Your protective-style care shopping guide
Protective hair faves, all in one place.
On our radar
New & only at Ulta
Cécred Protection Collection
Explore the Protection Collection, a first-of-its-kind haircare line designed to help keep your scalp & hair healthy from install to take down. For extensions and protective styles, this collection helps you shed less and retain more.*
Wash day winners
Shop allCleansers, rinses and conditioners that detox, remove build-up and soothe.
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Scalp care standouts
Shop allHealthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Show yours love with these nourishing and growth-promoting formulas.
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Styler and refresher MVPs
Shop allEverything you need to define braids and twists—and keep them fab between washes.
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Must-try masks and leave-ins
Shop allRepairing, quenching scalp and hair care for before and after protective styling.
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Edge control essentials
Shop allThe best for smoothing out flyways and styling your edges with ease and precision.
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Best protective accessories and tools
Shop allThe right accessories make a big difference! Try these protective bonnets, brushes, combs and more.
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*Based on a 3rd-party consumer salon study with participant in protective styles.
Shop the Best Products for Protective Styles and Braids at Ulta Beauty
Protective styling is key to maintaining healthy, strong hair, and at Ulta Beauty, we offer the best products for protective styles and braids to keep your hair nourished and well-maintained. From hair cream for braids to the best mousse for braids, our curated selection ensures that your protective styles stay sleek, moisturized, and long-lasting.
To maintain the beauty and health of your braids, our collection includes essential hair care for braids. From moisturizing sprays and creams to scalp treatments and leave-in conditioners, we've got everything you need for optimal maintenance and style longevity.
FAQs
What is protective hair styling?
Protective hair styling involves hairstyles like braids, twists, and updos that shield your natural hair from environmental damage, breakage, and dryness. These styles help to reduce manipulation, allowing your hair to rest and grow while protecting it from heat, harsh weather, and over-styling.
What should I put in my hair before a protective style?
Before installing a protective style, it's important to moisturize and nourish your hair. Use a leave-in conditioner, hair oil, or a combination of both to hydrate your strands and prepare them for styling.
Which is the best oil for protective hair styles and braids?
For protective styles and braids, lightweight oils like jojoba, argan, and almond oil are ideal. These oils nourish your scalp and hair without weighing it down or causing buildup. Our selection at Ulta Beauty includes the best oils for maintaining moisture and shine in your protective styles.
How do you maintain protective hair styles and braids?
To maintain protective styles and braids, regularly moisturize your scalp and hair with leave-in conditioners, oils, or moisturizing sprays.
Use a mousse or styling foam to keep your braids looking fresh, and be gentle when washing or detangling to avoid frizz or breakage.
Sleeping with a satin scarf or bonnet can also help prevent friction and preserve the style.
Can I find protective hair styling products at Ulta Beauty?
Yes! At Ulta Beauty, we offer a wide range of protective hair styling products designed to help you maintain and care for your braids, twists, and other protective styles. From mousses for braids to scalp oils, moisturizing creams, and leave-in conditioners, our expertly curated collection has everything you need to keep your protective styles looking fresh and your hair healthy.
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