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Photo: Catherine Falls/Getty ImagesI won’t lie—my hair receives a lot of compliments. It’s one of my best features, and I credit the wash-and-go hairstyle I’ve perfected over the years. Since I usually prefer this method to styling with heat, my hair remains healthy and full of life.
If you're looking to minimize heat styling, the wash-and-go might be the solution. Below, we explore what the wash-and-go style is, how to achieve it, how to refresh it, and much more.
What Is a Wash-and-Go Hairstyle?
A wash-and-go style involves washing your hair and letting it air dry with minimal styling before heading out. Typically, you'll leave your home with damp hair. Celebrity stylist Paul Cucinello, founder of Cucinello Beauty, explains that wash-and-go styles work best when your hair is cut to highlight your natural texture and maintain control. “Many very short haircuts are essentially wash-and-go styles,” he says.
Haircuts with a defined perimeter, such as a bob, look great without needing blow-drying. Cucinello adds that longer styles with layers can also work, but you need to be comfortable with your natural texture and the volume your hair may have as it air dries. “There might be a wash-and-go style suitable for all hair types, but it may not always be the most flattering,” he notes.
The term 'wash-and-go' is most often used to describe wavy or curly hair. Jenna Spino, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, states that it's ideal for wavy to curly hair but can also work for straight hair with the right cut. “It just tends to look straighter, and you might need a texture spray to add volume,” she says. “Those with finer hair might struggle with adding volume without blow-drying.”
How to Achieve a Wash-and-Go
- Start by ensuring your haircut complements your natural texture, making it perfect for air-drying.
- Shampoo and condition your hair while in the shower or bath.
- Gently blot your wet hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt to remove excess moisture.
- Next, use your hands or a wide-toothed comb to guide your hair into place. “For example, comb bangs straight down or find your part and smooth the hair on both sides,” suggests Cucinello.
- Now, apply your products. According to Spino, you'll need a leave-in product for moisture to control frizz. For curly hair, opt for curl-enhancing products like mousse, gel, or cream to define and hold your curls and waves.
- Distribute the product evenly throughout your hair, ensuring each strand is coated. When air-drying curly or wavy hair, you’ll likely need more product than expected, so don’t hold back, says Spino.
- Finally, leave your hair alone and let it dry naturally without touching it.
How to Revive a Wash-and-Go Hairstyle
To refresh a wash-and-go, either wash your hair again or lightly dampen it to allow it to air-dry without the kinks that may have formed overnight. “A fine mist spray bottle should do the trick, but be cautious—if your hair is curly, you may need to reshape some curls to prevent frizz from reappearing,” Cucinello advises.
For curly styles, Cucinello typically recommends rinsing and conditioning on non-shampoo days. Rehydrating your wash-and-go is most effectively done by wetting it again, not by using dry shampoo.
To extend the life of your wash-and-go, try sleeping with a silk bonnet, scarf, or even a silk scrunchie. “This will reduce friction on your hair as you sleep,” says Spino.
How Often Should You Do a Wash-and-Go Hairstyle?
If your hair is naturally suited for it, you can rock a wash-and-go style as often as you like. Cucinello notes that the only exceptions might be if it’s extremely cold outside and you don’t want your hair to freeze, or if your hair requires a more polished, sleek look. “For super-sleek and finished hair, avoid the wash-and-go,” he advises.
A caution about the wash-and-go: Spino mentions that some people find they can go longer between washes when they blow-dry their hair compared to doing a wash-and-go. This is the trade-off. “I’d recommend washing your hair anywhere from every other day to once a week,” she suggests.
