3 Tips for a Defined Wash & Go for Every Texture

A wash and go (or as we like to call a hydrate & define) is an enhancement of the natural curl pattern of the hair. All hair textures can do a hydrate & define. In this set, the hair typically starts out sopping wet after being cleansed and conditioned. A film forming styler with hold, typically gel or styling foam, is applied to the hair for full saturation, then distributed throughout the strands from root to ends.

Once product and water are distributed through the hair properly, the natural curl is defined through raking and smoothing. Once defined, the hair is dried under a hood dryer or with a handheld dryer with diffuser attachment.

Listed below are 3 tips for how to get a defined wash and go for every hair texture.

Tip #1: Apply styling products to soaking wet hair

For wash and go’s (aka hydrate and define sets), the product of choice is 97% gel. Always gel. You want a soft wash and go? Still gel. Otherwise, you will have an unintentional undefined afro. While rocking an afro is amazing, if that wasn’t the finish you were going for, gel will always win the day. Make sure your hair is soaking wet when you apply the gel in order for the product to fully be distributed into the hair.

Tip #2: Make sure the styling product is distributed from root to ends

No one likes puffy roots on day 1 hair! When using your gel, make sure you’re evenly distributing from your roots to the ends of your hair. This will ensure that you have curl definition all over and that no areas are missed.

Tip #3: Don’t disturb your curls

We know a lot of you all have what we like to call “hands in hair” syndrome, however constantly touching your hair while it’s wet disturbs the set and can cause a lack of curl definition and frizz. Don’t fluff or touch your hair until it’s fully dry, trust us!

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