From the time I was a toddler, I have had wild, thick curls. Growing up, my parents even gave me the nickname “shag” because my hair was so curly it reminded them of shag carpet. Like most 90’s kids who grew up in the early 2000’s, I used to straighten and over-heat my hair. I hated my curls and wanted nothing to do with them. My mom’s customers would always comment “you’ll like them one day”, or “you’ll appreciate them when you’re older”. I’m sure I rolled my eyes at the time, but it turns out that they were right! By the time I graduated high school, I grew to adore them and the unique look they gave me. To this day, people can identify me by my hair alone! Fast forward 15 years, my hair has been through the ringer… I’ve tested a lot of products, dealt with hair loss from anemia, and lost volume postpartum. Thankfully, it came out on the other side and is finally back to something I recognize. Here’s my weekly wash-and-go hair routine!

My Wash-and-Go Curly Hair Routine

Shampoo

When I first get in the shower, I start by wetting my hair and applying shampoo.

How to Properly Wash Your Hair

The first focal point in any hair care routine is to make sure you’re using a shampoo that fits your hair type. For wash-and-go curls, you want to choose something with moisture, volume, or curl definition.

1. Start by massaging your scalp with your fingertips. Depending on how long it’s been since I’ve washed, I sometimes incorporate a scalp massager to ensure a deep clean. Not only does it help cleanse better, but it also aids in hair growth!

2. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, ensuring all product is washed out.

Note: Avoid shampooing your hair top to bottom. Shampooing your ends can cause them to become dehydrated and break more easily. When cleansing, you want to focus solely on the roots!

Condition

Applying conditioner next, I start at my hairs halfway point and work my way down. Once applied, I either push my hair behind my back or clip it up. This allows the conditioner to soak in while I do other things. Once I’ve completed the remainder of my shower, I begin rinsing my ends, running my fingers through as I go.

Detangle & Brush

After my conditioner is thoroughly rinsed, I toss a towel through my hair, and immediately begin to brush.

The best way to brush your hair is to start at the ends and work your way up. Taking your time and being mindful are key. Working downward from the scalp and brushing too quickly can rip through all your tangles, causing serious damage.

Note: This is where working your fingers through your hair while conditioning comes into play. It serves as a pre-brushing aid that helps gently helps detangle prior to incorporating the brush.

My Tips for Brushing Curly Hair

1. After showering, loosely wring a towel through your hair to soak up water. For any remaining moisture, air-dry your hair for a few minutes and then towel it off.

2. Add a detangling solution or hair oil to the ends of your hair to help soothe and moisturize before brushing.

3. Choose the right brush! If you struggle with tangles, one of my best hair hacks is using the Wet Brush! This product is designed to be used with both wet and dry hair, and helps cushion the blow of the brush while easing the detangling process.

There are mixed opinions on the topic of brushing, but for us curly headed girls most brushing rules don’t apply! Dry brushing will equate to having hair like Hagrid – wide, frizzy, and beyond repair. Therefore, I recommend brushing when your hair is wet!

Air Dry

Once I am done brushing, I have completed my routine! All that’s left to do is let my hair dry on it’s own.

I have never used a hair dryer more than twice in my life and frankly the process was miserable. Not only is it time consuming, but it also causes you to overheat and expose yourself to unnecessary hair damage. Allowing your hair to air dry will let it return to its natural, healthy state.

There you have it! My wash-and-go curly hair routine. Do you do anything different to care for your curls?