Do you dread wash day? Do you put it off for as long as possible? If you answered yes, then you know that wash day is a process but the benefits are immense! Wash day can be tricky when you are in the beginning stages of natural hair. As I got further into my transition I knew that my wash day needed to be approached with more thought and care. A successful wash day is the staple of strong, healthy natural hair.
So, what all goes into a successful wash day? Below are essentials and tips to take with you for your next wash day.
Shampoo
Natural hair is easily stripped of protective oils and moisture when washed. It is best to use shampoos that are sulfate and paraben free and add moisture. Some great shampoos to try are:
• Taliah Waajid Clean-N-Curly Hydrating Shampoo
• Sofn’Free Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo
• Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean Shampoo
• Palmer’s Coconut Formula Shampoo
Washing your hair too often can cause you to lose moisture and strip your hair of essential oils. I recommend washing hair every 1-2 weeks.
Conditioner/Deep Conditioner
Conditioner is your best friend! Conditioner restores moisture, adds strength, and replenishes. I try to deep condition my hair every time I wash it, so every two weeks. Deep Conditioning is leaving a conditioner in your hair under a plastic cap that will trap in heat (you can also sit under a hooded dryer for added heat and penetration to the hair). You can leave on the conditioner for 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you don’t have time to deep condition, still apply a conditioner and leave on your hair for at least 10 minutes. Some good conditioners/deep conditioners are:
• Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi All Natural Deep Conditioner
• Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner
• Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Conditioner
• Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner
Leave- In Conditioner
A great leave-in conditioner will create slip to help reduce tangles when combing through hair, provide added moisture and shine. One of my favorites is “The Great Detangler” by Taliah Waajid.
Oil
A lightweight, moisturizing oil is great for the hair, especially in the colder months. Adding oil to you hair will retain moisture and give a great shine! Some great oils to try are:
• Unrefined Shea Butter
• Unrefined/All Natural Coconut Oil
• All Natural Olive Oil
These oils can be found in your local grocery store, health food store, vitamin shop, and beauty supply.
These are the essentials to a successful wash day!
Quick Tips: Natural Hair & Wash Day
• Don’t rush through wash day; rushing your wash day can lead to an increase in hair breakage and shedding. Wash day takes time, you hair will love the extra TLC.
• Detangle hair using a wide tooth comb, Denman Brush, or your fingers
• Style your hair in low manipulation styles(protective styling), i.e. twist out, braid out, puff
• Air dry hair
• Enjoy wash day!
So, are you ready for your next wash day? Everything listed above will make for a successful wash day. Find some good music to listen to, turn it up loud and get your day started.