Showering your hair can give you a clean slate, but what happens after you rinse is just as important as the shampoo and conditioner you choose.
Knowing what to do with hair after washing can make all the difference in achieving healthy, hydrated, and manageable locks.
And while there are certain aspects of your post-wash routine that don’t require you to do anything beyond avoiding damage or maximizing your hair’s styling potential, there are also key steps that, if done, could elevate the whole process.
Whether you’re hoping for sleek, frizz-free hair, or just to maintain bounce and definition in your curls, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide you will learn some simple, but effective methods of caring for your hair after washing it.
What to Do With Hair After Washing
The first thing to know is that when your hair is wet, it’s at its most vulnerable state.
That’s also why post-wash care is so important — it converts the finishing touch into moisture retention, damage prevention and the foundation for styling.
Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands.
Do not wring or twist your hair as this can cause breakage and frizz.
Skip the traditional towel, and use a microfiber towel or soft cotton T-shirt to dry your hair.
These materials are more forgiving and minimize friction, which will help keep your strands smooth.
If you can avoid vigorous towel drying altogether, do so.
Instead, gently pat your hair and allow the fabric to soak up the moisture.
Detangling is another step.
With a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, start at the ends, gently working through any knots, working your way up to the roots.
Putting a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray on damp strands can make this process go even smoother, while infusing your strands with the added hydration of your product of choice.
For heat tool users, this is non-negotiable — always apply a heat protectant!
It creates a barrier that protects your hair from the high temperatures used by blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons.
Last, consider your styling objectives.
Air drying is the best option for avoiding heat damage, but if you choose to blow dry, set the heat to the lowest setting and use a diffuser to evenly distribute airflow.
How Can You Prevent Frizz After Washing?
Frizz is a major post-shower struggle for straight, wavy and curly textures alike.
To battle frizz, you want to lock in moisture.
Once you’ve towel dried your hair, add a pea size amount of smoothing serum/ oil to your damp hair.
Newer products with argan oil, coconut oil, silicone in them and with milky textures are great to seal in that hydration and tame flyaways.
You can also apply silk or satin scarf over your hair at night, a buffer that reduces friction while you sleep and keeps the cuticle flat for maximum smoothness.
Below are a few more tips:
- Don’t wash your hair too much, because this washes away natural oils that keep it from getting frizzy.
- When rinsing off, use lukewarm water instead of water with high temperatures because the latter dries the hair.
- A good anti-frizz product is a good investment — make sure that it’s designed for your hair type.
How Often Should You Style Hair After Washing?
How often you style your hair varies based on hair type, goals, and products.
For most, styling while still wet is the ideal time to shape and mold hair as it’s more pliable in its dampest.
But over-styling can cause damage and buildup, which means your hair needs rest days.
Here are some more things to take into account:
- If you style with heat regularly, keep it down to two or three days a week to avoid damage.
- Choose lightweight products that won’t weigh down your hair, which is particularly important if your strands are on the finer side.
- Reinvigorate your style with a spray bottle of water and a lightweight leave-in conditioner on non-wash days.
Your post-wash steps lay the groundwork for healthy, beautiful hair.
Use these tips to bring out the best in your hair and keep it looking as beautiful as can be.
The right products and techniques — and a bit of TLC — can make all the difference in keeping your hair looking its best after washing.
