There are still some Naturals who think the wash and go is only for summer or warmer months. That is simply not true and as I live in Denver, CO where it snows, I master the wash and go all year round with total success. There are however, steps that need to be taken to counter the cold weather and dryness.
From the washday to every day in-between, the wash and go can be worn successfully without dryness or damage. Here are five tips that will keep your wash and go fully moisturized, beautiful and protected.
Deep condition (and with heat!)
We should be deep conditioning after every washday all year long but we can get away with it sometimes during the warmer months. Not so much during winter. We need that added moisture, elasticity and strength a good deep conditioner gives and whether you are lacking in moisture or protein, adding this step to your winter washday routine will help keep your wash and go looking amazing and protected.
Adding heat to the mix will further protect your strands so make sure to have a hooded dryer, heat cap or even just a plastic cap. 15 minutes should be the bare minimum but I go for 30 or even 45 minutes under my Thermal Hot Head to get maximum deep conditioning benefits. Here are some excellent deep conditioners to try:
Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
Camille Rose Naturals Algae Deep Conditioner
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Joico K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor
Make moisture your focus
Most of us are dealing with drier temperatures this winter despite snow. We are exposed to not just the drier climate outside but inside as we crank up the heat to stay warm. All that dryness is whisking away moisture from our strands so beef your hair up with moisturizing products and the best moisturizer in the world: water!
The best way to do this is to apply your leave-in or sealant to soaking wet hair. Not dry or damp but FULLY WET hair to capture the moisture and hold onto it. This is best to do while in the shower especially if you have high porosity hair (like me) because you want to get it in before it escapes. If reviving hair simply use the mist from the shower or a hair steamer like the Q-Redew to bring moisture back into your strands.
Make sealing your 2nd focus
First you want to capture that moisture and secondly you want to keep it. Sealing it in is necessary for curl definition, keeping hair moisturized and protecting your strands from the elements and dryness. You can use an oil like coconut oil or olive oil to keep that hydrated strand protected from the drying temps in the house and outside. I mix my sealant Jane Carter Solutions Complex 4 Replenish & Repair Oil with my favorite leave-in SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Marfura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner to seal in moisture into my high porosity strands.
Get several days out of your WnG
It is possible to get longer time out of your wash and go. Getting 2nd, 3rd and even 4th day hair is better achieve in winter so you are not needing to refresh your style as often and having to run around with a wet head. I find having a stellar wash day routine, protecting my hair night with a satin pillowcase, or satin scarf, and keeping my hands out of my hair for fear of frizz all help.
I will even switch up the style with a headband or place into a bun or puff to keep me from having to rewet my head in the shower too.
Invest in satin-lined hats/caps/beanies
These not only look great but they help to protect your strands from dryness and from frizz as they cradle your strands. I rarely mess up my wash and go when I enlist in the help of a satin-lined beanie or hat. It's also great for just wearing with some strands left out like I have above.
Always remember to get a satin-lined hat or wear a satin bonnet or scarf underneath a regular hat with no satin lining. Don't be afraid to ask for bigger sizes for extra slouch for room for big hair.
How do you get the best wash and go during winter? Share below.
Sabrina
Read more articles like this one from Sabrina on http://www.seriouslynatural.org