By Geniece of Beautifully Made
For many women the decision to wear their hair naturally is well thought out. If you were like me you spent years wearing your hair relaxed and wanted to be sure that you weren’t biting off more than you could chew by taking the plunge and wearing your hair in its natural state. Once you figure out a few styles to wear during your transition, products and a regimen you felt ready. Then you realized something you hadn’t considered: The time. The minutes that turned into hours as you detangle, twist, braid and wash your hair. The belief that it has to take many hours to care for natural hair is one of the main concerns I’ve heard from those considering going natural. I want to put your fears to rest. It doesn’t have to take 6 hours a week to detangle your hair every week. In fact, I would argue that you should be able to care for your hair in a relatively short period of time.
So how long will it take you to care for your hair on wash day? Of course this depends on the length and thickness of your hair. As of today my hair is between mid-back length and waist length and rather thick.
From start to finish I can detangle, wash and style my hair in an updo with large twists (such as a chignon) in about 3 ½-4 hours. I love such styles because once I’m done I can tie my hair down with a scarf and the style will remain sleek and neat for a few days before I need to fix up the frizzy edges. Because I wash my hair bi-weekly I find that hair care ends up taking a very limited amount of time.
In detail here is how my wash time breaks down.
Pre-Shampoo: 30 minutes
I often start wash day by applying a conditioner to lightly dampened hair. I let the product sit for at least fifteen minutes.
Detangle: 1-1.5 hours
Detangling will take about 1 hour on hair coated with conditioner and oil. This is one part of my regimen I can’t rush through. I like to use a wide tooth seamless comb. Sometimes I then go through the section with a smaller tooth detangling comb (the kind with interlocking teeth) and gently comb the hair a few more times.
Wash: 40 minutes
I keep my hair twisted in large sections and wash each section, focusing on the roots. I always think it should only take me 20 minutes but, alas, I’m usually shampooing for about 35 to 40 minutes. I like to make sure there is no build up or shampoo remaining.
Style: 45 minutes- 1 hour
The time my hair takes to style varies. If I’m lazy I place my hair in 10 large twists and call it a night. The next day I will usually style it simply, such as a ponytail with the ends pinned up. If I want a braid out, I will place my hair in about 15 or 16 braids. When preparing for a twisted up do I usually twist my hair in 20-30 medium twists. Because I spend the time detangling before washing I don’t have to spend time detangling all over again. This makes the styling process fairly quick.
The only occasions in which I spend many hours on my hair is when I flat iron, which I very rarely do, and when I wear mini-twists. Even with mini-twists I find that I save time over the course of a month because while I may take 7 or 8 hours to twist my hair using small sections, I can maintain the style for a month. During such occasions I will also be sure to deep condition my hair, usually overnight. If I deep conditioned every week, which I don’t, I believe it would only add about another 30 minutes overall.
I’ve found a way to manage my hair without it consuming an inordinate amount of my time. If I can do it, I think you can as well.
Ladies, how long does wash day take? What are your strategies for making it go faster?
For more of Geniece’s haircare advice check out her YouTube channel: Beautifully Made.
The I keep washing day short.
1. No Pre-shampooing.
2. Washing is about 20-40mins assuming I am not doing a protein treatment. That includes:
Twist hair up in 5-6 sections or clip up if really lazy [1-8mins]
Shampoo, [5-8mins] ( followed by oil rinse if I feel up to it),
Condition (while waiting I take a shower) I don’t usually do longer than what recommended on the conditioner which is usually 5-15 minutes (for most deep conditioners or hair masks I use) [7-20]
Follow with a ACV rinse. [2-4 mins]
Detangling does take time, I think it is about 45 minutes on average,longer if I didn’t use a comb, but I would never do that for a full detangling (this a case of “Keep it simple stupid” and “Know thyself”).
But if I am in a rush I can shorten down detangling by quickly do a simple finger detangle to get the hair to flow where need it and then up-do. Which can be completed in 25 minutes (anding hair spritz and oils included).
My hair luckily is no worse off doing this method because of the sectioning and minor figure detangling in the washing process combined with the fact the hair is not allowed to shrink all the way because it gets put up so quickly after coming out of the shower.
So if I am in a true rush on wash day I can get my hair time reduced to 45-50mins
I wear my hair in small twists for 3 weeks ( because it’s easier for my schedule), so I wash my hair about once a month. For my pre poo, I do a hot oil rinse. After letting it sit on my dampened hair for about 20 minutes, I detangle with a wide tooth comb. With my hair in sections, I shampoo my hair and that takes less than ten minutes to cleanse my hair.
I quickly condition my hair with a cheap shampoo, and detangle some more. After that comes the deep conditioner. I use Aztec Indian Clay and mix it with EVOO, aloe vera gel, and apple cider vinegar. I leave it in my hair for about 2 hours and wash. After patting my hair dry and removing water, I add in my leave in conditioner and seal. When my hair has air dried– still damp though–I do my small twists. While I’m twisting, I make sure to inspect my hair for damage, and I clip strands when needed. This happens about every 3-4 weeks.
I’ve tried different things on my wash day, and I have found this process to be the best for my hair.
Geniece, your regimen is mine to a T.
Just today I washed my hair and I was thinking that my hair is in its God-given state, why should I be spending sooo much time into it. Its natural state should afford me more time for myself, my family, my housework etc. I stopped pre-pooing overnight eons ago, it did nothing for me more than give me a head cold. I pre-pooo with coconut oil and I literally leave that on long enough for me to have a meal or something , then off to the shower. I no longer hop in and out and in and out of the shower doing a myriad of treatment. It shampoo, twice rarely, condition, detangle while conditioner is in, and sometimes followed by moisturising OR protein deep conditioner depending on what my hair needs. I take a bath while the deep treatment does its thing then I rinse. Then I am out , out, out. I cannot get away with twists while i wash they will undo, so i plait then, and perhaps twist then when i am doing the final rinse. For the life of me I cannot understand why women would condition, deep condition then still put leave-in conditioner in the hair. In my opinion the hair has already been conditioned, all that needs to be done now is add moisturisers, oils, sealants etc to make hair manageable to comb. I only use leave-in inbetween washes becasue I feel that by then the effects of the actual conditioners would have worn off. So that for me is mid-week or the next week end. That’s also perhaps why we spend soo much money on our hair, and when people ask us if our natural hair is difficult to maintain some of us lie and say “No” but we know we are spending hours washing, combing, loads of money on products etc. I keep it simple, keep it clean, keep it moisturised and bam!!! growth beyond measure.
I like your attitude and approach. And I co-sign on the “headcold” part — I thought it was just me who couldn’t go to bed with wet hair. And, don’t EVEN let there be a fan or AC blowing. No bueno.
Thanks. I am so done with the long hours on my head and spend more time just enjoying it. Is this the same BlackOnyx with the natural hair youtube channel? I observe the numbers are different.
Ha! No, not the same one. I eventually plan to start a YT channel — just as soon as I figure out what works for my hair though!
Ok. Cool. I will look out for ya’.
It used to take me hours to do my hair! It still kinda does, but not nearly as long as before.
My hair is in mini 2-strand twists all of the time. They take time to remove and detangle — I have to first remove the twists and then smooth out my hair — usually done over the course of 2 evenings.
I just got hip to washing in twistd sections! Huge help there! 4 large sections! Takes about 40 minutes also.
MY BIGGEST TIME WASTER — putting hair back in mini 2 strand twists. I need to start doing larger twists to save on time!
I just wash my hair in cornrows:)
I love this idea! I’d do this if my hair was longer … I guess I could wash mine in twists and that would eliminate a lot of time with the detangling process. I’ll have to try this soon!
I wash my hair every 7-10 days.
1. I section my hair in 5-7 fat twists.
2. I dampen just the roots of each section and add lather from my shampoo bar.
3. I get on my knees in the bathtub (or use a utility sink) to rinse the shampoo out.
4. I add two palmfuls of cheapie conditioner (finishing up suave humectant) and distribute it evenly throughout my hair. I use giant clips to keep my hair stretched in pineapple style on top of my head.
5. Shower
6. Rinse hair, if in arid environment do an oil rinse too.
7. Add leave-in conditioner and style.
Takes 45 minutes total to wash, condition, and style. (Water is only running for 10 minutes max.)
2 hrs, 15mins.
1hr, shampooing
1hr, enjoying mayonnaise treatment
10minutes, admiring my baby soft hair
5 minutes, rinsing the treatment out
Still transitioning…
Beauty Day Sunday: With hair in sections:
30 Minute Oil Wash PrePoo
30 Minutes Apply ACV to the scalp using the Roots Only Color Applicator (which is amazing for applying anything to your scalp…esp oil!) (Once a month, I use Aztec Indian clay to cleanse the hair and scalp (40 Minutes)).
1 Hour deep condition
10 Mins Rinse conditioner and use a comb to detangle
30 mins Add Braids (and possibly roll ends)
Total 2 hrs and 40 minutes (or so ;))
Sunday is my beauty day, so I take my time! Sometimes I even DC for longer…
Add Braids until the next morning when dry
Wash days are one of the few moments that I am grateful to be a fine-haired natural. It takes me no more than 10 minutes to detangle my hair and the entire process (including styling) takes me no more than 45 minutes. For styling I usually rock a wash-and-go, afro-puff or bun. Plan to try a flat twist out soon (ala a curl’s best friend twist-out video for fine-haired naturals).
Natural hair regimens do seem overly complex. Pre-poo, shampoo, co-wash, deep condition, detangle in a million and one parts, hair humidifier, moisturize with the purest oil from the ends of the earth. I’ve always had long hair (mid-back) and I keep it very simple. Wash with sulfate free shampoo and deep condition once a week. I air dry and add oil. That’s it. It doesn’t have to be complex to be successful!
I love your response! I am about tired of anything remotely complicated when it comes to my natural hair. I am thinking with my wash day, although not a simple as yours, it will be
Pre-Poo: at least 30 minutes, but preferably applied the night before
Cleanse: With moisturizing sulfate free shampoo. Lather and rinse only once. No repeat.
Oil Rinse/Hot Oil Treatment – call this a deep treatment if you want to
Condition
Apply Leave-In and Moisturizers
My goal is to have a wash day that takes no more than 45 minutes from cleansing to applying leave-in and moisturizers.
I chuckled loudly at “purest oil from the ends of the earth.” Whew!!! Now that was funny!
I agree! It doesn’t have to be so long and difficult. Yes, my hair’s long as well.
It takes me about 4 hours on a full wash day. A full wash day is shampoo (5mins); deep condition (30mins max); detangle and style 3 hours. I take my time detangling/braiding, and I catch up on old sitcoms while I do, so the 3 hours actually fly by.
thats short? lol
My routine is taking a boatload of time and is still a work in process. But here’s what I did this past Sunday….
Detangle (1.5 hours)
1. Divide hair into several sections.
2. Generously apply olive oil to coat hair.
3. Finger detangle, clipping SSKs with hair shears as needed.
Deep Condition (0.5 hours)
1. Sit under hair steamer. (No conditioner this time; just the oil!)
2. When done, twist hair into 8 sections.
Shampoo and Condition (2 hours)
1. Apply clarifying bentonnite clay mixture (clay, olive oil, ACV, honey, water) in place of shampoo for just under an hour. Cover with conditioning cap.
2. Rinse hair in shower until water ran clear.
3. Condition hair with Giovanni Smooth as Silk.
4. Squeeze water out by hand (but actually try to leave water in for a change since my hair usually dries by the time I finish my styling).
Style (2 hours)
1. Immediately twist hair into 8 sections. (No product applied)
2. Untwist a section, spray liberally with Oyin Handmade’s Juices and Berries, seal moisture with Oyin Handmade’s Whipped Pudding, and then braid into a small braid (for a braid out — which tends to work better on my 4b+ hair than twist outs do). Repeat.
This was a MARATHON of a hair session, and I obviously need to find ways to cut down on the time spent. That said, I think my hair looks pretty good (and I’m not sure whether the bentonnite clay, the new Oyin products, and/or the steamer with oil made the difference) but I like it!
ETA – I need to delete “twist hair into 8 sections” under Deep Condition. I had started to do that but decided against it so that I could apply the clay evenly. So I only did the twist once — after the regular conditioning.
Sigh. Oh and I realize that the part about braiding is unclear. For each section of hair, I made several small braids — not one braid as I imply above.
My routine takes 5 minutes or longer depending on how you look at it. I wash daily, I do a WO or water-only wash which doesn’t seem that popular with naturals on-line but I know several women who do it.
1. Jump in shower and sing DeBarge songs
2. Drench hair (the water detangles for me)
3. Massage scalp, especially hairline
4. Post-shower, coat dripping wet hair with pomade or oil
5. Make 5-6 parts and grease hair from root to tip
6. Do a mini massage and style (lately it’s an afro, updo or lazy coil-out)
Everyday at home I’ll scratch or ‘scritch’ my scalp which exfoliates it, lifting product and dead skin cells and also feels really good like a massage. I do it for a few seconds or minutes at a time. I’m gentle and use clean fingernails or a clean fine-toothed comb. Once in a while I’ll do an ayurvedic rinse or clay for strengthening which can also strip residue.
I grew up doing WO and scritching and like it and my scalp is healthy and smells normal. When I did other methods I didn’t like the time and also my scalp was always dehydrated. I’m not against other cleansers or conditioners, I just prefer this.
Having two children under five and being a SAHM, I have to keep my routine short as possible.
I usually co- wash Weekly and clarify once a month.
My routine :
* Pre-poo for 1hr roughly
*Wash hair in 4 sections
*Wash,condition and detangle one section at a time.I then rinse and clip it out the way.It can take me from 15-30 mins or longer if I have the time :D
I find detangling under running water is quicker and using a wide tooth comb works for me.
*I then apply my leave-ins,braid my hair and let it air dry
* I unravel my hair the next day or a few days with a lite oil and style.
I have learnt to wash my hair well but to keep it short,I detangle with a wide tooth comb as that saves time as I braid my hair at night I find my hair isn’t as tangled.
Hi girls!
my hair are shoulder length. To keep my wash-day as short as possible:
-prepoo + detangle 20 min
I detangle my hair during the prepoo step. i made in 8-10 braids and detangle while i’m applying olive oil.
-shampoo + DC 25 min
i put the shampoo on my scalp and conditionner on the length then i wash properly my scalp. i rinse and reput conditionner on my length while i’m washing my body, shave legs….
-leave-in , re-style 25 min
i use a towel to dry my hair 5 min , then i re-braids my hairs in 8-10 braids with leave in and oil.
-then 15-20 min
to style the morning after, like a bang with two strand twisted and one cornrow that will last 3 to 4 days.
I try to simplify my routine. that’s why i take off the deep conditionning of 25 min, i just think that this step is useless as i always need to use leave in after this step. i shorten the deep conditionning i still think than i can improve that but it seems not too bad and not too time-consuming.
I wash my hair every 7-10 days. Here is my step-by-step routine:
– finger-detangle with conditioner [on dry, stretched, sectioned (12 parts) hair]
– shampoo [in 12 twisted sections with diluted shampoo via an applicator bottle]
– moisturize [with leave-in conditioner &/or moisturizer]
– stretch [16 braids with two-strand twisted ends for a braid-out]
– seal [ends & edges] with oil
My routine takes 2 hours to complete. I think that’s good ’cause I have ~12 inches of dense, kinky coily, Afro-textured hair to care for.
P.S. I find that watching a movie while detangling hastens the process and makes it quite enjoyable.
My hair is around six inches and shrinks to above my ears. I couldn’t twist or braid my hair in less than 15 sections and expect them not to unravel if my life depended on it. I am a very slow braider for some reason as it takes me 1 hour or more to put these twists or braids in my hair lol. Styling takes up the majority of my wash day.
I shampoo in four clipped up sections and bathe simultaneously which takes maybe an hour b/c I take 40+ minute showers
I apply my DC thoroughly in sections and detangle which takes around 10-15 minutes
I let the DC penetrate under a bonnet dryer for 30 minutes
Rinse out the DC in sections in the shower and wash my face which takes about 10 minutes
I, then, put my hair into about 15 twists/braids or 6 flat twists, moisturizing and sealing as I go along. The 15 twists take an hour or more. The flat twists take 30+ minutes.
So that’s about 3 hours at the longest..not bad lol
Sometimes it feels like it takes FOREVER b/c I’ll start at like 8pm and am soooo tired by the end of the process. Shame on me.
Geniece and have the same regimen with the exception of two things. My pre-poo and detangle count as one. I dampen my hair and then slather with conditioner to detangle which I count as my pre-poo since detangling usually takes a little over an hour.
I do a deep condition after I shampoo as well which, if I’m not being lazy, lasts almost two hours. My hair is medium porosity so my conditioner has to sit longer than usual.
If I attempted my regimen from start to finish it should take me no me no more than 5 hours.
My regimen:
Pre-poo/detangle
Shampoo
Deep condition
Moisturize
Twist