Are Wash-and-Go Hairstyles a Myth?

Wash-and-go hairstyles are a bit like bucket hats. Some people can pull them off while others end up looking like they stepped out without a second glance in the mirror.

It’s not your fault if your tresses don't magically fall into place post-shower. Hair types vary widely. And let’s not forget that other factors like humidity and water quality can influence how your hair behaves. But can you still make wash-and-go hairstyles work for you? Or are they reserved for a lucky few? 

The term “wash-and-go” implies a simple and speedy routine with no heat styling. Theoretically, it should be just shampoo, air-dry, brush, and you’re ready for dinner. In reality, extra steps are necessary to help keep your locks under control, especially if yours are prone to frizz.

Curly or wavy hair types need a cocktail of curl creams and oils to lock in moisture. Not to mention more time to scrunch and plop curls to give them a nice shape. Meanwhile, those with straight, fine hair have it easier. Their strands can look sleek and shiny without extensive intervention.

But on humid days, all bets are off. Even those with naturally poker-straight hair might reach for a blow dryer to help lift the roots, which defeats the whole purpose of a wash-and-go method.

So, if you’ve attempted a wash-and-go hairstyle and got frustrated by the result, it could be because you missed a couple of steps to keep your locks fresh and neat.

Anyone can rock wash-and-go hairstyles with the right prep work. The secret is following a routine that caters to your hair texture. Here are five basic steps to keep in mind.

Smoothing out tangles on wet hair is downright painful. Save yourself from this tug of war by running a comb or brush before stepping into the shower. When your hair is dry, it’s less prone to stretching and breaking, making it easier to work through matted locks. If your strands are super knotty, try applying a detangling spray, hair oil, or leave-in conditioner to help loosen up the snarls.

Most people put shampoo on top of their heads, rub it around for 10 seconds, and rinse it off. This literal wash-and-go approach is not enough to get rid of dirt, buildup, and excess oil on your scalp.

The first thing you should do is choose a shampoo that suits your hair concern. Sunsilk Smooth and Manageable Shampoo is a game-changer for fighting frizz. It’s made with a blend of flower perfume oil, vitamin B3, and collagen that can give you 5x smoother hair.

Now that you’ve picked a shampoo, pour a small amount into your palms and create a lather before applying it to your scalp. Use your fingertips to gently massage the suds across your scalp, from the hairline to the nape of your neck. After a few minutes, rinse with warm water and let the shampoo run through the lengths of your hair. This cleanses your ends without over-drying them.

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to conditioning your hair. Don’t rush the process to get the most benefits out of your conditioner. Apply the product midway through your strands, wrap your hair in a towel, and wait. Five to seven minutes is the sweet spot – any longer than that will cause residue buildup. Finally, rinse with cold water to lay the hair cuticle flat. Your locks will look shinier than ever.

Air-drying sometimes makes straight hair look frizzy and curly hair feels stringy. It’s a bit of a Russian roulette. The good news is you can ensure good results every time you air dry by knowing when and how to apply your hair products.

The first rule is to let your hair get about 75% dry before coating it with products. It should be damp, not dripping. The second rule is to layer products in the right order based on your hair type.

Curly hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it easily, so apply curling cream first and lock everything in with a gel. If you have straight hair, it’s important not to weigh the strands with too much product. All you need is a good leave-in conditioner as the base and a lightweight oil like TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum to smooth flyaways. This hair serum is made with keratin and marula oil that can also detangle knots, boost shine, and add softness.

Using a blow-dryer for a wash-and-go routine is not cheating if you put it on the “cool” setting. The cold air helps speed up the hair-drying process while keeping frizz under control and minimizing damage. Focus the nozzle on the roots and lift the roots with your finger to give them some volume. For those with curly hair, attach a diffuser to the blow dryer to help define the kulot shape.

Wash-and-go hairstyles are not a myth – they’re just not always as effortless as they sound. You can nail the look as long as you’re willing to invest in a routine that can bring out your natural hair texture in the best way.