Coily hair has its own rhythm. It shrinks and tangles. Sometimes, it drinks up moisture like it hasn’t seen water in a week. But when it’s treated right, it shines and bounces. It really steals the show. The secret is a wash day routine that gives your hair what it needs without stress or waste.
If your coils have been feeling dry, dull or just plain tired, it might be time to reset your routine. Let’s walk through a perfect wash day that leaves your curls soft and defined, so that you’re ready for anything.
Step 1: Pre-poo to protect
Coily hair loves moisture, but it also needs protection. Before you touch water, start with a pre-poo. This adds slip and makes detangling easier later. Yes, you’re going to condition a little before your shampoo (it’s our little insider secret).
Use The Runway Looks Mad Sponge Conditioner for this. It’s thick, hydrating, and rich with
ingredients that soften strands before shampoo hits. Apply it section by section. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair. Twist each section and clip it away. Let it sit for fifteen minutes. This step alone can cut your wash day time in half.
Step 2: Cleanse without stripping
Now it’s time to wash. Coily hair doesn’t need harsh shampoos. You want a cleanser that removes product build-up but keeps your hair soft.
Use an SLS-free moisturising shampoo. The Runway Looks London Fog Shampoo is a great choice. It’s gentle but effective. It leaves your scalp fresh and your hair clean without that squeaky feeling.
Be sure to rinse out the pre-poo conditioner first. Then apply shampoo to your scalp, but not the
length of your hair. Massage it in with your fingertips. Rinse well and let the suds run down the rest of your hair to clean it.
Step 3: Deep condition like a queen
This is the heart of wash day. Deep conditioning restores strength and hydration. Coily hair needs this step every week. No skipping. So, essentially, what you’re doing is condition -> wash -> condition again in one sitting.
Use The Runway Looks Mask For Who You Are. It’s thick and creamy. Plus, it’s practically made to melt into coils. Apply it in sections from root to tip. Use a plastic cap or thermal cap to trap the heat. Let it sit for at least twenty minutes. You can also opt for conditioning again with The Runway Looks Mad Sponge Conditioner instead of the hair mask if you prefer.
This is your time to relax and maybe make a cup of tea (or matcha – whatever floats your boat). Read something light and let your hair soak up the goodness.
Step 4: Detangle while it’s soft
Once the mask has worked its magic, detangle it. Start at the ends and work your way up. Use a wide tooth comb or a detangling brush. This is where that pre-poo and deep conditioner make life easier. The knots glide out and the coils bounce back.
Rinse the deep conditioner out with cool water. This helps seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture.
Step 5: Add a leave-in that works hard
Coily hair needs a leave-in. It helps your curls stay hydrated for days and makes styling easier.
Use The Runway Looks Punkie Spice Leave-In Detangler. It softens, defines, and smells divine. Apply a generous amount on damp hair. Then, rake it through with your fingers or a detangling brush.
This is also the time to part your hair into the style you want. Centre part. Side part. Puff prep. Braid. Whatever feels right, go for it!
Step 6: Seal it in
Now that your hair is moisturised, seal that moisture in. Pick a lightweight serum or butter that won’t weigh your hair down
The Runway Looks Lacquer Silk Smooth Serum is a solid pick. It gives shine without grease. Warm it between your palms and smooth it over each section. Focus on the ends. They need the most love.
Step 7: Style your way
Your coils are clean and they’re hydrated. They’re detangled and you can now style them however you like.
If you want definition, try a twist-out or braid-out. If you prefer volume, go with a wash-and-go. Lastly, if you need a quick fix, throw it in a puff and call it a day.
Set your style and let it air dry or use a diffuser on low heat.
Bonus tip: Protect it overnight
Wash day doesn’t end when your hair dries. Wrap your hair at night with a satin scarf or bonnet, or sleep on a satin pillowcase. This keeps your coils from drying out or breaking while you sleep.
If you styled your hair in twists or braids, they’ll stay neat longer. If it’s loose, it’ll be easier to fluff in the morning.
Wash day doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right products and a solid routine, it can feel like a proper self-care session. Your coils are unique. They need water, love, deep-conditioning, and consistency.
Every day can be a good wash day when you’re using the right products. They won’t strip your strands or leave your scalp dry. They’ll give your hair the moisture, softness, and bounce it’s been asking for.
We’ve got what you need for glossy and frizz-free hair that looks like you just left the salon. You only need the right products and we’ve already picked them for you. Shop your personalised hair stack now at The Runway Looks.