5 Low Manipulation Hairstyles for African Americans

Low manipulation hairstyles are styles that keep you from having to comb your hair too often. These convenient styles can be worn, for several days, with little to no manipulation, which can give your hair a break from harsh heat styling, combing and brushing. Low manipulation styles help in retaining length and will lead to stronger, thicker hair that will allow you to accomplish your hair growth goals.

Unlike protective hairstyles, low manipulation styles may or may not cover the ends. But, if I had to choose, I’d pick low manipulation styles over protective ones any day. Low manipulation styles give me greater versatility because my hair is loose from the boring confines of buns and braids. There’s so much more I can do with simple finger combing than I can, with my hair pulled back in a bun all day. I’m fond of five low manipulation styles that I’ve been wearing on my natural hair care journey that I want to share with you.

1. Roller or straw sets – In my opinion, these are really cute low manipulation hairstyles. You can use a setting lotion like Jane Carter Solution Wrap and Roll or Lottabody, some end papers, curling rods or plastic straws and roll your wet hair. Let air dry or sit under the dryer until your hair is dry. Remove the rods or straws, separate the curls and finger comb and BAM. Cute style.

2. Twist or braid outs – simple, simple, simple. Wash, condition, deep condition, apply moisturizer, seal with oil and then braid or two-strand twist your hair into medium sections. Let air dry. Once dry, unravel the twists or braids, finger comb and you are ready to go!!

3. Wash n Go – The simplest low manipulation style ever. I wore this style all the time right after my big chop. You will do your wash or co-wash regimen and apply a curly gel or pudding to maintain your curl pattern and to keep your ends from drying out. Finger comb and place a cute headband, bow or flower in your hair, and watch out for the compliments.

4. Mo-hawks or fro-hawks – These styles are a little to bold for me but are really cute when I see the ladies rocking them. You will need to cornrow your hair up or back, just leave the middle section loose. When you’re done with the cornrows, wet the middle section and then do a roller set, either with plastic straws or curling rods. Once dry, finger comb the style as high as you want and this low manipulation style will last for a week!!

5. Flat twists – I like to flat twist the front of my hair and wear the back in a wash n go style. Flat twists are simple twist that are parted into sections and lay close to the scalp. You can use an alcohol free styling to twist your hair and wet and finger comb the back of your hair and you will look fabulous. This style can last for the week.

Please leave a comment and let me know how these styles look on you.

Happy Low Manipulating,

RosieVelt