Wash and Go’s on Kinky Hair

wash and go for kinky hair

For the past 3 years of being natural, I have always resorted to stretched styles and protective styles in order to retain length on my kinky textured hair. It wasn’t until this year that I made a vow to myself that I would try and learn how to define my kinky tresses.

I searched high and low for tips, advice or something to help a sistah out. There are some helpful resources out there but not many when it comes to kinky / 4c hair. So after a lot of trial and error I have finally found a technique for a wash and go that seems to work for my hair type. I’m still in search for the perfect styling product to give me hold but not the stiff crunch that I hate! However, I’m hopefull since I’ve mastered the technique. Now I just need to search for the product that my hair likes the best.

STEP ONE

Co­wash! I have found that my hair LOVES conditioner. I know you’ve probably heard that saying “if you were stranded on a island what would you take?” Conditioner would be it for me. So I always start with a fresh co­wash before styling. I cowash while showering – I pile on tons of conditioner to help enhance my curls and moisturize them fully.

STEP TWO

Condition. This next step is optional. However I find it essential for my hair. I slap my favorite deep conditioner on my hair and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of time I have. You may want to leave the shower for this part, to save on water!

STEP THREE

Hop back in the shower, I know you’re thinking “what?!?” However I have found that for kinky hair wash and go’s work best when done on soaked hair. So go on get back in, you won’t regret it! Now rinse your conditioner and apply your favorite leave in.

STEP FOUR

While still in the shower, grab your favorite styler and work it into your hair thoroughly. Do not be stingy, apply a generous amount. I find that kinky hair loves a generous amount of product. The key here is to put some weight on the curls to elongate them and enhance them.

I find for my hair I can really define each curl by sectioning my hair. Working in sections works best for me. After the styler is applied, hop on out of the shower.

STEP FIVE

Give your head a good shake to help those curls separate. Whatever you do, don’t touch your hair too much with your hands. Lightly place the curls how you want them to fall (i.e. a part down middle, side part, bangs etc.)

STEP SIX

Air dry, blow dry or sit under dryer, whichever you like best. If you air dry, just give your hair enough time. If blow drying, just be sure to apply the diffuser to the end of your blow dryer to help minimize frizz. If sitting under dryer, well just let the dryer do all the work. Just don’t touch our disturb the curls until they are at least 90% dry.

Let me know what technique you use and your favortite products for your gorgeous kinky hair below.

PRODUCTS I USE:

• Shea Moisture African Black Soap Balancing Conditioner (Co wash)
• Shea Moisture Super Fruit Complex 10­in­1 Renewal System Masque (Deep conditioner)
• Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner (Leave in)
• Water with 2tbsp of Aloe Vera Gel (Leave in)
• Kinky Curly Curl Custard (Styler)

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