Summer Sixteen: The $3 Wash & Go

Lookin', lookin'...

Okay, I'll spare you guys the Drake verses...today. But just know that my birthday is May 17th, and I want a Drake on Cake for my birthday, and Samuel has refused to comply with my wishes (lol).

In case you were wondering, I'm debating between these two lyrics for my cake:

1. Nobody really likes us, except for us
2. Your past behind you like a ponytail

Anywho, last summer was all about the $5 Wash & Go. It was cost effective, easy to do, and best of all, the products were available on the ground. But as we get closer to #SummerSixteen, I found myself having one *teeny* issue.

If you watched my Obia Naturals review video, then you caught wind of my announcement - that I had to chuck the deuces to my beloved Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel, at least for the time being. For whatever reason, my hair and Eco Styler are not getting along. And while I want Obia's Curl Enhancing Custard to be my right hand, my go to... I gotta wait until I can get that good sale price to recoup the shipping L. Or find somewhere in LA where it's sold on the ground.

Until that day comes, I'll be rocking with the $3 Wash & Go. You ready for all the details? Let's goooo!

WARNING: The $3 Wash & Go may cause endless selfies and serious hand-in-hair syndrome. Christina Patrice nor The Mane Objective shall be held liable for Snapchat or Instagram spamming, or for an excess of selfies taken resulting in the purchase of more iCloud storage space.

While waiting for the roots of my $3 Wash & Go curls to dry...

Now that we've got that out the way, let's cover what you'll need to get your wash day and subsequent $3 Wash & Go poppin:

Prep

• Co-wash or cleanser of choice. Y'all already know my always and forever recommendation in this area is Be Kekoa Be (Bae) Clean. You can use whatever you want, though. No need to make any special purchases (unless you want to... #productjunkie). Just know that I use Bae Clean to cleanse and detangle at the same time.
• Optional: Repairative Treatment. Because I'm holding on to my color treated curls like a hubcap in the fast lane, I can't afford to dip out on weekly treatments with ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor to keep my po' lil' curls in tact. If you don't have #coloredcurlstruggles, you can skip this step. But if your curls are damaged and don't pop like they used to, read here.
• Deep conditioning. This is a critical step for maximum curl poppage. Curls that pop are shiny, elastic, and hydrated from the inside via the deep conditioning process. Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner is one of my super hot faves for 2016. My 2015 faves are still alive and kickin', and you can read all about them here.

Another optional treatment: my Blackstrap Boosted Mud Rinse.

Now, let's get on to the style and price breakdown. 

Eternally In Amber Comb not included. lol

Leave-In: Curly Kids Mixed Hair HairCare Curly Creme Conditioner, $4/6oz @ Sally Beauty

Now, before you click the X in the upper right corner and write me off as a lunatic, let me explain a few things. First, the name of this product irks my soul (for the record, so does Mixed Chicks). I don't think mixed people need special products - mixed hair is not a monolith. This jar of creamy moisture saves itself by qualifying that it was, "Developed for curly, kinky, frizzy and coily hair."... but then they lose me again by stating that their forumla works wonders on "mixed & multi-textured hair". Again, problematic as hell but I digress. Curly Kids Curly Creme Conditioner was on clearance at Sally's. I opened a jar, felt the consistency, and fell in love. It's definitely thick and creamy, and the price was just right. While still in the shower, I split my hair into 4 sections. and took a small dollop and finger combed it through each section, working it in with a little water. It's super smoothing, hydrating, and really helps set the foundation for moisturized, defined curls. The consistency and performance reminds me a lot of Ouidad Whipped Curls (bae!), just with a much smaller price tag and no cute whipped cream canister. The fragrance is light, and reminds me of my Grandma's Dax or bergamot hair grease (you know what smell I'm talking about lol). I'm pretty darn sure this line is going to be discontinued, so grab yourselves a jar or two for the long haul. By the way, in factoring out the cost of the $3 Wash & Go, I accounted for 2 jars of this. #yourewelcome lol.

Seal: ACV Spritz, $8/32oz @ Home

Switching it up a bit! I've written about my ACV Spritz before, but had simply forgotten about it. Apple Cider Vinegar pH balances the hair, and seals the cuticle - improving moisture retention, body, strength, and enhancing shine. You can read more about how I make it, and the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar here. To be honest, I applied it after my leave-in simply because I forgot to take the bottle with me into the shower. But lo and behold, it works phenomenally after the leave-in is applied too! I can always tell when my pH balance is on fleek, because the ends of my hair curl better (case and point: Obia Naturals Curl Enhancing Custard). After I left the shower, as I began to style my hair, I used the ACV Spritz generously to prime each section. In case you're concerned, the smell dissipates after a few minutes, and it does not dry the hair out at all. I'll spare you the click and leave you the recipe here: 1 part ACV to 2 parts water. Whatever size spray bottle you use is up to you! I use a small 3oz bottle, so as to not have tons of leftovers hanging around. You can preserve the mixture in the fridge, (the cold temperature gives your hair extra cuticle laying power!) and use it as a refresher spray in the days to come. If you still can't jive with spraying ACV on your hair, ApHogee Keratin Green Tea Restructurizer Spray is a less fragrant alternative for the same price as a bottle of ACV and a spritz bottle. Review here!

Style: Proclaim Argan Oil Styling Gel, $5/32oz @ Sally Beauty

Now thisssssss is the moment you've been waiting for! I know you were wondering what curl definer I'd be using that would drop the price significantly, but wasn't Eco Styler? Ladies (and curly gentlemen), I've found it! But I'm kinda mad that y'all ain't tell me about it earlier. Proclaim's Argan Oil Styling Gel is a thick, heavy gel like Eco Styler, but it dries way lighter. Like, literally. My hair went from ramen noodle to luscious greatness in one day. The gel cast broke itself (how Sway?), and my curls were super soft, plump, and still defined. Proclaim Argan Oil Styling Gel ain't full of saintly, botanical ingredients - but that's not what the $3 Wash & Go is all about. The $3 Wash & Go is about affordable, effective products that can be accessed easily on the ground. Proclaim Argan Oil Styling Gel is available at Sally's, and the standard jar size is Lifetime Supply. I dare you to argue with these curls:

If you're curious as to how I apply my curl definer, check out this video on the Ouidad Rake & Shake Method. That's pretty much life these days! And if you're curious about the length of my curls, yes, I cut some (about 2-3 inches from the longest part in the back) for shape/health and as a result, of that and my ACV Spritz, my shrinkage is off the chain. 

Refresh: FREE!

To refresh my hair, I use either water or my ACV Spritz, and a little bit more of the Curly Kids Curly Creme Conditioner if necessary. 

Now let's get that good ol' math down:

Leave-In: $8 (I said I budgeted for 2!)

Sealant: $8

Styler: $5

= $21

Plus Sales Tax (LA is HIIIGH): $1.89 (but let's just say $2)

Grand Total: $23

To arrive at $3 per wash & go (sorry I tricked ya lol), I divided by the smallest product, and how many times I'd be able to use it. I figured I'd be able to get about 9 wash & go's out of the two jars of Curly Kids Curly Creme Conditioner, so $23/9 = $2.55 per wash and go. I rounded it up to $3 just because that's sexier to write than $2.55. Now when I get it down to that $1 wash and go.... I'll holla!

Let me know if you've tried any of the products mentioned, or if you'll be trying them!