 💨

Who says a blowout has to be pin-straight? For fall, let's embrace the texture! There's something so effortlessly cool about a big, voluminous blowout that hasn't been touched by a flat iron. Solange's middle-part, naturally-textured blowout is pure fairy magic—we have no notes.

Bell points out a major perk of getting this look with a wig or extensions: the weather won't mess it up! Your natural hair is safely "tucked away," protected from both excessive heat styling and the autumn elements. It's like having your cake and eating it too.

06. Boho Knotless Braids 🌼

Marsai Martin is the queen of showing us the endless possibilities of braids. Her boho knotless braids here are giving soft, it-girl glamour. Bell explains that these create less tension on the scalp than traditional box braids and offer way more flexibility. "They allow more movement, put less tension on the roots, and look very natural," she says. To keep them looking fresh, spritz with a braid spray every few days to fight off dryness.

07. Bantu Knot Mohawks & Traditional Knots 🪢

If you're on HairTok, you've definitely seen the Bantu knot Mohawk trend taking over! It's such a fun, bold look. Hair creators are all over it, often adding extensions for long side bangs or playful wisps. Tia Mowry keeps it sleek with four medium-sized Bantu knots lined down the middle of her head.

Of course, you can never go wrong with traditional Bantu knots either. They're a classic protective option. Bell says they're "playful and bold," and the best part? Once you take them down, you're left with the most beautiful, bouncy curls! To keep them hydrated and shiny, she suggests applying a nourishing cream before you start twisting.

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So there you have it, my loves! Seven stunning protective styles to try this fall. The key takeaway? Protection doesn't mean boring. You can express yourself, follow trends, and still give your natural hair the break it deserves. Just remember the golden rules: keep that scalp and hair underneath clean and moisturized, avoid excessive tension, and always give your hair breathing room between styles. Now go forth and slay! 💖 #ProtectiveStyleSeason #FallHairGoals #NaturalHairCare