With winter on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about the protective hairstyles that will keep your hair hydrated and well cared for as temps continue to drop. Cold weather can be especially drying for textured hair, as the wind dehydrates our kinks and curls and lead to breakage. That’s why protective styles like box braids, Senegalese twists, and Fulani braids are so essential.

Below are 6 Classy Braids for Women.

Plaited Updo

Take your braids to new heights with this regal updo, created by Koudou. Inspired by Yoruba royalty, it’s a style that not only causes you to stop in awe, but also pays homage to ancestors long before us who developed intricate and innovative patterns to take care of their natural locks.

Cornrows with a Faux Pony

Braiding cornrows back into a faux pony gives you the best of both worlds: intricate style and maximum volume. If you’ve been looking to experiment with colour, you can weave it in the cornrows or just add in a bright pony to create a colour –block effect either way is guaranteed to look cute.

Faux Locs

Another great way to put a cool spin on box braids or faux locs is combining textures and curl patterns with extension hair If you’re looking to up the ante, you can also and in different colours

Wavy Bantu Knots

These bantu knots are the perfect mix of playful and chic, thanks to the curved parts and chunky, braided knots. This is a prime example of how switching up your parting can instantly refresh a tried-and-true classic.

Senegalese Twist Updo

Take a fresh approach to a mainstream chignon by styling it with Senegalese twists. Although it may look complicated, it’s anything but: just pull back your twists into a high pony and swoop to one side. If you’re looking to dress it up even further, give gold or jewel-toned accessories a whirl.

Knotless Box Braids

One look at these knotless box braids, and it’s not hard to see why the technique has blown up over the past few years. Because braiders start with your natural hair, it doesn’t create as much tension at your scalp, so it’s more comfortable with less chance of breakage. There’s also an added sleekness thanks to the knot-free style, which create a seamless look.