Yes, that is me. That is what I do and who I am. I”m a 365 days out of a year wash and Go Natural. I am not ashamed or embarrassed and the entire time I’ve been natural I have lived in Colorado. Yes, I’ll say it again. I am a year round Natural even though I love in Colorado.
First off, Colorado is not the Dakotas. (Really hope I don’t offend anyone by that statement but you all do have it pretty cold up there!) We have beautiful summers here and we even have temperatures that hit in the 100’s. 90’s are more common but either way our warmer months are just that….warm! Spring and Fall are pleasant with cooler temperatures and even some snow but winters can be brutal and short. Meaning, we have bursts of snow that can be gone the very next day or week. It’s not always snowing here.
See also: Is The Type 4 Wash And Go Really Taboo Or Is It All In Your Head?
It’s getting colder but that just means wearing hats with a satin bonnet underneath or satin lined hats. I haven’t always done that and only resorted to wearing a hat when it got below 20 degree. No, I never had a cold or gotten sick in the winter either. I have gone out with a wet head more times than I can count and was healthy as a horse!
Now, I know not everyone’s interpretation is the same on the wash and go. Some litterally wash and go and some have about 400 steps so I think I need to clarify what the wash and go means to me.
The wash and go (on wash days)
I cleanse with my AS I AM Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner, rinse and apply my tea rinse. I then add my leave-in conditioner throughout my hair and sealant before using an old t-shirt to squeeze the excess and apply Kinky Curly Curling Custard gel.
The wash and go (on in-between days)
If I need to refresh my curls and choose not to just add my lavender water mix, I wet my hair and apply Kinky Curly Knot Today and Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner either by themselves or together and add sealant. I use the old t-shirt to squeeze the excess conditioner out and apply gel.
See also: How To Achieve Your Best Wash & Go Ever!!!
I have serious shrinkage so lately I’ve been using the Ponytail Banding for some length but that’s about all I do to alter my wash and go routine. I love the freedom of this routine and I do not feel that protective styling is a must in the winter time or for hair retention and/or growth. I’ve chopped up in my head a few times but since I’ve started the Curly Girl Method last January I’ve seen some serious growth and retention. I do take Hairfinity vitamins and drink tons of water so I think they have all contributed to my happy healthy growing hair.
The wash and go has been the easiest and the most attractive style on me. I’ve tried twist outs and braid outs several times and have always failed. I feel it’s not for me so I stick to what I know and there are no regrets. Not everyone wants to or needs to protective style but if it works for you then great. If not, don’t beat yourself up over it. We are all different and although we may be using the same products that does not mean we have to wear our hair the same way.
So now I gotta ask…any other year around Wash and goers out there? Stand up, be heard and share your story with me. I know you are out there!
Washing and going and happy Naturals,
Sabrina
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I like to switch up my hair styles and wear twists, twist outs, wash n go etc. I do not let the time of the year dictate when I wear a wash n go, I make sure to use a good leave in and moisturizer.
You are so right!