Wash and Go Tutorial on 4a/3c hair

Products used:
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo & Conditioner
Curls Goddess Curls Gel
Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel
Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste
Dark & Lovely Au Naturale Moisture L.O.C. System (Sample from New Orleans Natural Hair Expo)

Step 1: I washed my hair using the Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo. I only apply shampoo to my scalp to clarify and then I add the conditioner on top before rinsing it out. My hair feels less stripped that way.

Step 2: I separate my hair into 4 sections to make the rest of the product application process more manageable.

Step 3: After washing and conditioning, I usually do the LOC method. (Liquid/water based leave in, Oil, and Cream) For this specific style I used the  Dark & Lovely Au Naturale Moisture L.O.C. System. I’ve noticed that doing this 3 step process provides longer moisture retention post wash day for me, and I’m not forced to reapply as much product throughout the week.

Step 4: Once the LOC process is complete I apply my stylers, which for this style are Curls Goddess Curls Gel & Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel. I apply the Goddess Curls Gel first, raking it through each section of hair and finger detangling at the same time. After all the strands are coated and smooth my hair to get my curls to clump.

Step 5: Layering products is important for my hair type, especially for a wash and go. I need something for definition and then something for hold. The Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel is my holding product. Once the Curls Goddess Curls Gel is applied, I go over top of it with the Eco Styler gel and do the same two step process. Rake and then smooth.

Step 6: After both products are applied and my curls are defined I give my hair a “scrunch” or too just to make sure there are so straight pieces or fly-aways and I move to the next section.

Step 7: After all sections are completed, I apply a little Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste to my edges and tie those down with a nylon sock while I let my hair air dry.

Step 8: LET IT DRY! It takes a few hours, so don’t have plans to go anywhere if you don’t want to go outside with wet hair. I normally do it first thing in the morning so it will be try by the time I head out to do whatever I need to do for the day. While your hair dries, try not to touch it. I know it’s difficult, but touching your hair while its drying will disrupt the curl pattern you worked so hard to define a few steps up!

Step 9: Once dry, remove the nylon sock and you are ready to go!

Nighttime maintenance: I usually sleep with two buns on top of my head to keep the hair stretched and just spray with water in the morning to reactivate the curls.

Any questions, feel free to leave them below! Now that we are approaching the colder months, I’m looking for a way to convert the process to be my “cold air friendly” I would love to hear suggestions on how to do that as well!

Hope you enjoy!
-Kiara

 

Kiara McCummings
A 20 something year old, with a passion for all things natural hair! I began my journey in 2009, and at that time there weren't many places I could find someone with my hair type and get guidance and inspiration. That made me want to document my personal journey. It started with a blog, turned into quick Instagram pictorials, and has now become a Youtube Channel. Through hair tutorials, product reviews, and updates I hope to help someone who might need a little extra push along their Natural Journey! Enjoy!!
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