Wash and Go Tips: Don’t Be Fooled by the Name

A few weeks ago I decided that I finally wanted to tackle the ever famous wash and go style most natural hair women long to achieve.  Although I’d tried a wash and go before, I’ve never fully committed the time to complete the style correctly and truly define my natural curls.

 As a result, I challenged myself to test a different product every weekend to see which products worked best with my hair. Here are my wash and go tips. 

What I ultimately realized is the term “wash and go” is a dramatic overstatement for my texture.

What is a Wash and Go?

When I first started the term “wash and go” was definitely misleading.  I don’t have the type of hair where I can pop in the shower, wash, condition, rinse and then go.  

No…and that is what confuses most women and misleads them about this process depending on the texture.  I am more of a wash..detangle…section…apply product…twist….and then go type of girl as

I’m sure most of you are too.   Below are a few comments about each product I tried and a few tips along the way.

Wash & Go #1   Products Used: Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner and Paul Mitchell Leave-in Conditioner

Applied products generously after shampooing.  Sectioned hair into 4, smoothing conditioners in evenly into each section.

Next applied coconut oil to seal the moisture then allowed hair to air dry.  My favorite part of these results were the super soft and fluffy curls.

Wash & Go #2 Pantene Pro-V Defining Curls Style Custard 

For this wash and go, I applied the product similar to the first time by sectioning my hair into 4 and smoothing the products evenly.  When I first applied I was actually really excited.  My curls looked pretty good and defined when my hair was still wet.

 However, when my hair dried it was just a big sticky mess, so much that I just decided to re-wash my hair all over again later that night.  I really wanted to like this product especially since I’d received it an April subscription to CurlBOX but it was a no-go for me!

Not to say it won’t work for you, but I didn’t like the end results.

Wash & Go #3 Products Used: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

During this wash and go I realized the top of my hair was slightly heat damaged and there is no product that will reverse it right now.  I just have to be patient.

As a result, after applying the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, I twisted my hair where the straight parts were located to blend with the rest of my hair.  Don’t stress if you’re curls aren’t super defined all over…twist your hair to get the look you want and no one will ever know!  

I applied the Curl Enhancing Smoothie similar to wash and go #1, section by section and followed with sealing the moisture with coconut oil.

Wash & Go #4 Products Used: Love Lotta Body Foaming Mousse & Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

By Challenge #3 I decided it was time I do things a little different so deep conditioned my hair in addition to completing an apple cider vinegar rinse.  

Ultimately the Love Lotta Body Foaming Mousse was by far the best product with defining AND separating my curls.  

Also, I used a diffuser to help dry because I didn’t have a lot of time.  However, by the end of the day, I noticed my hair was a little dry so next time I will try adding more oil to seal the moisture.

ALSO READ: The Best Wash & Go Tutorials 

Overall Wash and Go Tips:

1. Start with freshly washed hair to remove old product build-up

2. Apply selected products in the shower on soaking wet hair (this works best for me)

3. Apply product to small sections in order to make sure it’s evenly distributed and coats all strands

3. Seal moisture with your favorite oil.  I like Coconut Oil & Jojoba Oil.

4. Hate wet hair? Use a diffusser…who has time to wait all day for hair to dry!

What are some of your wash & go tips? Let me know!