That might surprise you, since protective hairstyles are most commonly used to style and prevent damage to the African (or Afro-textured) hair type. Pretty often straight hair looks limp and kombucha hair growth flat and that is when a voluminous braid comes into play. At first, you can braid your locks like you normally do and then pull out the strands from the sides to create an extra volume.

Passion twists or spring twists are two-strand twists that are done using best hair extensions. Passion twists were created by a stylist who wanted a hairstyle similar to goddess locs in less time. This is the ideal protective hairstyle for long hair because your hair will be more controlled while you sleep. Whereas with the other two protective hairstyles, long haired girls may find their long hair hard to control.

The shoulder-length natural hairstyle is perfect for warmer weather, since it won’t leave you too hot. Actress Lupita Nyong’o shows us how great twist hairstyles look on short, natural hair. Separate your hair into eight sections and twist or braid each section. Twirl the ends, and then pin the twists to your head to secure them into place. When your hair is completely dry, unravel the twists and carefully fluff your hair.

If you want to do something more with it, you can leave two or three strands falling on your forehead to give you a more sophisticated look. Since we’re all about making styles as easy to try as possible, here’s an introductory lesson. Now, spin all your hair into twists slightly smaller than hers and just head to sleep while the style takes hold. As a reference, singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae is one of the most visible celebrities known to rock this style. Her hair often has the tons of volume and loosened waves typical of the twist-out technique.

Then braid it loosely down the back of your hair and tie it with a ribbon or ribbon scrunchie for an even cuter touch. I’m all about hairstyles that don’t require a ton of styling—IYKYK. For this style, leave most of your straight hair as is and then take two front sections and braid them down the sides.

Secure long havana, passion or rope twists with a head wrap or scarf. Pile your twists into a large bun for an easy, charming style. For added polish don’t forget to sculpt your baby hairs. When you’re short on time and fancy a sporty-but-cute look, you might want to try two simple pigtail twists. It’s easy enough to do in a rush or as an everyday style, and is functional when it comes to keeping your hair contained and out of your face.

Add in hair from your hairline to one section and twist that back over the other section. In the face of cultural pressure, the thinking goes, conformists relax their hair, and rebels have the courage not to. In some corners, relaxing one’s hair is even seen as wishing to be white.

Your canvas can be straight, wavy and even crimped, which is a chic choice for fine locks. As for the braids, you are welcome to pick anything that suits you best. Here’s an amazing way to amp up your style in seconds.

“I don’t love how dirty silicone-y styling products feel in my hair, so I try to just hydrate the heck out of it,” says Allure’s contributing special projects director Patricia Tortolani. Right now she’s using Smooth Sexy Hair Smooth Extender Mask, $8, which she detangles with a wide tooth comb before rinsing clean. If it’s day time, Tortolani leaves her hair down to dry the rest of the way, flipping it back and forth a few times to get some lift at the roots.