3 Tips to Combat Flaking in Your Wash & Go’s: Say Goodbye to Those Pesky Flakes!

Flaking—whether it’s big, small, or somewhere in between—is one of those frustrations that many tight curlies and naturals face. It’s like you did everything right, but somehow, those flakes pop up like uninvited guests at a party. 😩

From product choice to technique, a few common factors can be the culprit behind those flakes, including the layering of gel stylers. Multiple gels can create a "film" on your hair, and as that film breaks, it turns into the flakes you see flying around after fluffing your curls.

But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Below are three essential tips to help combat flaking in your wash and go's. Follow these, and you'll notice fewer flakes and more fabulous curls! 🙌🏾✨

Tip #1: Add More Water While Setting Your Curls

Water is your best friend when it comes to wash and goes. One of the most common reasons for flaking is applying product to dry hair or not having enough water during the product application process. You want your curls to be as hydrated as possible to ensure that the styling products glide smoothly, and that the products can do their job without building up and flaking.

Pro Tip: Always ensure your hair is fully saturated with water before applying any styling product. This goes for both your botanical gel and any topper gel. The more water, the less the gel will flake as it dries. Water is key to getting a smooth, non-flaky finish!

Tip #2: Be Mindful of Stylers That Don’t Play Well Together

Not all styling products are created equal, and some simply don’t play well together. Mixing the wrong products can create "hair boogers"—those tiny white clumps that seem to appear out of nowhere. These little white balls of product are usually caused by a chemical reaction between incompatible products.

What are hair boogers?
They’re those white, jello-like clumps that form when products don’t mesh. Typically, this happens between your leave-in and your styler.

Maya’s Tips to Avoid Hair Boogers:

• Always apply styling products to clean hair. If you have oils on your hair, they can cause flaking when they come into contact with certain gels or creams containing glycerin.
• If you’re not sure if products work well together, do a patch test first. Mix a small amount of each product in your palm to see if they react.
• Keep it simple. If you're needing 5 products to achieve your look, you might be using the wrong combination. Less is more!

Tip #3: Use a Fine Mist Spray Bottle with Warm Water

Sometimes, even with the best application techniques, you may notice a white cast or film on your curls as they dry. This is one of the main causes of flakes, so it’s important to address it before it sets in. A quick fix is to use a fine mist spray bottle with warm water to lightly mist over the white cast. This helps dissolve the cast without disturbing your curl definition.

After spraying, let your hair air-dry again, or use a diffuser on low heat to speed things up. By doing this, you can often prevent those flakes from appearing later on in the day!

Pro Tip: Always give your curls a quick check as they’re drying. If you spot any white residue, mist it with water immediately to avoid flakes forming!

Flaking doesn't have to be a part of your wash and go routine. By following these three simple tips—adding more water, avoiding incompatible products, and using a misting spray to tackle white casts—you can say goodbye to flakes and hello to flawless curls. So, next wash day, take your time, experiment with these tips, and enjoy your flake-free, beautifully defined curls! 💁🏾‍♀️

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