…I share about my Brazilian Wash & Go routine. For me, the key to definition and reduced frizz was (1) applying a generous amount of product to soaking wet hair, (2) using my fingers not a comb or brush to detangle and define, (3) air drying un-manipulated, (4) using a moisturizing curl cream to add shine, hold/clump and to keep out the humidity (as a wet sponge doesn’t soak up more water), and (5) sealing with oil. Also, at night, I learned that opting for a low, loose pony at the nape rather than a pineapple, provided less Don-Kingish results the next morning. For more details, check out my Essence feature, HERE.
What are your 5 tips to a rockin’ Wash and Go?
1)wash hair
2)t-shirt blot
3)put on leave-in
4)section hair and oil scalp
5)apply curl cream then gel to sections with fingers
6)shake hair
That's it!!
@ anon 11:53 what does a pineapple look like?
I used to do wash and go all the time, but it left my hair looking dry and after a few days, messy (not a big deal for me at the time, but it does look better hydrated now).
My question is what do I do in order to keep my wash and go looking nice (Is it possible to detangle at all?)? As in, what is a good night routine/morning routine?
Apologies if I sound naive. Thanks to whoever responds!
What Nikki describes above, and in more detail once you click the link in the post, is most definitely NOT the Tightly Curly method. The TC Method uses a rinse out conditioner as a leave-in and the only styler of choice for curl definition and clumping. Terri of TC does not even suggest using an oil to seal the hair.
This sounds like the Tightly-Curly method and props should be given!
First I section off my soaking wet hair into 4 to 6 section. Then, I will go from section to section with the following steps:
1) Apply an oil or pomade to soaking wet hair.
2) Add leave-in conditioner
3) Apply styler of choice for hold
4) Rake products through hair with comb or fingers, using Ouidad "Rake and Shake method to encourage natural curl pattern.
5) After applying products to each section, shake hair from side to side.
6) Allow to air-dry or sit under hooded dryer* for about 15 to 20 minutes.
7) Scrunch out dry hair to release the crunchy feeling cause by gel or styler.
This technique leaves me with moisturized hair that last about 4 to 5 days. At night I put my hair in a pineapple and cover with a satin bonnet. In the morning, I fluff out my hair and it looks as good as new! It took me some time to perfect my technique, but I've got it now!
*Note: My hair looks a hot mess, while wet, so I prefer to dry my hair under the hooded dryer, so I will not look like a "Soul Glo" model. But, if you look fabulous with wet hair, do you boo! 🙂
-Foxyrou
i get my best WnG's from using conditioner only, and applying in the shower after i've wrung out excess water…then i shake my head all around every once in a while and air dry…sometimes i use a diffuser
1. I shampoo with Suave moisturizing shampoo with shea butter and almond oil.
2. i condition it with GarnierNutrisse Triple Nutrition Conditioner; and sit under a hooded dryer for about 15 mins. with a shower cap.
3. With the shower cap still on I let the conditioner set another 45 mins. and then rinse.
4. Apply Garnier Sleek&Shine Leave-In condtioner with raw shea butter.
5. let air dry. but i always have to spray parts of my hair during the drying stage with water mixed almond oil to retain my curls < I am a curly girl
a good gel
earlier Niki said she uses REdken Butter and Ouidad Hydrafusion.
@ Afraid of Summer
I have VERY thick hair as well, and I LOVE wash and goes. I recently started using "Shea Eco" which is Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie mixed with Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel and I've had AMAZING results. Instead of trying to combat your thickness, just embrace it!!
One thing that really helps with my wash and go is using Apple Cider Vinegar as a final rinse. It closes the cuticle and gives my hair a definite shine as well as so much definition with the frizz…The only thing I hate is that it smells absolutely horrid but it does wonders for the curl…
So I cowash with Wen and HEHello Hydration
rinse with ACV
Put in my KCKT leave in with some grapeseed oil
then put on my newest baby- Beautiful Textures Moisture butter-it works and it smells so good!
If I'm feeling extra I'll add some eco styler-the clear one and keep it moving.
@AusetAbena
Don't forget about MahoganyCurls.com, she has the best regimens and great products to use that help with moisture and curls
I would follow the same tips you posted Nikki but I would also add a defrizzent and some gel. It works pretty well for me. I also sleep on a satin pillow case and use the LOC method.
Can you share exactly what products you used (especially the curl cream)?
I did too Sheree! I bought both and can't believe how soft and defined my hair is! As usual, thanks CN for the excellent recommendations, these are keepers!
I have to admit as soon as you listed those 2 products that you used I RAN to Ulta. I ended up with the Redken butter treat (BOGO 50%) which is sooo moisturizing and Devacurl styling cream because Ouidad was either sold out or too new for the shelves.
Im not sure if its the butter treat or the styling cream but my hair is so soft, not frizzy, and defined!
I co wash or use sulfate free shampoo as i get some buildup from the gel, then I use the redken out the shower. I then apply the Deva styling cream in a smoothing motion then scrunch, and then go over that with Ouidad heat and humidity gel or Curl Junkie Curl Queen.
Im def totally in love with the REDKEN and its because it can be a leave-in as well. My hair is sooo dry from coloring.This is going to be my new staple.
oh btw i ordered the Ouidad hydrofusion online. cant wait to try it when it arrives!
Well, I'm back. Just remembered that two bloggers who are known for the wash and go have great regimens they share. They are Casside of NaturalSelectionBlog and Elle of QuestforthePerfectCurl. Their blogs have their regimens. Check it out.
@Anon 10:41 if you dnt mine what is ur hair type cuz I hve tried the Eco styler gel with olive oil didnt work out for me. mines is 4b/c.
Mine is pretty simple:
1. Co-wash in shower.
2. Add products while hair is still wet (I use Shea Moisture Curl Pudding and Cream of Nature Argan Oil Leave-in Conditioner)
3. I may or may not use a diffuser to define my curls a bit, but they are usually pretty defined, so I don't typically use it.
4. Then I am on my way out. Defined and soft curls!
You have your regimen down to a the T Nikki.
I like volume when I do my wash n go so here is five tips I have…..
1. Wash hair and condition (Clean hair is key or it won't curl right. I use Alikay's coconut shampoo and totally twisted conditioner)
2. Apply oil to hair (I like coconut oil because it's light and effective)
3. Apply a leave in (When it comes to a wash n go I use a spray because cream tends to leave white residue when I add my ecostyler gel)
4. Finger comb hair so that conditioner gets completely through the hair (This helps with making the curls pop)
5.LAST BUT NOT LEAST Apply a styling gel and work through hair (I use Ecostyler's gel w/olive oil. I love the hold)
I am able to achieve 3rd day hair with these tips by simply spraying with water the next day and shaking hair.
I love a good wash and go. My routine is simple. Wash, condition, leave in, creamy product, shake and go. Oh and don't touch til dry!
Nikki your washngo is so beautiful! I love your curls and coils!
Well for me I have yet to get a good wash n Go.. I have tried everything, eco styler Gel. curl enchancing smoothing, and probable breakage rit now frm trying too much stuff,,then wen I do get some definiton by the time its dry.. those curls are gone. help
I am afraid to do the wash & go because I have the thickest hair on the planet…Do you have any tips for extra thick hair. For example, I can not put my hair in a ponytail unless it has been stretched or applied water. Heat for me equal expansion of puff puff. I flat ironed my hair once and it looked as if I had on a wig. The bounce was good, but only lasted a day after my workout session. I have tried a variety of products but nothing combats the thickness.
Sincerley,
Afraid of Summer
1. Poo or cowash
2. While hair is soaking wet spray hair with a mixture of half water half conditioner
3. Seal with oil
4. Add conditioner or leave in conditioner
5. Finger comb
And let it be!
Brooke B.
^^^ clean slate! Yes! Agree!
My five tips would be
1. Start with a clean slate by using a deep cleansing, yet moisturizing shampoo. Even if you don't use shampoo, try an ACV to clarify the hair.
2. Oil Rinse! Many naturals, including myself, have seen a significant drop in SSK's with oil rinsing. So after shampooing, apply an oil to wet hair. Let sit for at least 3 minutes or much longer if you like, then…
3. Condition. Wearing hair out will make it need much more moisture and protection than if you were wearing a protective style.
4. Apply three levels of moisture — water or aloe based (aloe is especially good for curl definition), oil based to seal in the water/aloe, and cream based for even more moisture.
5. Develop a good night time and morning routine to make your wash-n- go last. Unless you want to wash and go every single morning. Which you don't want to do unless you're still in the TWA stage. My wash and go's have only been on teeny to medium afros, so I suggest you look to CN or other bloggers if your hair is longer.
I do all that you mentioned, however, I rarely add a styler as I get crazy crunchy hair and I hate that! My hair is EXTREMELY coily so a leave in does it for me. The most important step is NO TOUCHY while it's wet 🙂