Wash And Go On Natural Hair

If you’re not familiar with the style, a wash and go is a method that involves washing the hair, then applying products to help set the natural curl pattern into place. Most people use a combination of a leave-in conditioner, some kind of curl enhancing cream, and/or a styling gel to achieve a wash and go. The final look will vary according to your curl pattern, the styling method you choose, and the products you use. You can do a wash and go on any length of hair, making it an extremely popular styling choice.

As the name suggests, washing your hair is an essential part of doing a wash and go. The style works best if you start with clean, soaking wet hair that is free from product build-up. You may be wondering if it’s better to cowash or use shampoo for this step. In general, it’s best to start with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. Cowashing is a good option if it’s only been a few days since you last shampooed. If you wash and go often, product build-up can occur, so for the best results, it’s important to include shampoo in your regular rotation.

Once you’ve washed and thoroughly detangled your hair, apply the products you want to use, one section at a time. Work the products into your hair, ensuring that they are distributed evenly from root to tip. You can use the “praying hands method” by smoothing each section of hair between the palms of your hands, starting at the roots and working your way down. Then use your fingers to gently rake/finger comb the products through your hair to define your curls. Start with a small amount of product and add more as needed. The right amount of product is essential; too much or too little will yield less than ideal results. If you use a styling gel, apply it after your conditioner. If you have long hair, you can tilt your head forward and gently scrunch your hair with your fingers. If you have short hair, use your fingers to rake the products through your hair in very small sections.

The previous instructions work best for those with looser curls and/or curls that typically don’t require too much manipulation to define. If you have tighter curls and kinks (for example, if your hair typical takes on more of an afro texture when you let it dry naturally), follow the aforementioned steps, and then bend over and shake your head back and forth vigorously to remove excess product and encourage your curls and coils to clump. As an alternative, you can run a Denman brush through your hair (one section at a time) until the desired amount of definition is achieved.

Once you’ve applied your products and worked them through your hair, try not to touch your hair until it’s dry. You can either let your hair air dry or use a blow dryer to speed up the process. If you have long/thick hair, blow drying will likely be your best bet. Use a diffuser attachment to blow dry your hair in sections. If you have long hair, flip your head forward and gently cup your curls into the diffuser attachment, pushing the dryer up towards your scalp. Alternate between warm and cool air; avoid using high heat, as it can lead to frizz and/or heat damage. Using a diffuser is a great way to dry curly hair; it concentrates the airflow, preventing your hair from blowing all over the place as it dries. It also gives your hair extra volume, which is especially great if you have finer, less dense curls.

Always make sure your hair is detangled before you apply your styling products. Tangled hair is a no-no for any style, especially a wash and go. You may be tempted to use a lot of product (especially hair gel), but try not to be too heavy-handed. Too much gel will result in stiff, crunchy curls. If you have short or medium length hair, cover your hair with a satin bonnet to preserve your curls overnight. If you have longer hair, pineapple your hair and cover it with a satin scarf (or sleep on a satin pillowcase). If you need to revive your curls in the morning, apply a light moisturizer and gently finger style your curls back into place. For the best results, don’t try to extend your wash and go for more than a few days. Some people can make their wash and go last longer, but in general, it will begin to get tangled/frizzy after a few days, so to avoid long detangling sessions, it’s usually best to just start over.

Of course, there are pros and cons to the wash and go. On one hand, it’s a great style because it can be done on any length of hair and any curl pattern. There are also several methods that work for several different curl types. The wash and go can also seriously cut down on styling time, especially if you normally do styles like twist outs or rod sets. On the other hand, one of the biggest cons is that your hair can easily become matted and tangled after a few days, especially if you don’t preserve it properly overnight. The wash and go can also encourage shrinkage, which can make your hair look shorter and make it more difficult to detangle. Finally, if you have multiple textures, it can be a challenge to get uniform curls with a wash and go.

You will likely need to try different product combinations before you find the perfect formula for your wash and go. In general, light, creamy leave-in conditioners work best. Giovanni Direct Leave-In, Kinky Curly Knot Today, and Oyin Handmade’s Hair Dew are all great conditioners to use for a wash and go. Eco Styler gel works as a styling product for some naturals, but a botanical gel is generally your best bet for wash and go styles, especially if you have tighter curls. These gels are typically less drying and do a better job of defining and freezing tighter curls into place without making the hair crunchy. Kinky Curly Curling Custard, CURLS Goddess Curls Botanical Gel, and Devacurl’s Ultra Defining Gel are all great choices for a wash and go. Up next: 10 great wash and go styles.

Natural hair wash and go styles

This is a classic wash and go on medium length hair. These gorgeous, frizz-free, shiny curls are a result of the right combination of products and styling technique.

This is a cute, easy way to style your wash and go. Just take a small section in the front and smooth it back into a high ponytail, leaving the rest of your curls loose.

This gorgeous style proves that a wash and go is the perfect way to style short natural hair. Adding a headband is a great way to accessorize a wash and go.

Adding a side part is a great way to style a wash and go on longer curls. The look is classic and it helps keep your curls out of your eyes.

If you’re looking for a fun, easy way to style your wash and go, look no further than this adorable half up, half down double bun style.

When your hair is in the TWA (teeny weeny afro) stage, styling options are somewhat limited. But that doesn’t mean your styles have to be boring. Adding a side part is a gorgeous, chic way to wear a wash and go.

This cute, curly pompadour puff is an easy way to style a wash and go. All you need to bring this style to life is a colorful scarf and a couple of bobby pins.

This cute half up, half down style is achieved by parting the hair from ear to ear and slicking the front section up into a high ponytail. Use your fingers to fluff and style the curls in the back.

This half-pulled back style is a quick, easy way to change up the look of your wash and go; all you need are a few bobby pins.

This cute curly puff with bangs is a great way to style a wash and go. Just smooth your hair up into a high puff, leaving a section out in the front.