Protective hairstyles — hairstyles that protect the shaft and ends of the hair — are a big part of the natural hair community. Among wigs, weaves, dreadlocs, twists, and braids, box braids (braids ...

The styles in “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” in previews on Broadway, require a wig designer, several braiders, some synthetic hair and lots of patience. By Tiffany Martinbrough Photographs by ...