I'm going to tell you exactly why your wash and go routines are not working for you, why you keep failing, and why it's just not giving you the results that you want. These observations come directly from demonstrating wash and go techniques for others. Let's dive right into it and get your hair looking fabulous!
The Importance of Proper Detangling
Step 1: Fully Detangle Your Hair
The first thing you need to do is fully detangle your hair. Get all of those tangles out. Some of you might not even know how to properly detangle your hair. So, let’s nail this down quickly.
- Hold Your Hair Taut
- Get Your Brush: I highly recommend using a brush over a comb. It's faster and more effective in removing tangles.
How to Brush Properly
Many of you might be gently brushing or just going lightly with your brush. This approach only causes your curls to break up.
"You want to hold that section and get that brush all the way into the hair. Brush from root to tip while maintaining tension."
Why This Matters
When you hold on to the hair firmly and brush all the way through, you'll notice:
- Less Frizz: Because the tension smooths it out.
- Better Curl Formation: As opposed to the haphazard brushing that disrupts the curl pattern.
Hydration is Key
Step 2: Ensure Your Hair is Wet Enough
Balancing the right level of moisture is crucial. Your hair shouldn't be dripping wet, but it shouldn't be dry either. This balance depends on your hair’s porosity.
Low Porosity Hair: My hair is low porosity, meaning it has a hard time absorbing products. This requires a bit more effort in working products in.
Use the Right Product and Right Amount
I recommend starting with a moisturizing hair pudding.
- Use Small Amounts: Start with a small amount and build up.
- Work It In: Don't just apply it on the surface. Really work it into your hair.
"You're not working your products into your hair. And then you're like, oh, it didn’t work for me. My hair was dry."
Technique: The Squish Method
For some reason, my hair has been resistant to absorbing products recently. In such scenarios, I use a method I call "squishing". It helps the product penetrate better.
- Apply Products in Small Amounts
- Squish It In: Really make sure it gets in there.
Fingering Method for Coily Hair
Step 3: Use the Correct Finger Technique
Especially if your hair is on the coily side, using your fingers can make all the difference.
Common Mistakes:
- Raking Fingers Through: This breaks up your curls.
- Not Creating Clumps: You want your curls to form in defined clumps.
Proper Finger Positioning
Have your fingers close together, almost like making a tight fist or a bear claw. Then:
- Work It In: With no spaces between fingers, work the product into the hair.
- Smooth and Close Fingers Around Hair: This helps in achieving defined clumps.
"Notice how now I have more clumps. Squish your hair. Squish the products in."
Be Intentional and Gentle
Step 4: Take Your Time and Be Gentle
Rushing through the process or being too rough can cause more harm than good.
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush. Be thoughtful and attentive.
- Work In Smaller Sections: This helps in achieving better definition.
"If you need to work in smaller sections, you will have better definition and better results."
Detangling and Application Tips
Step 5: Emulsify or Apply Directly
Sometimes I emulsify the product in my hands before applying it. Other times, I take the product directly to my hair. It depends on the situation.
- Top Part vs Bottom Part:
- The top part of my hair is lower porosity due to mechanical and heat damage.
- The bottom part absorbs products differently.
Product Application and Methods
Step 6: Use Different Methods for Different Hair Types
For Low Porosity Hair
My hair, being low porosity, reacts differently to brush application. Using my hands for product application works best. Squishing the products with my hands gives more definition.
- Squish Products In
- Avoid Overuse of Brush
General Techniques
There are multiple techniques to try:
- The Prayer Method
- The Rake and Shake
Test out these methods to see what works best for you.
Blockquote for Standout Techniques:
"There are multiple techniques: the prayer method, the rake and shake. Test these out to see what works best for you."
Final Thoughts
I hope you found these tips helpful. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below. Let me know which techniques work best for you and if your wash and go routines are more of a "wash and no."
As always, take your time, be gentle, and work those products in. Your natural hair is beautiful and with the right techniques, you can achieve the fabulous results you desire!