Spring may have come in a little late this year and proved to be colder than warm, but that's okay because summer is officially on the way to (hopefully) give you all the hot temps and sunny skies you can handle.
Whether you are a member of #TeamNatural or simply want to give your strands a break this summer, protective hairstyles are definitely the way to go. Obviously, protective styles take the stress off of your real hair and promote its long-term health, but they are also good because a protective hairstyle allows you to experiment with your hair as frequently as you like.
If you've always wanted to try out a drastic hair color, length, style, or texture, a protective style allows you the freedom to make your hair dreams a reality—while giving your real hair a break in the process. Since summer is made for fun, we rounded up some of the hottest protective hairstyles, so you don't have to! Check out our picks and let us know some of the hairstyles on your summer must-try list in the comments.
1.Side Braids
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Empire star Serayah McNeill ditches her signature curly locks for a sleek protective style that proves less is more. Hair extensions are added to hair that has been equally parted and braided off to one side. Tip: you can also do this with any individually braided hairstyle.
2.Fulani Braids
Worn for decades, Fulani braids recently gained increased popularity when singer Solange Knowles rocked them. In case you didn't know, Fulani braids are inspired by the Fulani people of Africa and the name comes from the popular braid pattern that they wear. There are many variations of this style, making it ideal for individuality.
3.Blonde Faux Locs
This style is a fabulous way to experiment with color, length, and try something other than the ever-popular box braids. More stylists than ever are now skilled in installing faux locs, so start doing research in your area.
4.Side Cornrows w/ Thread
Traditionally, cornrows are styled straight back, but this cute, summer-ready version shows that you can rock 'em sideways too. With the parting so simple and the braids so few, it allows the gold thread that's weaved into the braids to be the star of the show.
5.Crown Braids
When it comes to easy, stress-free, protective hairstyles, few are better than crown braids. Not only are they a great way to beat the summer heat, they also look very regal when done properly. The process is generally taking a single jumbo braid and braiding it around to mimic a crown and hair extensions allow it to last a long time.
6.Low Curly Ponytail
When your hair just won't cooperate and the summer temperatures refuse to let it be great, this hairstyle is a lifesaver. All you have to do to achieve this understated look is to brush your hair into a low bun and grab some natural hair extensions to wrap around your bun's base. That's it, you're done!
7.Curly Bun w/ Curly Bangs
Pinterest/Mane Addicts
Embrace and enhance your naturally curly hair texture by rocking this adorable bun. To style, brush into a high bun, add curly extensions by wrapping around the bun's base, and attach curly clip-ins to the front to create the bangs. You can also add scarves, headbands, Bobby pins, etc., to give the look some personality.
8.Side Bubble Ponytail
For all the ladies who want to make an impression and shut the summer down, this style is calling your name! The focal point of this look is the hair extensions, you need to make sure you have enough to make your bubble ponytail very thick. Once the extensions have been applied, you place rubber bands or hair elastics throughout to create a bubble look that is sure to turn heads.
9. Auburn & Blonde Box Braids
There are few hairstyles as popular and enduring as box braids. They are so highly coveted that they are not just limited to spring/summer wear but instead are favored year-round. These stand out due to the color combination of auburn and platinum blonde and the added thread and beads placed throughout.
10. Faux Locs Updo
Supermodel Jourdan Dunn is used to wearing her hair in a host of different ways for photo shoots and runways, but her decision to rock faux locs may be her best hairstyle yet. By placing them in a chic, regal updo, we get to see her incredible bone structure. Also, the added embellishments throughout the hair make this a great evening or formal look.
11. Threaded Low Ponytail
Actress Tamera Mowry-Housley has been very open about her hair journey throughout the last few years and recently, she has started to take more hairstyle risks that are really paying off. This voluminous, low ponytail is highlighted by a generous amount of gold thread coiled around its base.
12. Curly Puff
Practically anyone a part of #TeamNatural can vouch for just how reliable this hairstyle is. Even if you have enough hair to achieve this look on your own, the protective method is best for hot summer temps. Brush all your hair up into a bun, secure it with Bobby pins, and wrap curly extensions around the base to create tons of volume. Tip: don't forget the baby hair!
13. Marley Twists
Think of these as the cousin to box braids and Senegalese twists. Marley twists are light on your hair, particularly around those tedious edges, and they can be styled in many fierce ways. When it comes to protective styling choices, twists are one of the top ones to try.
14. Fauxhawk Buns
Can't decide between a fauxhawk and a bun this summer? Well, you don't have to, thanks to this hairstyle that is both funky and functional. This style works for both professional and leisure settings, which is the best of both worlds. To achieve this, place hair into a bun mimicking a fauxhawk, add extensions to wrap around the base, form into buns, and secure with Bobby pins.
15. Platinum Blonde Box Braids
The only thing better than box braids are those that are an intense shade of platinum blonde. Here, you see box braids that have been placed into a high ponytail with a few braids looped around the base. The unfinished ends give more of a natural look that is perfect for summer.
16. Braided Bun
Fresh Lengths
When you can't let go of the bun and braids are life, why not combine the two? This gorgeous hairstyle features several braids that have been placed into an elegant updo to keep your neck cool during those hot days and steamy nights.
17. Chunky Faux Locs
While long faux locs are currently garnering most of the attention, don't neglect just how stunning a shorter version can be. These chunky faux locs are Bob-length and they are beautiful, also the colored thread placed subtly into the hair is the perfect finishing touch.
18. Two Curly Puffs
This style can easily be referred to as the "black girl rite of passage," as most little black girls wore their hair like this at least once in their lives. For protective style measures, brush your hair into two buns on each side of your head and then add curly hair extensions by wrapping them around each bun base.
19. Curly Faux Locs
In case you thought that faux locs couldn't get any more creative, here are these beautifully curly ones that are hard to resist. They are just like regular faux locs except that the ends are in curly spirals that add a nice element of texture and spunk to this protective hairstyle.
*Featured image by Delmaine Donson/Getty Images
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Anyway, I personally think that the less shallow folks out here may contemplate calling things “quits” or they at least distance themselves a bit from their partner (and what I’m referring to is serious relationships) due to all of the stress and strain that oftentimes comes with the holidays whether it be financial, familial, due to their tight schedules or something else.
Listen, I would hate for you and your man to miss the fun and happiness of experiencing this time of year, all because you are so overwhelmed or irritated that you can’t really enjoy it. That’s why I have a few practical tips for how to avoid allowing the typical holiday season stress from INFECTING your relationship.
Manage Your Expectations
GiphyUnmanaged expectations. If there is a main reason why the holiday season tends to be so stress-filled for so many people, I’d bet good money that this is the cause. And when you’re in a long-term relationship, expectations can manifest themselves in all sorts of cryptic and/or unexpected ways. You might have relatives who assume that you are going to be with them for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you have other plans in mind. You might be thinking that you are going to spend one amount for presents while your man is thinking something totally different. When it comes to scheduling, your signals may be crossed.
And you know what? To all of these scenarios, this is where clear and consistent communication come in. Don’t assume anything. Don’t dictate anything either. From now until New Year’s, mutually decide to check in once a week, just to make sure that you are both on the same page as it relates to the holidays and what you both are thinking will come along with it. The less blindsided you both feel, the less stressed out you will be. Trust me on this.
Set (and Keep) a Budget
GiphyOkay, so I read that last year, 36 percent of Americans incurred some type of holiday-related debt. Hmph. Last year, there was still some sense of normalcy in this country, chile, so I can only imagine what finances are gonna look like over the next several weeks. That said, since I don’t know a lot of people who don’t find being broke stressful, make sure that you and your bae set a budget and then stick to it this year — no ifs, ands or buts.
Because really, y’all — it doesn’t make sense to deplete savings and/or max out credit cards for a few days of giggles only to be damn near losing your mind because you don’t know how to make ends meet come Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
And by the way, this tip doesn’t just speak to things like food and gifts; I also mean travel. If it doesn’t make a ton of sense (or cents) to be all over the place this year — DON’T BE.
Keep Matthew 5:37 at the Forefront
GiphyIf off the top of your head, you don’t know what Matthew 5:37 says, no worries, here ya go: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” That verse right there? Oh, it’s a boundaries lifesaver! I say that because do you see “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” in there? Nope. LOL. It says that you should tell people “yes” or “no” and leave it at that — and that complements Anne Lamott’s quote, “’No’ is a complete sentence” impeccably well. Yeah, you’ve got to remember that anything beyond a yes or no to a request is privileged information; you don’t owe anyone details or an explanation.
Besides, if you are really honest with yourself, when someone asks you something and you give a “Umm, let me think about it” kind of reply, more times than not, you already know what your answer is going to be — so why not let you both off of the hook? Give your response. Commit to that. And let everyone (including yourself) get on with their lives and schedules.
I promise you that when it comes to those holiday parties, you are pissing more folks off by not RSVP’ing or doing so and not showing up than just saying, “Thank you but not this year” off the rip.
Remember That Your Personal Space Is Privilege Not a Right
GiphyA friend of mine recently bought a new house and invited me over to come see it. He’s a single man with no children, so as I was taking in all of the space that he had, especially as I walked through his finished basement, I joked about relatives coming to live with him. “Hell no” and “absolutely not” were pretty much his immediate responses as he went on to say that some folks even had the nerve to be offended when he told them that he had no intentions on taking DNA in.
Ain’t it wild how people think that your stuff is their right? And yes, that brings me to my next point. Your home is your sanctuary space. If you want to host folks this year — cool. If not, ALSO COOL. Please don’t let folks (family included) guilt you into how they want you to act or even into what they would do if the shoe was on the other foot. You are not them — and as one of my favorite quotes states, “If two people were exactly alike, one of them would be unnecessary.” (A man by the name Larry Dixon said that.)
Hell, my friends? They know that I am good for sending them random things that they need or even want all throughout the year. Coming over to hang out at my pace, though. Uh-uh. Chalk it up to being a card-carrying member of the ambivert club yet I like keeping my living space personal — and I sleep like a baby, each and every night, for feeling that way.
Always remember that your space, your time, your resources, your energy and shoot, yourself period (including your relationship), are all things that are your own. You get to choose how, when and why you want to share them. The holiday season is certainly no exception.
Cultivate Some “You Two Only” Traditions
GiphyIt’s not uncommon for some couples to hit me up after the holiday season to “detox.” Sometimes it’s due to the financial drama (and sometimes trauma) that they experienced. Sometimes it’s because they allowed their relatives (especially in-laws) to get more into their personal business than they should’ve. More than anything, though, it tends to be because they didn’t get enough quality time together and so ended up feeling “disconnected.”
Please don’t let that happen. Listen, I’m not even a holidays kind of woman and yet, I will absolutely sit myself down with some hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies to enjoy a Hallmark holiday film or two. Aside from the fact that most of them are lighthearted and sweet, I also like that they usually focus on couples loving on each other amidst all of the holiday beauty and ambiance — which is something that all couples should set aside some time to do.
Maybe it’s a vacation. Maybe it’s a staycation. Or maybe it’s my personal favorite, A SEXCATION. Whether it’s for a few days, the weekend or even overnight — don’t you let the holidays go by without setting aside time for you and your man to celebrate one another. Don’t you dare (check out “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry 'Christmas Sex'?”).
GET. SOME. REST.
GiphyI once read that 8 out of 10 people get stressed out over the holidays and 3 out of 10 lose sleep during to it — and when you’re stress-filled and sleep-deprived, that can absolutely lead to hypersensitivity, making mountains out of molehills and even not being in the mood for sex.
Your relationship can’t afford to go through any of this, so definitely make sure to prioritize rest. I don’t care how unrealistic it might seem during this time, sleep should never be seen as a luxury; it will always and forever be a great necessity.
That said, try to get no less than six hours of shut-eye in (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”) and even ask your bae to take a nap with you sometimes (check out “Wanna Have Some Next-Level Sex? Take A Nap, Sis.”). Not only will sleep help to restore your mind, body and spirit but, when it’s with your partner, it’s an act of intimacy that can make you both feel super connected, even in the midst of what might feel like chaos.
___
Holiday season stress is real. Still, never give it the permission or power to throw your relationship off. Put you and your man first and let the holidays be what they are gonna be, chile.
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1. Go All Out with the Christmas Décor
GiphyThere is someone I know who is so obsessed with Christmas, she’s damn near annoying-borderline-terrifying. I’m. Not. Kidding. Yet hey, if you’re going to do a holiday-themed staycation (emphasis on “holiday-themed”), that’s kind of how you’ve got to be. Some décor ideas include:
- A fresh Christmas tree (is the most ideal) that is ultimately decorated
- Wreaths on outside and inside doors
- Garland (with twinkle lights) in predictable and unpredictable places
- Poinsettias
- Mistletoes
- Snow globes
- A stocking (with some of your favorite things in it)
- Fake snow
- Stars
- Angels
- Candy canes
- A BLACK Santa (LOL)
I mean, since you are going to be spending a lot of time at home, it can feel like a mini-winter wonderland if you are intentional about doing more decorating to your living space than you ever have before!
2. Buy a Couple of Christmas-Themed PJs
GiphyWhile I was doing some research on a totally different topic, I happened upon an article that talked about the psychology behind why we should be intentional about what we wear to bed. When you stop to think about the fact that (hopefully) you are sleeping somewhere between 6-8 hours every night, it would make sense that things like the color and fabric of your sleepwear would have a real impact on you — even subconsciously.
Well, when it comes to Christmas décor, specifically, not only does it take you back to nostalgic memories, it can also boost your moods. So, aside from being on-10 with your Christmas décor, also invest in some Christmas-themed PJs. Since you’re going to be doing a lot of lounging around (RIGHT?), do it in something that makes you think about all of your favorite things about this time of year.
3. Cop Some Christmas-Scented Candles
GiphyThere really is no telling how many articles that I’ve written where I am singing the praises of scented soy candles. Candles are soothing, comforting and a very easy way to reduce stress. Also, since it gets darker quicker and for a longer period of time around this time of the year, candles provide a relaxing vibe to your home. Since it is Christmastime, go with scents that are reminiscent of the season:
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Cranberry
- Apple
- Pine
- Frankincense and Myrrh
- Peppermint
- Cashmere
- Ginger(bread)
- Orange
- Sugar Cookies
- Sandalwood
- Cloves
- Cedarwood
- (Hot) Chocolate
Personally, one of my favorite candle companies is Goose Creek. Their signature collections will have your entire house smelling like a high-end bakery. No exaggeration.
4. Play Some Winter-Themed ASMR Sounds
GiphyI’m from Nebraska and my mother was a New Yorker. So, if there is one thing that I like, it’s seasons and that includes snow during wintertime. Unfortunately, Nashville is cray-cray when it comes to that. If, where you live, the weather is all over the place too (which is why I think it’s insane that some people still give pushback to global warming) and you would like for it to at least seem like you are in your own winter wonderland — invest in some fake snow to strategically place around your home.
Oh, and don’t forget to turn on some winter-themed ASMR sounds too. YouTube has videos that run for hours on end that feature blizzards and howling winds that really can make you feel like you are in the midst of an ice storm.
5. Host a Holiday Movie Marathon
GiphyOne thing to remember about a staycation is it doesn’t mean that you have to be alone or that the only people who can participate are the ones who live with you. Since a staycation is simply about staying close to home instead of traveling afar — absolutely consider having some of your favorite people over for a holiday-themed movie marathon. Shoot, Black America Web even did you a solid by publishing “25 Best Black Christmas Movies Of All Time;” plus, Tubi has a Black holiday hits section of indie films too.
Oh, and make sure to get creative with the Christmas-themed snacks. Some ideas? Some Kentucky-fried turkey tenders with cranberry hot sauce (recipe here), some Holiday Hot Spinach Dip (recipe here), some Grinch Kabobs (recipe here), some roasted pecans (recipe here) and some Pomegranate Guacamole (recipe here).
6. Spend a Night (or Two) at a Hotel or Vacation House
GiphyJust like you don’t have to be alone during a staycation, you also don’t have to be cooped up in your house the entire time. Get a change of scenery in your own city by spending the night in a hotel that you’ve always wanted to try out or renting a vacation house for you and some of your folks to hang out in during the time between Christmas and New Year’s Day. I have a “love little sister” who does this randomly when she needs a break from her work as a therapist. She says that it’s damn near like taking a trip (and she has PLENTY of passport stamps; trust me).
7. Have Brunch or Dinner at a Christmas-Themed Restaurant
GiphyIf nothing puts a bigger smile on your face than the thought of DoorDashing meals and barely even touching your stove during your staycation — hey, I am right there with you. Do consider going out to brunch or dinner during your chill time, though. It’s another way to bond with people and create some current holiday memories. And if you’ve got a bae and you opt for dinner, it can be a wonderful type of Christmas-themed date.
8. Go to a Holiday-Themed Concert
GiphyBeing that I got my start as an entertainment writer, hear me when I say that I’m not someone who just has to go to a live concert every chance that I get. Oh, but baby, when I saw that El DeBarge was doing a City Winery tour and he was going to be here right before Christmas — I booked myself a ticket quick, fast and in a super-duper hurry! Shoot, I didn’t even want to go with someone because I plan to give him and that falsetto voice of his my complete and undivided attention. LOL.
I don’t know what it is about the holiday season that makes live music that much more enjoyable — but if there is a concert that features one of your favorite artists happening right through here, consider that to be a cool way to “tour your city” while cultivating a really awesome memory at the same time.
9. Also, Go Ice Skating
GiphyOne of my fondest memories of time with my father is going ice skating. We actually would do it in the summer (because that is when I would visit him) and, every year, he would get me a new ice skating outfit. Even now, when I watch someone ice skate (even in movies; like in the classic movie Garden State), I will have warm fuzzies.
Anyway, if you’ve never been before, go. If it’s been forever since you have, also go. There is something that is very sweet and so signature Christmas about it. Plus, it’s a top-tier form of exercise.
10. Take a Christmas Lights Tour
GiphyAnother one of my favorite Christmas memories is driving through neighborhoods and looking at the Christmas lights. And just like a Christmas concert can be a form of hometown touring, so can doing this if you decide to choose a couple of areas where you’ve never really been or rarely frequent.
Now are you excited about the thought of experiencing a holiday-themed staycation?
I thought you would be. ENJOY!
Featured image by Shutterstock