Wash and Go Winter Routine (Define Your Coils)

You guys know how much I loathe the term wash and go because … misleading; however, this post will focus on my updated wash and go winter routine for my natural hair (or rather how I define my coils in the winter).  In all seriousness, that was as close to washing and going that I’ve been in a while!

I know it’s not TECHNICALLY winter yet, but there isn’t much else I will do to switch this routine up for the winter months since it will still be chilly/cold outside.  Guess who will NOT be walking outside the house with wet hair? *raises hand*

Also, since my hair has grown significantly it was more than time for an update on how I get these coils POPPIN’ – here’s how:

You really need to be in the shower for this whole process.  I can’t stress that enough.  For one, your hair needs to be soaking wet and it’s most wet when it’s in direct contact with water.  Also, this process is messy.  Messy, messy, messy boots.  The shower will contain all the mess and will be easier to clean than your whole bathroom or room.

First, I cleanse my hair.  This means I shampoo my scalp and condition my strands.  Since my hair is purple right now, I take preventative measures to keep my color vibrant (see post here for more information on that routine).  I also have to make sure my hair is extremely moisturized because of the color, so I use products that will keep that moisture locked in there for the long haul.  This go ’round I reached for GVP Shimmer Lights Conditioning Shampoo and a new product, Giovanni 2Chic Avocado and Olive Oil Conditioner.

I finger detangled my hair in the shower (well – kinda in the shower – take a look):

Once it was detangled, I rinsed out the conditioner and generously applied Shea Moisture JBCO Leave In Conditioner followed by Kurlee Belle Jelle Coconut (not too much of this product – used it mainly for hold).

Then, I shook my head back and forth, up and down.  This step is important because it clumps the coils together.  It also makes the biggest mess because… products flying everywhere!

Since this was my first time using this particular product combination I wasn’t sure how my hair would turn out.  I noticed it was white, but I hoped it would dry clear and it did (Thank you God).

Speaking of drying, for about 10 – 15 minutes I used the diffuser on my blow dryer to dry my curls (medium high heat with cool shots).  While I was getting ready, I allowed my hair to air dry undisturbed (this is important) and followed up with the concentrator nozzle focusing on my roots for a light stretch and additional volume.

Total styling time (styling is defined as me actually touching my hair): 30 minutes, which is really no different than when I define my coils in the warmer months.  All I’m doing now is speeding up the drying time – dassit.  Speaking of drying time, maybe I should reverse the air dry and the diffuser steps… I don’t know.  Just a thought.

My hair is moisturized and well defined.  I’m going to see how many days I can get out of this since I workout during the week.  It should be easy to refresh my coils, but since my hair is longer we shall see how this unfolds.

UPDATE: Four days later and the results speak for themselves:

A photo posted by pRoy (@askproy) on Dec 4, 2015 at 2:23pm PST

I mean… what else can I say? This style is so low maintenance and soooooooooo easy! #lazynatural

Learn how I maintain this hairstyle here.