Summer is here, and with it comes pool days, packed schedules, sweaty commutes—and the desperate urge to give your natural hair a break. Enter: protective styles. Always dependable, always versatile, and thanks to TikTok’s ever-growing beauty archive, cooler than ever.

This season, protective hairstyles are serving more than just functionality. They’re giving high fashion, nostalgic throwbacks, and texture that doesn’t quit. Whether you’re jetting off to Santorini or just trying to keep cool in Lagos traffic, these styles do the heavy lifting so your curls don’t have to.

We tapped three industry insiders—celebrity stylists and hair pros who know what’s hot and what works—to break down this season’s biggest protective trends. From viral bantu knots to beachy sew-ins, here are five protective hairstyles worth trying this summer:

1. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are back and bolder than ever. And if you think it’s just a style for wash day, think again. Patterned parting, playful placement, and fabric accents (leather, anyone?) are elevating this look to art form status. Just ask Tinashe, who recently wore hers with styled edges and a full glam face.

We suggest a firm hair jam at the roots to create clean parts and keep your knots lasting through heat and humidity. Pro tip: sleep in a silk bonnet to keep things neat.

2. The Half-Up, Half-Down Braids

Tems gave us life with this nostalgic braided look—and the internet noticed. “It gives major ‘90s babe energy,” says Ashanti Lation, who created the viral style. “Perfect for brunch, a night out, or just vibing on vacation.”

This look is as functional as it is flirty. Braids away from your face = heat relief. And those flipped ends? Use a heat protectant and bend the hair outward with a curling iron. Paddle-brush for bounce.

3. The Sleek Ponytail With Textured Extensions

The ponytail is never going out of style. But this summer, we’re going big on texture. Think curls, coils, and body. Skip the bone-straight bundles and opt for textured extensions for better protection and a seamless blend.

Stylist tip: don’t leave your ponytail in too long—too much tension at the root can lead to breakage. Keep your edges hydrated and your base secure.

4. Braided Bobs & Blonde Comebacks

Micro braids? Braided bobs? Burnt ends? The ‘90s are back in braid form. If Justine Skye has taught us anything, it’s that blonde braids + nostalgia = a guaranteed win.

We recommend misting blonde braids regularly with water and leave-in conditioner to avoid dryness. And if your style ends in loose curls, enhance them with curl cream for that soft, defined finish.

5. The Wash-and-Go Wig That Looks Anything But Wiggy

You’ve seen them on TikTok: full, fluffy wigs that mimic your real texture on its best day. Whether you go for a U-part wig or a full install, textured wigs are a lazy-girl hack that doesn’t sacrifice style.

“Choose a texture that blends easily and doesn’t need much leave-out,” says stylist Janera Rose. “And don’t underestimate synthetic if you’re balling on a budget—just protect it well.”

At night, twist or braid your wig, store on a mannequin head, and wrap it with satin. You’ll wake up with your crown intact.