Wash day may not be among your favorite days. Surely, it requires a lot of mental preparation before the action of doing even happens. But don’t think of it as some overwhelming chore that has to get done.
Make it a ritual, because routines can be a drag. Use this time to pour some love into your crown chakra and self. Revitalize and rejuvenate your energy so that you can continuously thrive during your upcoming week. You deserve it.
Try using the affirmation I choose (and this can apply to any task you feel like you have to do: cleaning, cooking, etc.). Consciously making small changes to your language has proven to rewire your mindset.
I choose to have a wash day ritual because I deserve healthy hair and time to pour love into myself.
If you are interested in polishing that crown chakra to create healthy and strong strands and a balanced mindset, consider taking your wash day to the next level with these five tips!
Use a Scalp Oil
If you have yet to add an exfoliating scalp oil or treatment into your pre wash routine, you’re missin’ out!
The qi to long, gorgeous, healthy locks are directly related to the health of your scalp. By adding an exfoliating scalp oil or treatment to your wash day routine, you are eliminating product buildup, removing stagnant energies, and creating space for your follicles to breathe while producing stronger hair strands.
My favorite treatment right now is JVN’s Complete Pre Wash Scalp Oil Treatment. Fact: they use sustainably sourced, clean ingredients! Ever heard of hemisqualane? She creates a protective layer around the hair preventing damage from environmental stressors, but also penetrates the hair shaft for immediate and long term results.
To use, just apply the oil directly to your scalp and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes- definitely give yourself a scalp massage to really work in that product and also release any head tension.
Add a Clarifying Shampoo
If you have not already incorporated a clarifying shampoo into your wash day ritual, you need to hop on the bandwagon. Especially for those who use a lot of products throughout the week, heavy oils, or my fitness gurus. This is a great way to remove buildup and free those follicles. It will also create a blank canvas so your cuticles can absorb the moisture and other benefits from any hydrating products you apply after.
If I’m feeling fancy, I might even add some essential oils. Check out which ones I prefer, here.
Double Cleanse on wash day
Let me say it louder for the peeps in the back. DOUBLE CLEANSE! If you are not double cleansing you are doing your scalp and hair a huge disservice.
The first shampoo is the initial break down. This is to lift and remove product, dirt and grime from the scalp. The second wash is so your scalp can actually receive the benefits of whatever shampoo (hydration, soothing, moisture, volumized roots) you are using currently.
I personally choose to use a clarifying shampoo for the initial cleanse followed by a hydrating or volumizing shampoo. My curls maintain definition for about 3 days without a refresh, and my blowouts can last for up to a week!
Use Wooden or Bamboo Brushes
Detangling is an important step, not solely limited to wash day. But, depending on your hair type, texture, length and density, this could be one of the more dreaded steps especially on wash day.
Make life easier and decrease your detangle time by replacing your synthetic hair brushes with natural ones.
Your hair tools can either make or break you, seriously. Synthetic bristles can snag your hair causing breakage. Additionally they can cause small abrasions on your scalp especially if you have sensitive skin or experience irritation. Tip: don’t be so rough when you brush, no need to rip through your hair. Take your time, your hair will thank you. Start from the ends and work your way up to the root to decrease breakage and preserve your length.
Plus, natural brushes and combs are antistatic. They are able to distribute your scalp’s natural oils evenly throughout the length of your hair. Natural brushes help to improve follicular stimulation, promoting hair growth and stronger strands! A boar bristle brush is guaranteed to do just that.
Bonus, natural brushes are sustainable. They don’t take up space in landfills because they’re made from the earth. How can you not want to save the planet while saving your hair?!
And lastly…
Keep a Wash Day Ritual Journal
Ritualizing Wash Day is the best way to let go of the mundaneness behind the ‘wash day routine’. Journaling is a key part of meditating and personal growth. Why not incorporate it into your wash day and make a ritual out of it?
Wash days are designed to remove, purify and cleanse any dirt, debris, and product from your hair and scalp. Apply this same methodology to cleanse and purify yourself emotionally from the previous week. Write down what you would like to let go of, and also add any intentions you have for the upcoming week. Light a candle, throw on some r&b (or whatever music you want) and vibe out.
Your wash day journal can have just about anything. Include DIY hair or face mask recipes you would like to try. Write down hair goals and details about your hair journey. You can track both hair growth and personal growth!
See, wash day doesn’t have to be a nuisance. There are many ways to pizazz it up!
You and your hair will feel so much better once you finish. Hell, you might even fall in love with wash day (*gasp*). What’s one thing you do to elevate your wash days?
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of these links direct you to products, that if purchased, I will receive a small commission of the items that were bought.