Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2023

[GettingKinky]

@Chicoro @caribeandiva

I am still not 100% convinced that wash n gos are the best way to retain ALL of your length, but with the technique that I currently follow my hair doesn’t tangle that much even though I have a lot of shrinkage - which definitely took me time to get used to/accept.

When I wash my hair, I thoroughly detangle during the conditioner step with a detangling brush. While my hair is detangled I apply a lot of gel (2 gels actually). The first gel is a botanical gel that forms a humectant film on the hair and the second gel forms a strong cast and keeps the curl clumps locked in place so they don’t tangle up.
Blow drying with a diffuser or sitting under a dryer helps the hair to “set”. Kind of like like a roller set or a rod set.

To really minimize tangles you have to redo your hair before you complete lose the cast. I go ~7 days between doing my hair, but 4 days would probably be better.

If you are really interested you should follow @iamblackgirlcurls. They are hair stylists that teach this method. They give a lot of information for free and they also have a community that you pay to join with video tutorials and Q&A sessions. I don’t care much for their personalities, but they know a lot about wash n gos.

But having said all that if your goal is the longest hair possible wash n go may not be your best bet.

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro @caribeandiva

I am still not 100% convinced that wash n gos are the best way to retain ALL of your length, but with the technique that I currently follow my hair doesn’t tangle that much even though I have a lot of shrinkage - which definitely took me time to get used to/accept.

When I wash my hair, I thoroughly detangle during the conditioner step with a detangling brush. While my hair is detangled I apply a lot of gel (2 gels actually). The first gel is a botanical gel that forms a humectant film on the hair and the second gel forms a strong cast and keeps the curl clumps locked in place so they don’t tangle up.
Blow drying with a diffuser or sitting under a dryer helps the hair to “set”. Kind of like like a roller set or a rod set.

To really minimize tangles you have to redo your hair before you complete lose the cast. I go ~7 days between doing my hair, but 4 days would probably be better.

If you are really interested you should follow @iamblackgirlcurls. They are hair stylists that teach this method. They give a lot of information for free and they also have a community that you pay to join with video tutorials and Q&A sessions. I don’t care much for their personalities, but they know a lot about wash n gos.

But having said all that if your goal is the longest hair possible wash n go may not be your best bet.

Thank you for taking the time to communicate your process in detail! It's very interesting. That is because people are retaining 5 and 6 inches of length wearing wash and go's, like @ckisland did in 2022. Your way sounds like the hair is immobilized by the gel and set in place, as you stated, by the heat from the dryer. So that makes sense to me. Do you have a picture that you can share?

 

[caribeandiva]

Thank you for taking the time to communicate your process in detail! It's very interesting. That is because people are retain 5 and 6 inches of length wearing wash and go's, like @ckisland did in 2022. Your way sounds like the hair is immobilized by the gel and set in place, as you stated, by the heat from the dryer. So that makes sense to me. Do you have a picture that you can share?

Right! That makes sense to me too. Tell me more!

 

[GettingKinky]

@Chicoro
This is what my hair typically looks like 1st picture is from the SL 2023 challenge. The second picture ( red shirt) is from a few years ago (I’ve had many cuts since then) but is gives an idea of my shrinkage. The last picture is a better look at my ends. The gel cast keeps them from tangling too much.

 

[GettingKinky]

@caribeandiva
I’m not sure what more there is to say. About 4-5 years ago I decided I wanted to wear my hair out. I was tired of wearing buns all the time in order to preserve my length.
When I first started wearing wash n gos they were awful - frizzy, no longevity and tons of SSKs. In early 2019 I got my first deva cut and then in late 2019 I found @iamblackgirlcurls and the rest is history. They propose very simple hair care: cleanse, condition, and style. They say you should only have to spend a few hours (including dry time) on your hair every 7-10 days.
They are a bit dogmatic in their approach, but most people take their basic principles and then modify them to suit their needs. I think the most impactful thing I learned from them was about the shampoo spectrum and choosing the right shampoo to use on your hair depending on your hair’s needs at the time.
We have a fairly active wash n go thread here. If you’re really interested you should join us

Wash And Go, To Grow And To Dazzle 2020 Challenge

Update on 2.1.2020 This challenge has now been extended to the year 2020! Happy new year and let's continue to shine and dazzle! _______________________________________________________________ Hello ladies, and welcome to the 2019 Wash and Go Challenge! This is the first time I'm hosting a...

longhaircareforum.com

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro
This is what my hair typically looks like 1st picture is from the SL 2023 challenge. The second picture ( red shirt) is from a few years ago (I’ve had many cuts since then) but is gives an idea of my shrinkage. The last picture is a better look at my ends. The gel cast keeps them from tangling too much.
View attachment 485895
View attachment 485897View attachment 485899

Thank you for posting your photos!.Your ends are already Luscious and Healthy! Beautiful hair! I can't see a gel cast on your hair. Your hair looks so soft and touchable.

-Off topic- Your skin looks like BUTTER!

 

[Chicoro]

@caribeandiva
I’m not sure what more there is to say. About 4-5 years ago I decided I wanted to wear my hair out. I was tired of wearing buns all the time in order to preserve my length.
When I first started wearing wash n gos they were awful - frizzy, no longevity and tons of SSKs. In early 2019 I got my first deva cut and then in late 2019 I found @iamblackgirlcurls and the rest is history. They propose very simple hair care cleanse, condition, style. They say you should only have to spend a few hours (including dry time) on your hair every 7-10 days.
They are a bit dogmatic in their approach, but most people take their basic principles and then modify them to suit their needs. I think the most impactful thing I learned from them was about the shampoo spectrum and choosing the right shampoo to use on your hair depending on your hair’s needs at the time.
We have a fairly active wash n go thread here. If you’re really interested you should join us

Wash And Go, To Grow And To Dazzle 2020 Challenge

Update on 2.1.2020 This challenge has now been extended to the year 2020! Happy new year and let's continue to shine and dazzle! _______________________________________________________________ Hello ladies, and welcome to the 2019 Wash and Go Challenge! This is the first time I'm hosting a...

longhaircareforum.com

I'm got tired of wearing buns all the time, too! I feel you on that one!

 

[caribeandiva]

@caribeandiva
I’m not sure what more there is to say. About 4-5 years ago I decided I wanted to wear my hair out. I was tired of wearing buns all the time in order to preserve my length.
When I first started wearing wash n gos they were awful - frizzy, no longevity and tons of SSKs. In early 2019 I got my first deva cut and then in late 2019 I found @iamblackgirlcurls and the rest is history. They propose very simple hair care: cleanse, condition, and style. They say you should only have to spend a few hours (including dry time) on your hair every 7-10 days.
They are a bit dogmatic in their approach, but most people take their basic principles and then modify them to suit their needs. I think the most impactful thing I learned from them was about the shampoo spectrum and choosing the right shampoo to use on your hair depending on your hair’s needs at the time.
We have a fairly active wash n go thread here. If you’re really interested you should join us

Wash And Go, To Grow And To Dazzle 2020 Challenge

Update on 2.1.2020 This challenge has now been extended to the year 2020! Happy new year and let's continue to shine and dazzle! _______________________________________________________________ Hello ladies, and welcome to the 2019 Wash and Go Challenge! This is the first time I'm hosting a...

longhaircareforum.com

Thank you!! I’ll be checking out @iamblackgirlcurls for sure!

 

[caribeandiva]

I'm got tired of wearing buns all the time, too! I feel you on that one!

Yes!! I wanna be able to enjoy my hair more.

 

[ckisland]

Thank you for taking the time to communicate your process in detail! It's very interesting. That is because people are retaining 5 and 6 inches of length wearing wash and go's, like @ckisland did in 2022. Your way sounds like the hair is immobilized by the gel and set in place, as you stated, by the heat from the dryer. So that makes sense to me. Do you have a picture that you can share?

@Chicoro Has me all up in this thread!!! I don't remember seeing your hair in it's curly state! Gorgeous!!!!

I agree that the wash n'go life isn't successful for everyone, but I think that it can work for more naturals if they learn the process and find the right styler. Keeping your hair moisturized and ssks at bay is everything. I think having hair that doesn't shrink excessively also makes it more likely that wash n'gos will work for your hair.

 

[HealthyHair2020]

I'm got tired of wearing buns all the time, too! I feel you on that one!

I am feeling this right now. I have a twist out going on right now I'm really loving how it's looking. Plus, my damn edges needed a break!

 

[Napp]

I was tempted to try a new style but the ponytail has been working so well. If it’s not broken Why try to fix it?!?

 

[IDareT'sHair]

What kind of grease are you going to be employing this time around?

@Chicoro
I have quite a few to employ and they all will be "on their J-O-B" working Overtime!

 

[yamilee21]

Aren’t the @iamblackgirlcurls ladies the ones that are rabidly anti-butter and anti-oils? I looked through the Instagrams of a few of these wash & go stylists, and while the wash & go style looks great, I noticed it seemed to be more about permanently maintaining one consistent wash & go look, as opposed to growing out natural hair that can be worn in a variety of styles.

 

[Chicoro]

@GettingKinky @ckisland @caribeandiva @yamilee21

AHA!!! I see it!

The Two Secrets of Wash n Go’s!

1. Keep the hair immobilized with styling products to cut down and controlling tangles, movement, friction and breakage. This is what @GettingKinky does and her hair is at least 15 inches stretched, so she had long length.

2. To gain length with Wash n Go’s the hair style or bulk of the hair or hemline cannot touch the shoulders. This is what @ckisland has. She got 5 to 6 inches.

What does everyone think?

 

[Lylddlebit]

@Chicoro @caribeandiva

I am still not 100% convinced that wash n gos are the best way to retain ALL of your length, but with the technique that I currently follow my hair doesn’t tangle that much even though I have a lot of shrinkage - which definitely took me time to get used to/accept.

When I wash my hair, I thoroughly detangle during the conditioner step with a detangling brush. While my hair is detangled I apply a lot of gel (2 gels actually). The first gel is a botanical gel that forms a humectant film on the hair and the second gel forms a strong cast and keeps the curl clumps locked in place so they don’t tangle up.
Blow drying with a diffuser or sitting under a dryer helps the hair to “set”. Kind of like like a roller set or a rod set.

To really minimize tangles you have to redo your hair before you complete lose the cast. I go ~7 days between doing my hair, but 4 days would probably be better.

If you are really interested you should follow @iamblackgirlcurls. They are hair stylists that teach this method. They give a lot of information for free and they also have a community that you pay to join with video tutorials and Q&A sessions. I don’t care much for their personalities, but they know a lot about wash n gos.

But having said all that if your goal is the longest hair possible wash n go may not be your best bet.

Right on time. I was just thinking the wash and go process over for my baby. Thank you kindly!

 

[GettingKinky]

Aren’t the @iamblackgirlcurls ladies the ones that are rabidly anti-butter and anti-oils? I looked through the Instagrams of a few of these wash & go stylists, and while the wash & go style looks great, I noticed it seemed to be more about permanently maintaining one consistent wash & go look, as opposed to growing out natural hair that can be worn in a variety of styles.

They are anti raw butters and oils. They don’t think you need raw butters/oils directly on your hair and since many people are anti shampoo it leads to build up that prevent the hair from being hydrated.

they mosty teach the wash n go, but they they also have tutorials on braid outs and twist outs and more recently I think they have tutorials on heat styles. (I’m haven’t been in their paid membership program for over a year).
They want people to master their “signature style” and the easiest is the wash n go so that’s what they promote heavily.

 

[ckisland]

@GettingKinky @ckisland @caribeandiva @yamilee21

AHA!!! I see it!

The Two Secrets of Wash n Go’s!

1. Keep the hair immobilized with styling products to cut down and controlling tangles, movement, friction and breakage. This is what @GettingKinky does and her hair is at least 15 inches stretched, so she had long length.

2. To gain length with Wash n Go’s the hair style or bulk of the hair or hemline cannot touch the shoulders. This is what @ckisland has. She got 5 to 6 inches.

What does everyone think?

My hair actually rubs against my shoulders now, and I noticed the ladies who have long wash n'gos, don't wear their hair up. Honestly, I'm not protecting my hair at all (I don't sleep on a satin/silk pillowcase or bonnet, or wearing it up), but maybe I should

I might join y'all in this challenge! I actually get a ton of breakage when I style my hair. Imagine what I could retain if I actually took care of my ends!

 

[ckisland]

I'm in!!
I'm excited to see what making some small tweaks will do for my retention! If y'all saw how much hair I lose on wash days, you'd be shocked

Changes:
1. Wearing my hair off my shoulders when I'm not out and about (which is 95% of the time )
2. Shampooing in sections
3. Detangling, gently, in smaller sections
4. More smoothing and less raking when applying stylers
5. Only straightening twice a year
6. Only trimming once a year
7. Taking MSM consistently

 

[GettingKinky]

@GettingKinky @ckisland @caribeandiva @yamilee21

AHA!!! I see it!

The Two Secrets of Wash n Go’s!

1. Keep the hair immobilized with styling products to cut down and controlling tangles, movement, friction and breakage. This is what @GettingKinky does and her hair is at least 15 inches stretched, so she had long length.

2. To gain length with Wash n Go’s the hair style or bulk of the hair or hemline cannot touch the shoulders. This is what @ckisland has. She got 5 to 6 inches.

What does everyone think?

I agree with part one. I’m not as sure about part 2.
I haven’t gotten my curly hair long enough to touch my shoulders so I don’t have any experience with that. But I feel like my hair is maybe strong enough that the friction wouldn’t be that much of an issue. But also once my curly hair reaches my shoulder my hair will probably be floor length so I don’t think this is a problem I will ever have.

 

[GettingKinky]

My hair actually rubs against my shoulders now, and I noticed the ladies who have long wash n'gos, don't wear their hair up. Honestly, I'm not protecting my hair at all (I don't sleep on a satin/silk pillowcase or bonnet, or wearing it up), but maybe I should

I might join y'all in this challenge! I actually get a ton of breakage when I style my hair. Imagine what I could retain if I actually took care of my ends!

Do you know that the hair you lose is breakage and not shedding? You have a LOT of hair so I would expect your shed hair ball to be pretty big.

 

[ckisland]

Do you know that the hair you lose is breakage and not shedding? You have a LOT of hair so I would expect your shed hair ball to be pretty big.

It's definitely a mix of both, but I see a lot of little hairs when I style my hair. It's interesting. I get a ball of hair when I use my brush and then I get another ball of hair when I use my fingers to style. Next time I wash, I'm going to take a picture and let y'all see if what I lose is normal or excessive.

 

[caribeandiva]

Aren’t the @iamblackgirlcurls ladies the ones that are rabidly anti-butter and anti-oils? I looked through the Instagrams of a few of these wash & go stylists, and while the wash & go style looks great, I noticed it seemed to be more about permanently maintaining one consistent wash & go look, as opposed to growing out natural hair that can be worn in a variety of styles.

I thought their name sounded familiar! I have heard about them before. I’ll still check out their wash and go process though

 

[caribeandiva]

When I wash my hair, I thoroughly detangle during the conditioner step with a detangling brush. While my hair is detangled I apply a lot of gel (2 gels actually). The first gel is a botanical gel that forms a humectant film on the hair and the second gel forms a strong cast and keeps the curl clumps locked in place so they don’t tangle up.
Blow drying with a diffuser or sitting under a dryer helps the hair to “set”. Kind of like like a roller set or a rod set.

What gels do you use?

 

[GettingKinky]

It's definitely a mix of both, but I see a lot of little hairs when I style my hair. It's interesting. I get a ball of hair when I use my brush and then I get another ball of hair when I use my fingers to style. Next time I wash, I'm going to take a picture and let y'all see if what I lose is normal or excessive.

I get a ball of hair when I brush and then I get more hair, but not a lot when I style. I think it’s impossible to get the hair perfectly detangled. Or maybe the brush doesn’t remove all the shed hair.
Not that people are like dogs, but I could brush my dog all day and still remove shed hair with my fingers after I finish.

 

[ckisland]

I get a ball of hair when I brush and then I get more hair, but not a lot when I style. I think it’s impossible to get the hair perfectly detangled. Or maybe the brush doesn’t remove all the shed hair.
Not that people are like dogs, but I could brush my dog all day and still remove shed hair with my fingers after I finish.

That's good to know because when I watch naturals on YouTube, they seem to get very little hair fall while styling. The brush definitely doesn't get out all the shed hair, but I wish that it would. I seem to lose more hair when I style than what ends up in my brush

 

[GettingKinky]

What gels do you use?

My favorite combo is Uncle Funky Daughter Curly Magic (UFD) as my base gel with Ecoslay Jello Shot on top.
But I also like the Kinky curly leave with the kinky curly custard on top.

 

[caribeandiva]

My favorite combo is Uncle Funky Daughter Curly Magic (UFD) as my base gel with Ecoslay Jello Shot on top.
But I also like the Kinky curly leave with the kinky curly custard on top.

Awesome! Thank you! I’m guessing you put your moisturizer or leave in under them first?

 

[ckisland]

This thread made me go out and buy large claw clip LOL!!!!

 

[GettingKinky]

Awesome! Thank you! I’m guessing you put your moisturizer or leave in under them first?

I don’t use a leave in. The botanical gel has humectants in it and helps keep your hair moisturized.
For the kinky curly system the first product (kinky curly knot today) is a leave in conditioner.

I like using both of these, I prefer the UFD/Jello shot but UFD has a learning curve. It takes awhile to get the right ratio of water to UFD.