How to Do a Wash and Go on Natural Hair

Apply leave-in conditioner to soaking wet hair, section and rake through styling gel, then scrunch and air dry for defined curls.

The wash and go is natural hair's equivalent of good jeans—looks effortless but requires the right technique and products to actually work.

1. Start with dripping wet hair. Wash your hair as usual, then while still in the shower, apply leave-in conditioner section by section. Your hair should be so wet that water is literally dripping off it—this is crucial for curl formation and frizz prevention.
2. Apply styling gel strategically. Working in small sections, rake a generous amount of curl-defining gel through each section from roots to ends. Use your fingers like a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly and encourage curl clumping.
3. Scrunch and set. Gently scrunch each section upward toward your scalp to encourage curl formation, then avoid touching your hair completely. Air dry or use a diffuser on low heat and speed to prevent disrupting the curl pattern.