Ladies, gents, and genderless, it is 2023, and with a fresh new year should come some fresh new hairstyles.

I read a meme a few months ago on Instagram that said, “If you’re feeling down, get your hair done.” Getting your hair done will not solve your problems, but it will definitely give you a little more oomph in your step as you journey through the roller coaster of life. 

Protective styling preserves your hair’s health and protects it from damage that can result from breakage due to heat, manipulation, and environmental factors like harsh wind and cold weather.

Below is a list of some clean, sexy, and first-class protective hairstyles. I’m giving you no excuses to run out of braided or twisted styles because I have listed enough to get you through the year when the time arises.

Enjoy viewing the various styles and adding a little of your own stank on them.

  1. Pop Smoke Braids Remastered

Sadly we lost a young King when Pop Smoke left this earth, but luckily for us, he left more than his music behind, Pop Smoke popularized the side cornrows, and now we all can freak them any way we please and still have a little piece of his legacy.

  • 2. Stitch Braid Ponytail Cornrows

This stitch braid updo is very clean, requires low maintenance, and is excellent for any occasion.

  • 3. The OG Triple OG Straight Back Cornrows

Listen, if you don’t know, you can’t go wrong with the OG cornrows. Whether you do 6, 10, or 16 braids, this sleek and sexy style will never go wrong.

  • 4. The cornrow Braids Ponytail

In the mood for a bit of razzle-dazzle? These crafted cornrows with box braids in the back are always clutch; hair out your face, but still down your back and can do a high pony when the time arises. You can’t go wrong here.

  • 5. Passion Twist

Passion twist came on the scene about 2/3 years ago and took the girls by storm; this style is pure perfection.

  • 6.  Large Box Braids

For the last couple of years, small to medium-size box braids have dominated in size choice, but it’s time to return to the Large size.

  • 7. The OG Faux Locs

Are you still checking for the OG faux Locs? No matter how much pain I’ll be in after getting these put in, It’s worth it. Faux Locs last a long time, and they get better over time. You can’t go wrong here, but these can hurt for a week until they loosen.

  • 8. The OG Senegalese Twist

Senegalese twists are always in and perfect for any occasion.

  • 9. Goddess Faux Locs

You can’t go wrong with these beautiful Goddess Faux locs this year.

  • 10. Jumbo Box Braids

Small and medium box braids were so last year; large and Jumbo box braids are the 2023 IT girl.

  • 11. Butterfly Faux Locs

Listen, which style do you need? Because Faux Locs are here to stay forever, and the butterfly faux locs are an outstanding choice.

  • 12. The OG Double Back Cornrows Remixed

This slick, clean, low-maintenance style is fresh and quick to do. It’s perfect for any time of year.

I hope you all love these styles, try them, make them your own, and don’t forget to click the image to get linked to more protective styles.