The “wash and go” is hands down one of the most suiting and manageable styles for naturals. I compare it to the wrap from the relaxer days. Remember, the wrap did not seem like much at all to outsiders, but if you wore a relaxer, you know this was the one way to keep your hair ‘fresh’ for another day. Just like wrapping your hair, you have to learn a few techniques and styling rules if you intend to wear the wash and go well. I do believe that this style is suitable for any length of hair. Let’s be realistic however, the look will be different with different lengths. It is not a better look just a different one.
Shorter Lengths
The benefits of this style for shorter hair are numerous. One, you can do a wash and go in a lot less time than others with longer hair. You also need to use less conditioner and your hair will dry much faster. That said, you have the advantage of washing and going, even if you’re pressed for time. Shorter hair naturals, however, can face challenges as their hair dries. The curls sometimes shrink a little too much and the look you were going for is completely altered. The second challenge with short lengths is the front sections misbehaving. After my big chop, the front section of my hair refused to lie flat, no matter what I did to it. Solution: scarves and clips. I know these can get boring over time, but try to diversify and expand your accessories selection. Also, you can play around with the parts; a side part will look much different than a middle part or no part at all.
The key factor at this stage is to not overdo the gel. Too much gel, especially on shorter hair, will create unbelievable crunch and maybe even some flaking, not a good look
Yes, definition is important but the best way to achieve definition is to start with healthy hair. The focus should be on weekly conditioning and using light holding agents when styling. Also remember that curl definition usually means shrinkage. And, if it’s only been a couple of months since your big chop, chances are that your hair is very thin, compared to how full it will start to become in the near future. Make every effort to rid yourself of the straggling relaxer ends because they will not only weigh your hair down, but they can prevent your curls from clumping. What products work well at this stage? It is all about experimenting at this point in your journey. Try different things from the store brands that have been proven true to some naturals to the more expensive, internet-exclusive brands that you hear about. A few store brands that I have heard wonderful things about or have used personally: Aubrey Organics (have used and like them), Cantu products, Jamaican Mango&Lime, Fantasia IC (have used), Paul Mitchell (have used the detangler, but it is not inexpensive).
Yayy, you’ve made it beyond the short phase. Let’s call this phase adjusted phase. You have a much better understanding of what your hair likes and doesn’t like, can and cannot handle. The issues with your wash and go’s are the same however. At this stage you have more length, but are probably realizing that your hair is growing out rather than down lol. Natural hair defies gravity, so you really have to use specific techniques to help your wash and go look. The shape of your hair will definitely help or worsen this situation. If your goal is shoulder length hair and you’re there already, then I would suggest getting a cut that complements your face and keeps the helmet hat look away. If you’re still growing on the other hand, just try to modify the shape of your hair by using little styling tricks.
Methods to help you reduce shrinkage in your mid-length wash and go
Banding—involves holding the hair in an elongated shape as it dries. If your hair is not yet long enough to put it in one ponytail, then do this in smaller sections after washing. See the picture below for a demonstration of how to band. Your hair will dry in this position and show a little more length as a result. You can then play around with it for volume.
Twisting—this is very similar to banding, except that you softly twist your hair after applying your products. The goal is not to achieve a twist or twistout look, but to slightly pull your hair and help elongate the strands.
Diffusing—I don’t advocate using heat, but if you don’t feel as adamant about it as I am, you can use a diffuser to stretch your roots. This method will not only stretch your hair, but will also help with volume. Diffusers are best used on low settings to avoid disrupting your hair or worse yet, causing heat damage.
Products of use at this stage
The products are similar to the shorter stage, assuming you already found products that you are thoroughly satisfied with. You will find yourself needing to use more products as your hair grows and that is normal, more hair more products. In the shower, always run a little water into your hair, even if you’re not redoing your hair. A little water goes a long way with product application. Carry a mister in your purse just in case you need to remist on the road. Your hair is probably more ready for gel or gel-like substances. Creamier products also tend to weigh hair down a little bit more, so get to know what works best for you once again.
Definition—for more definition, try raking your products into your hair with a Denman brush for example. This process helps your hair to curl more and dry more defined. You also have the advantage of carefully positioning your hair when raking. Warning—this method produces a lot of shrinkage unless you follow with one of the elongation methods discussed above.
Long hair (please note that longer natural hair can seem the same length as mid-length unstretched, so I am referring to stretched hair)
You would think wash and go’s would become easier as our hair gets longer, but it really doesn’t lol. There are advantages and disadvantages at each length. Longer hair has a lot of volume gets the benefit of showing length despite the shrinkage. Length and volume! The great pair most naturals want. However, wash and go’s become nearly impossible because of the time it takes to detangle the hair in the shower, how easy the hair tangles during the day, the fear of hours detangling after a 2-3 style and damage to the ends because moisture isn’t reaching the tips of the hair. Even then, there is hope.
Longer naturals have to keep their challenges before them and style with them in mind. First is the detangling process. Take time to detangle, it is an endeavor so do not leave it for a quick co-wash before you run out. Use a lot of leave-in conditioner in your hair as you style. With longer hair, learn how to finger style, if you don’t already do so. Your fingers are a lot gentler to your hair than any styling tool, plus you can catch the knots and take your time to remove them without breaking your hair. Styling products that once worked might stop working for your hair or they might no longer be as hydrating for your older hair, so experiment and add new products into your rotation that respond well to your hair’s needs. For optimal moisture retention, add misting to your nighttime routine. Mist your hair slightly before wrapping it for bed and add a little butter to the ends.
Tips that Apply to All Lengths
- Do not touch your hair after you have applied your products, not until it is fully dry.It will only result of frizzies.
- Apply your styling products in section for better distribution.
- Use a towel to blot excess water after applying your products (worked for me at some point, but stopped).
In the end, as with any other style, your best wash and go lies in the condition of your hair. Notice that I didn’t emphasize the use of gel at any length because contrary to popular belief, great wash and go hair is not synonymous to hair gel. It depends on the texture, condition and shape of the hair. Moisture! Moisture! Moisture! Health! Health! Health! Pay close attention to your hair’s needs, respond to them, focus on its health and every style will be a breeze.
Courtesy of Texture Playground
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