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Home · Hair

35 Technicolor Protective Hairstyles That Deserve A Standing Ovation

Gone are the days of one-tone dye jobs and boring protective styles. This season, we're witnessing an influx of beautiful brown women diving head first into the technicolor lifestyle. Be it braids, twists, faux locs or crochet, rainbow hues are finding their way into our fall fresh looks and inspiring many to take the same, bold path. Besides famous hair chameleons like Jessica WIlliams, Kelis and of course, Rihanna, there are countless women serving unforgettable mane moments on Instagram. From white hot milkmaid braids to gorgeous green bantu knots, these protective styles are impressive beyond belief. 

By Nikki Brown · October 5, 2016October 26, 2020
01
Fifty Shades Of Brown

You’ll turn just as many heads by incorporating several shades of one color into your hairstyle. 

@ronkeraji/instagram
02
Icy & Fabulous

Channel your inner Storm from X-Men with white hot tresses. 

@nyanelebajoa/instagram
03
Gorgeous In Green

You’ll leave everyone green with envy when you flaunt vibrant jumbo twists. 

@joyvivre/instagram
04
Beautiful Blue

Before your next salon appointment, consider working some blue hair into your protective style. 

@pretaraujo/instagram
05
Pretty In Purple

Update your go-to protective style by incorporating a vibrant hue, like purple. 

@joyvivre/instagram
06
Textured In Grey

With Halloween just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get adventurous with your hair. We love how vibrant grey looks against beautiful, brown skin. 

07
Blue-ish Grey Vibes

These dark and stormy shaded twists are getting us excited for the winter season. 

@olaj_arel/instagram
08
Lovely In Lilac

Dark roots and light strands are our favorite combination. We can’t take our eyes off these bold jumbo braids! 

@magavilhas/instagram
09
A Pop Of Brown

If you’re not ready to take the full rainbow plunge, dye just a couple of your strands a different color. 

10
Chestnut Bantus

Will fall in full formation, we’re excited to see more beauties embrace rich, chestnut tones. 

@melanin_mermaid/instagram
11
Green & Accessorized

No matter the shade you choose to flaunt, a cute accessory will only add to the slay. 

@keishadesvignes/instagram
12
Two-Toned Crown

Milkmaid braids are way more fun with a pop of color. 

@sharonjoroge/instagram
13
Deep & Daring Green

Who says you always have to go brighter to stand out? Oftentimes, a deeper shade packs more punch. 

@chocolateabby/instagram
14
Radiant In Red

Set your beauty on fire with a head full of radiant red faux locs. 

@konnisil/instagram
15
Poppin’ Purple

Take your standard braids up a notch with this beautiful shade of purple. 

@kjs_braids/instagram
16
Ravishing In Rainbow

Rainbow colored tresses are for the bold and confident. 

@niamarie.me/instagram
17
Brown Goddess Braids

Beautiful brown cornrows are the perfect compliment to all of your fall outfits. 

@anistee/instagram
18
Bold and Bright Braids

These multi-colored braids will make a statement whereever you go. 

@ms_dowie/instagram
19
Loc’d Buns

We’re mesmorized by these locs styled into adorable buns. Fabulous!

@miccheckk12/instagram
20
Braids In Bloom

Don’t forget to make sure your makeup is just as vibrant as whatever protective style you choose to wear. 

@tasselfairy/instagram
21
Purple and Pink Slay

Keep warm with bubblegum-tinted tresses styled into a high ponytail. 

@liapinkdoll/instagram
22
Burgundy Fab

Burgundy hues should be on your hair wishlist for fall. 

@patience_edet/instagram
23
Subtle and Smooth

If you’re going for Old Hollywood glamour, stick with a simple protective style that still turns heads. 

@sandralambeck/instagram
24
Ravishing Red

Whether they’re styled into a half-up, half-down style or otherwise, a cool color will take it to the next level. 

@blaackshorty/instagram
25
Brass & Sass

We love seeing brassy, burnt orange protective styles this time of year. Simply gorgeous! 

@misscarradine/instagram
26
White Hot

Are you bold enough to rock white hot braids? 

@automaticappeal/instagram
27
Awesome In Aqua

These twists dipped in aqua hues are a beauty risk worth taking. 

@liapinkdoll/instagram
28
Grey Braided Ponytail

This high braided ponytail has just the right amount of grey; fresh and fabulous! 

@moe__diva/instagram
29
Pretty Purple Fro

The volume has been turned all the way up for this purple afro. We’re obsessed! 

@africancreature/instagram
30
Blue By The Sea

This beauty is making a case for blue hair during a seaside vacay. 

@olaj_arel/instagram
31
Blonde Bombshell

If your protective style includes shaved sides, don’t be afraid to spruce it up with braids. 

@nadjahnicole/instagram
32
Fall Fresh Bob

Vampy lipstick and blonde hair go together like peanut butter and jelly. 

33
Bomb In Brown

These brown braids are bomb beyond belief. (Say that three times fast.) 

@shaurenza/instagram
34
Gorgeous In Green

This protective style has everything we love: texture, volume and bold color. 

@africancreature/instagram
35
Loc’d In Orange

Faux locs are perfect for fall; especially when you incorporate a little color. 

@tashblaque/instagram

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