Blog - 8 Ways to Make Your Natural Hair Wash Day Go Faster

May 11, 2018 by Swirly Curly 

Does your wash day seem to take forever? Are you constantly dreading the next time you have to shampoo, condition, detangle, and style your hair?


You probably need a quicker routine. You may be able to speed your wash session by making a few clever adjustments.

Below is a list of 8 ways to make your natural hair wash day go faster. Check out the list to see what you’re missing, and then make a plan to add it in on your next wash day.

1. Begin with a Pre-poo


All shampoos tend to tangle the hair while they cleanse, though some dry out the strands more than others. Doing a pre-poo is an easy and effective way to speed up your entire wash day.

Spending time before you wash may seem like a contradiction, but pre-poos can make the process faster because your hair stays untangled and smooth.

Pre-poos are designed to moisturize, lubricate, and coat the hair right before you apply shampoo. Coming up with pre-poo ideas is easy. You can use shea butter, a few tablespoons of coconut milk, or mayonnaise. Your regular conditioner will work well as a pre-poo too.

Section your hair and coat every strand with your chosen pre-poo. Then place a shower cap on your head and let it sit for 20 minutes while you get your shower and other items ready.

Remember, the idea is to cleanse the scalp, not the hair. Your hair will remain soft and detangled while the shampoo runs over it, thanks to your pre-poo layer.

2. Get Rid of Stragglers Beforehand 


It’s normal to shed up to 100 hairs per day, but the way you handle the stragglers on wash day makes all the difference. These fallen strands can easily grab hold of the other curls and create a knot, especially when you get shampoo and water involved.

Your wash day will go much quicker If you remove these stray hairs beforehand.
Get rid of straggling ends before you begin shampooing by gently pulling the strands out from the rest of your mane. However, be careful with fallen strands that are intertwined with other hair.

Pulling too hard can cause breakage and split-end damage. Instead, gently unravel knots or cut them with sharp hair shears if they don’t untangle easily.

Then, keep the pair of scissors directly in front of you for snipping other impossible knots during the detangling session.
 

3. Work in Sections


Working in organized sections will help to reduce the time you spend on your hair. Part your hair into 3-6 sections before you get in the shower and twist each section.

Then, make sure you only have one section loose while you do the pre-poo, shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangling, and styling. 

4. Use a Shampoo Massage Brush


Using a shampoo massage brush is the quickest and most efficient way to get your scalp clean. Fingernails can be ineffective, and they can easily damage your hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

But using a shampoo brush can help growth because it gently massages the scalp and unclogs hair follicles. Plus, it helps to exfoliate the scalp and spread shampoo fast.

Apply your shampoo on to one section only and use the shampoo brush. Then rinse and repeat with the other sections.

Be sure to always stroke your hair downward to keep it organized and to lessen tangles. 
 

5. Deep Condition Every Time


It may seem counter-intuitive, but doing a deep condition every time you wash your hair can make the wash session faster because your hair will be less tangled and easier to manage.

Use a deep conditioner that contains slip, and coat the strands. Then place a plastic shower cap and a towel over your head to keep your strands warm with body heat.

You won’t need to deep condition your strands very long to reach an intensive level. Do 20 minutes if you’re in a hurry, or one hour if you have time to spare. 

6. Use Slippery Products

Using products with slip will help you to work faster because your curls will glide apart easier. Slip is a beauty term that refers to how slippery a product is.

You’ll be able to move faster if you buy products with slip or add it into your existing products. Glycerin and oils like castor and jojoba work well in conditioners.

You can also experiment with slippery elm bark and marshmallow root by making and adding the teas to your products. Slippery elm and marshmallow are very slimy—perfect for a fast wash day. Just be sure and make the tea with distilled water to avoid mold and other bacteria from growing over time. 
 

7. Stand While You Work


It’s easy to plop down in front of the TV or internet while you detangle and style, but your wash day will probably take longer that way. Your attention will be divided, and you’ll spend time changing channels or looking for entertainment instead of focusing on your hair.

Try standing in front of your bathroom mirror instead. You’ll be more likely to get the job done quicker and you’ll probably do it better too. 
 

8. Keep Track of Time


Aim to stick to a schedule when you do each part of your wash day. Keeping one eye on the clock is a good way to be mindful of how much time you’re spending on your hair. You’ll need a timer for pre-pooing and deep conditioning anyway.

Start jotting down how many minutes it takes to do each part of your wash day. You’re more likely to work faster if you have last week’s time goal to compete with.
You’ll enjoy your natural hair much more when you don’t have to spend too many hours struggling with it on wash day. Plus, all of the above tips can save your hair from breakage.

What about you? Do you have any hacks to make your natural hair wash day go faster?