Ready to transform your wash day into a dreamy, effortless ritual?
Read on for my go-to wash day products for long-lasting defined curls. These products and tools keep my gray curls healthy, defined, and frizz-free without the fuss.
Whether you’re a curly veteran or just starting your journey, these products are tried, tested, and perfect for achieving bouncy, hydrated curls with minimal effort.
From sulfate-free cleansers to massage must-haves, I’ll walk you through everything you need to transform your wash day routine to make your natural curls pop. Let’s dive in and make every wash day your best one yet!
Note: if your hair is not like mine, these products may not work for you! Or they may be too heavy. If this is the case, use less and/or skip the deep conditioner step. I have thick, high-density, coarse gray hair strands, and a mix of low and medium porosity.
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For a flawless wash day routine that keeps my curls healthy, hydrated, and defined, these steps and must-have products are essential:
Pre-Poo step to prevent my curls from getting stripped by the shampoo: SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Conditioner. I love this product for its slippery-ness, but I don’t care for the caramel color. Because it is only used as a pre-poo and washed out in the next step, it does not turn my gray curls yellow. It provides moisture and makes my hair feel super soft. Another excellent pre-poo option is the Camille Rose Algae Renew Hair Mask. It is white in color and creamy (it smells edible).
Clarifying Sulfate-Free Shampoo that does not dry out my curls: Ouidad Moisture Lock Ultra-Nourishing Cleansing Oil Shampoo. This shampoo contains olefin sulfonate, but it does not dry out my hair because of the oils and the pre-poo step. It is fantastic for my scalp. It also lasts a long time because it is so concentrated, and you only need a little bit.
Cleansing Shampoo: I alternate the clarifying shampoo with this amazing Lemongrass and Rosemary Revitalizing Cleanser from Silver Slay. It has ingredients like niacinamide and panthenol to strengthen, caffeine and nettle extract to invigorate, and blue malva to soothe and subtly brighten my gray curls. [use my coupon code Gaby15]
If my scalp feels itchy, I follow the shampoo with this fabulous detox: Bounce Curl Turmeric Purifying Hair & Scalp Mask. It contains charcoal, apple cider vinegar, and peppermint, and is the best I have found on the market, especially for the price. The mask tingles upon application, which feels nice, and while it smells faintly like vinegar, it washes out completely. Great if you have hard water and buildup on your hair and scalp. [use my coupon code GABYSILVERCURLS10]
Massage brush for the shampoo and detox steps: The HEETA Scalp Massager is a soft silicone brush designed to gently exfoliate your scalp and promote hair growth—all while providing a relaxing head massage. It works perfectly for thick, thin, and curly hair types. You can’t beat the price.
Deeply Hydrating Conditioner: A rich conditioner with excellent slip is crucial for detangling and moisturizing curls. I adore this one from Ecoslay that nourishes and softens my hair: Silver Slay Lemongrass & Rosemary Deep Conditioner. I often also use it as a leave-in conditioner! [use my coupon code Gaby15]
Leave-In Conditioner: Locks in moisture and protects my curls throughout the day. This one from Bounce Curl is my favorite. It boosts hydration, aids detangling, and helps control frizz. [use my coupon code GABYSILVERCURLS10]
Curl Defining Cream: I use this Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump & Define Cream in the colder, drier, winter months to enhance my natural curl pattern. I use a gel over it. In summer months, I skip a cream to reduce frizz. [use my coupon code GABYSILVERCURLS10]
Styling Gel: For extra hold and definition, I use strong-hold gels to shape my curls and reduce frizz without weighing down my curls. Harry’s Styling Gel is an inexpensive yet fantastic option. It is as thick as glue, but a little goes a long way on soaking wet hair! Another couple of favorites of mine are Silver Slay’s Vanilla Styling Whip and Ecoslay’s Jelloshot Curl Defining Gel. I alternate these gels depending on my mood and the humidity. The Ecoslay/Silver Slay gels are plant-based and good for my hair!
For nighttime protection, I love this 100% pure mulberry silk pillowcase from Zimasilk. It has silk on both sides and a zipper, and is machine washable. It also doesn’t break the bank!
These products, combined with tools like the Tangle Teezer brush and my ionic hooded hair dryer, transform my wash day and create a comprehensive routine that nourishes, defines, and protects my curls from root to tip!
If you are getting frustrated dealing with FRIZZ, take a look at these resources and SOLUTIONS.
If you do not know your hair characteristics, take the Curly Hair Quiz.
