In today’s post, I am revealing my current wash day routine. I will be sharing the exact products that I have depended on throughout 2025 and continue to swear by to maintain moisture, strength, and overall health for my tight coils.
Setting the mood is essential. I used to find my wash day routine quite intimidating—it’s long, unpredictable, and usually leaves the bathroom in shambles. The process can definitely be a lot to handle, but I’ve recently transformed my perspective, turning this task into a self-care ritual. I have been more intentional, consistent, and holistic with my approach.
1. Intentionality: Setting Hair Goals
Before I begin, I determine the specific aim of the session to ensure my hair is getting exactly what it needs—without overdoing it.
• A question for your session: What is the goal today? Does your hair need moisture, protein, or perhaps a trim?
2. Consistency: Establishing a Schedule
For me, this means scheduling weekly wash days (or every two weeks if I’m waiting on a product restock) and being consistent with the products I use.
• Something to consider: How often do you practice your routine? Are you repeating products to see how they truly perform, or are you switching them up too often?
3. Holistic Health: Creating a Safe Space
I prioritize setting the ambience, ensuring my space is prepared by cleaning the bathroom, displaying all my products, and setting the vibe with a playlist of music, movies, or vlogs from my favorite YouTubers. Most importantly, I ensure the bathroom is “out of service”—no interruptions, just me, my hair, and my peace.
• A prompt for reflection: How can you incorporate holistic health into your own hair care? What environment do you need to create to make this session truly fulfilling?
Current Wash Day Routine
(Products Revealed)
Now that the mood is set, let’s dive into my current step-by-step routine, along with the products that keep my hair healthy.
Step 1: Pre-Shampoo
African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo | 12 oz. or 18 oz. (Price varies)
If you haven’t read my full review of the African Pride Moisture Miracle Pre-Shampoo, what are you waiting for? I begin every wash day with this pre-shampoo to prepare my hair for the detangling session. I absolutely LOVE this product; it makes detangling a total breeze and sets the tone for the rest of my lineup to perform even better.
Step 2: Shampoo
African Pride Moisture Miracle Honey & Coconut Oil Shampoo | 16 fl. oz.
The African Pride pre-shampoo set the bar so high, it was only right to stay within the line. I follow up with the African Pride Moisture Miracle Honey & Coconut Oil Shampoo to cleanse my scalp; it provides a satisfying lather without leaving my coils feeling stripped. If you love a good lather, this won’t disappoint!
My routine varies based on my hair’s needs: If I have significant product build-up, I double cleanse. I start with Mane ‘n Tail Gentle Clarifying Shampoo to strip away the gunk before using the African Pride shampoo to replenish moisture.
Step 3: Deep Conditioner Treatment
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque Treatment | 326 g
Next, I deep condition with one of my trusty (and readily accessible) favorites. While I love the Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner, I am currently using the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque. It is much more affordable—especially when you ain’t got the funds to splurge! I leave this on for a minimum of 30 minutes under a plastic cap with heat before rinsing.
[Recovery] Protein Treatment
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate & Repair Protein Power Treatment | 237 g
Every 4–6 weeks, I switch my deep conditioner for the SheaMoisture Hydrate & Repair Protein Power Treatment to combat damage and breakage. So far, I’ve only used it twice, so I’ll continue to monitor my hair’s progression and provide a full review soon!
Step 4-6: The LCO (Leave-in, Cream, Oil) Method
Steps 4 through 6 outline how I layer my products for maximum moisture retention. As a natural with low-porosity, tight coils, I’ve found that my hair holds moisture best (lasting about 3–4 days) when I use the LCO method.
Step 4: The Leave-In (L)
African Pride Moisture Miracle Coconut Milk & Honey Leave-In Conditioner | 8 fl. oz.
I move on to the African Pride Coconut Milk & Honey Leave-In Conditioner. I originally decided to give this a try for two reasons: its milky consistency and lightweight feel, figuring it would allow for better product absorption on my low-porosity coils. However, I’m still on the fence about this one. It moisturizes, softens, and adds shine. That said, I’ve realized I prefer a leave-in with a bit more substance—something with a creamier consistency that I can feel coating my strands for better control and more even distribution.
In my opinion, this spray formula is better suited as a refresher to replenish hydration mid-week rather than a primary leave-in. It smells amazing, though! I’ll finish what I have left, but I’m officially on the hunt for a new leave-in to test out.
Step 5: The Cream (C)
Cream: Camille Rose Curlaide Moisture Butter | 8 oz.
To layer over my leave-in, I use Camille Rose Curlaide Moisture Butter, a personal favorite of mine. This step is necessary to help lock in the hydration from the previous step.
Step 6: The Oil (O)
Oil: Wild Growth Light Oil Moisturizer | 4 fl. oz
To lock everything in, I go in with the Wild Growth Light Oil Moisturizer. I intentionally chose this light variation because it’s lightweight and packed with oils that actually penetrate the hair shaft— like olive, jojoba, and coconut oil. It’s a multi-use staple: I use it to lock in moisture, massage my scalp, and as a targeted treatment to grow my edges.
In the Comment Below
The LCO method works for my low-porosity coils. Let me know: do you prefer LCO or LOC to keep your hair hydrated, and what products are you currently layering with?
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