If you’ve been trying hard to get the perfect wash and go, but nothing seems to work, you’ve probably given up on the style. Fret not though because there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Here’s what you need to know in order to get the most out of your wash and go and be able to nail it the first go round.

Start off on clean, wet hair.

If you’ve wondered why your wash and go hasn’t gotten to the point where it pops like you want, ask yourself if you’ve attempted it on freshly washed hair. Starting off with clean hair gives you a blank canvas when it comes to styling. Additionally, ensuring that your hair is soaking wet will give you the best results. This is because the water helps you to distribute the product, add moisture, and use less product than normal. Just be sure to apply product from root to tip.

Be sure that you have the right products.

Though many people assume that the primary product focus should be what you use when attempting your wash and go, you have to remember that a good style starts with the right shampoo and conditioner. Finding water-based products like our Oh So Clean Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo and our Coco Repair Deep Conditioner are great products to consider.

Get your regular trims.

We know. You’re probably tired of hearing this as a bit of advice, but if you’ve heard it so many times, there’s a good reason why. Getting your regular trims can help keep your hair healthy, strong, and help your styles to last longer.

Try to implement the LOC Method.

The LOC Method (liquid, oil, cream) is great to use when you’re looking to achieve the perfect wash and go. Doing so will help you to add and seal in a good amount of moisture. Here’s our guide to the LOC Method to help make things a bit clearer.

Try the raking or shingling method.

If after you apply your product your hair still seems to struggle with full definition, the rake and shake or shingling method may prove to be helpful. For raking, section your hair and rake your fingers from root to end to detangle. Once you get toward the end, shake at the wrist to implement curl definition. Shingling, which can elongate your hair a bit more than the rake and shake technique, takes a bit more time as you will apply gel or a curling cream to each strand of hair. Use your thumb and index finger to smooth each individual curl from root to end and to achieve maximum definition, twist the curl around your index finger.

For both methods, our Don’t Shrink Elongating Curling Gel will help alleviate shrinkage.

Don’t disturb your curls.

Once you see how perfect your wash and go looks after taking the above steps, it may be tempting to want to play in your hair. Don’t. In order to keep your hair at its best sans frizz and lasting for days, you’ll need to be sure that you don’t touch it. And, if you do find yourself wanting to touch your hair, just make sure it’s completely dry first.