19 Wash-and-Go Hairstyles for Low Maintenance Hair

If you have natural hair, washing and styling your strands can easily become an all-day process. And when you’re pressed for time, you have to rely on no-fuss hairstyles to cut down your hairstyling routine. While there are plenty of styles to choose from, you can likely agree that the wash-and-go hairstyle trend leads the pack. Great for those with curly hair, wavy hair, and tightly coiled hair, wash-and-go hairstyles can protect your hair from breakage, dryness, and splitting—all with minimal effort. It truly doesn’t get much better than that. Intrigued? Keep reading to learn about 19 low maintenance wash-and-go styles that can make your hair care and styling routines a whole lot easier.

WHAT IS A WASH-AND-GO HAIRSTYLE?

Before we give you the rundown on different hairstyles to try, it’s important to know exactly what it means to create a wash-and-go look. A wash-and-go is when you wear your hair in its natural curl pattern without manipulating the hair with any styling tools, braids, or stretching. So, in other words, it’s a wet set style. The process consists of using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, a leave-in conditioner, and a styling gel to achieve your final look.

HOW TO CREATE A WASH-AND-GO STYLE

While you may think that the wash-and-go trend simply involves washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner and leaving it alone, there’s actually more to it. Below, we’re sharing how to properly do a wash-and-go.

STEP #1: CLEANSE YOUR MANE

The key to bringing any wash-and-go hairstyle to life is to have a freshly cleansed and conditioned mane. Start with the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourishing Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourishing Conditioner, which are both sulfate-free for gentle cleansing.

STEP #2: APPLY A LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Natural hair requires long-lasting moisture to go the distance. We recommend using the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil-in-Cream to hydrate your hair. Formulated with coconut oil, this lightweight cream will leave your strands soft and refreshed with a luminous shine.

STEP #3: STYLING GEL

Now it’s time to define your texture. The L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel provides your hair with instant hydration while shaping your natural texture sans the heavy feel. It also offers anti-frizz definition and keeps your curls smooth and intact all day long. Once applied, let your mane air dry.

19 WASH-AND-GO HAIRSTYLES

Now that you know the basics of the wash-and-go process, it’s time to put your skills to good use. Keep reading for 19 wash-and-go hairstyles you can try the next time you style your strands.

1. TOP KNOT

Top knots are a popular style for good reason. They require nearly no work, making them the perfect no-fuss updo! All you need to bring this look to life is a brush, a hair elastic, and a few bobby pins.

Haven’t mastered the top knot yet? We swear it’s easy, but you can find a step-by-step tutorial in our article, How to Do The Perfect Top Knot.

2. BANTU KNOTS

On the hunt for a style that can last you days at a time? Look no further than Bantu knots. While this style takes a little more time than washing your hair and leaving it be, it’s definitely worth it. To get the look, part your hair into small sections, then roll and twist each section of hair and wind it on top of itself to create a mini knot. Once you get to the end of the rolled section, tuck it under the knot and secure with a hair elastic. Repeat until your head is full of beautiful Bantu knots. After a few days, unravel and enjoy the loose waves that are left behind.

3. THE PINEAPPLE

Have you heard of pineapple-ing your hair? A popular option for natural hair, creating a pineapple style involves brushing your curls toward the top of your head, then securing them into a ponytail. Fluff your strands to highlight your texture, and your end look will slightly resemble a pineapple. So easy and cute!

Editor’s tip: Need more definition? Use the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty to shape your hair for defined curls.

4. HALP-UP HALF-DOWN BUN

Did we mention how much we love bun styles? This hairstyle helps to keep hair off of your face while showing off your natural texture. Great for short, medium-length, and long hair, this style will become your go-to in no time. To get the look, separate your hair into two sections with a horizontal part. Starting with the front section, apply the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel at the roots, brush your hair, and secure into a ponytail. Roll your hair into a bun and secure with bobby pins. Unclip the back section, comb through, and mist the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray evenly over your hair. 

5.FAUX HAWK

Faux hawk styles are all the rage—seriously. Stylish and effortlessly trendy, this hairstyle will definitely make you stand out in a crowd. Even better, all you need to style your mane is hairspray, hair gel or pomade, and bobby pins. Starting on one side, apply an egg-sized amount of hair gel to the sides of your mane, brush toward the middle of your head, and secure with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side. Top off the look with a mist of hairspray, and you can call it a day.

6. CHIGNON

Looking for an elegant wash-and-go style? The chignon is a great place to start. Perfect for almost any occasion, this updo can go from daytime to nighttime with ease. It also only takes minutes to style, making it a great pick for those who love a minimal style. For more on how to create this look, check out our tutorial, How to Master a Chignon Hairstyle in 5 Easy Steps.

7. DUTCH SIDE BRAID

Ready to upgrade your wash-and-go? Give the Dutch side braid a go. A stylish addition to your freshly washed mane, this braid will create the ultimate Instagram-worthy look. All you need are bobby pins and a touch of hairspray to get the look. Using a rat tail comb, create a deep side part on either side of your head. Gather the parted section into three different pieces and weave the hair under for an inverted look. Once you reach the middle section of your head, secure the braid with bobby pins. Top off the look with a little hair spray.

8. LOW BUN

For days when you want to pull your hair back and off your face, the low bun couldn’t be more perfect. Effortlessly chic and stylish, this look takes minutes to create. This hairstyle frames your face and enhances your features for an ultra-feminine look. Simply grab a dime-sized amount of hair gel and apply evenly on your roots. Brush your hair toward the back of your head and secure it into a ponytail. Roll and twist your hair into a bun and secure with bobby pins.

9. TEXTURED LAYERS

If you’re working with thick hair, textured layers will definitely come in handy for defining your look. Joining the likes of other minimalistic styles, all you need is a touch of hair pomade to create this style. Start with a dime-sized amount of hair putty, work evenly through your strands, shape, and go.

10. MESSY PONYTAIL

When you’re not in the mood to deal with hair all over your face, a messy ponytail will do the trick. The perfect complement to a no makeup, makeup look, you can pull off this carefree style in little to no time. The ultimate cool-girl style, it redefines the meaning of no-fuss hair. To get the look, check out our article, How to Achieve an Effortlessly Messy Ponytail.

11. DOUBLE BUN

Interested in taking your bun style up a few notches? Well, what better way to up the ante than with a double bun hairstyle? Playful and practical, this look (effortlessly) adds a stylish touch to your look.

To get the look, start by parting your hair into two sections and clip the back section out of the way. Part the front section into two separate sections and clip one section up. With the section that’s left out, secure the hair into a ponytail, then roll and twist it into a bun. Repeat with the smaller clipped section. Undo your back section, mist hairspray evenly over your hair, and you’re all set.

12. FLAT TWISTS LOW BUN

Paying major homage to the ‘90s, flat twists are a classic style that keeps on giving. A stylish way to keep hair off your face, this protective style is perfect for those who would much rather skip a long styling session. Start by creating a horizontal part in the center of your head. Pin the back section up and out of the way. Focusing on the front section, split it in two with a vertical part and pin one side up.

With the remaining free section, apply hair gel to the roots and twist your hair from the beginning of your hairline until you reach the middle of your head and secure with a hair elastic. Repeat on the other side. Once complete, brush out the back section of hair, incorporate the twists, and pull everything into a ponytail. Roll and twist into a bun and secure with bobby pins.

13. SPACE BUNS

Looking for a laidback style that can work for almost any occasion? It’s time to get acquainted with space buns. This double bun 'do is easy to style and looks amazing on all hair textures. To get the look, check out our article, How to Do Space Buns.

14. LOW PONYTAIL

Calling all minimalist hairstyle lovers! The low ponytail look is just what you need. A quick and easy way to create a trendy look, the low ponytail will make your hair routine so much easier. All you need is a bit of hair gel to achieve this look. Start by applying a dime-sized amount of hair gel to your hair, then brush it toward the back of your head and secure with a hair elastic. For a playful effect, leave out a few pieces in the front.

15. SIDE TWIST LOW BUN

For days when you want to give your hair a little extra glam, the side twist low bun will not steer you wrong. Undeniably chic, this look will highlight your texture while framing your face for a gorgeous finish. Get the look by creating a horizontal part a few inches from your hairline and pin the bigger section out of the way. Split the small section into two pieces, twist your hair from the roots and work your way down. Once you reach the end, pin in place and secure it into a low ponytail with the rest of your hair. Roll your hair into a bun and you’re all done. Mist some hairspray over your strands for instant shine.

16. FISHTAIL BRAID

Classic and iconic, you’ve probably seen romantic fishtail braids everywhere, from your social media feed to IRL. While this look does take a little bit of time to create, the results totally pay off. To learn to weave a fishtail, check out our tutorial, Our Easy Fishtail Braid Tutorial.

17. HIGH PUFF

Ready to add some height to your mane? The high puff will definitely get the job done. While this style is similar to the top knot, the high puff features slick edges and voluminous ponytails that show off a thick afro-like texture. Perfect for tightly coiled and curly hair types, this look will definitely take you wash-and-go game to the next level.

All you need to create this look are two products: a hair gel and hair elastics. Start with a horizontal part at the middle of your head and pin one section up. With your free section, apply a dime-sized amount of hair gel, brush your hair toward the middle, and secure with a hair elastic. Repeat on the bottom section. Once complete, mist hairspray over your hair for a shiny finishing touch.

18. HALF-UP HALF-DOWN POMPADOUR

Who says pompadours are only for men? Reclaim this gorgeous style for your wash-and-go. A nice way to play with height and angles in your look, you will easily make a chic statement. Start by parting your hair into a small section in the middle of your head and secure the rest of your mane with an elastic. With the small section, roll your hair up and under until you create a small bump and pin in place. Release the rest of your hair and you’re good to go.

19.NATURAL HIGH PUFF UPDO

For those with super thick and coily hair, you can’t go wrong with the natural high puff updo. With little to no product needed to get the look, this simplistic style is perfect for the woman that’s always on the go. To get the look, add a touch of hair gel to your roots, brush your hair toward the top of your head, and secure with a hair elastic. All done!

Next: The 30 Best Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair