What does the term "low manipulation" mean in natural hair care?

The term "low manipulation" in natural hair care refers to minimizing styles and routines that can stress the hair to reduce breakage. This approach emphasizes gentle handling of the hair, which is particularly important for natural hair types that can be more prone to damage. By opting for styles that require less daily manipulation—such as protective hairstyles—individuals can maintain the health of their hair while promoting growth and reducing the risk of breakage caused by excessive combing, brushing, or styling.

It's important to focus on practices that are kind to the hair, making low manipulation an essential component of a healthy hair care routine. The other options do not align with the principles of low manipulation; for instance, using many tools to style hair typically increases manipulation, while frequently changing hairstyles can lead to tension and damage, and relying solely on heat styling may contribute to thermal damage rather than promoting healthy hair practices.