Summer’s officially here, and the heat and humidity makes the idea of shaving your head more tempting than ever. Whether you’re relaxed or natural, a full head of hair on your neck can be hot — not to mention what a pain it is to keep your wash-and-go or perm looking right despite the humid air. Instead of beginning to resent your hair, look into a DIY protective style to last you anywhere from a day to a few weeks. The Blavity team will be at Essence Festival in early July, and you can bet that more than a few of us will be rocking protective styles to help us survive the NOLA climate. Check out some beautiful options below:

1. Havana twists

2. Senegalese twists

3. Box braids

4. Halo braid 

Pro tip: This style is great for when your straightened style starts to revert or when your curls have been stretched out all week.

5. Crochet braids

6. Satin-lined cap 

Photo: satinlinedcaps.com

(Ok, this one isn’t really DIY. But if the price on these is too steep, you can certainly sew some satin on the inside of your favorite hat for a DIY spin.)

7. Crochet braided pigtails

8. Bantu knots

9. Wrapped in a scarf

10. Ghana braids

11. Goddess braid bun

Which style is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! And join us at Essence Fest in New Orleans July 1-4, 2016.


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