7 Protective Style Trends You'll See This Winter—From Braided Bobs to Twists

Knotless Boho Braids

Knotless boho braids have cemented themselves as one of the most popular hairstyles, and they'll continue to be front and center this winter. The blend of braids and wavy wefts gives the style a glamorous yet effortless appeal. Williams recommends using organic hair wax instead of a thick gel when parting your hair for knotless braids, as the latter may irritate sensitive skin.

Styles suggests applying a moisturizing leave-in at least three times a week to ensure your hair and scalp remain moisturized during the winter. "Add leave-in conditioner, shine oil, and mousse to a spray bottle and shake everything together," she says. She also suggests finger-detangling your curly pieces often, especially if you use synthetic hair extensions.

Koroba Braids

Williams, the braider behind these flawlessly executed Koroba braids, says that the African hairstyle is among the trending protective styles we can count on seeing this winter and beyond. Originating in Nigeria by the Yoruba tribe, Koroba translates to calabash or basket and refers to the rounded shape of the braids. "The style is being applied to so many modern looks: ponytails, box braids, locs — the options are endless," Williams says. "Like any braided style, Koroba braids allow us to give our hair a break from manipulation. I know the term 'protective style' is controversial, but taking a break from heat and daily manipulation is useful and sometimes necessary."

Two-Tone Box Braids

Vibrant two-tone box braids are beginning to pop up on our feeds, and we love that the color pairings are endless. You can go for a half-and-half look, like alt-pop singer Baby Storme, or create a blended mix throughout your braids with colored braiding hair. "Baby Storme's two-tone braids are so cute," Williams says. "I think another super cute color combo [for winter] would be burgundy highlighted with pink," Williams says.

If you're not ready for bold colors, you can always experiment with classic shades like chocolate, copper, black, and gray.

DIY Twists

Plump, juicy twists will always be in style. Among the infinite list of protective styles, twists are one of the easiest to achieve at home on your natural hair. "The easiest way to get the look at home is to shampoo and condition your hair and then part it into four fully detangled sections," Styles says. "Add leave-in conditioner or gel to each section, and twist from the roots to ends."

Whether you opt for two-strand or three-strand twists, this low-maintenance look helps lock in moisture, retain length, and can be styled in endless ways. You can curl the ends using flexi rods, pull the twists into a low bun, or let them flow freely.

Long Two-Strand Twists

Two-strand twists with extra-long extensions are expected to be just as trendy this season. Kyla Pratt's waist-length twists start with dark brown roots and gradually brighten with caramel ends. Our experts say other popular colors for two-strand twists this winter will be jet-black, ginger, ash blonde, and plum.

Braided Bobs

Bobs are having such a moment, and braided bobs are one of the coolest variations of the cropped cut. You can opt for braids of any size for this style, but micro braids are especially fitting for a short look. Styles prefers to use Outre Braids X-Pression Braiding Hair for looks like this because it's not stiff, allowing the braided style to have movement.

Dark Red Crochet Curls

Dark red hair is always on trend during the winter. As the temperature drops, expect more people sporting maroon or burgundy protective hairstyles, like these crochet curls. Styles, who installed this gorgeous 'do, says the reddish hair colors make people feel elegant and sexy. "Crochet curls are growing in popularity because they're very flexible, budget-friendly, and there's no need to sit in the chair all day," she adds. "You can get any crochet style in just three hours."