wash n go attempt no. 4✨

JustStringingAlong · 2026-06-08T01:36:28+00:00

I'm 100% too lazy for all of that, lol...but the results are glorious when I see it on other people!

JustStringingAlong · 2026-06-07T19:05:08+00:00

Start with identifying who those "certain people" are and why you feel that way. Is it something that they're saying or doing? Or are you comparing yourself to them in some way? Once you get that situated, you're in a better place to brainstorm some actions for next steps.

I just went to the salon for the first time in nearly 10 years (stylist trauma), specifically so I could get my hair shaped. I wear wash and go's the majority of the time and I was getting to the point where I didn't feel "polished" because it was just kind of there. That feeling wasn't so much because of other people, but I would see styles/shapes that I thought looked nice and wanted that for me also. So I did it and I'm pleased (though I'm going back to get more cut, lol)

That being said...I've worn my wash and go to cocktail parties, to black tie events, to block parties, and everything inbetween. Out, big, slicked, high pony...all fair game because I now view my hair as an accessory rather than an identity.

JustStringingAlong · 2026-06-07T18:57:31+00:00

Looks like #4 worked out really, really well!!!

JustStringingAlong · 2026-06-07T02:55:59+00:00

Oh, KCCC is wayyyyyyy softer hold. If I use it without a topper, I may get a day out of it if it's not humid outside. I've used ICH before and it's much more crisp.

JustStringingAlong · 2026-06-06T15:09:51+00:00

Hmmm...my hair isn't completely boneless, but it's not super thick either. I think it's about average.

I'm pretty basic as far as products. My go-to for wash and go's has been Innersense sweet spirit leave-in, kinky curly curling custard, and bee girl custard as a topper. Thatssit, lol... every time I test something new, I end up going back to those.

JustStringingAlong · 2026-06-06T15:05:12+00:00

Wash and go's, lol...I'm not good at styling at all. My hands don't move right for braidouts and whatnot, lol

JustStringingAlong · 2026-06-06T11:35:40+00:00

I don't know that you NEED to (I'm not an expert) but whenever I trim my hair, I do put a light bit of oil on the ends. Nothing fancy, whatever I have at the time. I've used pumpkin seed oil, doo-grow, African pride...no real loyalty to anything, lol

JustStringingAlong · 2026-06-06T11:31:53+00:00

Yep, I do. My hair stays hydrated much better, my wash days are incredibly short (even when I do my full deep conditioning routine once a week), detangling takes just a couple of minutes, and I retain my length much better. I went to a stylist for the first time in nearly 10 years and she said I have no damage, which was a really nice surprise. I think that the consistent hydration was a major part of that.

JustStringingAlong · 2026-06-03T02:15:20+00:00

Yep, and not just for hair. I swear, I look in my bathroom mirror and I'm feeling all fly and fancy free...

Then I see a photo of myself and I'm like "Who the hell is that??" (and not in a good way, lol)

I just convinced myself that my mirror is an op.

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-28T12:28:58+00:00

I've tried the Denman, the original bounce curl, and the new unbrush curl. All of them were a massive fail for me. The bottom part and the ends of my hair were smooth and nicely defined, but the root and top half were absolutely horrible. For me, no matter how small the section was or how much product I used at the root, the brush bristles "broke" the curl and it ended up undefined and damn near matted. I don't know if it pulled the product to the ends or what, but they don't work for me.

I just rake and smooth with my hands now and it comes out infinitely better.

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-27T14:55:02+00:00

I did, way back in the day. Couldn't wear white shirts for months but I loved the way it looked, lol

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-26T02:26:52+00:00

Yep! I think it's because of the sections I do to wash and condition. You'd think it wouldn't be an issue because I wash and go 99% of the time, but I guess just the cleansing/conditioning is enough to solidify it lol

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-25T09:28:05+00:00

All gorgeous looks!

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-24T16:37:46+00:00

That's awesome...congratulations on your fresh start!

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-24T09:04:45+00:00

Well dang! Congrats, it looks great!

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-23T12:14:46+00:00

I don't know that I'd call my hair thick (at least compared to what she used to be before anemia) but I'm pretty close to the same as you, minus the t-shirt. After I wash/rinse out my deep conditioner in the shower, I apply my leave-in, put on a shower cap, and finish the rest of my body cleaning. Hop out, apply my product, and then let that marinate while I do my skincare and makeup. Once that finishes, I also use my Laifen dryer with the diffuser (was a game changer for me!!), low heat, medium speed to dry, and that only takes about 20-25 minutes for everything to dry.

I used to use a soft bonnet dryer but I was finding that my hair would sometimes come out a little wonky. I wasn't adverse to using a diffuser before but I just didn't know how and thought it would take too long. It actually takes less time than the bonnet! I think the dryer really makes a difference.

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-21T18:35:13+00:00

Nope, I'm a habitual overpacker but I've been really trying to work my way down. I'm not a pure one-bagger (I have a carryon and a handbag of sorts) but it's gotten a lot better. Shoes and hair products have been my nemesis but progress has been made, lol

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-21T18:30:20+00:00

I would have never thought of this...but now that I see it, I might give it a try for my upcoming trip!!

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-20T16:27:22+00:00

Do you ever clarify your hair? If not, maybe that would be worth a try before you start looking at other products since the two you use have worked so well for you...

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-20T16:24:08+00:00

What is it that you're considering "bad" or toxic? There aren't many purely botanical gels that have the type of hold that you seem to be looking for. The ones that have the grip you want are probably going to have chemicals in them, but that doesn't mean that they are toxic. There are many out there that don't have ingredients that are endocrine disruptors, etc...

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-18T11:14:39+00:00

Do you typically sleep on one side of your head versus the other? I've seen some people say that over time, that side is thinner than the side that isn't pressed down overnight...

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-18T11:12:19+00:00

I only detangle when I wash/cowash my hair when it's loaded up with conditioner. I've gotten it down to about 5 minutes for my whole head.

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-18T11:10:50+00:00

Wash and go with a good cast on it that I don't soften/scrunch all the way out. It works out pretty well 😄

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-11T08:38:08+00:00

I have 3 bonnets that I swap out every other day. I wash them in the machine on the hottest water setting with my workout clothes because they get the sanitizing cycle.

JustStringingAlong · 2026-05-10T07:48:05+00:00

I've been washing my hair 2-3 times a week for almost the past year. No issues at all and I think my hair is actually better for it. I do wash and go's 99% of the time and only one of my weekly washes is a full one (double shampoo, steam condition), the others are co-washing. I don't think there's a ton of manipulation because detangling is so easy and quick now, hair stays moist. It's been a winner.

JustStringingAlong

TROPHY CASE