Type 4 Series: How to Wear A Wash-n-Go with Minimal Tangles

If you have been following me for the past few months, then you are probably aware of my growing re-interest in wearing wash-n-gos.  Up until recently, I took the stance that most type 4 naturals (especially 4b/4c) take on such styles .... "Wash-n-gos on this hair type = asking for trouble."  Well, that was until I tried Cynthiarf's method.

Since then, I've been wearing the wash-n-go on and off and have learned a few lessons along the way.  Here they are for those who are interested in trying this style in the near future:

1. If you have fine strands, then you might want to stay away from the wash-n-go.
Majority of my hair is medium, the crown is coarse, and the back is fine.  When it comes to the wash-n-go, the back (the fine hair) tangles and breaks more easily so I have to be more patient and meticulous in that section.  If my whole head were fine, I would more than likely not be wearing wash-n-gos as much as I am now.

2. Co-wash (rather than shampoo wash) for your wash-n-go.
This lesson is almost a given but stands stating.  Cynthiarf's regimen calls for shampoo-ing once a week when wearing the wash-n-go daily, and I have found success with that routine as well.  The remainder of the week calls for conditioner washes or water rinses followed up with conditioner.  Why conditioner?  Because it smooths the strands, restores moisture, and makes finger-combing easier.

3. Finger-comb thoroughly and daily.
The finger-combing process is crucial because it keep the strands detangled, removes shed hair that could contribute to tangling, and removes any tangles (which are few) that have formed.  The process is not long at all; it takes me no more than 10 minutes.  (Check out Cynthiarf's tutorial.)

4. Do not manipulate your wash-n-go.
This step is also crucial as it reduces the possibility of tangle formation.  Once your wash-n-go is complete, do not disturb the strands via twirling with your fingers, rubbing with a towel, combing, or any other manipulation.

5. Use the right conditioner.
Not every conditioner is made for a wash-n-go.  I find the most success with Tresemme, but you may find success with another brand/type.  Do check out Cynthiarf's video for more details on what to look for in a wash-n-go conditioner.

6. If you have time, rake through with gel.
Raking through your wash-n-go with gel will help your coils to clump a little and tangle less.  This step is not necessary, and I have worn many of my wash-n-gos without doing it.  However, if you have an extra 10-20 minutes and want a little more security, go for it.

Hair Diary || Final Thoughts on Wash-n-Go Experience

So a few weeks ago, I decided to experiment with Cynthiarf's method and wear my first wash-n-go in years!  Well, after having done it for about two weeks, I can finally share my thoughts on the experience:

How did it go?  I loved it and plan to incorporate it more regularly into my regimen this year.  The key to minimizing knots and tangles while wearing the wash-n-go is to finger comb and remove the shed hair daily and thoroughly.  I was able to go one to two days between wash-n-gos probably because I used a lot of gel for definition and hold.  Otherwise, I think I would've been asking for trouble by stretching the look.  

Did I notice increased knots and tangling?  To my surprise, not really except for "back there".  My back hair did tangle a little because, unlike the rest of my hair, it is very fine.  (Hence, if you have long, fine Type 4 strands, I personally would recommend that you be cautious when trying this method.)  Also, it is very important to use a conditioner to wash as opposed to a shampoo, which will contribute to tangling and matting of the loose hair.  However, since I believe in shampoos for cleansing, I did use one weekly followed by conditioner.  Lastly, over time my hair became easier to finger comb and softer.  I believe Cynthiarf alludes to why (as well as why this method works for our hair in general) in this comment to her youtube video.

For those who are interested in trying her method, here is the link to her video tutorial.  Also, feel free to ask me any questions in the comments section below!  Now for a few more wash-n-go photos. :o)

Wet.  No gel.  Day one.

Wet. Gel. Week two.

Dry.  Gel.  Week one.

Hair Diary || First Wash-n-Go in Years!

Due to personal health reasons, I took down my jumbo twists and figured I would try Cynthiarf's daily wash-n-go regimen for kinky hair.  I will admit that I was extremely frightened (for knots and tangles) considering my length and shrinkage.  Exhibit A:

LEFT: Straight almost WSL hair (shot from July 2012). RIGHT: Shrunken, un-combed, damp hair (January 2013).  Shrinkage never ceases to amaze me.  Hair eventually shrinks to EL once dry.

To my surprise, the regimen has been working well, but it's only been a few days so far.  I have very little knotting and tangling due to her finger combing method (to remove shed hair).  It also helps that my hair was previously (and thoroughly) detangled prior to the jumbo twists (hence hardly any tangles when starting her routine).  Anyway, below are a few more photos.  I have to keep up this regimen for two more weeks before I can go back to my regular routine.  I'll certainly keep you all posted!

Slight coil definition after raking through with generous amounts of Eco Styler gel.  Otherwise, my hair doesn't really coil on it own.

Put into a puff.  Shrinkage.  :o)
My edges are shot from having not re-done them while in braid extensions.  They'll fill in again.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: AliciaJames

Alicia James is one of many healthy-haired naturals that I follow on youtube.  (You might have seen a couple of protective style videos posted on here.)  She is type 4 and has been natural for about 3.5 years.  Her hair is almost waistlength, and it is no surprise given how well she cares for it.  Without further ado, below is her video documenting her natural journey from the beginning to the present.  For more on her actual regimen, hair styles, and (even) relationship advice, check out her channel.

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

Type 4 Series: Curly Girl Method & Summer Hair

What is the Curly Girl Method?  It is method developed by Lorraine Massey and Deborah Chiel to help care for curly hair.  The method entails frequent co-washing, finger combing, wash-n-gos, no shampoo, no silicones, and more.  While many curly ladies have caught onto the routine, it is rare to find a kinky-haired gal who has, largely because of the regular wash-n-gos and co-washes involved.  But on youtube, there are a couple of kinky gals who are experimenting with the method and one who actually has very similar routine.  These women are featured in the videos below, and can perhaps be inspiration to those with type 4 hair who desire to wash more frequently and wear their hair loose this summer.

For a more detailed description of the method, check out their book titled "Curly Girl: The Handbook".  For a short description of the no-shampoo routine involved in the Curly Girl Method, check out this article.


1. Though she didn't exactly use the Curly Girl Method, Cynthiarf was the Type 4 Queen of wash-n-gos, frequent co-washes, and finger combing, which are components of the regimen: video tutorial.

2.  Dawnyele is a tightly-coiled Type 4 who is currently experimenting with the Curly Girl Method.  She will document her journey through June, so subscribe to her videos if you'd like to keep up with her experiment.

3.  Though not entirely Type 4, Whoissugar has mix of textures varying from tight coils to loose curls and is worth posting for those with looser Type 4 hair.  She is also experimenting with the Curly Girl Method; you can watch her document her journey on youtube.

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Lala

Lala is another type 4 natural with healthy, waistlength hair (when stretched).  In the video below, hear her discuss her simple bi-weekly regimen:

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends: http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: JoStylin

JoStylin is a type 4 natural with healthy waistlength hair (when stretched).  Listen to her hair care routine, which is an easy mix of braids and braidouts.  Keeping it simple is the name of the game!

Type 4 Series: Styling Fine/Thin Hair

This is a series on how to style and manage type 4 hair healthily. It doesn't matter whether you are natural, transitioning, or stretching relaxers.

Today's topic: Styling fine/thin hair

Tip #1: Use conditioners that leave a protective layer behind after rinsing.

Though my hair is super dense, I have some fine/thin strands, particularly in the back of my head.  When it comes to styling that section, I find that it is best to start with a protective or volumizing conditioner.  My favorite is LeKair Cholesterol Plus Strengthening Conditioning Cream, which I use as a deep conditioner every 3-4 weeks.  When on a time crunch, I use V05 Volumizing Conditioner with Collagen Extra Body for 5-10 minutes.  Such conditioners coat the fine/thin strands and prepare them for the rigors of styling.

DIY conditioner options: Egg & mayonnaise; egg & olive oil; egg & avocado.

More tips coming soon ...

Type 4 Series: Short Styles I (Simple 'n Go)

This is a series on how to style and manage type 4 hair healthily. This particular post is for natural hair; stretchers and transitioners, stay tuned!

Today's topic: Styling short, necklength hair.  Part I.
Future topic: Styling short, necklength hair. Part II.

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Chances are if your hair is type 4 necklength, it shrinks up to a TWA.  Well, mine did. I remember during that stage, two styles were my best friends - the twistout fro and the wash-n-go fro. They were simple at that stage. They were quick. They looked cuter than my short twists (which I was not liking at that length). I will admit that I felt like a boy at first, but when I added a flower, scarf, earrings, or eye shadow, that all changed.

The woman in the following video is the epitome of someone rocking her type 4 short hair with confidence. Yes, confidence is an accessory needed to wear your "nappy short" hair ... especially in a society where "that kind of hair" is "unusual". 

The next time you're stuck in a styling rut, remember this video. Styling short type 4 hair does not have to be complex; just fluff and go, wash and go, or do a twist out and go.  Enjoy the simplicity of your hair at that length because once it grows (believe me), you're in a whole other ball park.


Yaasoulrebel's channel

Here's another type 4 (who you may know) rocking her short hair with various stylish headbands:

Mae's channel

Type 4 Series: Knots and Tangles

This is a series on how to style and manage type 4 hair healthily. It doesn't matter whether you are natural, transitioning, or stretching relaxers.

Today's topic: Combatting knots and tangles.

Here are previous posts addressing knots and tangles in natural hair of any type (2, 3, 4, etc.):
Knots ... Be Gone!
When You Get a Knot

I recommend reading them first.

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Tight coils, little to no curl pattern, and major shrinkage make type 4 hair a conducive environment for knots and tangles. Imagine tossing several tightly coiled wires into a bag haphazardly.  Now imagine removing these wires one by one from the bag. Knots and tangles galore, right? A similar event can occur in type 4 natural hair that is left loose, wild, and shrunken.

The basics to minimizing knots & tangles
Protective style frequently. Detangle thoroughly and regularly. Keep the hair moisturized. (For more details on the basics, read the earlier mentioned posts.) Tips: Use a wide tooth comb first then follow up with a medium tooth comb or a gentle paddle brush. Refrain from wearing wash-n-gos after passing 6-8 inches in length.

Further prevention ... Wash in braids
Washing loose hair is discouraged. (Think back to the bag full of tightly coiled wires.)  Instead, wash your hair in braided sections to minimize tangling. About washing in twists: Twists, unless done small or medium, tend to unravel during a wash. Thus, braids may be a better option.

Continuing on ... Short-term stretched styles
If you want to wear your hair out, stretched styles (i.e., twist outs, braid outs) are by far the best method.  However, allowing such styles to age beyond their limit leaves room for shrinkage and tangling.  Keep the style wear to a minimum.  Note: The higher the humidity, the shorter the wear. The longer your hair, the shorter the wear.

Speaking of stretching ... Use a thick, heavy detangler
During your regular detangling sessions, use a cholesterol-based or other thick, heavy conditioner to ease the process.  The conditioner will add weight to the hair thus stretching the coils temporarily. Alternative: Some type 4's prefer detangling on dry, stretched, lubricated hair since wet strands equate to shrinkage.

Do not wet the knot
In the event that you do get a knot, the worst thing you can do is apply water. Why? Because it will shrink the hair and make the knot harder to unravel. Instead, apply an oil or butter and gradually pull out each strand from the knot one by one. Alternative: Some type 4's have success applying conditioner to a knot while others do not. Do what works for you.  Depending on how serious the knot is, a thin tool - such as the end of a rattail comb - may be used to undo the knot. Refrain from using sharp tools, like needles or safety pins, which may damage the cuticle.

Upcoming "Type 4 Series" Posts

Coming soon (readers' requests) ...

- Easy ways to combat tangles and knots

- More elegant, special-occasion styles

- Styling fine/thin hair

- Styling short, neck-length hair

Feel free to add more requests in the comments section.

Type 4 Series: Formal Style (Rollerset)

This is a series on how to style and manage type 4 hair healthily. It doesn't matter whether you are natural, transitioning, or stretching relaxers.

Today's topic: Roller set type 4 hair with no/low heat. Style into an elegant updo as pictured.

Difficulty level: Easy/Medium for experienced rollersetters or those with short hair, Hard for newbie rollersetters or those with long hair

Time: several hours

Tools: 

moisturizer (no humectants), 

gel (if you're natural; recommend Pantene, Eco Styler),
OR setting lotion (if you're relaxed, transitioning) 

anti-humidity serum (recommend Redken, CHI, Pantene), 

rattail comb, 

ouchless bands, 

snap-on magnetic rollers (size depends on length of hair; the smaller, the longer lasting the style)

OR flexi-rods (more difficult to use)

Instructions:

• Wash, deep condition, detangle as usual
• Apply moisturizer and braid into 6-10 sections with ouchless bands at the roots
• Allow hair to airdry to 70-80% (somewhere between damp + dry but closer to damp).  This step stretches the coils and minimizes the density of natural, shrunken hair.

• One by one, undo each braid, remove the ouchless band, and do the following:
• Part a 1 inch by 2 1/2 inch section of hair
• Apply a moderate amount of gel to the section
• Follow up with a moderate amount of anti-humidity serum 
• Comb with rattail comb and roll tautly with a snap-on magnetic roller
• Repeat until done and move onto the next braid
• After you've finished roller setting, let the hair airdry COMPLETELY. (Alternatively, you may sit under a hooded dryer until hair is dry.)
• Remove the rollers and style as desired.  

[Back in 2008 with flexi-rods]

NOTE:

*It's KEY to let the hair dry completely before removing the rollers.

*The smaller the parts, the tighter and smoother the curls. 

*The smaller the rollers, the tighter and smoother the curls.

*Gel works better on my hair than setting lotion.  Experiment with your hair to see what works for you.

*Reserve this style for dry (non-rainy, non-humid) weather.

Type 4 Series: Smooth, Sleek Edges

This is a series on how to style and manage type 4 hair healthily. It doesn't matter whether you are natural, transitioning, or stretching relaxers.

Today's topic: How to achieve smooth, sleek edges without a boar brush.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Eco Styler Gel (local beauty supply store)

rattail comb (Walmart, etc.)

satin scarf (beauty supply store, Walmart, etc.)

Let's Begin ...




This process works best on hair that has been washed within a day or two. The reason is because the hair is most clean (free of product buildup) and malleable at this time. Also, be sure that your hair is sufficiently moisturized before continuing.

Apply gel
Eco Styler Gel is recommended because it is thick and holds well for type 4 hair. It is also non-drying. (Water, a moisturizer, and glycerin, a humectant, are listed amongst the first few ingredients. There is no alcohol.) Begin by applying enough gel to coat the edges.



Comb edges
Using a rattail comb, gently comb the gel through your edges. End by using the back of the rattail comb to smooth down your edges. (See this post on why the comb is gentler than the boar bristle brush.) Don't worry if your hair is not flat at this point; so long as you've applied enough gel and combed it through, the scarf will take care of the rest.



Wrap scarf
Wrap your edges with a satin scarf until the gel dries.



Smooth, sleek edges achieved! This process was done on dry hair. Even smoother edges can be achieved on wet, freshly washed hair (see video below).




For even SMOOTHER EDGES: The following is video tutorial of how one type 4 lady achieves smooth edges. She uses a combination of Eco Styler and setting lotion on wet hair:

Your Voice: Type 4 Series!

This is for all ladies, whether natural, transitioning, texlaxed, or relaxed stretchers. Do you have super-tight kinks and coils?

Are you curious to learn how to care for them healthily? how to style them? how to comb them? how to "manage" them?

In the next couple weeks, I'll post about how to achieve the following on type 4 hair:






� Super, sleek edges
(no boar bristle brush required)
� Wedding/formal styles
(with little/no heat required)

Feel free to leave a comment below stating whatever else you're interested about learning.