Fashion

9 Easy Wash And Go Natural Hairstyles

by Summer Arlexis

Whether you're a woman on the go or you just can't be bothered with spending hours on your 'do, wet natural hairstyles are a lifesaver for afro-textured hair. Many wash and go styles are easy to achieve, and perfect for capturing your curl definition.

You may be thinking a wash and go means you simply clean your tresses and walk out of the door. While this may be true in some cases, the technique doesn’t have to completely exclude any kind of styling. With a little TLC, any naturalista could transform their mane in a matter of minutes without ever picking up a hot tool. Kinky, coily strands can be difficult to style, which is why this low-maintenance technique is a go-to for busy women who want to keep their mane looking cute.

There are plenty of natural hairstyles that require minimal styling effort, so

there’s no excuse for rocking the same old ‘do (unless of course, it’s your thing). Maybe wash and go styles do call for some elbow grease in the detangling department and some key products every girl with natural afro-textured should own, but that sure beats wearing the same hair you wore for your middle school yearbook photos when you were late for school. Check out some creative wet hair style ideas below.

1. Flat Twists Into A Low Bun

Twists and braids are the perfect additions to spice up any simple hairstyle. Even the laziest or super on-the-go girls can incorporate easy braiding hacks into a wash and go routine.

Afro-textured beauties should take advantage, considering natural hair holds these styles best. Flat twists can always be gathered into a low bun to make for a wash and go style that can fool anyone into thinking you spent hours on your hair. Selina Decordova's tutorial for the style is proof that it can be done in under 10 minutes once you master the technique. Consider leading your flat twists into a high bun or ponytail if you're feeling super daring.

2. Mini Buns

This iconic '90s hair trend is still making major waves today. There are so many ways to wear double buns, it's nearly impossible to get tired of the style. As one of the easiest wash and go looks around, mini buns are great for naturals. A simple part down the middle of your head and a couple of hair ties will get the job done. Skip four minutes into Quiesha Jay's tutorial to see how this natural babe gets these knots down like a pro.

Keep in mind that you don't have to limit your mini buns to the Mickey Mouse ears kind of look. You can style your hair with more than two mini buns, or even keep double knots at the crown of your head with the rest of your curls down and free in the back.

3. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots, not to be confused with mini buns, work overtime to give you an amazing look that can last for days. The wrapping process takes a little more time than your average wash and go, but the effort is beyond worth it!

You'll not only have a beautiful natural style to tame your mane for the couple of days you rock this look, but also the perfect curls when you finally release your knots. Curls that don't require fumbling around with a styling iron? Sounds like every girl's dream!

4. Side Twist Into A Low Bun

There are always going to be days when a naturalista wants a little oomph, but doesn't have much time for weaving dozens of braids and twists into formation. Luckily, a single twist or braid can do the trick. Swooping a twist across your favored side and into a low bun is an adorably easy style to achieve. And you don't have to be a skilled braider to master the look. Score!

Around the 1:45 mark, Kisha Aaliyah's tutorial tackles the simple style with double twists.

5. The Pineapple

In the world of natural haircare, gathering all of your curls up and onto the top of your head is referred to as "the pineapple." This style will showcase your curls a bold way, requiring almost no effort from you to get the look down pat. Watch the Mo Knows Hair tutorial at the 4:30 mark to see how you can jazz up the pineapple with a scarf of your choice.

6. Crown Twists

Of course, a wild fro will show off your curls like no other style can. When a simple afro gets boring, adding twists along your crown can frame your face and accent your mane. There's no way you can't be out of the door within minutes with a style as fuss-free as this one. Fast forward two minutes and 17 seconds into the tutorial below to see how wash and go friendly this style is for afro-textured hair.

7. Half Down, Half Up Buns

A cousin to the mini buns, the half down, half up bun is one of the easiest go-to styles you've definitely seen all over social media for a while now. It's too simple and chic not to try when you're in a rush. The look is a spin-off of the famous half up, half down hairstyle that makes it easy to keep your hair out of your face. You don't even have to worry about separating your curls to make the perfect part for this style.

If a little instruction is necessary, styles number 4 and 5 in Hair Mary's wash and go tutorial shows different ways to try the high bun.

8. Pompadour Twists

Major Z-snap to all natural beauties that give a pompadour a try. The style can be uber professional for a work setting, or super trendy for a night out. Wear it with the back of your hair out, with a low side bun, or anyway you'd like — you'll be amazed by how versatile a pompadour can be.

9. Double Puff

It may be easier said than done to shy away from the afro puff, but it is possible to switch up your look without completely giving it up completely. Double puffs can give naturals a faux mohawk, while keeping this classic curly 'do in tact. Raenita Naturalista even added twists on both sides in her double puff tutorial, beginning at the 4:15 mark.

Afro-textured hair may require a little more detangling, maintaining, and styling on a daily basis, but that doesn't mean wash and go looks have to be dull to get naturals out of the door in a flash. A quick up-do or a few twists can make all of the difference for a naturalista.

Images: kandie_leigh/Instagram