How to Do a Wash‐and‐Go on Natural Hair

Co-authored by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: January 6, 2023

A wash-and-go is a hairstyle that enhances your natural hairstyle. Without the right technique, this style can be tough to perfect. After going through these few steps, you should be able to rock your own wash-and-go.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Shampooing and Conditioning

1
Pick a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfate-free shampoos clean your hair without drying out your scalp.
- Stay away from products that have parabens, too.
2
Begin to shampoo your hair.
- Soak your hair completely with water.
- Apply shampoo directly to you your scalp.
- Use your fingers to massage your scalp and rinse thoroughly.
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3
Condition your hair. Your scalp naturally produces oil, but due to the shape of curly hair, these oils do not usually reach the ends of the hair.
- Apply conditioner to the length of your hair. Avoid adding it to your scalp because it will weigh down your hair.
- Allow the conditioner to penetrate your hair as you finish showering. Then rinse out thoroughly.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Styling Your Hair

1
Section your hair. Sectioning your hair will make it easier to work with.
- Section soaking wet hair into four sections or more, depending on how thick your hair is. The smaller the section, the more defined your curls will turn out.
2
Use a denim brush to detangle one section of your hair. This method will help to separate your curls.
- Begin brushing this section from the ends of your hair and make your way up to the top.
3
Pick a lightweight leave-in conditioner. This conditioner will keep your hair soft and nourished throughout the week.
- Apply a liberal amount of conditioner to the sectioned hair.
4
Pick a curling custard. The custard should give moisture and curl definition.
- Apply a liberal amount of the custard to sectioned, detangled hair.
- Rake hair using your hands to separate the curls.
- If curls appear to be frizz, use a spray bottle to spray more water into the hair
5
Repeat the detangling, brushing, and conditioning process on each section of hair. Remember to keep to section on hair soaking wet before you add products.
6
Separate the curls.
- Vigorously shake your head. This technique will separate your curls and add volume to your hair.
7
Allow hair to dry throughout the day.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Preserving Your Wash-and-Go

1
Get set up before bedtime. At the end of the day, it is important to wrap your hair for the night using a headscarf and a large head tie. This method will preserve your hair throughout the night.
- Use a large head tie to pull your hair up into a puff. This will elongate your hair for tomorrow.
- Use a headscarf to cover your hair securely.
- Make sure that it's satin- or silk-lined! Stay away from cotton and other drying fabrics that absorb moisture, as dry, dehydrated hair is prone to frizz.
2
Refresh your hair in the morning.
- Remove the headscarf and head tie.
- Use a continuous spray bottle filled with water to refresh your curls. If you have tighter, type 3 or 4 curls, a light oil can be the best way to refresh your hair (also known as a dry refresher).
3
Shape your hair.
- Use a wide tooth comb or hair pick to pick out your hair. This will add volume to your hairstyle.
- Shape hair to your personal style.

Community Q&A

Question

How do you stop breakages in your hair?

Community Answer

The key is moisture, especially on coiled hair like 4a-4c. Make sure you know you your hair type. Wash, condition, and deep condition your hair as often as you can (if your hair is 4C you must do this almost every time, 4C is very dry.)
Question

I just went natural and my hair is frizzing, thinning, and shrinking. I have gone to doctors and specialists, but nobody can tell me why. I do twist-outs a lot. Any ideas what could be going on?

Community Answer

You could be getting damage from constant twist-outs, and that could cause the thinning. Frizz is part of having natural hair and so is shrinkage (especially for the 4b and 4c gals, they have over 69% shrinkage). There's no need to go to a specialist, your hair is just adjusting to its natural texture. I'd recommend leaving your hair down for a week or so without manipulating, and then wearing a protective style such as Bantu knots (for two weeks, then leave it down for a few days). Make sure to cover your hair with a satin-lined cap when you wear Bantu knots.
Question

If I have wavy/straight frizzy hair, can I still do this?

Community Answer

Sure, but use enough conditioner for YOUR specific hair type, and then you don't need to use curling custard.