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With insights from Diane Shawe, Founder of Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions & Hair Loss Specialist Salon

When you see celebrities like Zendaya, Issa Rae, Keke Palmer, Oprah or Beyoncé rocking a different look every week—from goddess locs to waist-length braids to flawless lace wigs—it’s easy to assume it’s all for glam. But beneath the style switch-up lies something far more intentional: protective styling.

Protective Styling: More Than a Trend

Protective styles, which include lace wigs, braids, twists, crochet installations, and faux locs, are designed to shield natural hair from damage caused by heat, environmental exposure, and excessive manipulation.

While it may seem counterintuitive to cover healthy hair, many high-profile women—and everyday queens—do so to preserve their hair, not hide it. “Afro-textured hair is beautiful and versatile, but it’s also incredibly delicate,” explains Diane Shawe, expert hairloss enhancement and founder of Need a Hair Makeover.

“People wrongly assume it’s strong because it’s thick or coily, but the curl structure makes it more prone to breakage, especially at the bends.”In fact, afro hair has fewer cuticle layers than straight hair, making it more vulnerable to dryness, tangling, and mechanical damage. And for celebrities whose schedules demand 5 a.m. call times, multiple weekly appearances, and frequent travel, managing natural hair daily becomes almost impossible and would end up irreversably damaged.

“Natural hair takes time—not just to style, but to protect, moisturise, stretch, and detangle,” Shawe adds. “Protective styling becomes a practical and empowering solution.”

What Regular Women Love About It Too

It’s not just celebrities turning to protective styles. Across the UK and beyond, thousands of Black women are embracing this method to grow out their hair, manage conditions like alopecia, or simply enjoy style versatility without stress. “Many of my clients want hair that’s low-maintenance but still beautiful,” says Diane. “Whether they’re dealing with hair thinning from medication, stress, or postpartum changes, protective styles allow them to feel confident again—without compromising their real hair.”

Tips for Choosing the Right Protective Style

Before jumping into any protective style, Shawe encourages thoughtful planning:

1. Choose your stylist wisely. “Not every braider or wig installer understands tension, density, and scalp health. If your style is too tight or heavy, it’s not protective—it’s destructive.”

2. Mind the material. Opt for quality synthetic or human hair, depending on your needs. “There’s a myth that synthetic braiding hair is carcinogenic,” (see my article covering that topic in another blog.)

Diane notes. “This stems from misinformation. The hair is made of fibers like kanekalon or toyokalon, which are non-toxic and used globally. The only issue is when people don’t wash it before use, causing scalp irritation—not cancer.”

3. Keep it clean. “Just because your hair is tucked away doesn’t mean you can ignore it. Cleanse your scalp, moisturise underneath, and avoid styles longer than 6–8 weeks.”

4. Listen to your hair. “If your edges are thinning or your scalp feels inflamed, don’t ignore it. Take breaks between installs and rotate with loose styles like crochet or glueless lace wig alternatives.”

The Confidence Factor

Protective styles aren’t just practical—they’re powerful. They allow Black women to reclaim their image on their own terms.

Lace wigs give the illusion of a flawless hairline.

Knotless braids reduce tension.

Crochet styles blend natural texture with flair. And all of them offer freedom of choice.

As Diane puts it: “Black hair is a crown, but how you wear it is your right. Protective styling gives women options, confidence, and control. Whether you’re walking a red carpet or down your high street—rock your style with pride.”

Ready to switch up your style or get expert guidance? Visit http://www.needahairmakeover.com to book a consultation or follow @NeedAHairMakeover on social media to explore 18+ professional protective styling methods, book a consultations, or get help with hair loss solutions.

There’s more to adding hair

Diane Shawe