Alright curlfiends, if you have type 4 hair, we’ve got a question for you. Show off hand, how many times have you tried to do a wash n go and ended up disappointed with the results? Too many times to count? Trust us, we’ve get it. If we’re being honest, we all know wash n’ go’s aren't exactly the easiest hairstyle to pull off when you have type 4 hair. Your curls don’t always look as defined as you want, and the ‘’Go” in wash n go doesn’t always exist for you because of all the extra steps required. However, creating a beautiful wash n’go on your type 4 coils is not as hard as it looks. With the right styling techniques, you can achieve this classic curly hairstyle with very little hassle.
In this article, we’ll be revealing our expert wash n’ go tips and tricks for type 4 hair.
Start By Thoroughly Cleansing And Detangling Your Hair
The key to a good wash n’ go is to start on freshly cleansed hair; it's literally in the name of the hairstyle. This is not a hairstyle you want to do on old or dirty hair at all so cleanse you hair with a non-stripping shampoo like Sofnfree's Hydration Shampoo. Section your hair into 4-6 twists and shampoo your hair in those twists to minimise tangles. If you have is extremely dirty, you may need to wash two times before thoroughly rinsing.
Drench The Hair With Conditioner And Detangle
The conditioning step is one of the most important steps for getting a good Wash n’ go. The hair softening ingredients in a conditioner like our Moisture Rich Conditioner are going to smooth down your cuticles and make it much more manageable and easier to work it. So, apply ample amounts of conditioner from your ends to your roots. Once the conditioner is on your hair, detangle each twisted section with a wide-tooth comb or brush, working from the ends to the roots. This is when your hair will likely be the most pliable and soft, so take your time and comb through each section thoroughly before rinsing.
Additionally, if you notice your hair is a little dry and in need of deeper hydration, follow up with our Manuka Honey Deep Conditioning Mask. Once applied, leave the deep conditioner in your hair for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.
Divide The Hair Into Sections And Hydrate Each Section
Once you're out of the shower, you will need to rehydrate your hair with water in misting spray and a dollop of our Manuka Leave-in Conditioner . Sounds like a lot of water? Yes, we know but water is the key secret to a well defined wash n’go. It will help activate any styling products your use and give you your desired definition. So, make sure your hair is properly saturated with water.
Apply Curling Cream And Define Your Curls In Small Sections
When it's time to define your curls, you will need to work in small sections. Divide your hair into 4-8 sections, depending on how much hair you have. Then, working one section at a time, apply some of our Coconut Oil Curling Creme and follow up with a generous amount of our Curling Mousse to each section and rake your fingers through the hair section to evenly distribute the mousse. Doing this will ensure you distribute the product to every corner of the hair and take your time to clump and section properly.
While defining your curls with mousse, it is extremely important to pay attention to your roots. Since they are the oldest part of your hair, they are usually the most tightly curled and more prone to frizz, so they need a little extra love. Apply our Curling Mousse as close to your scalp as possible and rake through the roots with your fingers thoroughly before working your way down to your ends.
Follow With A Gel And Finger Curl Your Strands
To further define your curls and set them in place, smooth down some of our Flaxseed Oil & Rosewater Curl Elongating Gel on your hair. While doing this, separate each section into smaller subsections and finger curl your hair by twirling small clumps of curls from roots to ends using your fingers.
Air Dry Or Diffuse Your Hair
Dry your hair with a diffuser or let it air dry if you have time to wait. However, avoid touching or manipulating your hair until it is completely dry. This is extremely important as you could easily ruin the curls you worked so hard to create by manipulating your hair when it is still wet.
Fluff And Stretch Your Curls
After drying your hair, fluff the roots with an afro pick or comb to achieve your desired volume. If you prefer an elongated look, divide your hair into 2-3 sections and stretch it out using the banding method. This will help combat shrinkage and make your wash n’ go look voluminous, bouncy, and elongated.
Style Your Edges
To add more flair to your wash n’ go, apply some of our strong hold Twist & Braid Gel on your edges to smooth down any flyaways and keep them sleek. Use an edge brush to create some fun swirls to spice up the final look.
Tips For Maintaining A Type 4 Wash N’ Go
Put Your Hair In A Pineapple Before Bed
Before going to bed, put your hair up in a pineapple updo to keep it from being tangled while you sleep. This will help you maintain your curl definition for up to a week.
Protect Your Hair With A Silk Or Satin Bonnet
If you want your wash n’ go to last, keeping it protected with a silk or satin bonnet at night is very important. It will minimise frizz and keep your curls from getting tangled and also help you retain moisture.
Refresh Your Curls
Refreshing your curls is key to maintaining your results. Your hair will look amazing on day one, but after a few days, it will naturally start to lose moisture, so spraying it with a lightweight moisturiser like our Everyday Curl Refresher will help reactivate the styling products and keep your curls popping for longer.
So there you have curl friends, a detailed routine to help you create the best wash n’ go on your type 4 hair. The quality of styling products used in your routine is key for achieving good results, so if you want your hair to look flawless, be sure to grab our Wash N Go bundle, which is designed to cater to coily hair.