Taking care of natural hair can feel like a hefty responsibility. Whether you’re new to rocking your natural curls, or a veteran curly girl, there’s always something to learn about how to care for your curls. Figuring out how to get the perfect wash and go can sometimes feel a little daunting, but it can be done! Here’s how you can make the most out of your wash and go routine.
Shampoo
Before shampooing, start by saturating your curls, then conditioning, or prepooing, and then work through any tangles. This will keep your curls from tangling or matting. Your fingers or a wide toothed comb are great for working through knots. Use a gentle cleansing shampoo that won’t strip the natural oils from your hair.
Conditioner
This is one area not to skimp when it comes to taking care of your curls and creating a great wash and go. Use a generous amount of conditioner to coat your curls, and apply with your fingers to make a lot of slip. Work on any remaining knots or tangles. Allow the conditioner to sit for 5 to 10 minutes so it can completely permeate your hair.
Styling
Once your conditioner has been completely rinsed out, apply a leave in conditioner. Your curls should still be completely saturated with water. Use a good hydrating conditioner that will penetrate to the cuticle. After that’s been applied, select your curl activating product. Make sure you pick one that’s the right weight for your curl’s textures and needs. Scrunch the product into your curls, pushing upwards so your strands are completely covered and your curls are activated.
After you’ve applied your curl activating products, you can then move onto your hold gel. To avoid flaking, make sure you’re selecting a hold gel that creates definition and shine without the dreaded crust. Look for formulas that don’t have silicones, parabens, or sulfates. Your curls will be moisturized without being stiff.
After you’ve dried your curls in a hooded dryer, you can finish up with a diffuser if needed. Just make sure not to put your curls down on any surfaces until your strands are fully dry. Enjoy your new, beautiful style.