Wash and Go tips!
We all know that a wash n go really isn’t a style that you do if you’’re in a hurry. For some its water - conditioner and a diffuser upside down - for others it’s. Three row come - gel and at least an hour of your time. Either way the struggle is real. Here’s some tips on how I like to achieve my wash and go and if y’all want a quick tutorial let me know and I’ll drop that as well.
But for my wash and go I like to use a GEL as my styling product because i feel like it gives me more definition and hold than a foam. I like the Doux brand and Aunt Jackies for my styles. You can also make your own flaxseed or aloe gel if you prefer an au naturale approach. 🤩
Go in small sections - yes it can be annoying - but it is worth it in the end when you have a well defined Afro for an entire week. 🪮
💨Dry your roots!! - this a bare minimum! If you have a hooded dryer - sit under it for at least 30 mins (doo some work while you’re under there or decompress) and voila! You have a defined style. If you don’t and have the cap attachment to your blow dryer like every natural does - use it ! - But I recommend low heat - because it’s a small space you don’t want to do high heat and frizz out/shrink the hair - low and slow like a crockpot. If you only have a blow dryer - make you stretch your roots and blow dry them only - if you do this - you’ll have volume!
Lastly - wear your bonnet to bed - and make sure it fits! Give your fro room to breathe! If not - you’ll wake up with helmet hair. 🧑🍳
If y’all have any questions drop them below but as always,
See y’all soon
#naturalhairtipsandtricks #naturalhairhacks #blackgirlhairhacks #naturalhairgrowthtips #naturalhairdailytips #blackhairtips
Okay, so we all know the wash and go isn't always a 'quick' thing, but with the right prep and techniques, you can make it last beautifully! When I first started, my wash and go styles often fell flat or frizzled out by day two. Over time, I've learned that success truly starts before you even reach for your styling gel. First things first: the actual 'wash' foundation is crucial. I always deep condition thoroughly after shampooing. This infuses my hair with moisture, making it more pliable and less prone to frizz. While my hair is soaking wet and coated with conditioner, I use a good detangling comb to gently work through any knots, starting from the ends and moving up to the roots. This ensures my curls are separated and ready to clump beautifully. A cold rinse at the end also helps seal the hair cuticle, giving you extra shine and frizz protection. Once my hair is clean, conditioned, and detangled, it's time for product application. I keep a spray bottle filled with water nearby because my hair needs to stay drenched throughout this process for maximum definition. My next secret weapon? A good leave-in conditioner. Before I even think about gel, I apply a generous amount of leave-in. This acts as a barrier, locking in moisture and preventing that dreaded crunchy feeling some gels can leave behind. It also makes your curls incredibly soft. Now for the styling product! As the original article mentioned, I'm a big fan of gel for definition and hold. To ensure every strand is coated, I work in small, manageable sections, using crocodile clips to keep the rest of my hair out of the way. When applying the gel, I either use the 'raking method' – literally raking the product through my hair from root to tip, encouraging curl clumps – or sometimes 'shingling,' which is more time-consuming but gives incredible definition by individually separating and coating each curl clump. After applying the product, I gently scrunch my hair upwards to encourage the curls to spring up. Drying, as mentioned, is non-negotiable for longevity. If you have the time, a bit of air drying before your hooded dryer or blow dryer can also help set those curls. Remember, low heat is your friend for protecting your hair from damage and frizz! Finally, let's talk about maintaining your amazing wash and go throughout the week. The bonnet is your best friend at night – no arguments there! But what about refreshing on day two, three, or even four? My go-to is my trusty spray bottle. I'll lightly mist sections of my hair with water (sometimes mixed with a little leave-in). Then, I'll gently scrunch or re-rake a tiny bit of gel or foam into those sections to reactivate the curl. For volume, especially if my roots are looking a bit flat, I might carefully use an afro pick at the roots, making sure not to disturb the curl pattern too much. Troubleshooting: If your wash and go feels crunchy, don't panic! Once it's completely dry, you can 'scrunch out the crunch' by gently massaging your hair with a lightweight oil (like argan or jojoba oil) in your palms. This breaks the gel cast without causing frizz, leaving you with soft, defined curls. If you find your style isn't lasting, try using smaller sections, ensuring thorough product saturation, and making sure your hair is completely dry before you stop styling. Achieving a perfect wash and go takes practice, but with these extra steps for prep, application, and maintenance, you'll be rocking defined, beautiful curls that last all week!
