Everything You Need for a Good Wash Day, According to Experts

Detangling curly hair can feel like an upper-body workout, but it doesn’t have to with the right tools. According to Damtew, the Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush “cuts the process in half.” Featuring flexible bristles that move with your hair, the detangler brush (available in five colors) helps release knots without excessive shedding.

The Conair Curl Define Pro Brush is also especially helpful, according to Alvarez, who uses it on wash day to evenly distribute product and encourage separated and defined curls. "Its flexibility allows for careful detangling without unnecessary tension,” she says. It also features a dual-vent system that allows water to escape quickly, which speeds up the drying process

African Pride Moisture Miracle Pre-Shampoo Treatment also makes smoothing out hair less of a chore. According to Damtew, the pre-poo is formulated with aloe vera and coconut water and helps detangle hair, in turn making it possible to work through tangles gently. At the same time, it conditions strands so curls stay hydrated and more manageable throughout your wash day routine.

Shampoos that fail to adequately moisturize can leave curly hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. The Bumble and bumble Curl Moisturizing Shampoo “gently cleanses, while maintaining moisture and curl definition,” says Alvarez. It’s formulated with a blend of rich oils and butters (think: jojoba oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter) that deeply moisturize hair.

Finding shampoos that cleanse thin hair without weighing it down can be a struggle. Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Shampoo is designed to give fine hair major body. Because it contains thickening panthenol, “it cleanses as well as adds extra volume to the hair,” says Damtew. It also imparts a silky finish and a pleasant green apple scent.

“[This] conditioner is my go-to for all types of curls—from curly to coily to wavy. It’s a blend of lightweight oils and butters, and it’s so versatile, it can be used as a co-wash, a rinse-out, or a leave-in conditioner,” says Alvarez of the 3-in-1 formula that touts gentle, color-safe ingredients that deeply moisturize hair.

It’s all in the name: Joico Moisture Repair Conditioner—Damtew’s go-to—delivers the kind of moisture that makes hair less prone to breakage, softer, stronger, and shinier, thanks to ingredients like sea kelp, jojoba oil, rose hip oil, and keratin.

The Kerastase Chroma Absolu Chroma Filler Hair Mask is a conditioning treatment that Damtew recommends for strengthening and hydrating color-treated hair. Formulated with amino acids, the formula works like spackle for compromised cuticles—filling in weak, porous areas so hair looks smoother, feels stronger, and holds on to moisture and color more effectively.

“The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam holds and sets hair without the crunch,” says Damtew. It deeply moisturizes, enhances definition, and keeps strands soft and flexible. The styler works just as well for laying edges, coffing sleek buns and ponytails, and adding a glassy shine.

This “hair-raising” hairspray is Alvarez’s go-to for keeping curls from falling flat. "[It] gives hair structure and body while still feeling lightweight,” she says, making it perfect for adding volume without stiffness.

According to Damtew, the Hairitage Up in the Air Volumizing Brush makes adding volume simple. It features two speeds that help you style faster, and a ceramic barrel that helps lift roots, smooth strands and deliver a polished blowout.

This lightweight heat protectant softens and detangles curls while shielding hair from heat up to 450° F. Recommended by Damtew for hydrating and strengthening color-treated strands, this product is designed to keep hair healthy, resilient, and ready for styling.