Spring is the season of new beginnings—flowers bloom, birds sing, and your hair screams, “Give me a break!” Enter protective hairstyles, the ultimate hair saviors that keep your strands safe while letting you flex on everyone. This season, it’s all about chic wigs, bouncy twists, and braid designs so gorgeous they should have their own red carpet.
Fabulous Kelley Salle tapped hair pros Kim Kimble and Stanley Nolan for the scoop on the hottest 2025 spring protective styles. And because we’re feeling extra, we’ll sprinkle in some maintenance tips so you don’t end up looking like a tumbleweed. Ready? Let’s get into it!
10 Protective Hairstyles for Spring
Knotless Braids: The MVP of Protective Styles
Knotless braids have been trending so long they deserve a lifetime achievement award. And for good reason! Nolan raves about their seamless, tension-free technique that reduces breakage and even encourages hair growth. So basically, you’re protecting your hair and leveling up your inches.
To keep your braids fresh, cleanse your scalp with dry shampoo, moisturize with lightweight oils, and always—ALWAYS—wrap your hair in satin before bed. Your edges will thank you.
Bobbed Wig: Because Who Has Time for a Blowout?
Bobs have been back, honey, and they’re not leaving anytime soon. This spring, we’re seeing precision-cut layers with movement that screams, “I wake up like this” (even if it took an hour).
Want in? Snag a bobbed wig and take it to a stylist for a custom cut. Kimble says to choose between classic, asymmetrical, or shaggy layers depending on your vibe. The best part? You can switch up your look in minutes. We love a low-maintenance queen!
Basket & Spiral Braids: Your Hair, Your Canvas
Protective styles are more than just functional—they’re art. Basket and spiral braids are here for the naturals who love a little drama (the good kind). Kimble notes that these intricate designs are blowing up because of their cultural significance and pure slayage.
Pro tip: Bring inspo pics to your stylist or let them freestyle. Either way, keep your scalp moisturized and wrap your hair in silk at night unless you enjoy waking up with a bird’s nest.
Spring Twists: Light as Air, Cute as Ever
@kiarakaybrown Styling my human springy afro twist hair 🤍 Subscribe to my YouTube for more #CapCut #springtwist #springytwisthair ♬ original sound – karrahbooo
Spring twists are perfect for those who want a protective style that won’t make their neck feel like it’s in a weightlifting competition. These twists are ultra-versatile, working on all hair types with endless styling options.
For a flawless DIY, start with damp hair, divide into sections, and twist with a styling product. Nolan advises keeping your scalp hydrated and avoiding heavy products unless you want your hair to double as a frying pan.
Sew-Ins with Minimal Leave-Out: The Lazy Girl’s Dream
Sew-ins are a solid choice for spring—minimal leave-out means less styling stress, and they last for weeks! Nolan loves them for their flexibility in length and texture.
To keep your sew-in looking fresh, wash it every 2-3 weeks, be gentle to avoid tension, and wrap it up at night. Treat it like your favorite handbag—care for it, and it’ll serve you well.
Bantu Knots: Two Styles in One
Bantu knots aren’t just a protective style; they’re an investment. Wear them as they are for a cute, edgy look or unravel them for voluminous curls.
To create them, part your hair, apply leave-in conditioner, twist tightly, and wrap each section into a small knot. Hydration is key, so stock up on moisturizing sprays. And as always, satin pillowcases are your bestie.
Faux Locs: Commitment-Free Loc Love
Want locs but scared of the commitment? Faux locs to the rescue! Whether you use crochet locs or human hair, they give that effortlessly cool look without the long-term vows.
Nolan’s pro tip: If you use the wrapping method, you don’t even need to wash them. Yep, you heard that right—low-maintenance queens rejoice!
Feed-in Cornrows: Sleek, Chic, and Protective
Feed-in braids are elite for a reason. They create the illusion of thicker, longer braids, and they’re just so clean.
Nolan suggests starting with a three-strand braid, then gradually adding small amounts of braiding hair. Keep your hair hydrated and use a leave-in conditioner to keep your scalp happy.
Lace Front Wigs: The Ultimate Switch-Up
Lace front wigs are the VIPs of protective styles. Want waist-length hair today and a pixie cut tomorrow? Done. Nolan loves them because they give endless variety with zero commitment.
Applying one at home is an option, but visiting a stylist ensures a flawless fit. Just wash your wig every 7-10 wears and store it properly unless you enjoy finding it in your dog’s bed.
Fulani Braids: The Classic Never Dies
Fulani braids have been serving looks for centuries, and they’re not stopping now. With their signature mix of cornrows and feed-in braids (often adorned with beads), they’re a top-tier choice for spring.
To maintain, use a leave-in conditioner for hydration and a dry shampoo for longevity. Keep those beads shining and let your hair do the talking!
Conclusion: Spring into a New Look!
And there you have it—10 spring protective style trends that will have you stepping into spring looking like a whole masterpiece. Whether you go for twists, wigs, or braids, the key is hydration, satin at night, and a little attitude (because confidence makes every style look better).
Special thanks to the fabulous Kelley Salle for putting us on to these protective hairstyles for spring trends! If you want even more hair inspo, check out some of her scoop at Byrdie. Now go forth and slay!
