The Return of the Wash & Go!

As you may have noticed, since my 1 yr anniversary, I haven't worn a wash and go.  I wanted to experiment with twist outs and other styles since I had a little bit more length.  However, with our extremely hot weather & my very busy schedule as of late, I needed a style that required less maintenance in the morning and evening to maintain my curl pattern.  So back to the wash & go I went!

I'm still using the same shingling method that most naturals use when applying gel for curl definition.  I'll post a video below of one of my favorite Youtube vloggers, PhillyDiva19154, for those of you who may be unfamiliar with shingling. (Note: I use a different leave-in conditioner, etc but this is just for the technique of applying the gel.)

Now, I will prepare you that when you get up in the morning you'll have "helmet head" meaning your hair will be flat on the sides that you sleep on.  This is how I refresh my style in the morning.  I spritz my hair with my
moisturing mist.  Then I take my shower and let the moisture from the steam loosen my hair.  I shake it vigorously to loosen the curls.  Then I pull out a few sections with my fingers and stretch with my pic.  Another technique is demonstrated in the video below by another Youtuber that I follow.  I don't band my hair at night like she does but from the 4:00 minute marker and beyond, my technique is very similar.



One of the things I love about doing this blog is that I am able to see my growth progression.  Check out the pictures below for pictures from previous wash and go's.  I'm definately on the grow!!!  I'm loving this natural hair journey and all the lessons I'm learning along the way!

March 2011 - Wash & Go with Smooth & Shine Curl Activator Gel

May 2011 - Wash n Go with Argan Oil Ecostyler Gel

July 2011 Argan Oil Ecostyler Gel Wash n Go - Day 2 Hair



Product Review - Moroccan Argan Oil Ecostyler Gel

So you guys, I think I've finally made my peace with EcoStyler and my wash and go's.  Now that my hair has grown a little longer, and that I've realized how simple this styling option is, I'm actually loving it.

I prefer the Moroccan Argan Oil gel because it tends to be a little heavier than the Olive Oil version and weighs my curls down more.  I've been rocking the above wash and go since Saturday.  It's now Thursday.  Each morning to refresh my curls, I just spray with my water bottle, fluff my hair to it's original style and go.  Now that it's on average 75 - 80 degrees outside, I don't have to worry about leaving with wet hair.

The Ecostyler gels can be found at your local Sally's Beauty Supply, which often runs sales on this for $2.99 for the 32 oz jar.  Usually, it's $4.79.  The gel has almost an orange aroma to it, but I can't smell it in my hair.  I have found that applying a generous amount of coconut oil under this gel doesn't make it quite as hard but it does have a max hold of 10.  As you manipulate your hair from day to day, you'll find that the hair does lose some of the crunchy feeling but maintains the hold and curl pattern.

Day 6 Hair!!