Many are under the impression that wash n go’s aren’t even achievable on 4b or 4c hair, but using the right technique it is entirely possible. The question is however, are most naturals willing to do what it takes to achieve these results?
If you are thinking about doing a wash n go style 9 times out of 10 I guarantee you are hoping to sustain some curl definition. The issue is, in order to retain the curl definition in 4B or 4C hair there is a whole lot more effort than just simply washing your hair, adding in some product and going.
You have to really make an effort to shingle product through your hair section by section making sure your defining your strands, which is definitely not a 5 minute deal.
Sadly, after you have put in all that work you may get 2 or 3 days tops wear out of your wash n go and you will have to repeat this process all over again if you desire the same look.
Although I loved the results I achieved with wash n go’s the time commitment involved just isn’t for me personally. I ended up damaging my hair from it. When it was time to go to sleep I neglected to at the very least pineapple my hair and that led to my hair getting matted. After all the work I put into getting my wash n go look in the first place by the time I was ready to go to bed, hair was the last thing I was thinking about. My life does not revolve around my hair and admittedly sometimes I am just lazy.
At this point I can see myself reserving wash n go’s for the summer, but for the vast majority of the year protective styles will be my go to. Protective styles are just easier in that they keep my hair consistently looking together for a longer period of time. To maintain, I simply have to wear my bonnet at night, moisturize daily and literally get up and go. Being that I will be a new mommy soon, I think this is going more suitable for my lifestyle and the effort I want to put into my hair.
For some 4B/4C naturals wash n go’s are heaven sent because with proper care you may enjoy the moisturizing benefits this style choice has. However, if you choose the wash n’ go route here are some considerations and things to expect.
- If you must have defined curls to enjoy your wash n go you may not enjoy the time you must invest. You must shingle your hair section by section for definition.
- You need quality products! Use the wrong ones and you will be left with a dry mess.
- The products you use will get used up more quickly because you will use them more frequently. So it can get pretty pricey.
- You must embrace some form of shrinkage with wash n go’s. If you need some elongation be willing to invest in a diffuser attachment
and spend more time on your hair stretching it.
- The results are not long lasting. In many cases at least by day 3 you will need to refresh your hair.
- You still should either be putting your hair in large twists or pineappling (a high ponytail) to avoid tangles and matting at night.
I disagree about having to shingle your hair section by section, do a search on Anthony Dickey wash and go, his method works and is quick.
I saw that method, the results were awesome!
I saw the vid: https://youtu.be/Ahrs2kTeHLY
The girl he demonstrates on already has a defined curl pattern (you can see it as he is washing her hair) so it wouldn’t be necessary to do a whole lot of shingling. I have a mixture of 4b/4c hair, on some sections of my hair I really do not have to put much effort at all to make my hair curl. But in the mid section where my 4C texture is dominate, I definitely must shingle otherwise it just looks like a fro in that section. So I am curious as to how this works for someone with 4C hair through and through, that has little to no definition.
Wash n go’s are definitely achievable – but for me they simply aren’t practical. Even if my day 1 curls are poppin, my areas that are the true 4c hair (with the diameter smaller than a pen spring) will begin to tangle around themselves without any prompting from me and when its time to detangle, I am left with a head FULL of fairy knots that will have to be trimmed off. its just not worth it. Everyone’s head of hair is different and I was given hair that simply doesn’t perform well in wash n go situations for my 4c hair
🙁
I have 3 different textures and I do a wash and go daily in the summer. I just make adjustments with the amount/ type if products used on each texture. The nape is 4a so I use Wen and KKC. The front and sides are 4b so I use Wen, Diva curl cream and Ecostyler. The top is very dense 4c. This hair gets all of the above! I can’t go to bed with the feel of my potion of leave- in l,curl cream and gel, so I cowash nightly with Trader Joes tingle conditiober ( underc$5). I usecthe leave- in and curl creams sparingly. I purcgase tge Ecostyler by the 1/2 gallon tub; and the KKC I use the amt of 2quaters. Money wise it’s much cheaper than my weekly visits to the hairdresser. Since I do intense cardio daily, and work as a massage therapist, I look forward to co washing my hair nightly. My hair is long and healthy. I just view the 50min ritual the same as I view exercising or cooking. It’s an investment in me and I’m worth it!
What do you do if you don’t have any curl pattern? Also, is it possible to create a curl pattern in 4c hair?
If you don’t have a defined curl pattern, that is entirely okay. If you want to create one you can do so with braid outs, twist outs, bantu knots, roller sets and shingling your hair.
I have 4 a natural hair and it is easy to curl with curl enhancers and such but the problem I have is that my hair dries out quickly and does not retain moisture I need your help and fast
Have you tried sealing your hair with a butter or oil to prevent moisture loss?
I am glad you have this article. I am hate wash n go
I am have Type 4 B hair and it is hard when I have High porosity!
Also What products do you have for people with dermatitis???
I got it after I had my first child! I NEVER had issues before and it is very difficult when you have these types of issues because you don’t want ANYONE touching your hair because you feel embarrassed….
I need help because I have type 4 B hair and High porosity hair also I have Dermatitis…
It is embarrassing because I don’t want to go to salons…
I have ALWAYS been a Natural….Don’t know what products to use???
Never be embarrassed. It’s not like you can help it! You don’t have to rely on salon care, but it is always good to be seen a couple of times a year to have a professional evaluate and also trim off any dead hair. We have a kit designed for High Porosity Hair: http://naturalandproud.com/product/natural-rizado-bundle-high-porosity-hair/