Wash Day: Our BSD Community Is Reclaiming The Haircare Beauty Ritual
An award-winning stylists, founder of a Black-owned beauty brand, and your favorite natural hair creative share how to romanticise Wash Day.
As editorial associate at Black Skin Directory, I interviewed natural hair content creator Taylor Anise, Ori Lifestyle founder Titiolami Bello, and award-winning stylist Andrée Marie about their Wash Day rituals. In these exclusive interviews, they share how childhood Wash Day experiences have shaped their decision to make Wash Day into something worth celebrating.
Image courtesy of Taylor Anise. All rights reserved.
Taylor Anise, Natural Hair Content Creator
What was Wash Day like for you as a kid, and what is your relationship to Wash Day now? As a kid, either my mom would wash my hair and style it or I’d go to a salon. [Sometimes, we’d drive] out to where my Aunt lived, [and she] would do my hair. I had relaxed hair growing up, so that usually included a relaxer and a new style.
On average, how long does your current Wash Day typically take? It definitely depends on the style I’m doing! The shampooing/conditioning/deep conditioning takes about 45 minutes, and styling my hair could range from 45 mins-1.5 hours. Usually if I’m doing a natural style such as a twist out, rollers, wash and go, I let my hair air dry either throughout the day or overnight, so that adds to the time! If it’s a heat style, I will need to preserve it overnight by adding rollers, re-twisting, etc, so that also adds to the time.
What tools (read as: blow dryers, combs, hair clips, etc.) and products (read as: shampoo, conditioner, special concoctions, etc) are part of your current Wash Day routine? Oh my gosh, lol, so many things! I like to compare it to someone who enjoys trying new food recipes or different skincare products, techniques, or even new fashion trends. I absolutely LOVE trying new hair products to see how it works, how my hair likes or dislikes it, and honestly how I like using it! Some things make styling my hair easier or harder, so it’s so fun for me to try new products and tools. I share a ton of it on my socials, @tayloranise!
What 3 words best describe your most recent Wash Days? Relaxing, Centering, and Overdue.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start romanticising their Wash Day? Try to be in the moment. Think about what you like about Wash Day and focus on that instead of what you dislike. Fall in love with your coils and curls. Wash Day is a major reset for the week and allows you to re-center yourself. I tend to listen to my favorite music or a self improvement podcast!
Image courtesy of Titiolami Bello. All rights reserved.
Titiolami Bello, founder of beauty brand Ori Lifestyle.
What was Wash Day like for you as a kid, and what is your relationship to Wash Day now? I have absolutely no recollection of Wash Day as a child and I think that in itself is telling. I recall getting my hair threaded or cornrowed for school, but I have no memory of washing my hair or having it washed for me. [Now], my Wash Days are wonderful days. I truly enjoy nurturing and handling my hair! I consider my hair cleansing rituals as a form of wellness; having water running on my scalp, gently rubbing shampoo onto my scalp, being present throughout the sequencing of these tiny acts, it feels so indulgent in comparison to my daily reality of dashing from one thing to another. To me, Wash Days are akin to having a good facial!
On average, how long does your current Wash Day typically take? It takes me about 2 hours, [or] 2.5 hours if I need more detangling time because I’ve been wearing my hair out loose.
What tools (read as: blow dryers, combs, hair clips, etc.) and products (read as: shampoo, conditioner, special concoctions, etc) are part of your current Wash Day routine? I use the essential Wash Day bundle from my brand [Ori Lifestyle]: shampoo, deep conditioner, a leave-in conditioner and an oil - these are truly my go to essential products. For tools, I love a wooden comb and a bamboo towel. I simply can’t do without these.
What 3 words best describe your most recent Wash Day? Disastrous, complacent and redemption. I tried a new product and didn’t follow the instructions carefully!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start romanticising their Wash Day? [Wash Day is] a process that can’t be bypassed if healthy hair is a goal. Wash day is an opportunity to slow down and connect with self. Caressing your hair [and] even a little massage on your head can really force you to connect with an area of your body that doesn’t always get the gentle, loving attention it needs. It’s quite remarkable how your hair rewards you for this loving and tender care.
Image courtesy of Andrée Marie. All rights reserved.
Andrée Marie, Award-Winning Stylist & Founder of Maison Style Hair
What was Wash Day like for you as a kid, and what is your relationship to Wash Day now? I really loved getting my hair done [as a kid]; my mum used to wash my hair and then thread it on Friday as she didn’t blow dry. We then watched a tv show on Sunday and she would do my hair in single plaits (with my own hair). I saw it as a bonding session. I wash [my hair every] 5-7 days, as a clean scalp is really important to me.
On average, how long does your current Wash Day typically take? Including styling, [Wash Daytakes me] 1hr, which also includes treatments.
What tools (read as: blow dryers, combs, hair clips, etc.) and products (read as: shampoo, conditioner, special concoctions, etc) are part of your current Wash Day routine? K18 is a babe; the shampoo and conditioner are a staple since I am double processed (relaxed and coloured with highlights), and take no chances. Every relaxer, I put Olaplex in my relaxer to make sure the bonds are intact and I upkeep 1-2 a month with a K18 mask. Avlon Kera Care Wax Stick is my staple throughout the month as it keeps my pixie in place. My trusted two wrapping lotions are Avlon Affirm StyleRight Foam Wrap and Paul Mitchell Foam Pommade.
What 3 words best describe your most recent Wash Days? Relaxing, Clean, Pretty.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start romanticising their Wash Day? Just start. I think it’s a give and take; when you wash your hair and have a routine which is thorough and fast, you end up loving it because the routine gives you what you need. Play music, watch your favourite TV show. It’s YOU time.