With the new year well underway, staying tapped into the protective styles shaping the months ahead feels essential. Ahead, we tapped hair experts to share the protective styles set to define 2026.

Elevate your look with small updo feed-in braids! This elegant hairstyle combines intricate braids with a sophisticated updo, perfect for both casual and formal occasions. #FeedInBraids ...

GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski comes out against Trump's election bill, with a warning to her party Jutta Leerdam, Jake Paul's fiancee, impresses speed skating fans with gold medal performance Thousands ...

Myha'la, Zoe Kravitz, and Ravyn Lenae prove that small braids, with extra leave-out, make for a natural and chic look.

Look no further for your prom hair inspo.

There are hair accessories, and then there are bandanas. Being that they're larger than your typical barette or headband, taking up much more surface area depending on how you wear them, bandanas are ...

Though I’m careful to avoid mechanical damage while drying and styling, a few tiny hairs inevitably spring up after a blowout—hovering at my crown like static come to life. And updos? Another struggle ...