13 Best Low Tension Hairstyles for Black Women

Rather than styling with heat tools and frequently manipulating your natural hair, go for low-tension hairstyles that promote healthier hair. This article covers 13 hairstyles that cause little to no tension. Keep reading to discover them.

I had to put a pause on styling braids with hair extensions and sleeking my hair often into a tight ponytail style. Why? Because I discovered my hair started breaking. The constant manipulation and tightness caused stress on my scalp and damaged my strands.

The best solution was to take a long break (emphasis on long) and opt for low-tension hairstyles that don’t stress the scalp, but instead promote healthier strands. That’s exactly what I did, and the results were fantastic.

If you’re like me and currently dealing with breakage and damage caused by high-tension styles, then this post is for you. No longer should you choose hairstyles that pull heavily on your scalp and cause friction. But go for protective styles, which, by the way, are just as stylish.

Here are some low-tension hairstyles you can rock as a Black woman.

1. Heatless Curls

The first low-tension hairstyle I would recommend is heatless curls.

While achieving curls with heat styling tools can cause damage and breakage to your natural hair, because these tools do more than just stretch the hair (they cause stress and pressure), heatless curls prevent this damage.

Luckily, there are many ways you can achieve them with styling tools and other alternatives. For instance, you can use flexi rods, socks, spiral hair curlers, and even braids and twists. These methods can give you bouncy, gorgeous, loose curls you'll love.

So, instead of opting for heat next time you style your hair, try these other ways.

2. Finger Coils

For an easy and smooth-sailing styling of your finger coils, gather all your necessary tools before you begin. This will make it faster.

Next, detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the tip and working your way to the root.

Wet your hair if it's not freshly washed and apply a leave-in conditioner.

Create small sections in your hair, then apply a styling cream and mousse. You can use gel instead of mousse if that's what you prefer.

Wrap your hair around your fingers, starting from the root. Make sure to roll gently and move clockwise as you do so till your hair is completely twisted.

3. Protective Natural Hair Braids

Protective, natural hair braids are a simple-to-create, low-tension hairstyle. You can easily divide your hair into different sections and braid loosely to achieve the style. Easy!

But aside from the fact that they are simple to achieve, they are also quite protective of your scalp and hair. Meaning, they allow your scalp to breathe, which is what your scalp needs; they do not cause tension, and they make sure your hair doesn't break.

Before you think about styling any low-tension look, make sure to consider braids first. They are super protective of your hair, even more than other styles.

4. Loose Bun with Framing Pieces

Your hair doesn't have to look rough and messy with the loose bun and framing pieces hairstyle; however, ensure that it is not too tight.

Buns can be the perfect low-tension hairstyle to wear if it's not too tight. Plus, adding the framing pieces elevates the look even further.

Remove a small section at each side of your face and braid it using the three-strand method. Once you're done, put the rest of your hair into a loose bun and hold it with a hair tie. You can gel your edges for the finishing touches (not too much), or skip it if you don't want fuzzy roots.

5. Short Hair Updo

Don't you think the short hair updo is one of the best low-tension hairstyles for a day out? I mean, take a look at Issa Rae in the image above. Her hairstyle clearly stands out, giving her a soft style at that moment.

By simply creating different sections in her hair and forming buns with them, she created a neatly classic updo that is chic yet comfortable. No doubt, it's a style that assures you'll slay hard and allow your hair to rest from the heavy hairstyles at the same time.

6. Long, Straight Wig

I can't stress enough how much better it is to wear wigs instead of regularly manipulating your natural hair.

Wigs are like an extension of ourselves. They beautify your look and give you an incredible style without requiring you to try too hard. This means you can use them as a protective style.

All you need to do is braid your natural hair. Make sure you don't cause tension (I wouldn't advise using hair extensions), then get a wig and put it on. You will achieve a whole new look that's both stylish and protective.

Check out Hermosa Hair's straight wigs collection.

7. Fauxhawk Flat Twisted Updo

With flat twists, you can create a super protective hairstyle that reduces tension on your roots. You've probably wondered how it's going to look or if it'll look good on you. Well, it sure will. Like in the image above, the style creates an updo at the crown of your head.

Just divide your hair into sections, then twist each upwards. Once you're done, braid the ends together. And if you want the ends out, you can also leave them. Viola, you have your fauxhawk flat twisted updo.

8. Feather Crochet Curls

Feather crochet curls are a versatile hairstyle that works for every occasion.

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I wore the feather crochet hair when I had several outings lined up back-to-back. That's because I could style them in multiple ways, while making sure I do not cause tension in my hair. They are super comfortable, easy to style, and don't cause damage to the hair.

9. Mini Twists

Everyone loves mini twists. Won't you agree? They are simple to create, quite stylish, and also protective. But tightly made mini twists can be dangerous. They can cause breakage and damage once you take them out.

To avoid that, instead of holding your hair tightly when braiding, make sure you grab it loosely. You'll get a beautiful style that gives you protection with no tension.

10. A Curly Wig

Next on our low-tension hairstyle list is a curly wig. You can get extra length and volume with 0 tension by wearing a curly wig. Simply get nice hair and style it any way you want.

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Curly wigs are easy to style, voluminous, and would look great in any weather as long as you maintain them properly.

In cold weather, hot weather, or any time of the year, a curly wig won't break your hair or stress your scalp. But make sure to get high-quality hair to enjoy the full benefits.

11. Knotless Boho Braids Wig

Would you like to rock a knotless boho style? Go for a knotless boho braided wig.

👉Shop Natural Black Glueless Knotless Boho Braided Lace Front Wig

While some would agree that styling long braids with hair extensions is absolutely fine, it's better to be safe than sorry. That's why I advise you to go for wigs if you wish to style long hairstyles.

On your natural hair, they might cause tension, and that should be the major thing to avoid. But rocking a wig is totally okay. You can slay a natural-looking, beautiful knotless boho braid wig without any issue.

12. Flat Twists

If you're looking to create a style different from the regular twists or single braids, flat twists are an option.

They are an incredibly low-tension hairstyle to rock during summertime, as they allow air to reach your scalp without causing any tension. Also, they do not require hair extensions, so they are not heavy.

It makes the perfect hairstyle during vacation. Not only will you be comfortable, but you also will not have to do too much to keep them looking good.

13. Long, Wavy Black Wig

My first hairstyle pick for a dinner date would be a long, wavy black wig. It's romantic, stylish, and a total package that offers you volume, movement, and length.

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A long, wavy glueless wig can protect your scalp and keep it healthy. Trust me, it's one to keep your hair free from tension. You can spend a good amount to buy a quality wig, and that's it; no need to purchase another wig to style the same look.

Plus, since we don't have to wear wigs 24/7 every day,  your hair won't undergo the pulling stress to appear flawless.

I've listed some low-tension hairstyles that are perfect for black women in this post. These looks can protect your hair and scalp, but remember that you must break free from high-tension styles and stay consistent with your hair care routine.

For your stylish and natural-looking wigs to create low-tension hairstyles, check out Hermosa Hair.