{"id":11125,"date":"2025-06-25T17:15:06","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T15:15:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=11125"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:25:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:25:56","slug":"top-10-protective-hairstyles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/top-10-protective-hairstyles\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Protective Hairstyles to Try in July: The Braids Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stay-stylish-and-damage-free-with-these-trending-braided-protective-styles-for-winter-2025\"><em>Stay Stylish and Damage-Free with These Trending Braided Protective Styles for Winter 2025<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As winter wraps its chilly arms around South Africa this July, it\u2019s the perfect time to tuck your tresses away in a protective yet fabulous style. Braids are more than just a hairstyle-they\u2019re a cultural statement, a form of self-expression, and above all, a shield against the harsh winter elements.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-4038417621\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From classic box braids to bold boho-inspired twists, we\u2019re bringing you the ultimate <em>Braids Edition<\/em> of the Top 10 Protective Hairstyles that are lighting up salons, Instagram feeds, and winter fashion scenes in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s braid the cold away with confidence and flair!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-knotless-box-braids\">1. <strong>Knotless Box Braids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"386\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863921.webp\" alt=\"Top 10 Protective Hairstyles to Try in July: The Braids Edition\" class=\"wp-image-11647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863921.webp 386w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863921-241x300.webp 241w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 386px) 100vw, 386px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knotless braids are still reigning supreme in 2025. These braids look natural, feel lightweight, and are gentler on your scalp than traditional box braids. You can go small for a sleek look or medium for a fuller appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Perfect for:<\/em> Everyday wear and office settings<br><em>Lasts:<\/em> 4\u20136 weeks<br><em>Pro tip:<\/em> Moisturize your scalp with tea tree or castor oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-fulani-braids\">2. <strong>Fulani Braids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"698\" height=\"856\" src=\"https:\/\/media.gauteng.net\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863919.jpg\" alt=\"Top 10 Protective Hairstyles to Try in July: The Braids Edition\" class=\"wp-image-11643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863919.jpg 698w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863919-245x300.jpg 245w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 698px) 100vw, 698px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Afro-Chic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inspired by the Fulani people of West Africa, this style features cornrows in front and box braids or twists at the back. Beads, cowries, and cuffs give this look personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Perfect for:<\/em> Fashionistas who love tradition with a twist<br><em>Lasts:<\/em> 3\u20134 weeks<br><em>Trend Alert:<\/em> Add triangle parts for a modern edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-boho-box-braids\">3. <strong>Boho Box Braids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.gauteng.net\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863918-777x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Top 10 Protective Hairstyles to Try in July: The Braids Edition\" class=\"wp-image-11641\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">African Hair Braiding By Koumba<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the &#8220;it-girl&#8221; hairstyle of the season. Think traditional box braids, but with loose curly strands added throughout. It\u2019s effortlessly pretty and perfect for weekend vibes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Perfect for:<\/em> Brunch dates, weddings, and concerts<br><em>Lasts:<\/em> 4\u20135 weeks<br><em>Care tip:<\/em> Wrap hair in a silk scarf to avoid frizz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-lemonade-braids\">4. <strong>Lemonade Braids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/media.gauteng.net\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863920-1.jpg\" alt=\"Top 10 Protective Hairstyles to Try in July: The Braids Edition\" class=\"wp-image-11646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863920-1.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863920-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863920-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hair Forest Salon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyonc\u00e9 made them iconic, and we\u2019re still obsessed. These side-swept cornrows scream sass and elegance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Perfect for:<\/em> Those who want a protective style with attitude<br><em>Lasts:<\/em> 2\u20134 weeks<br><em>Styling idea:<\/em> Add golden thread or colour extensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3776838519\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-goddess-braids\">5. <strong>Goddess Braids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"348\" height=\"348\" src=\"https:\/\/media.gauteng.net\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863919-1.jpg\" alt=\"Top 10 Protective Hairstyles to Try in July: The Braids Edition\" class=\"wp-image-11644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863919-1.jpg 348w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863919-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863919-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 348px) 100vw, 348px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">AMYLOVE AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These thick, cornrow-like braids are striking and fast to install. Whether worn in a crown, bun, or cascading down your back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Perfect for:<\/em> Queens who slay all day<br><em>Lasts:<\/em> 2\u20133 weeks<br><em>Maintenance:<\/em> Use edge control to keep the look sharp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CHECK OUT: <\/strong>Top 15 Protective Hairstyles to Try in 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-twist-braids-marley-or-senegalese\">6. <strong>Twist Braids (Marley or Senegalese)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Soft, elegant, and oh-so-feminine. Marley twists give a natural texture, while Senegalese twists offer a sleeker finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Perfect for:<\/em> Naturalistas who want movement and grace<br><em>Lasts:<\/em> 4\u20136 weeks<br><em>Budget note:<\/em> Slightly pricier due to time and extensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-braided-bobs\">7. <strong>Braided Bobs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Short, sweet, and stylish. The braided bob is a fresh take on protective styling for women who love low-maintenance but high-impact looks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Perfect for:<\/em> Professionals and students<br><em>Lasts:<\/em> 3\u20135 weeks<br><em>Hot tip:<\/em> Try ombr\u00e9 colours like burgundy or copper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-cornrows-with-curly-ends\">8. <strong>Cornrows with Curly Ends<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/media.gauteng.net\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863907.webp\" alt=\"Top 10 Protective Hairstyles to Try in July: The Braids Edition\" class=\"wp-image-11638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863907.webp 500w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/top-10-protective-hairstyles-to-try-in-july-the-braids-edition-1750863907-260x300.webp 260w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Right Hairstyles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start sleek, end wild! This hybrid style gives the neatness of cornrows and the playfulness of curls. A fave among Gen Z and TikTok trendsetters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Perfect for:<\/em> Youthful flair and fun outings<br><em>Lasts:<\/em> 2\u20133 weeks<br><em>Style bonus:<\/em> Add mousse to maintain curls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-halo-braid-crown-braid\">9. <strong>Halo Braid \/ Crown Braid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elegant and angelic, the halo braid wraps around your head like a crown. It&#8217;s the ultimate feminine style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Perfect for:<\/em> Special occasions and bridal looks<br><em>Lasts:<\/em> 1\u20132 weeks<br><em>Hack:<\/em> Use braiding hair for fuller crowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-micro-braids\">10. <strong>Micro Braids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tiny but mighty! Micro braids are intricate and versatile-wear them up, down, curled, or straightened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Perfect for:<\/em> Long-term styling (up to 8 weeks)<br><em>Care tip:<\/em> Be cautious during take-down to avoid breakage.<br><em>Time investment:<\/em> Installation can take 8+ hours, but it\u2019s worth it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3776838519\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-budget-expectations\">Budget Expectations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prices vary based on salon, length, and hair type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-to-get-these-styles-done-in-gauteng\">Where to Get These Styles Done in Gauteng<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nouveau Hair Studio (Johannesburg)<\/strong><br><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nouveauhairza\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram @nouveauhairza<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Braid Bar SA (Pretoria)<\/strong><br><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.braidbarsa.co.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.braidbarsa.co.za<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Salon Celeb (Midrand)<\/strong><br><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SalonCelebMidrand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook @SalonCelebMidrand<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Operating hours typically run Monday\u2013Saturday, 8am to 6pm. Always book in advance during winter months!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-word\">Final Word<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/guide-to-skincare-at-any-age\/\">The Ultimate Guide to Skincare at Any Age: Tips for Healthy, Glowing Skin<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Top 10 Protective Hairstyles to Try in July: The Braids Edition<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":11596,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"Protective Hairstyles","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Top 10 Protective Hairstyles to Try in July: The Braids Edition","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[73,78],"tags":[4478,1253],"ppma_author":[11578],"class_list":["post-11125","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-lifestyle","category-tips-guides","tag-knotless-braids","tag-natural-hair-care"],"authors":[{"term_id":11578,"user_id":10,"is_guest":0,"slug":"divinity","display_name":"Divinity Mokgwatshane","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a94d3cada4131628ae09b2e56f8fa25c29e2b1ebe83bb167cb02bdf2738427a7?s=96&r=g","avatar_alt":"","avatar_decorative":"","author_category":"","first_name":"Divinity","last_name":"Mokgwatshane","user_url":"","job_title":"","description":"I\u2019m a seasoned writer and journalist with a passion for impactful storytelling. I cover a wide range of topics including politics, finance, education, lifestyle, and entertainment. With over 500 published articles, I\u2019m known for producing well-researched, SEO-optimized content that informs, engages, and inspires. My background in media, radio broadcasting, and content strategy strengthens my ability to connect with diverse audiences and communicate complex topics with clarity."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11125","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11125"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11125\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11596"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11125"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11125"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11125"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=11125"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}