Everything You Need To Know About Making The Wash And Go Your Signature Style

Some love it and some have sworn off it forever! Well regardless of what side of the coin you are on I am here to answer you BIG Wash N go questions!

My hair personally loves the wash and go and as such I consider myself an expert on this popular style. I think many feel that they can’t achieve a successful WNG; But I also believe that some women are simply not used to the results they achieve due to the fact they are wishing their results looked like someone else’s they know or have seen.

I am all for appreciating all textures of natural hair but be very careful with hair envy as you may never be satisfied with what you have because a wash and go will emphasize what you have and nothing else.

In this post I want to give you my best personal tips to achieving your best wash and go however feel free to experiment and find what works best for you. These tips will guide you in the right direction and maybe give you a second thought at giving this versatile care free style a second chance.

What is the Wash N Go style? 

Well, I have seen many definitions of this… but for me it’s a low manipulation style where you wash, style and go on about your business!

For those of you who believe that, that is not a true wash and go if you are doing a second step after washing; I say don’t get stuck on the logistics just do what works best for you and your wash and go.

How do you achieve your best Wash N Go?

Simple that is all up to you. I am a big fan of doing your research then trying a few things until you strike gold! A successful WNG isn’t about trying to make sure you end up with the same results as your natural friends and family members but more so about learning your texture, curl pattern and how to best define your natural texture.

Sure there are tons of products on the market which can be a good and bad thing but never forget that they only enhance what you have not create something that isn’t there.

Whether you have tight coils or loose curls or kinky* waves all are a great recipe for a wash and go.

You just have to figure out what technique works best for you along with picking great products to help show off your curls, coils and kinks.

If you are experiencing inconsistencies with your wash and go that’s normal as only time and practice will help you there. It takes at least a month to achieve perfection as you get your hair accustomed to the process.

What are my favorite Wash and Go essentials?

Here is what you need:

1. Great co-wash or mild cleanser
2. Conditioner full of slip for detangling
3. Awesome (moisturizing & strengthening) Deep Conditioner*
4. Leave In Conditioner*
5. Sealant

And finally a

6. Styler

You can choose to use your fingers or a wide tooth comb* to detangle your hair, I highly recommend starting with your fingers to eliminate preliminary knots and then comb your hair.

Wash and Go tips?

1. Leave your expectations at the door and keep your mind open to your results as things can always be improved with time and practice.

2. Detangling is a MUST and not only that but proper detangling. You want to make sure you aren’t damaging your hair during this process and your hair is being thoroughly detangled. I find that detangling is the main reason my hair is so clumped and my curls are super defined prepping for styling.  Lightly detangle when you are co-washing/shampooing your hair and make sure you get a clean scalp.

3. Keep your hair moisturized at all times Condition & Leave In Condition & Deep Condition your hair weekly

4. Keep up your protein treatments, hot oil treatments or any other pampering treatment(s) you like to give yourself

5. Apply your styling products on soaking wet hair. I don’t even use a t-shirt anymore. Our hair is most defined at its wettest state so if you apply product on wet hair it will set in that style.

6. Products – research, find and try products best designed for your texture of hair

7. Sleep with satin scarf/bonnet or pillow.

8. After you wash, style… leave your hair alone until it’s dried or completely. No hands in hair!

I hope these tips and our conversation helps you not only achieve your best Wash N Go but that you learn to enjoy the process as well.

Oh and another thing! Many naturals who love to sport the Wash N Go style complain about shrinkage… remember shrinkage means your hair is being properly moisturized and ultimately means your hair is healthy so just embrace it!

I know for many the popular Wash N Go style may not be your go to style and that is fine but I love giving naturals options. At the end of the day you may not like your end result of your signature Wash N Go but try not to get that confused with the thought that we all can’t achieve a Wash N Go style successfully. Do you love the Wash N Go style or hate it?