In this post, you will learn how to structure your wash day routine in simple steps!

Wash day can be the cause of a lot of frustration for many of us. Especially if you have just decided to embrace your curls and embarked on a curly hair transition journey. In my own journey, I had to deal with damaged hair as a consequence of frequent chemical treatments. The constant pursuit of straightening my hair definitely took a toll on my hair’s health.

Have you ever…

…washed your hair just for it to be absolutely frizzy afterward?

…used a shampoo that seemed to not work well for you?

…had a hard time using the correct hair cream to style your curls?

…just settled down with a hair bun because…like…what the heck!?

If any of these points resonate with you, then you and I have a lot in common already.

I decided to embrace my natural hair 6 years ago, and it’s been a ride! And let me tell you, that was the best decision ever! I can’t say it was an easy transition, but it was worth it! This post is meant to provide you with a Wash Day Step-by-Step. This might be a long blog post, so if you prefer a video walkthrough, you can check my video tutorial below.

Easy WASH Day in 2024

Step-by-Step Wash Day Routine

First things first! Investing in good quality products is key for a successful wash day. Make sure you take your time researching products that will enhance your curls and also keep your hair healthy. I usually wash my hair twice a week, but this may vary depending on what I have going on and the weather as well.

So let’s dive into the step-by-step process for my wash day, which is a mix of the art of styling with a good hair cream, the dilemma of air-drying vs. diffusing, the benefits of using cold water, and the role of oil in sealing moisture.

1. Why wash your hair with cold water? Along with applying heat to my hair to style it, I used to take hot to wash my hair. Although I thought it was an OK thing to do, once I started washing my hair with cold water, I noticed an almost instant improvement in my hair’s health condition. You might be thinking what is it about cold water?! Awesome question! Cold water seals the hair cuticles, preventing frizz and giving a smooth, shiny texture to your hair. This step is vital for locking in the moisture provided by the conditioner, leaving the hair nourished and manageable. So step 1, make sure to get used to washing your hair with cold water and watch your hair transform.
2. How to apply shampoo to curly hair? I will dare to say that applying shampoo to your hair is a crucial step of your wash day – no surprise!! – therefore, make sure you choose the appropriate shampoo for your hair type. Choosing the appropriate shampoo involves considering its ingredients and formulation. The process of choosing the correct shampoo for your hair type can be a journey itself. Each person’s hair is unique, and it may take some experimentation to find the perfect shampoo for your curls. Don’t be afraid to try different shampoos until you discover the one that best suits your hair’s needs. So here we go, step 2, apply shampoo to your scalp only, and do not scrub your hair as this can lead to further damage. Gently massage your scalp so the shampoo removes dirt and excess oil without stripping the hair’s natural oils.
3. How to condition curly hair?Much like finding the perfect shampoo for your hair type, finding a good conditioner may take some time. However, you will always apply conditioner to the length of your hair only, avoiding your scalp. This helps retaining moisture and preventing the roots from becoming overly oily. The conditioner should be left on for a few minutes to allow for effective absorption. And then rinse it off…with cold water!!

How to Style Your Curls with Hair Cream Only

I personally am not a big fan of hair gels and when it comes to styling my hair I stick with my favorite hair creams. I usually rotate hair creams as I may need different approaches in the different seasons of the year. Generally speaking, I use two methods for hair styling: brush and finger coiling.

1. Using a Spray Bottle: A spray bottle filled with filtered water helps rehydrate the hair and reactivate the product already in the hair. I usually use a spray bottle when I am styling my hair because it airs dry while I apply and style it. I like my hair to be soaking wet while I apply the hair cream, so a spray bottle is always part of my styling routine.
2. Parting hair: Parting the hair into sections allows for a more systematic application of the hair cream. This ensures that each strand is properly coated resulting in even curls throughout. In addition, I am not the biggest fan of hair parted in the middle, so I just style it and toss it back.
3. Using a brush: I only detangle my hair when I wash my hair. And for that, a wide-toothed comb is my go-to for detangling. I usually detangle my hair when I apply the conditioner, always starting at the ends and making my way to the roots – this helps preventing breakage. I detangle my hair once more with the comb before moving forward to the styling brush. 
4. Finger Coiling: Along with the styling brush, I also use the finger coiling method which involves twirling small sections of the hair around the finger to enhance curl definition. This technique encourages the natural curl pattern to shine, creating a uniform look. 

Make sure to check on my YouTube video: “Easy WASH DAY in 2024 | Curls by Eve“ to review and learn the step-by-step styling process.

Show I Air Dry vs. Diffuse?

I must say, air drying is my absolute preference, but it’s not always I am able, or have the time, to let it air dry – it does almost take a whole day for my hair to dry. Air drying and defusing are two popular methods for drying curly hair, each with its own set of advantages. Air drying allows the hair to naturally dry and it reduces the risk of damage. Since it’s a natural process, the curls form organically. While it takes more time, the results are amazing!! I LOVE well-defined and bouncy curls (heart eyes!!). On the other hand, diffusing speeds up the drying process AND adds volume to the curls which I absolutely love!! However, the heat can lead to dryness, so make sure to use a low-heat setting and do not overdo it.

Organic Oils for Curly Hair

Before embracing my curly hair, using oils was just not part of my hair care at all. It took me a while to actually understand the benefits of oils and how to use them by implementing them in my wash day and the day after. Oils serve to seal in moisture, acting as a barrier against environmental factors that may cause dryness. There are many different organic oils that do wonders for the hair. So yes, it takes a while for you to learn what oils work best for your hair type and how to best implement them in your hair care. I personally like to apply oil after my hair is dry and styled, however, sometimes I diffuse my hair roots and let the length air dry, so in this case, I apply oil when my hair is semi-dry. Applying oil locks in the moisture provided by the styling products, leaving the curls hydrated and vibrant. Pro-tip: Applying a small amount to the ends of the hair can also help prevent split ends.

Voi-la! We covered all aspects of Wash Day! Do not worry if this feels somewhat overwhelming to you. Wash day gets better with time, as you understand your hair more and more! Embracing natural curls involves more than a change in hairstyle, it truly is a commitment. As I’ve discovered my journey, embracing and caring for natural curls is also a self-discovery and a well-worth one! You got this!

If you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

With love,

Evelyn