[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Its been about two years since my last wash day routine blog post. Since then, my wash day has changed up quite a bit. I’ve had some folks ask me for an updated wash day routine, so I’m sharing my 2019 routine![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Disclaimer:
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- 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 is:
- High porosity
- High/thick density
- Coily/curly hair
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Step 1: Pre-shampoo
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Note:
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1562786615262{margin-top: 10px !important;background-color: #f7f2ee !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1573835553951{margin-top: -35px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;border-top-width: -35px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;background-color: #f7f2ee !important;}”]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 ??
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]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.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1575922754352{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]When pre-shampooing, I:
- 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
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Step 2: Shampoo
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When shampooing, I:
- Apply product on my scalp and length of my hair
- Shampoo my hair while it’s in twists (I don’t unravel them)
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Note:
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- 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 throughout the length of my hair.
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Step 3: Deep Condition
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When deep conditioning, I:
- Keep my hair in twists and apply product to each individual 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
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Note:
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1562786822602{margin-top: 10px !important;background-color: #f7f2ee !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1568654513333{margin-top: -35px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;border-top-width: -35px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;background-color: #f7f2ee !important;}”]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.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Step 4: Style
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]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 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.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1562098857239{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1562786835001{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #f7f2ee !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1562787762900{margin-top: -40px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;border-top-width: -40px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;background-color: #f7f2ee !important;}”]
Additional Wash Day Tips:
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- Make sure to file your nails, if they’re chipped, prior to 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.
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