10 Protective Style Trends for Fall, From Baldie Braids to Wavy Bobs

With cooler weather comes the desire for change, including changes to our wardrobes, our manicures, and—of course—our hair. Historically, for those with natural hair, the transition from summer to fall has often meant changing from protective styles to wash-and-gos or silk presses. But protective styles aren’t exclusive to sun-drenched vacations to warmer locations. They can be worn long beyond summer. In fact, many protective styles are trending for fall 2024. After all, they make for a great way to experiment with hair color and texture. 

To find out which protective styles to pair with our sweaters this autumn, we consulted three pro hairstylists: Larry Sims, Tippi Shorter, and Kari Williams, PhD. Read on to find out which braids, sew-ins, and weaves will be everywhere this season.

Braided Bobs 

Braided bobs are bringing back the ’90s, and have been growing in popularity over the last few seasons. The bobs of today play with color, texture, and even ends (including burnt, loose, and puffy varieties). “I love the braided bob,” Shorter shares. “The previous trend was braids to the floor, but I think the baldie braids are giving new life to short looks with braids. Fall is always the time to cut off summer damage, so I see bobs becoming popular in hair, braids, and twists.”

Braided Baldie 

Speaking of the braided baldie, this cornrow alternative has taken social media by storm, with variations that include everything from finger waves to hearts. However, when you try this trendy style, minding your scalp, hair, and edge health will be crucial to preventing hair loss. Williams says how you prep is critical to ensuring your hair and scalp remain healthy: For example, double cleansing and deep conditioning to make sure your hair is clean and nourished before tucking it away. She also recommends regularly oiling your scalp and the length of the braids to keep them moisturized.

Voluminous Layered Units

Voluminous hair has been making waves on red carpets and runways all year, with everyone from Beyoncé (we still haven’t forgotten the luxurious Super Bowl hair) to Zendaya giving us heightened hair with bouncy curls in every length. And according to Sims, this trend isn’t going anywhere. “Wigs with lots of volume and body will be on trend,” he says. “There is definitely an emphasis on richer, more textured styles during the cooler fall months. Layered wigs are always great because they create a versatile, vibrant look that complements the fall season.”

He recommends a one-on-one visit with a stylist to tailor your unit. “To best complement your face shape and structure, getting a haircut on the wig can be beneficial,” he tells us. “Just like natural hair, a wig can be trimmed and styled to enhance your features. Cutting a wig before installing can create a more natural look… personalized for the individual wearing the wig.” 

Bora Bora Braids

New Jersey-based master braider and hairstylist Omobolanle Ajao created the voluminous, long, curly braids coined “Bora Bora braids,” and we know they’ve been saved on many protective-style mood boards. If you’re not ready for the commitment of a sew-in but still want a braided protective style, Bora Bora braids strike the perfect balance. Additionally, this style allows you to experiment with blondes and reds without damaging your hair.

Human hair is the key to nailing this style—it helps the braids last longer, and you’ll care for the hair as you would your natural hair. Many question how to keep the curls intact sans tangles; Ajao recommended using a lightweight leave-in on Instagram. Flawless by Gabrielle Union’s Detangling Leave-In Conditioner Spray is infused with shea butter, Brazilian bacuri butter, and biotin. It nourishes, detangles, and strengthens, making it ideal for keeping the curls in this style knot-free and smooth.

Closure Sew-Ins 

Sew-ins will be on-trend forever and always, thanks to their versatility and ability to act as a protective style. You can go long and curly, short with a crisp layered bob, or opt for a bust-down middle part in 20 inches. The possibilities are endless. While you can always go for a leave-out, a closure sew-in will be the way to go if you want to minimize manipulation (which can lead to breakage). A stylist can help you create a customized, tailor-made closure with bleached knots and a tweezed hairline.

Cornrows

With cornrows, you can play with patterns (hearts are still trending), size, length, and color. For sensitive scalps, synthetic hair can be irritating, so consider opting for plant-based hair with skin-loving ingredients. If you want to experiment with color, Rebundle offers Honey (blonde), Salt (gray), Spice (copper), and Ocean (blue) in addition to traditional browns and blacks. Nourie Hair, which also offers planted-based hair, has deep brown and black hair options. 

Chin-Length Wavy Bobs 

The chin-length bob is a fall staple. But let’s say you have long hair and don’t want to commit to a cut or color. You can always opt for a wig. Kelly Rowland and Kerry Washington’s bobs are always on point, whether showcasing their gorgeous locks or rocking a unit, so use them as a guide—and don’t forget to connect with a stylist to get your bob cut for your face shape. 

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Color is a great way to breathe new life into a protective style—if you do it properly. “Human hair wigs and extensions really behave just like our hair,” Shorter explains. “Too much color, heat, and handling can lead to damage.” For this reason, Williams recommends using a deep conditioner, like Cécred’s Moisturizing Deep Conditioner, to restore moisture and softness to the wig fibers. “​​Additionally, always air-dry your wigs and store them properly on a wig stand to maintain their shape and texture,” she says. 

To prevent overprocessing your wig with heat, Shorter recommends taking it off at night. This way, you can give your hair and scalp a breather while allowing your unit to keep its style.

Copper

“Fall is great because there are so many vibrant, rich colors to experiment with,” says Sims. A coppery red, which he says is typically a more auburn red, is one of his top picks. Why? “This look is amazing because it brings out the warmth in melanated skin, creating a beautiful contrast.” Because reds tend to fade, using a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner will be essential, as will regular visits to your stylist to maintain your hue. 

Honey Blonde

If you were one of the many who went blonde this summer, you might feel obligated to go darker as the weather cools. But Shorter says you can still rock the hues in the fall—just add some depth. “For the blonde girlies that don’t want to go dark, adding some lowlights in a rich brown and a warmer gloss will be the way to go,” she tells us.

Chestnut Chocolate Brown

If coppers and blondes aren’t in your color wheelhouse, Sims says chestnut chocolate browns will also be popular this fall. “It’s super rich and very classic [and this] shade would look great on warm undertones,” he tells us. This deep hue adds subtle depth to dark hair—the change will be noticeable, but not overpowering.