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Staying active is essential for maintaining a healthy body, and for those who train hard, play sports, or are dedicated to fitness, hair protective styles is a game-changer.
Whether you’re hitting the gym, playing a sport, or just working up a sweat, having a hairstyle that both protects your hair and keeps you looking sharp is key.
The right hairstyle not only protects your hair from damage but also keeps you looking good and confident while in motion.
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Styles like braids, cornrows, or bantu knots are perfect because they safeguard your strands, keeping the ends tucked away and shielded from the elements, daily wear, and breakage. This not only helps maintain hair health but also supports growth by reducing damage to the hair.
When being active, your hair can be tugged, pulled, or over-stretched, which can cause damage; that’s why hair protective styles are important for Black women.
The effectiveness of hair protective styles lies in their versatility. You can wear them to the gym, on the court, or even at work, all while showcasing your personal style. Numerous athletes, from track stars to basketball players, have adopted these styles not only for convenience but also as expressions of Black culture.
Here are 15 protective hairstyles that combine style, comfort, and practicality. These styles are more than just a safeguard; they also ensure you feel good and look good while staying active. What’s the point of winning if you can’t look stylish while you’re doing it?
We will also highlight several celebrity athletes who proudly wear these styles, demonstrating that proactive hair can be both functional and fashionable.
Check all our hair protective styles below:
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1. Braided Updo
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A braided updo is a versatile and chic hairstyle where intricate braids are woven and styled into an elegant updo. This style keeps hair tightly secured to your scalp, preventing flyaways or frizz, especially during intense physical activity. It’s the perfect style for athletes who need both protection and a polished look.
Former WNBA star Candace Parker famously sported braided updos during her games and off the court. Her sleek, stylish braids were tightly woven into buns or twists, letting her focus on dominating the court without hair distractions. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA champion, Candace knew how to stay locked in while looking flawless.
2. Cornrows
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Cornrows are plaited close to the scalp in straight or zigzag patterns. They provide a sleek, secure look that stays in place through high-impact movements, making them perfect for athletes. Cornrows require little maintenance and last for weeks, making them both practical and stylish.
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson often sports cornrows, and they bring out her stunning cheekbones while providing a smooth, aerodynamic look on the court.
3. Box Braids
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Box braids are individual plaits divided into square-shaped sections of hair worn down. They’re thicker than cornrows and can be accessorized with beads or cuffs, adding both durability and flair. This style is perfect for athletes and active women because it’s low-maintenance and long-lasting.
Tennis legend Venus Williams has rocked box braids throughout her entire career. Often adorned with colorful beads, her box braids became an iconic part of her on-court style, perfectly complementing her powerhouse performance.
4. Twists
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Twists are smooth, rope-like twists that are thicker than standard twists, providing a full and voluminous look. This style is not only protective but also adds texture and elegance, making it a go-to for athletes needing long-lasting protection and style.
Naomi Osaka is a prime example of a sports star who effortlessly rocks twists on the court. They keep her hair protected while providing a sleek, polished look, no matter how intense the match. And she loves decorating them, too, for added flair.
5. Locs
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Locs—whether real or faux—can be a great protective hairstyle if done right and without excessive tension. You can get them done every 3 to 4 weeks, saving you a lot of time and money from returning to the hairdresser.
If you aren’t ready to start your natural loc journey just yet, faux locs give the appearance of dreadlocks but without the long-term commitment. The style uses synthetic or human hair wrapped around the natural hair to create long-lasting, low-maintenance locks that can withstand sweat and intense movement.
But if you’re ready to dive in, look no further than WNBA star Nneka Ogwumike. The Seattle Storm player has rocked her stunning, thick natural locs with confidence throughout her career, proving just how versatile they can be. Not only do her locs keep her hair secure, but they also add a unique flair to her style, complementing her performance both on and off the court.
6. Bantu Knots
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Bantu knots involve creating small, coiled buns that are tightly secured at the scalp. This style defines natural curls while providing a secure fit that stays in place during physical exertion. It’s perfect for athletes because it requires minimal maintenance and offers a fresh, bold look.
7. Dutch Braids
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Dutch braids are a variation of the traditional braid, where the sections are woven underneath to create a 3D raised look. This style keeps hair tight and secure, ideal for high-intensity sports like basketball or volleyball.
Angel Reese, of the Chicago Sky, makes Dutch braids look effortlessly athletic and polished. The style elevates her game-day looks while keeping her hair neatly in place.
8. High Bun
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A high bun is a simple, classic way to keep hair out of your face. The hair is gathered at the crown of the head and tightly secured, offering a clean, professional look that minimizes hair movement during activity.
USC Trojans star JuJu Watkins often sports a high bun, allowing her to focus on her game while keeping her hair secure and stylish. It’s a sleek, practical option for her high-energy play.
9. Low Bun
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A low ponytail is the ultimate no-fuss style, pulling the hair back at the nape of the neck. It’s comfortable, secure, and versatile, making it ideal for athletes or active women who need a quick and reliable style during workouts or competitions.
Coco Gauff frequently opts for a low-braided ponytail, which allows her to stay focused on her fast-paced tennis matches without worrying about her hair.
10. Afro Puffs
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Afro puffs are two small buns placed on either side of the head, often high for a playful yet functional look. This style keeps hair out of the face during intense movement, all while adding an element of fun.
UConn Huskies guard Qadence Samuels sported afro puffs last year at a game, merging youthful energy with practicality during her high-energy match.
11. Twist out
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A twist-out is a natural style where the hair is twisted into sections, left to set, and then unraveled to create defined, bouncy curls. This style is perfect for athletes with natural hair who want to show off their curls while keeping them protected and intact.
Brittney Griner often rocks a twist-out, allowing her natural curls to shine while keeping them in check during her games. The style offers movement and freedom, perfect for her high-intensity plays.
12. Flat twists
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Flat twists are a variation of cornrows, but instead of braiding, the hair is twisted flat to the scalp. This style provides a uniform look while protecting the hair, making it perfect for athletes who need a neat and low-maintenance option that lasts.
Monique Billings, star of the Golden State Valkyries, has often been seen wearing flat twists during her basketball games, offering both style and protection in one convenient package.
13. Low tapered cut
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A tapered cut features short sides with longer curls on top, making it both stylish and easy to maintain. This low-maintenance style is perfect for athletes with natural curls, offering a polished yet practical look.
Danielle Robinson, former WNBA star and now assistant coach for the LA Sparks, has sported a tapered cut, allowing her curls to stand out while keeping her hair manageable during active days.
14. Curly ponytail
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For a softer, more natural look, a curly ponytail gathers hair while letting curls flow freely. It’s a balance of elegance and function, keeping hair in place without feeling restrictive, perfect for athletes who want to look good while performing.
Former Phoenix Mercury guard Celeste Taylor, now the Grand Canyon’s assistant coach, is famous for wearing curly ponytails.
15. Island Twists
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If you’re looking for a fun twist on the classic, Island twists are a great go-to style for active women. These large, versatile twists can be worn up to keep hair out of the way or left down for a relaxed, carefree look.
Indiana Fever center Aaliyah Boston famously rocked them during a recent game, leaving some of her twists out to sway as she played
