Wash Day Routine: A Quick Step-by-Step Guide for Type 4 Hair

It's wash day! “Arrrrrrggggh! Do I have to?!”  Sighs in frustration and tiredness 

For some type 4 naturals, the thought of wash day makes them so tired even before they start. 

For others, it's exciting; they get to take care of their hair, see how it's doing, and sometimes prepare it for another protective style. 

Whether you fall in the tired, excited or in-between category, we have created a simple step by step wash day routine you can try- emphasis on simple!  Stick with this article till the end and don't go anywhere. 

A Simple Step-by-Step Wash Day Routine for Type 4B/4C Hair

For this routine, we'll assume you’re working with hair that's already loosened and dirty.  We’ve summarized every step into phases and added what you'll need.

Phase 1: Pre-pooing & Detangling on Wash Day

What you need: A leave-in conditioner or carrier oil of your choice, a detangling brush or wide tooth comb. You can also use a rinse out conditioner mixed with water in a spray bottle.  

This is the step before you shampoo your hair. Here, the focus is to prepare your hair for the cleansing process. 

Step 1: Part your hair into as many sections as you can work with 3,4,or 5, it depends on you. Some 4B naturals, find it easier without sections, you can do that too. 

Spritz a little water, just to get your hair in the wash mood. Then apply the conditioner or oil generously to the root and tip of your hair NOT scalp. Use a wide tooth comb or fingers to detangle gently. 

Remember to detangle from tip to root, you'll rip out your hair if you start from root to tip. Again, be gentle. 

Phase 2: Shampooing & Deep Conditioning

What you need: A good shampoo and deep conditioner, a disposable plastic shower cap or plastic bag, scalp massager (optional), detangling brush (if you like, some people prefer finger detangling)

Step 2: Run water through your hair for a few minutes. Then apply a considerable amount of shampoo to your palm and apply to your hair, focusing on the scalp.

Use your finger pads instead of your fingernails so it doesn't snag and drag your hair. Or you can use your scalp massager. 

As you rinse off the shampoo, the lather will wash the length of your hair. But if you feel your hair strands are dirty, maybe from a lot of products and dust, you can add a bit of shampoo to the strands. Once your hair is clean, move to step 3.

Step 3: With a T-shirt or microfibre towel, dry your hair. You can wrap the towel or t-shirt around your hair so it can absorb excess water instead of rubbing it against your hair.

Step 4: Time to deep condition. At this point, you're more than halfway through this simple wash day routine. 

Get your favorite deep conditioner, take your time to add it to the freshly washed hair, some people also do a bit more detangling here, you can use your brush or fingers. 

After applying deep conditioner on your entire hair, wear the plastic cap or bag. Check the timing instruction on the body of your product and whether it suggests sitting under a hooded dryer. Leave it on for that amount of time. 

At the end of the time, wash off the deep conditioner and dry your hair. You can use a blow dryer(on the lowest heat, not too close to your strands) or you air dry.

Phase 3: Moisturizing & Styling on Wash Day

What you need: Leave-in conditioner, hair butter, cream, oil and styling products(optional).

Step 5: Using any of the moisturization methods- LOC or LCO apply moisturising products to your hair. After applying your moisturizing products, your wash day is officially complete. Yay! You did it in just 5 steps. 

With wash day, we know everyone's routine is different, some more intense, others even simpler than what we've created.

But here's the deal- for lazy or scared naturals, a simple, consistent routine is better than no routine.  With time, if you feel more proficient and adventurous, you can add more steps to your routine, like tea rinses, trying out DIYs or Ayurveda, etc. 

It's totally up to you; it's your hair, nurture it as nicely as you can. 

Wrapping up

Washing your hair is essential. No, you can't skip it. At best, you can get a trusted, natural hair stylist to do it for you, but keep to your appointments. So you see it still boils down to consistency. 

Need a hair bestie to keep you accountable? Join the community, meet ladies like you and achieve your hair goals together.