• Sporty hair does not need to look unfashionable.african woman drinking cocktail image by Elke Dennis from Fotolia.com
  
  It can be frustrating to spend hours getting your hair to look perfect, only to have it ruined after you have spent an hour at the gym. Fortunately, there are hairstyles out there that require less maintenance than the average relaxed or pressed style, and they can still look as fashionable or edgy as you want them to.
  
  

Cornrows

• Cornrows are a versatile style that can be worn in relaxed or natural hair. You can use only your own hair, or you can add extensions if you want to add some color or length to your hair. You can wear them skinny or thick, straight down your head or in patterns. The look truly is up to you. This low-maintenance style
  
  

Micro-braids

• Micro-braids take quite a bit of patience, but you can keep them in for two to three months. Though you can put them in yourself, it is easiest to have them done by a stylist. Micro-braids can also damage your hair if put in too tight or if your hair is not properly moisturized before you put them in.
  
  

Two-strand twists

• Two-strand twists work best on natural hair, transitioning hair, or relaxed hair that is being stretched. If you cannot braid your hair, two strand twists may be a simpler alternative. While wet, part your hair into sections. Divide each section of hair in two, and twist. Use hair lotion or oil to help the twists set. You can wear them as is untwist them after a day or two for a "twist-out."
  
  

Close Crop

• If you want a sporty haircut, there is no better way of achieving that than going short. Your hair can be relaxed or natural, in locks or braids or brown or blonde. No matter what style it's in, a short do will give you the sporty, edgy look that you're after. When you are taking the plunge, ask your stylist to choose a cut that works with your face shape.
  
  

Natural

• Though all of the previous styles can be worn with natural hair to create a sporty look, natural hair of any length or style can be sporty. Though properly managing natural hair does have a learning curve, once you know how to handle it natural hair can be as a low-maintenance as you want it to be.