A naturalista’s wash day routine is ever evolving. But when you find a combination that works, as a good citizen you gotta share it. It’s like putting good karma out into the universe😜
This is my full wash day routine, including the products that my high porosity, low density, type 4 b/c hair enjoys.
Step 1: Deep Condition
When I became a mom I would skip the time consuming deep conditioning step. But it’s an important step to keep my dry hair strong and moisturized. After my visit to Devachan Salon in Soho, NYC last year, I learned by flipping around my routine and starting with deep conditioning, I don’t have to spend all day in shower like I used to.
Typically I start the night before, section my dry hair in 4 sections and coat my hair with Miele Organics Rosemary Mint Hair Masque.
This hair masque is new to my routine, but its thick and creamy consistency penetrates my strands to strengthen and hydrate them.
I also use this time to start detangling and gently remove any shed hairs with my fingers.
Once my hair is completely coated, I wrap my hair in a plastic cap and cover it overnight. The heat generated from my scalp helps to lift the hair cuticles to allow the conditioner to deeply moisturize my thirsty hair.
Step 2: Shampoo
The next day when I’m ready to continue wash day, I first rinse out the deep conditioner. If I have some extra time I will shampoo my hair section by section but I always focus mainly on my scalp gently pulling my hair taught while I use my fingertips to massage. This technique helps to minimize tangling.
I use Kinky Tresses Avocado Infusion Sulfate-Free Moisturizing Shampoo. Before trying this shampoo, I would’ve told you that all shampoos perform the same and I’ve been impressed by any of them. But, this shampoo is the truth and has changed my mind forever.
It is a moisturizing shampoo that even has some slip so that I can begin the detangling process while I cleanse my hair. Even if I have to shampoo my hair twice my hair is still left soft and moisturized, never stripped. And the soft and pleasant scent has a hint of lemongrass which I love.
Step 3: Condition
After thoroughly rinsing the shampoo out of my hair, it’s now time to put the moisture back in. I apply the conditioner to my hair while it is in the 4 sections. It makes it much easier to manage and I can ensure that the conditioner coats each and every strand.
I work the product in, raking it in with my fingers to detangle at the same time.
Pro tip: apply the conditioner to each section first and then go back around to each section to work the product in and detangle. It gives the product a chance to soften your hair and detangling is easier.
I leave it in my hair for a few minutes – usually the length of time it takes to brush my teeth, wash my face and shower.
For this step, I use Kinky Tresses Avocado Infusion Restorative Conditioner This is a rinse out conditioner that moisturizes my strands and leaves my curls poppin and defined without the need for a styler. This conditioner has ultra slip that allows my fingers to glide through my hair. After this step, my hair deeply moisturized, supple and juicy.
Make sure your hair is thoroughly detangled before you leave the shower, especially if you plan on doing a wash n go that day. It knocks out the hard work that you would need to do to get your curls defined in the styling step.
Your hair should be soft moisturized and defined after the conditioning step. But if it isn’t, either you did not do a good detangling job or the products used are not right for your hair.
Step 4: Moisturize
I’m a big proponent for layering moisturizers on your hair for lasting hydration. I apply a mix of Camille Rose Naturals Honey Hydrate Leave-In for lasting moisture and Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler for slip, liberally to each section while my hair is still soaking wet. This combination melts away knots and infuses my hair with lasting moisture.
The detangler doesn’t have a scent at all but the honey hydrate leave in has a warm and rich honey caramel scent that is divine.
Step 5: Style as Desired
Your hair is now clean, detangled and moisturized now you’re ready to style however you like.
Music: Cactus; Musician: Jeff Kaale
Question: Which products do you love for wash day? Share below in the comments.
With Love,
