And it seems they’re looking more creative than ever, with innovative techniques that cut down on time and cost! Cost, however, only seems to matter when you are a regular Joe, and not at celebrity status. Our favorite celebrities took protective styling to a whole other level and set the bar high this year! Some of our favorites like Solange, sister Beyonce and Willow Smith all stepped their protective styling game up and gave us some natural hair inspiration. See the looks we were obsessed with below.
Lupita reached new heights with her tiered protective bun at this year's MET Gala.
Lupita Nyong'o
Rihanna also knows how to rock a mean faux loc; she just prefers hers extra, extra long.
Rihanna
16-year-old Willow Smith definitely has her own style and that extends to her hair and makeup choices. Real locs are the ultimate protective style.
Willow Smith
The Being Mary Jane actress slayed in Senegalese twists at the 2016 BET Awards.
Gabrielle Union
Queen Bey took protective styling to new levels this year, but her extra long micro box braids at this year’s BET Awards were a fan favorite.
Beyoncé
Solange’s halo braid for Saturday Night Live took over 40 hours to make with about 2,000 Swarovski crystals.
Solange
We're feeling Keke Palmer's fire engine red braids!
Keke Palmer
Ms. Monáe is known for her eclectic sense of glam, so we weren't surprised when she stunned with her rendition of a French braided Mohawk at this year’s Pre-Grammy celebration.
Janelle Monáe
The Survivor's Remorse actress looked like a queen at this year's ESPYS, sporting braids wrapped in a silk scarf.
Teyonah Parris
For her performance at this year's Made In America Music Festival, the performer made sure her braided do stood out on the stage.
FKA Twigs
And her winter white faux locs definitely caught our attention at the Panorama Festival.
FKA Twigs
The seasoned actress commanded the BET Awards red carpet in waist length marley twists.
Tasha Smith