It’s 9 a.m. on Sunday when a friend asks you to go out for dinner planned for 7 p.m. If you decline because it’s #WashDay, we’ve got a problem.
When it comes to caring for our natural hair, there are so many techniques and tips that sometimes it can be a little overwhelming.
Let’s face it: sometimes we over complicate our curls.
Wash day shouldn’t be the entire day (maybe just a few hours at most”> because you have a life to live. You have family to love, friends to hang out with and that Netflix series to catch up on. While I’m not, by any means, advocating for neglecting your mane, there are ways to make wash day much easier. After embracing my natural hair for the past eight years, I have learned the steps during your wash day to pay a little extra attention to, as well as the steps you shouldn’t dwell on. Here’s how to take control of your wash day and tips on how to make it run much more smoothly.
Gather everything you need
Is your hair in need of moisture, a portion treatment or even a much overdue detangle session? Find out what your hair needs this wash day and pull out all tools you need to get the job done. This includes cleansers, conditioner, hair clips, towels and other items. This would also be the time to pull out diffuser attachments, blowdryers and hair steamers. By gathering everything you need in the beginning, it will not only save time but keep you sane!
Detangle in the shower
One of the benefits to detangling your hair while in the shower is using the stream of water to your advantage. Use a shower comb or fingers along with your favorite detangler. Mine is Honey Baby Naturals Knot My Honey Instant Detangler. The downward motion of the water will make the process a breeze.
Find a deep treatment mask
Although deep conditioning your hair will add more time to your overall wash day, it will be minutes well spent. Finding even just 10 minutes to deep condition will help you achieve some of your best hair days during the week. Since you spent a little extra time, you will cause yourself less of a headache toward the end of the week when your curls would normally begin to dry out.
Set the clock
Sure, it’s called wash day, but that doesn’t mean anyone should spend an entire day prepping your curls for the week. Set a realistic time for washing, conditioning, detangling and styling. I used to be one of those people that spend hours and hours doing my hair, but now, I can complete my routine in 2 to 3 hours (unless I’m doing a special clay treatment”>.
If you’re a geek like me, create a schedule. Here’s a more detailed look into one of my wash days that keeps me on track every time:
Gather all items needed: 5 to 10 minutes
- Honey Baby Naturals Honeychild Moisture & Scalp Balance Gentle Shampoo
- Honey Baby Naturals Honey Sweet Softening Conditioner
- Honey Baby Naturals Knot My Honey Instant Detangler
- Honey Baby Naturals Honey Shea Butter Hair Smoothie
- Hair clips
- Plastic shower caps/Hot Head Deep Conditioning Cap
- Wide-toothed comb, paddle brush
- Towels
Wash and deep condition: 35 minutes
Complete your normal wash routine and add in a short deep conditioning session that lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
Style: 40 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes
There is such a huge time difference here because it depends on the look I’m trying to go for. I normally pick one style to wear each week – so I want to make it a cute one. Some may require me to blow dry my hair using the tension method, and then style. If I want a shorter look, I style on damp hair, which takes much less time.
Note: Though I love mini twists, they take several hours — at least 4 — to complete. For styles like this, I mentally prepare and face the fact that most of my day will be dedicated to my hair. Seeing as I only do this style a couple of times a year, it still works in my favor!
What does your typical wash day look like?
Let us know in the comments below. Follow NaturallyCurly on Instagram and follow me @classycurlies
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