6 Tips For A Voluminous Wash n Go

Even with my tight coils and all of my shrinkage, I’m a wash n go type of girl. It’s so easy to just hop in the shower, wash my hair, add some product, and get out of the door. But, like many other ladies, my hair is very fine, so if I don’t tweak my process a little, it might turn out looking limp and lifeless.

A lot of people say that the wash n go has changed and it’s no longer a quick process. Even though these tips may seem like they’re going to add another fifteen hours in the bathroom, that’s not really true. Once you start practicing your regimen, you can have the style done in no time. Here are five tips for the best (and most voluminous) wash n go ever:

Detangle

Detangling is one of the most important steps to having the perfect wash n go. You want to make sure that you can run your hands through your hair, so that it makes the other steps easier.

There are a few different ways to detangle: finger detangling, using a Denman brush*, or using a Tangle Fix. I find it easier to finger detangle in the shower with conditioner. Pick whatever method works for you, and stick with it.

Work in sections

Working in sections is good because you get to distribute product equally. Your curls get a chance to define and form on their own. The size of your sections depends on you. You can also make your part at this time so that your hair will lay the way you want it to.

Working in sections is also good because by working in small sections you can pay close attention to your ends. Wash n gos are one of the leading causes of single strand knots (SSKs) – those tiny knots that can appear at the bottom of your strands, because your curls clump together during styling and may get tangled. Make sure to add oil to your ends on each section so that they will be sealed.

Pick the right products

When doing a wash n go, know that there’s no gel or cream styler that will manipulate or loosen your curls. You’re going to be working with what you have.

For someone with fine coily hair like myself, it may be better to use a lighter gel mixed with a small amount of cream for a sealant. Someone with a coarser or thicker hair may need a heavier product to hold the curl.

Finding products can be trial and error. If you find that your hair is weighed down or crunchy, you should switch to a lighter product or not use so much. On the other hand, if your hair is frizzy or dull, try to use more oils* or something that will give you shine.

Don’t touch! 

After applying product to your hair, leave it alone. Constantly touching it while it’s air drying will cause frizz. Know how long it takes to air dry your hair.

At this time, you can also place bobby pins* or clips into your hair to stretch the roots. Since I know my hair has a lot of shrinkage, I normally try to pin down the front ahead of time so that my bangs will fall right over my eyes.

Blow dry with cool air

I actually learned this tip while I was getting my hair done by a great hairstylist in the city, since I’m usually against using any heat tools on my hair. After letting your hair air dry maybe 75%, flip your hair over and use a blow dryer* on the cool setting. This helps seal the hair and is a secret for a bouncy wash n go.

Afro Pick

Once your hair is dry, use an afro pick to gently lift your roots for more volume. When using the pick, make sure not to comb all the way through. That would disrupt the curls and cause more frizz. Afterwards, just fluff and style until your hair is in the shape you want it.

This may seem like a long and drawn out process just to achieve a simple wash n go, but not really. A wash n go can last for days if it’s done correctly, only getting bigger and better each day.

There are a few ways to maintain your wash n go overnight. I’m personally very lazy, so I just sleep on a satin pillowcase*.

If your hair is longer, you can put it into a pineapple (loose ponytail in front of your head), or tie it up in a satin scarf. Find the way that works for you. I know that I loved wash n gos more after the first time I got to third day hair!

What are your favorite tips for a voluminous wash n go?