How to Wash & Go + Product Recommendations
- Briana White
- Jun 13, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 27
When it comes to my hair, nothing beats a curly, voluminous wash and go—it’s always on point!
When it comes to my hair, nothing beats a curly, voluminous wash and go—it’s always on point!
This is my signature style, my ultimate go-to. Ever since I did the big chop and went natural back in 2015, I’ve embraced my curl pattern, and wash and gos have been my staple. A good cleanse and poppin' curls never fail me! It’s easy to wake up, give it a quick shake after a good night’s rest, and head out the door. A well-defined wash and go lasts me about two weeks (three if I’m really pushing it).
The Wash & Go Process
I often get asked what products I use in my hair. I have quite the collection, so I usually grab whatever’s under my sink. But as long as I have these essentials, I can achieve a fabulous wash and go:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Moisturizer
Gel
Mousse
Oil
That’s my recipe, and I’m sticking to it!
As I near retirement from my long career as a product junkie, I’m trying to use up all the products I have to avoid waste. If you’ve got any of these items lying around the house, go ahead and use them! But if you’re curious about the brands and tools that have become staples in my routine—and that my hair is currently loving—keep reading.
The Products
I only use shampoo once a month since it can strip moisture from my hair if used too often. For a good cleanse, I reach for OUAI Detox Shampoo, which contains apple cider vinegar to get rid of product buildup.
I use conditioner often, combining co-washing with traditional conditioning. This deep conditioner from Camille Rose is thick and packed with all the good stuff, leaving my hair with amazing slip.
I love a good leave-in! This spray is light, won’t weigh my hair down, and helps with detangling. It’s like a smoothie for your hair, with extracts of strawberry, blueberry, and papaya.
This cream is essential for keeping my hair moisturized throughout the duration of my style. It repairs split ends and strengthens hair with Pro Vitamin B5.
This gel has just the right amount of hold to keep my wash and gos lasting long without harmful, drying ingredients. Plus, it smells amazing!
I often mix mousse and gel in my hand (around 60% mousse, 40% gel) and rake it through my hair. This combo creates magic! My hair dries faster with this mix than with gel alone.
You’ll need an oil to break the gel cast. It also keeps frizz down, makes your wash and go shiny and fresh, and leaves your hair smelling incredible.
The Tools
I use this brush before and during washing to make the process so much easier.
After detangling, I use the Denman brush to work my conditioner through and apply styling products. If the brush glides, you’ve achieved that perfect slip!
A microfiber towel is a must for reducing frizz. I like the ones with an elastic hoop for easy use.
This is essential for keeping my hair drenched as I apply products for styling.
My hair is super thick and takes a while to dry, so I sit under a hooded dryer for about two hours if I have the time.
When I don’t have time for a hooded dryer, I let my hair air dry about 80% while doing chores, then use a blow dryer to diffuse and stretch my roots to prevent shrinkage.
A diffuser is crucial for preventing frizz and keeping curls defined.
I use this almost daily after day two to pick at my roots, creating big, sexy volume.
If I pineapple or band my hair before bed, I use a satin scarf to protect it from my cotton pillowcase. Alternatively, you could use a satin pillowcase, but it makes me sweat at night.
For curls that hang out of my pineapple, I put a bonnet on top of my satin scarf. If I skip the scarf, I still always use a bonnet.
Everything listed can be found in my Amazon storefront.
If you’re into visuals like myself, I have a YouTube video of my wash and go routine. My product list has updated since this video, but you'll get the gist of the process.
A Few Tips...
Section it: After cleansing, part your hair into four sections and work the product in really well.
Drench it: The only thing I’d do differently is add more water while styling, using the spray mist bottle.
Pick it: The older your wash and go gets, the more you pick it, the more beautiful it becomes.
Style it: Switch it up around day four or five—pin it up, mohawk it, twist the front, wear a high puff. Hair is art!
There are millions of ways to do a wash and go, and countless products out there. These are the ones that work for me, but find what works for you. Don’t get frustrated; appreciate the process, love your hair, and have fun!
Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried a wash and go and how it worked out for you!
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