When I first went natural, I will admit that I was scared to try a wash and go. My hair wasn’t super curly like the girls that I watched on YouTube and I didn’t think that I could achieve the same look with my hair texture. During my transition, my hair did not completely curl at the ends and just didn’t live up to the beautiful wash and gos I saw online. My hair texture was very loose and wavy and in my experience wash and go was not easy and quick to achieve for me, at first. While I don’t do hair typing, my hair is considered to be a type 4 range.
Since my haircut and texture change, I was able to achieve one of the most defined wash and go’s ever! This time around the technique I used was different and I took my time. I have learned through trial and error that your process and products will help or hurt your chances at achieving a wash and go.
Step 1: Shampoo
In my experience, it is important to get your hair very clean to start the process to remove all product build up from your hair. I suggest using a good clarifying shampoo such as EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Oil Shampoo.
Step 2: Condition
You can’t skip conditioning your hair for the wash and go process. This includes deep conditioning and also leave in or rinse out conditioners. I deep condition my hair weekly, so this step is a must for me. Make sure you completely detangle your hair during this process so that you get the most defined curls. Using your fingers to detangle helps to keep your curls in their natural state and also helps to clump curls when applying product.
Step 3: Rinse
Rinse your hair and apply your leave in conditioner. I did the LOC method with my wash and go because I noticed that when I do the LOC method, my hair remains moisturized during the entire process.
Step 4: Apply Product and Rake Through Hair
You must make sure that your hair is dripping wet when you apply your styling product. I have learned that you get better and more defined curls when your hair is wet. If you start the process and your hair begins to dry, grab your spray bottle and re-wet your hair. Make sure that you are not using too much gel or styler to prevent flakes when your hair dries. I like to use the praying hands method in small sections.
Step 5: Let Your Hair Dry
Making sure your hair is dry is probably the most important step in achieving a great wash and go. Make sure that you do not touch or mess with your hair during this time. This will help to prevent frizz and keep your curls defined. You can also use a diffuser if you need to dry your hair faster. You can separate and fluff once your hair is completely dry but try not to separate too much to prevent frizz.
Have you ever thought you couldn’t achieve a wash and go? What has your experience been?
For anyone who’s new to the style, here are our top 10 YouTube tutorials for type 4 hair.
If you’ve tried to wear a wash n go and it just isn’t working out, CurlyNikki says this is the real reason your wash n go sucks.
You’ve got the perfect wash n go down, now this is how to make it last all week.
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