How To Wash Natural Hair and Simplify Your Routine

If there’s a choice between spending hours on your mane and learning how to wash curly hair in half of the time, the latter is a more desirable option. Think about it: You’ll be able to skip out on product overload and you can focus on running errands instead of dedicating what can seem like a full day to your mane. If you’re up for learning how to simplify your hair-care regimen, we can help. Ahead, we’re sharing a step-by-step routine to help you learn how to wash curly hair to streamline your natural hair washing sessions.

WHEN SHOULD YOU FOLLOW A SIMPLE WASH DAY ROUTINE?

Before we dive into how to wash curly hair with an easy approach, it’s important to know when you should opt for a simple wash day routine. A simple wash day routine can come into play on days when you’re too tired or if you’re balancing a busy schedule. While you don’t have to use various hair-care essentials to cleanse and moisturize your strands, sometimes your mane needs a little more TLC to look and feel its best. If you’ve just removed a protective style or are caring for color-treated strands, you may need to take a few extra steps in your regimen. Think pre-poos, deep conditioners, and hair masks that can be used to address various hair-care concerns. That said, a simple wash day routine should not be your go-to all of the time, but it can come in handy when life gets hectic.

HOW TO SIMPLIFY YOUR WASH DAY ROUTINE

If you’re ready to simplify your wash day regimen, we’re here to show you the way. Follow our step-by-step routine below to learn how to wash curly hair without the fuss.

STEP #1: START WITH A CLEANSING CONDITIONER

A cleansing conditioner (a.k.a co-wash) is a solid pick for a simple wash day routine because it’s a multi-functional product that does the job of various shower essentials. It works to cleanse, condition, and hydrate your strands all in one step, so it takes the place of a shampoo, conditioner, and detangler. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Cleansing Balm, which is a 6-in-1 offering that packs a mighty punch. Aside from cleansing and conditioning your hair, this sulfate-free option detangles, softens, treats, and adds shine to your mane. It’s quite the workhorse!

To use, apply six to eight pumps of the co-wash to your hair and gently massage it through your strands. Use additional pumps if you’re working with long hair. Leave it on for three to five minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.

STEP #2: ADD ADDITIONAL MOISTURE WITH A LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

When it comes to washing curly hair, it’s important to layer your strands with moisture so your curls can last. So, you’ll want to seek out a leave-in conditioner after using a co-wash to boost your strands with hydration. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof Lotion, which is a lightweight option that’s formulated with goji to strengthen fragile hair and repair and protect it from damage. It also moisturizes and provides your hair with luminous shine without weighing your strands down. Gently work a dime-sized amount of the leave-in conditioner onto towel-dried hair to evenly coat your strands. No rinsing required.

STEP #3: LAYER ON A HYDRATING CREAM-GEL

Since it’s easy for curls to become frizzy during the wash process, you’ll want to add a hydrating cream-gel product that can provide your curly hair with lasting definition sans the frizz. Consider using the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel in your routine. This curly hair essential is formulated with coconut oil and is a hybrid hair-care pick that combines the power of a gel and a hair cream. It works to condition and style your curls at the same time. Apply one to two pumps of the product onto damp hair from the roots to ends. Scrunch and let your locks air dry to create bouncy spirals.

Editor’s note: If you’re pressed for time, you can use a hair diffuser to speed up the drying process. Make sure to finish up with a cool shot of air to add a boost of shine to your curls.

STEP #4: SEAL IN MOISTURE WITH A HAIR SERUM

To keep your curly hair hydrated, it’s important to lock in moisture with a hair serum. This will help your ringlets stay intact and give your strands a smooth and shiny finish. That’s why we love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment. This lightweight serum is infused with flower oils and works to hydrate and nourish dry hair, leaving you with soft and luminous strands. Smooth four to five pumps of the product throughout your mane.

Next: Your Guide To The Maximum Hydration Method