If you're looking for a protective hairstyle for your natural hair that's bound to turn heads, look no further than braids. This set-it-and-forget-it style helps keep your tresses protected while also serving up major style. “Protective hairstyles are meant to let your natural hair get a break from environmental factors, heat damage, and frequent washing and detangling, to ensure that your strands can grow and heal,” says hairstylist Annagjid “Kee” Taylor.

Kee suggests styling your hair in a protective style to reduce tangling, shedding, and breakage. The majority of your natural hair will be covered or protected in a braid and you can leave these styles in for weeks at a time.

Before we dive into the different types of braids, let's talk about their origins with Black hair. Braids for natural Black hair date back thousands of years and are an important part of Black ancestry and history. The style of braid could determine a female's marital status, age, or tribe. These unique hairstyles were passed down from generation to generation, by women to their daughters, granddaughters, and so on. Braided hairstyles are still a symbol of expression, a connection to culture and ancestry, and more for Black women today.

When it comes to Black braided hairstyles, the creativity is endless. You can opt for classic cornrows, tree braids, jumbo braids, or Senegalese twists. You'lll never run out of ways and ideas to braid your natural hair.

Once you're set on a style, you'll want to make sure you've got your methods and maintenance down. “I do a cleansing shampoo to make sure the hair is nice and fresh,” says Yusef, a K18 ambassador and celebrity hairstylist. Then I apply a little castor oil to the scalp just to add a little bit more moisture while braiding,” he says. As for how long braids should be kept in, Yusef says it all depends on the style of braids you have. “I think the maximum should be three to four weeks before it's time to take the braids out and redo them and repeat the same steps.”

Now that you have a couple pre-braiding tips under your belt, it's time to decide on a style. We turned to some of the most memorable braided styles from our fave celebs for some gorgeous hair inspo. Can you say #hairgoals?

1. Bantu Knots With Piece-y Braids

2. Beads and Bangs

3. Center Part Box Braids