So when I first started my journey I mostly rocked protective styles. From semi mini twists, to twist updos. I was not one for wash and go's mostly because I was convinced that I could not maintain nor have a successful wash and go. A few months ago I got into my feelings I was wearing protective styles almost all the time and I was not enjoying my hair like I wanted. So I did some research on wash and gos and how to define them. So of course I looked to my favorite natural hair guru Naptural85 for some tips on how to define type 4 natural hair. So here are some steps to have a successful wash and go on type 4 hair.
Step One:
-Before I do anything I detangle my hair. Starting from ends to roots I first finger detangle. You can use coconut oil, a conditioner of your choice I prefer aloe vera juice.
Step Two:
-The next step is to cleanse/clarify your hair. I've notice my wash and gos turn out best on clean hair. You can use shampoo (but since this is for type 4 hair that may be too drying if uses too often) so you can cowash with a conditioner that's cleanses the scalp and hair good or an alternative like apple cider vinegar, Castile soap.
Step Three:
- I always deep condition so I recommend that or just a follow up but left on for a few extra minutes.
Step Four:
-Now I saw that some girls work on damp or dry hair, but for me I've learned that soaking wet hair is best. Choose a leave in as a base and a curl definer, it can be a creme or gel I use both just because I like maximum hold. Some gels cause your hair to be hard others don't but it also is on what products you use them with so its all on trial and error. Some videos will suggest using a denman brush, or raking but for those with type 4 hair that may not work. The idea is to clump your curls together raking maybe separate them, though I do that from time to time because I like frizz and bigger hair but if you want a more defined look I suggest not doing that.
Last But Not Least:
-Diffuse, you can air dry but for me diffusing has made all the difference especially with combating shrinkage, if you aren't bother by shrinkage dry your hair how you please.
For any more tips and tricks on defining curls for type 4 hair you can always visit Naptural85 on YouTube as well as many others who use different techniques to define their kinks and coils.
Step One:
-Before I do anything I detangle my hair. Starting from ends to roots I first finger detangle. You can use coconut oil, a conditioner of your choice I prefer aloe vera juice.
Step Two:
-The next step is to cleanse/clarify your hair. I've notice my wash and gos turn out best on clean hair. You can use shampoo (but since this is for type 4 hair that may be too drying if uses too often) so you can cowash with a conditioner that's cleanses the scalp and hair good or an alternative like apple cider vinegar, Castile soap.
Step Three:
- I always deep condition so I recommend that or just a follow up but left on for a few extra minutes.
Step Four:
-Now I saw that some girls work on damp or dry hair, but for me I've learned that soaking wet hair is best. Choose a leave in as a base and a curl definer, it can be a creme or gel I use both just because I like maximum hold. Some gels cause your hair to be hard others don't but it also is on what products you use them with so its all on trial and error. Some videos will suggest using a denman brush, or raking but for those with type 4 hair that may not work. The idea is to clump your curls together raking maybe separate them, though I do that from time to time because I like frizz and bigger hair but if you want a more defined look I suggest not doing that.
Last But Not Least:
-Diffuse, you can air dry but for me diffusing has made all the difference especially with combating shrinkage, if you aren't bother by shrinkage dry your hair how you please.
For any more tips and tricks on defining curls for type 4 hair you can always visit Naptural85 on YouTube as well as many others who use different techniques to define their kinks and coils.