How To Find The Perfect Natural Hair Wash and Style Routine

Growing out My Natural Hair

When I first started growing out my hair in 2013, I remember the anxiety and uncertainty, of not knowing what to do. I had a relaxer in my hair for over 15 years. Thankfully there were others sharing their experiences, products, and hairstyles on blogs and videos on youtube. I transitioned slowly over time and grew my hair out for about a year before I big chopped. I used flat twist out styles and braids while I was transitioning. It seems like so long ago but I just want to share some encouragement for those who are natural, or are thinking about growing out their relaxer. Your hair is beautiful and it’s yours so rock it with confidence! Keep reading to find out my natural hair wash day routine and find your own perfect natural hair wash and style routine.

My Perfect Natural Hair Wash Day Routine

I often get asked, “How do you get your hair like that?” or “What do you use in your hair?” I always hesitate to answer, not because I don’t want to share the secret but because there is actually a lot that I do to get my hair the way I want it. And I realized people ask but they don’t actually want to hear it’s a lot of work and also trial and error until you find the routine, style, or product that is right for you. However, for those who actually want to know I’ll include my perfect natural wash and style routine that I use most often. Also see Kids Natural Hairstyles: How to wash and style with a twist out.

Step 1: Pre-condition with homemade natural conditioner

First, I will sometimes condition my hair before I wash it with a natural conditioner that I make myself. I always wash my hair in sections (about 8) because it’s easier for me to manage and detangle.

Ingredients:

Avocado (1/2)

Banana (1)

Coconut Oil (1/2 cup)

Olive Oil (1/2 cup)

Honey (2 tbls)

Blend everything together well and use right away or refrigerate. Feel free to include more or less of something. I put it on my sectioned hair and twist into a knot and put on a conditioning cap. I usually let it sit on my hair for about an hour.

Step 2: Wash and Condition natural hair

Next, I wash my hair with a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner, made by Carol’s Daughter or Shea Moisture. When I wash and condition I do it in sections and cover the sections I am not washing with a conditioning cap. I also detangle my hair while the conditioner is on with my fingers or a wide tooth comb. I leave the conditioner in until I am done with all the sections and then I rinse.

Step 3: Moisturize and Style with natural oils

Then once I am done washing I moisturize and style my hair, also in sections. I almost always do a twist out for my style. I’ll part my hair however I want it to be parted once I am done. I’ll begin with a leave in conditioner, next an oil (what ever I have, coconut oil and/or almond oil and/ or olive oil and/or castor oil), then a cream (I usually just use shea butter, sometimes a curling cream if I have it), and then gel. I use Eco styler gel generously and twist each section in medium sized twists ( about 6 in each section).

Step 4: Let Natural Hair Air Dry

Finally, I let my hair air dry at least 24-36 hours. Usually in about a day and a half it is completely dry. During that time when I need to go out I just put my twists in a ponytail and put on a hat. That is just what makes me comfortable but feel free to leave the twists in as a style for as long as you want (I’d recommend about a week) and then take them out for a twist out style.

Finding the perfect routine

I hope the steps to my perfect natural hair wash and style routine was helpful. It is trial and error to find the perfect routine for your hair. If you don’t know where to start, try my routine and tweak as needed. Try different brands of products, see how your hair responds to different natural oils, and be patient. What is your wash day routine? Any process or product you can’t live without? Please comment below!