When it comes to wash-and-gos in the natural hair community, one size never fits all, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
With the abundance of techniques, regimens, and opinions floating around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even misled.
This recent Reddit post, “Beware of Wash N Gos-They Are Not Always Healthy,” sparked a meaningful conversation about wash-and-gos, hair stress, and personal care methods.
So let’s talk about it. Because while that post raises valid personal experience, it also reflects some common misunderstandings about what wash-and-gos are, how they work, and what “healthy” means in natural hair care.
Personal Experience is Valid, But It’s Not Universal
If wash-and-gos don’t work for your hair, that’s okay. Every natural’s journey is unique, and your method doesn’t have to be trendy or popular to be right for you.
The original Reddit poster (OP) mentions trying a wash-and-go routine suggested by someone else, only to end up with dryness, shedding, and frustration.
That’s real, and it’s a good reminder to always listen to your hair first, not internet trends.
But personal struggle with a method doesn’t make that method unhealthy by default. It may just mean:-
- You might not have used the right products for your hair type.
- The technique was off.
- Your hair needed a reset or more moisture.
- It didn’t suit your lifestyle or hair goals.
That’s not failure. That’s learning, and it doesn’t mean wash-and-gos are damaging across the board.
What is a Wash-and-Go?
A wash-and-go is a defined curl set done on freshly cleansed hair using hydrating and curl-enhancing products, often gels, creams, or leave-ins, to encourage your natural pattern.
The results can vary wildly depending on porosity, density, curl type, climate, and technique. Done well, wash-and-gos:-
- Enhance definition and reduce tangles.
- Allow hair to shrink naturally, which protects the ends.
- Help naturals learn their true texture.
- Can be lower manipulation than styles like twisting, braiding, or stretching.
They are not inherently damaging, dry, or stressful unless they’re done without the right prep or maintenance.
Let’s Clear Up the Myths About Wash-and-Gos
Myth 1: Wash-and-gos are “unhealthy” for natural hair.
Fact: Hair health is about hydration, elasticity, and minimizing breakage, not about styling preference.
A poorly done twist-out or blowout can be just as damaging as a poorly done wash-and-go.
Myth 2: Blow drying with grease is more “old school,” therefore healthier.
Fact: Many of us grew up with grease and heat tools, but that doesn’t make them universally better.
Mineral oil–based pomades can seal in moisture, but they also seal out moisture if applied to dry hair.
Heat styling without regular deep conditioning or break protection can cause gradual damage, even with protectant.
Myth 3: The natural hair movement is all trend, no tradition.
Fact: The natural hair movement is about options. Yes, some techniques are new.
But the core of it, reclaiming our coils, learning about our textures, resisting Eurocentric standards, is deeply ancestral.
So, Are Wash-and-Gos for Everyone?
No, and they don’t have to be. Some naturals find that:-
- Their curl pattern tangles more easily when worn out.
- Wash-and-gos require too much product or time.
- Stretching helps with moisture retention.
- They feel more confident in twist-outs, braids, or blowouts.
Those are all legit. What’s important is to be honest about why something isn’t working.
Is it the method or is it how it was done? Was your hair prepped properly? Was it adequately sealed? Were the products layered correctly?
Hair care is a practice. And like any practice, it takes time, trial, and grace to perfect.
You Can Blend the Best of Both Worlds
The OP’s experience of returning to “old school” techniques like heat, grease, and blow-drying isn’t wrong.
In fact, it’s a great example of doing what works for you. But we don’t need to throw out modern techniques like wash-and-gos to embrace that. You can:-
- Use grease and gels.
- Blow dry occasionally and wear your hair shrunken as well.
- Twist it up one week and rock a wash-and-go the next.
The goal is a healthy scalp, hydrated strands, and confidence in whatever style you choose.
The Real Truth About Wash-and-Gos
Wash-and-gos aren’t “unhealthy.” They’re simply one of many styling options in the natural hair toolbox.
When done well with moisture, technique, and patience, they can be protective, easy to maintain, and deeply affirming.
Just because something didn’t work for you doesn’t mean it’s bad. Let’s normalize this.
You’re allowed to go back to what your hair loved when you were younger.
Growth is in the knowing. Empowerment is in the choosing. And health is in what feels sustainable and joyful for your crown.
Have you struggled with wash-and-gos? Or have you finally nailed your technique?
Let’s talk about it in the comments. Every texture, journey, and curl matters here.
Need Help Figuring Out What Your Hair Needs?
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Abi is the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care and the Healthy Natural Hair Products ecosystem. Through research, education, and real-life experience, she helps women nourish their curls from the inside out with expert advice, DIY tools, and clean, natural solutions. Learn more here.
