How to Get Your Most Defined Wash & Go in 4 Easy Steps

Let’s face it: Us curly girls have to work twice as hard to maintaining our natural hair. That’s why easy hairstyles like the ‘wash and go’ are a regular go-to for naturalistas. We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step wash and go process that won’t make your hands cramp, as well as pro tips to achieve that salon-quality look at home.

Step 1: Shampoo

All wash and go routines start with shampooing the hair. Dirt, debris, and product buildup can weigh your curls down the longer you wait to wash them. 

You’ll want to cleanse your hair every 7-10 days to keep buildup at bay. This will allow you to start with a clean slate and allow your hair products to work their magic. Your best bet is to choose a deep cleansing formula that removes all buildup from your curls, like the DETOX Clarifying & Detoxifying Shampoo.

Step 2: Condition

Curly hair has very specific needs when it comes to conditioners. We suggest using a rinse-out conditioner that’ll leave your hair ultra moisturized and easy to detangle. Make sure to apply your conditioner from the ends to the roots. This will help to strengthen your curls and prevent breakage. 

After applying your conditioner, let it sit on your hair for 2-3 minutes to allow it to penetrate deeply into the hair follicles and lock in moisture. After that, you can rinse out your conditioner with warm water.

Step 3: Style

You’ve washed, conditioned, and tamed your curls.

Now it’s time to style! We highly recommend using the SCULPT Curl Defining Gel for a more structured wash and go. If you want more volume, our SET Curl Defining Mousse is just the styler to provide you with that. In order to get the best results, thoroughly work the product in your hair by massaging it from roots to ends.

Step 4: Sit Under a Hooded Dryer or Conditioner for Additional Volume

With wash and go’s, you have two choices: let your hair air dry or sit under a hooded dryer/use a diffuser to speed up the process. The latter will also add extra volume to your curls, so you can’t go wrong with this option!

Do’s & Don’ts for Wash and Go’s

The wash and go is a fast, fuss-free 'do that requires little styling, posing, or maintenance. It also happens to be one of the most challenging natural hair styles to master. Why is that? Because you can go from fresh-out-of-the-shower fabulous to a complete hot mess in the blink of an eye. 

When done right, it’s a beautiful thing. Who doesn’t love an easy hairstyle that looks like you put in time and effort? However, it’s just as easy to get it wrong. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you create the perfect wash and go look next time around. 

Do: Start with a clean canvas

One of the biggest mistakes people make when doing a wash and go is not washing their hair properly before they try to style it. You should always start with a clean scalp and cleansed curls, so make sure you wash your hair with a gentle cleanser before you begin styling or else it’ll be impossible to create a great look.

Don’t: Forget to add conditioner

This is one of the most common mistakes people make with their wash and go. You might think that you can save a bit of time by co-washing and skipping the conditioner, but that’s a really bad idea. If you skip out on the conditioner, your hair will be too dry and brittle to be styled into a beautiful ‘do. You absolutely must add a leave-in conditioner or deep conditioner to your routine if you want to achieve a great wash and go.

Do: Use a spray bottle

Make sure that you have a spray bottle nearby to help evenly distribute the water on your hair. Sometimes people think you need more product when you actually need more water to help spread the product and fight against frizz.

Don’t: Overfluff your curls

Once your hair is dry and set, keep your hands out of your hair to help eliminate the chances of producing frizz.\

Don’t: Let it air dry

This is another major no-no when it comes to washing and going. You need to use a diffuser or a hood dryer to achieve a defined, voluminous look. 

If you let your hair air dry, it will come out too frizzy. It’s also a good idea to add a bit of Argan oil to your hair when it’s damp, which the POLISHED Hair & Scalp Oil has. This will give your hair a beautiful sheen. We recommend using a diffuser on low, as high temperatures can damage your hair.