Protective hairstyles have moved beyond maintenance; they’ve become bold style statements in their own right. This year, these looks strike a perfect balance between hair health and fashion-forward flair. From modern twists to reimagined braids and texture-driven designs, these are the protective styles set to dominate.
Protective styling has become a powerful form of self-expression. Across cultures, hair carries deep personal, cultural and political meaning — and protective styles are no exception. Rather than concealing natural texture, these looks celebrate it, offering versatility that moves effortlessly from everyday wear to elevated occasions.
After a year defined by bold, boundary-pushing looks, 2025 highlighted just how adaptable protective styles can be. Think hybrids of cornrows and sew-ins, freestyle patterns on natural hair, and modern interpretations of celebrity-favourite looks. Whether you’re running errands, attending a chic event or giving your hair a well-deserved break, this year’s trends lean into architectural finishes, intricate textures and creative updos.
Cornrow Updos
Cornrow updos remain a popular protective style, celebrated for their versatility, durability and low-maintenance appeal. Designed to shield hair from environmental stress and excessive manipulation, these styles support length retention while offering endless styling options — from sleek buns to sculptural, crown-like designs.
Koroba Braids
Koroba braids are a bold protective style rooted in Yoruba culture from Nigeria. Defined by their inverted basket or calabash-inspired shape, the braids flow outward from the crown and are often finished with curled or swept ends. After resurfacing in 2024 and gaining momentum into2025, Koroba braids have emerged as an artistic choice that seamlessly blends cultural heritage with modern styling.
Crochet Styles
Crochet hairstyles offer a practical yet highly customisable approach to protective styling. Created by latch-hooking extensions onto a base of cornrows, these styles allow for minimal daily upkeep while delivering maximum impact. From box braids and Senegalese twists to faux locs and curly or wavy textures, crochet installs can be tailored in length, colour and volume, making them one of the most adaptable options for switching up your look.
Ivy Braids
While boho braids dominated recent seasons, ivy braids are emerging as the new evolution of box braids. Created by Suan Odulele, this protective style prioritises a softer, more relaxed finish with minimal tension at the roots. The result is an intentionally undone look that feels more natural and lived-in than traditional knotless braids. Ivy braids are typically created using Kanekalon braiding hair, with Afro-kinky hair adding extra texture for a more organic finish.
Tanavoho Braids
Tanavoho braids have historical roots in the Sakalava Tribe of Madagascar, where they were traditionally worn by single women. The style forms a crown-like silhouette, with braids arranged in a circular pattern and finished with soft puffs that frame the head. Though rarely seen today, the look gained renewed interest after Rihanna was seen wearing the hairstyle in a a British Vogue issue in 2020. Tanavoho braids begin as box braids or locs at the roots, braided down to bob length before transitioning into rounded sections of kinky hair.
Sculpted Slick Backs
Slicked-back hairstyles are evolving into sharper, more sculptural looks, with an emphasis on clean lines and intentional structure. Sculpted updos and sleek braided details add a modern edge that works just as well with minimal makeup as it does with full glam. This refined approach transforms classic ponytails and buns into statement styles that feel polished, powerful and unmistakably current.
Recent stories by:
Lethiwe Nhlangothi
GLAMOUR Exclusive: Interior Designer Bulelwa Jordan-Tati on the interior design trends set to define 2026
Exclusive interview with Bonang Matheba on the House of BNG retreat and the power of celebration
5 Reasons to buy our March/April'26 Mind and Body Issue featuring Nefisa Mkhabela
4 Effective ways to prevent your jewellery from tarnishing and dullness
