It’s been about two years since my last wash day routine blog post. Since then, my wash day has changed quite a bit. I’ve had some folks ask me for an updated wash day routine, so I’m sharing my 2019 routine!
Disclaimer:
- In no way, shape, or form am I a natural hair expert or stylist I’m sharing what has worked for me through trial and error
- My wash day routine is dependent on my hair characteristics, which are:
- High porosity
- High/thick density
- Coily/curly hair
Note: This step is optional, depending on:
- How dry your hair feels
- How tangled your hair is
- If you honestly have the energy to do it 🤷🏽
Step 1: Pre-shampoo
Pre-shampoo treatments can consist of oils, butters, conditioners, or masks. This step helps detangle your hair and keep it moisturized. Especially when getting ready to shampoo – which can strip natural oils in your hair.
- Section my hair (between 4-10 sections)
- Apply pre-shampoo product
- Sit under my RedPro Hair Steamer, or use my Q-Redew Steamer
- Detangle my hair with the prongs from the Q-Redew Steamer, my fingers, and/or my Brush with the Best Detangler
- Twist section(s) once fully detangled
If you don’t have a steamer (or if I’m not in the mood to sit under a steamer):
- Section hair
- Saturate hair with water
- Apply pre-shampoo product
- Detangle hair with fingers and/or brush/comb
Step 2: Shampoo
When shampooing, I:
- Apply product on my scalp and the length of my hair
- Shampoo my hair while it’s in twists (I don’t unravel them)
Note:
- In the past, I’d apply conditioner after shampooing. However, since I apply a deep conditioner after shampooing it’s unnecessary to use conditioner. Adding more products will just cause unnecessary product buildup.
- I used to only lather shampoo on my scalp. However, I noticed that I’d still experience product buildup. So now I apply it throughout the length of my hair.
Step 3: Deep Condition
When deep conditioning, I:
- Keep my hair in twists and apply product to each twist
- Roll my twists into two bantu knots/buns
- Sit under my RedPro Hair Steamer, or use my Q-Redew Steamer
- Detangle my hair (with product still in) using my fingers and/or the Brush with the best Detangler Brush
Note: I don’t always fully wash all the deep conditioner out of my hair. Unless I’m straightening my hair. If I don’t fully wash everything out, I’ll use styling product(s) lightly so I don’t get buildup. This is when I’d actually use the recommended dime size of product.
Step 4: Style
When styling, I alternate between the L.O.C, L.C.O, L.O, C.O, L.O.G, L.G.O or G.O method.
- Leave-in
- Oil
- Cream
- Gel
It really depends on the product(s) I’m using – especially if they’re heavy/light. The time of year – I use gels more in the summer than in winter. It can also depend on whether I’ve rinsed out all of the deep conditioner as to whether or not I need a leave-in conditioner. You can alternate the methods to suit your hair needs.
Additional Wash Day Tips
- Make sure to file your nails, if they’re chipped, before starting your wash day. This will help prevent snagging or tearing.
- Use a t-shirt to dry your hair. Using a towel can cause friction, split ends and breakage, it can also make your hair feel rough/dry.
- Alternate between a deep conditioner and protein treatment when needed. I usually do a protein treatment 1-2 times a month since I have high porosity hair.
- Consider incorporating hot oil treatments, especially in the colder months. This will help with dryness, add shine, and increase blood circulation to the scalp. I usually just add oil to step 3, then steam with the oil and deep conditioner in my hair.
- My hair gets tangled VERY easily, so I keep my hair in twists during the wash day process. This helps to reduce the amount of knots/tangles I get. I only unravel when detangling and styling.
