For some naturals, it is considered controversial that you can grow long and healthy hair wearing wash and gos. We are here to show you that it is possible and can be done. Wash and go's don't have to be damaging to your hair, lock down your technique and maintain those healthy hair practices you would apply to any other style.
01 Prep & Prime
Breakage is the enemy of length retention. Our hair is always growing yet when it breaks off at the ends you will never see that growth.
That is why prepping is so important. Make sure you have a great pre-shampoo such as The African Pride Moisture Miracle Detangle & Condition Pre-Shampoo which is great for detangling and melting away tangles and knots.
Equally starting your wash day in sections is great for managing your curls and coils and ensuring that each section is can be properly cleaned, detangled and conditioned. Try out these sectioning hair clips.
02 Protein & Moisture Balance
Having the correct moisture and protein balance is essential and even more so if you have coloured hair or damaged hair. A great way of incorporating a balance of protein and moisture is by using strengthening shampoo. They can aid in maintaining healthy hair by repairing damage, reducing breakage and improving your hair's elasticity.
Strengthening shampoos include some protein often seen underneath fragrance. Meaning that they're very low in concentration and because they don't stay on your hair for long, they're perfect if you are averse to protein. We love the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo.
03 Finger Detangle
The true enemy of hair growth is breakage. A great way to retain length with a wash and go is to consider only finger detangling. I know that it is probably daunting because your thinking about all these single strand knots and matting, still finger detangling is an art you get better at over time.
I dislike finger detangling due to my lack of patience and time. This only results in me causing more damage. I recently started using the Kazmaleje Kurlsplus Paddle Comb and it has been a game and life changer. It gives me similar results to that from finger detangling without the excess time and it is so gentle on my hair. I can also use it to give myself a scalp massage and section my hair with the tip which are just benefits on benefits.
04 Deep Condition
Deep conditioning isn't just essential for maintaining healthy natural hair but is fundamental for your wash and go’s. You will get the most defined curls and coils when you use a protein and moisture balanced deep conditioner to reveal your curly or coily natural texture such as the MICHE Beauty Strengthen Protein and Moisture Balancing Deep Conditioner 8 oz.
Also using a multi-tasking conditioner can be beneficial, by saving you time and allowing you to use the same product as your leave-in conditioner. So you can skip the rinse out process and simply apply your styling gel or cream.
Please note that this can only be done if your deep conditioner explicitly says that you can leave it in your hair. Otherwise, you could be causing long-term damage as deep conditioners are specifically formulated for you to rinse them out.
05 Create a Great Gel Combination
It is no secret that using gels can be drying to your natural hair. However, the days of only having Eco Styler gel as your main option are long gone.
You can now access an array of incredibly moisturising gels from high and low-end brands. The key to a great wash and go combination is picking the right stylers that define your hair without flaking or drying out your hair. If you are new to wash and go's one of the easiest and moisturising gels with amazing slip are MICHE Beauty Sculpt Curl Defining Gel 8 oz or the TréLuxe Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel 8 oz
When I first started wash and go's my main issues wasn't flakes nor a lack of definition, it was in fact dryness which led to breakage. I now use moisturising gels and where I don't I always use a leave-in conditioner, followed by a curling cream for moisture and then my gel (test the combo on my hands to ensure that I don't get flakes).
06 Take Your Time
The key to a successful wash and go each time is getting to know your hair and identifying when it needs strength (protein) and moisture, this process could take time.
Never rush your wash and go, although it may be difficult the first few times you do it. it will get easier over time.
07 Stretch Your Hair
Stretching your hair is a must for your wash and go and it has some real benefits. Aside from creating that perfect shape and getting some of that length, it can also prevent single strand knots and tangles that occur from having your hair defined and in a shrunken state.
Start your stretch on completely dry hair, you can use the indirect heat from a blow dryer or use the banding method. The key to keeping definition is to leave your ends alone to keep them super defined and coily.
