There is no better time than right now than to learn how to improve your natural hair via technique.
Due to the coronavirus, most meetings are held via Zoom or GoToMeeting. Meaning, we can speak to a person through the lens of our best still photo.
We have no particular commitment to seeing each other in person and can communicate solely through speech or email.
Accordingly, we can keep any bad hair days to ourself. This also means that there is no better time to experiment with your hair.
My focus? Better technique.
Over the years I have learned that in large part, natural hair care and hair styling comes down to good technique.
I achieved my first wash and go back in 2015, and at that time, I tried various techniques and have pretty much stuck with the same technique since then.
Recently I have experimented with the Dickey method, which calls for more frequent washing with a focus on wash & go styling.
Before beginning the experiment, I watched several videos by Anthony Dickey to really ensure I could stay true to his technique. Then,I washed my hair every other day, using different stylers each wash.
Though I like the results from my regular wash & go’s, I experimented with how I applied product and how I dryed my hair.
My take aways from the experiment were:
- I cannot use product with silicones too frequently without clarifying
- Washing my hair more frequently will not speed up my wash and go process
- Washing more frequently will increase the moisture levels in my strands
- My hooded dryer is clutch
- Shaking my freshly styled strand can cause lots of frizz
- Styling on soaking wet hair is still the best way to achieve a great wash & go
Visiting the Dickey method really affirmed for me that my technique for achieving great wash & go’s is solid. I think my kinky textures respond well to my technique, but the Dickey method re-enforced the basics of the technique behind achieving the style.
I also revisited the Shingling technique for a possibly more defined result from my wash & go’s.
Many years ago, I tried shingling and determined that the result was not worth the time it took to style. However, it had been so many years since I tried the technique that I decided I needed to reevaluate shingling with new knowledge.
A lot of naturalists swear by shingling for a well defined long-lasting wash & go.
I decided to try the technique with that goal in mind, understanding that Shingling would maybe double the time it takes me to achieve the style.
I used products that I know work and I chose to use a custard instead of gel to not give the technique any help.
My takeaways were:
- This technique is best done on clumped curls
- Hair has to remain soaking wet to prevent frizz
- The technique results in more curl separation
Though I enjoyed the result, the increased time it takes to shingle makes doing it regularly a deal breaker.
However, my 4c hair responds well to the technique. So after reading comments under the video demo, moving forward I decided to just Shingle the crown of my head.
By doing so I can pay special attention to a section of my hair that doesn’t easily clump together.
These experiments sometimes produced some less than stellar results.
This was only possible because of my ability to not turn the video on during a Zoom call, or not see anyone until I styled my hair again.
Therefore, I encourage you to use this time of social distancing to experiment with a new technique or to improve your technique while no one is watching.
If you care to share, comment below with a recent hair experiment or share how you will experiment with technique in the near future.
