Navigating college life is a unique challenge. Between early morning classes, late-night study sessions, and a social calendar that can be both exhilarating and exhausting, finding time for self-care can feel like a luxury. For Black girls, this challenge is often compounded by the time and effort required to care for and style natural hair. It’s a journey of balancing a desire to look your best with the reality of a packed schedule and a student budget. You want a style that is both authentic to you and practical for a life on the go.
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between a good grade and a good hair day. The key is to have a repertoire of easy, reliable routines that can be adapted for any situation—from a five-minute refresh before a presentation to a protective style that lasts through finals week. These routines are designed to save you time and money without ever compromising on style or the health of your beautiful hair. They are a declaration that your hair can be just as vibrant and dynamic as your college experience itself.
Here are 10 easy natural hair routines designed for the Black college girl on the go.
This is the ultimate low-maintenance style for girls with a tighter curl pattern. The key is to start with freshly washed hair. While your hair is still damp, apply a generous amount of your favorite leave-in conditioner and a strong-hold gel. With a quick shake of your head, your coils will clump together, giving you a defined, natural look that’s ready to go.
For a beautiful style that lasts for days, a twist-out is your best friend. On a wash day, apply your favorite styling cream to damp hair. Section your hair and create two-strand twists. Let them dry completely, either overnight or with a diffuser. In the morning, you can carefully unravel them for a voluminous and defined look.
This is the go-to style for when you need to look polished in a pinch. With your hair stretched or old, day-three curls, simply use a bit of edge control or gel to slick it back into a high or low ponytail. The smooth front gives a professional appearance, while the curls in the ponytail add a touch of effortless style.
This is less of a style and more of a life-saving technique. To preserve your curls overnight, simply flip your head over and gather your hair into a loose ponytail on top of your head. Secure it with a satin scrunchie and wrap your edges with a silk scarf. This prevents your curls from being flattened and reduces frizz.
On days when you just don’t have the energy, or your hair is in desperate need of a wash, a headwrap is your chicest option. A beautiful scarf can instantly elevate any look and protect your hair at the same time. There are countless ways to tie it, giving you a fresh, vibrant look in under a minute.
For those rocking a protective style like box braids, maintenance is key. When your braids start to look a little tired, apply some braid mousse to your hair and gently massage it into your scalp. Follow up with a spritz of light oil sheen to add a healthy shine. This quick routine revitalizes your braids and keeps you looking fresh for weeks.
This is a versatile protective style that can be worn for several days. After moisturizing, divide your hair into sections and twist each section. You can wear the twists as is for a simple, bohemian look, or you can untwist them after a few days for a beautiful, wavy texture.
This style looks intricate but is surprisingly easy to do. Simply gather your hair into a high ponytail, then section the ponytail into two or three parts. Braid each section and then wrap the braids around the base of the ponytail, securing with bobby pins. This creates an elegant bun that’s perfect for a formal event or a presentation.
For a style with incredible definition and volume, a Bantu knot out is a great choice. On clean hair, apply a moisturizing cream and twirl sections of your hair around themselves until they form a tight little knot. Let them dry completely, then unravel them for beautiful, bouncy spirals.
This is a simple, go-to style that is both classic and chic. All you need is a stretchy headband or a large hair tie. Use a bit of edge control to smooth your edges, then gather all your hair at the crown of your head, just like a ponytail. Secure it with the hair tie, letting your curls and coils burst out into a voluminous puff. It’s an elegant, everyday look that takes less than five minutes.
