There are days when we simply don’t have the time or the desire to style our hair.
However, we want a simple and quick hairstyle. So, how can you achieve beautiful curls while spending the least amount of time styling ? That’s where the wash and go comes into play.
What is a wash and go ?
A wash and go involves wearing your hair in its natural form, without stretching it, without using specific accessories or tools. The curls are natural. You just need to add water and, in some cases, products to help the curls last longer.
If you have kinky, curly, or wavy hair, you can showcase your beautiful curls without spending an entire day doing so. You’ll find that achieving a beautiful hairstyle is simple with just a few steps.
What is the purpose of a wash and go on hair?
The goal of a wash and go is to achieve a simple, attractive hairstyle that highlights the naturally curly beauty of your hair.
This hairstyle varies significantly depending on your hair type.
How to achieve the perfect wash and go?
To master the wash and go, you need to have a good understanding of how your hair reacts to certain products and styling techniques.
The secret to effortless hair is that it’s not entirely effortless.
For some, simply detangling wet hair and applying a generous amount of styling product is enough for a wash and go. For others, it may feel like a marathon.
Here are the steps to follow for the best wash and go :
1. Detangling and Shampooing
I recommend detangling your hair before shampooing. Spray your hair with a water and a few drops of conditioner spray or lotion. Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft brush designed for kinky hair. Gently comb the hair from the tips to the roots.
Regardless of your hair type, it needs to be clean. A clarifying shampoo will remove heavy product buildup. Use a mild shampoo or conditioner for less drying effects.
Shampoos consist of 10 to 30 ingredients, some of which are known allergens. Read the ingredient list of your products to choose the best option for your scalp health. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Apply your product to wet or damp hair
The key to a good set is to ensure your curls clump together and do not form frizz. This is easier to achieve on wet hair.
For Caucasian hair types, a holding mousse should be strong enough to give you a tousled look.
If you have very curly or kinky hair, a combination of products can help hydrate and maintain your curls. Use a leave-in conditioner or a cream, followed by a gentle gel like Keracare that leaves no residue (I love it!).
The heavier the hair care products, the heavier your hair will be. Avoid using vegetable butters or oils (argan, shea, jojoba…)
Apply the products section by section using your fingers, a brush, or a comb. Just pass once or twice over the section to reveal a curl. The more defined you want your curls, the smaller your sections should be.
You can also start with air-dried hair, as the water in the products will naturally curl your hair. Use a spray bottle to add moisture if needed.
3. To diffuse or not to diffuse?
For many, a wash and go is an easy hairstyle that requires a quick blow-dry with a diffuser.
For others, especially those with kinky hair, it might be better to prepare your hair the night before to ensure it’s completely dry and you get maximum stretch.
If you prefer, you can use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer.
You can also use the banding or threading method to stretch your curls overnight. To minimize frizz, sleep with a satin bonnet or pillowcase.
Once your hairstyle is dry, handle your hair as little as possible while separating the curls. This way, your curls will stay grouped, reducing overall frizz.
Is the wash and go suitable for my hair?
No two curls are exactly alike on any head. In fact, the same head can exhibit a wide range of textures. To know if the wash and go will work, you really have to test it! Test different products, methods, and techniques.
But, to help you find out, there are some characteristics that make some textures naturally better suited for the beauty of the wash and go:
– Kinky hair
– Curly hair
– Dry climates
– Chemically treated or colored hair
Curly and kinky textures are often considered “difficult to style,” to which we respond that any hair texture is hard to style when not treated correctly.
In reality, hair is only difficult to style when mistreated by ineffective products or a mediocre hair care routine. All textures can be soft, silky, and beautiful; it’s about listening to your hair.
How to maintain your wash and go ?
How long does a wash and go last? Knowing how long to wear your wash and go depends on your texture, but we recommend not going beyond a week to avoid dryness setting in.
To extend your hairstyle for a few more days, here are two techniques:
– Section by section, wrap your hair in large sections and tie them. This helps maintain the shape of your hair.
– The pineapple method: use a satin scarf to tie your hair on top of your head like a pineapple. In the morning, untie your hair and do a small touch-up.
Rehydrate your hairstyle by adding oil or a moisturizing product, paying attention to your ends. This will help refresh your look and redefine your curls.
If you’re having issues with your wash and go, consider getting a haircut.
The condition of your ends affects the degree of frizz in your hairstyle. The more damaged, brittle, dry, dull, or colored your hair is, the less natural curls will form. Conversely, the healthier your hair fiber, the more beautiful the curls will be.
5 mistakes you’re probably making
If you correct one of these mistakes, the next time you do a wash and go, you’ll have great curls, and you’ll know exactly what to do!
Mistake 1: How you dry your hair
When drying your hair, do not rub! Rubbing lifts the hair cuticles, causes frizz, and removes moisture from your hair. The goal of drying is not to make your hair extremely dry. It’s only about removing excess water.
Moreover, you need your hair to be wet for a wash and go, so your hair should still have some water.
Dry them until they are damp by tapping instead of rubbing. However, there’s no problem if you need to wet them again to style them, which brings me to the next point.
Mistake #2: Not using enough water
Hair needs to be wet. That’s why it’s best to style them right out of the shower.
If you’re wondering why you need wet hair, it’s because the true texture of your hair is visible when wet, and styling at this stage will give you the best results.
Don’t apply products to dry hair because the curls won’t form as well as when they are wet. Always have a water spray nearby to moisten parts that dry during styling.
Mistake #3: Lack of patience
Sure, the wash and go is an easy hairstyle to achieve. But you need to take the time to do it for excellent results. If you’re not patient, the results won’t
be what you want. If you take the time to do it, your hairstyle can last up to a week. The more you practice, the quicker you’ll become.
Mistake 4: Not using products suitable for your hair
For everything related to your hair, the right product can make all the difference.
Make sure to use a leave-in conditioner or a styling cream followed by a styling gel, not a edge control product. Many women think that extra-strong gel can give them better results, but this is false!
The most important thing is to test the products, make sure your curls are well defined, and your hair is moisturized. If you find that the product makes your hair dry or dull, stop now and find another product !
Mistake #5: Handling your hair too much
When your curls are well-formed, leave your hair alone so that the hairstyle lasts longer.
I know it can be hard to resist looking at your curls, but don’t play with your hair. Be careful during times when you’re bored, or you might quickly touch your hair without realizing it.
Remember that to keep your curls as long as possible, you need to use a bonnet or have a silk or satin pillowcase. To refresh your curls, use a water spray.
How to do a wash and go without gel?
Follow your hair wash with a moisturizing and nourishing mask. On wet hair, apply your leave-in conditioner or styling lotion. Then use a curl-defining cream. Here are two defining creams that may suit you.
– Shea Moisture – Curl Enhancing Smoothie Coconut & Hibiscus
– As I Am – Long And Luxe Curl Enhancing Smoothie
How to maintain the hydration of my wash and go?
Hydration is the key. When wearing a wash and go, it’s important to moisturize your hair daily (if needed).
This step will be different for each hair type, but spraying a bit of water and applying a leave-in lotion or oil like olive oil will add and maintain moisture in your hair.
Sleep with a bonnet or a satin or silk pillowcase.
Is it good to do wash and go on your hair ?
Wash and go hairstyles are reputed to tangle the hair, which can lead to breakage.
Natural hair tends to shrink when it dries, and the more significant the shrinkage, the tighter the curl, and the greater the risk of tangling.
You’ve understood that knots are the main issue with the wash and go.
After a wash and go, you’re more prone to have knots, especially at the ends. You can avoid this problem by ensuring you choose the right products for your hair.
It’s best to avoid products that contain chemicals and are harmful to the hair. They are drying and make curls even more prone to tangling.
Remember that you need to keep your hair hydrated if you wear this hairstyle. This will keep your lengths and ends healthy.
Can you do a wash and go every day?
You can do it as often as you like as long as your hair is healthy. Whether you’re transitioning or have been natural for some time, the wash and go is a simple and quick hairstyle that saves time. This hairstyle is an excellent addition to your hair care routine.
The wash and go has been around for a long time.
It has gained popularity among women with kinky hair.
Mastering the wash-n-go technique takes time and patience: there is no one-size-fits-all method for all hair. In fact, that’s the beauty of it! Your wash-n-go is entirely tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
Whether the wash-n-go suits you or not, never forget to love your texture because your hair is beautiful !
