At a Glance!

• Prep matters. Each step builds the foundation for softer, stronger, longer hair.

• It’s a ritual, it shouldn't eat time. 60 minutes or less. 

• Salon results? You can do that. With the right techniques, you’re the stylist.

Ready to get into the full breakdown? Let’s wash, mask, and glow with Chéribé.

Ever wonder how your stylist makes wash day look so easy? Spoiler: it's not just the products - it’s the technique. The way you layer, how you apply, and what your hair actually needs in that moment. 

Stylists don’t rely on 20 products or hours of maintenance. They understand the assignment: listen to your hair, layer intentionally, and make every step count. That kind of thoughtful routine changes more than just how your hair looks. It’s going to change how it feels, how it acts, and how long it stays healthy. 

And let’s be real, extra long, half-day routines aren’t always realistic. That’s why we created a hair wash routine that’s easy to follow, full of intention, and works with your lifestyle. Today, we’re walking you through how to use your favorite Chéribé products like a pro and get real, salon-quality results from the comfort of your own bathroom. 

Whether you’re deep in your natural hair wash day routine or squeezing in a quick refresh between meetings, our wash hour ritual gives your hair everything it needs - in 60 minutes or less! 

The Science Behind Strategic Hair Care

Before we get into the steps, let’s talk about why this routine actually works. Your hair isn’t just sitting there waiting for a product - it’s reacting. After cleansing, your cuticles gently lift, making it the perfect time to deliver deep moisture and targeted treatments. The way you layer matters, because you’re not just applying a product - you’re working with your hair’s natural pattern.

Stylists know this! So don’t guess their way through routines. They understand the science of timing. Applying the right products in the right order helps lock in results that last - not just for the day, but all week long. That’s exactly why their Wash day routine follows a strategic sequence: each step sets the next one up for success, so you get the most out of every minute and every formula.

Why the Wash Hour Routine Works

This routine is designed to work with your hair, not against your schedule. It’s intentional, efficient, and delivers care without compromise. Each step will build on the last, creating a full ritual that covers everything from scalp care and hydration to repair and styling, in under an hour. It's the perfect routine for any time, and any place.

What makes it work? It follows a pattern. Instead of layering products at random, you’re moving through a sequence built to maximize impact. Now, this is how stylists create salon results. They cleansing thoroughly, replenishing moisture at the right moment, repairing damage where it matters, and sealing it all in with lightweight protection, like a pro! 

And unlike your typical wash-and-go, this isn’t just about the day-of. The Wash Hour Routine takes notes from the pros and starts with a pre-treatment step that sets the tone and ends with styling that locks in softness, shine, and strength for days - not just hours.

Ready to learn the step-by-step wash hour. Let’s get into it, shall we? 

Your Step-by-Step Wash Hour Guide

Step 1: Pre-Poo with Growth Oil

Start with softness, not suds

Before you even think about lather, set the tone. Detangle gently using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, then apply Growth Oil to your scalp and strands. This is where care begins. Pre-pooing is more than a trend; it’s your hair’s first line of defense and a chance to reset before cleansing.

As you massage the oil in, you’re not just nourishing the scalp - you’re creating space for growth. This step minimizes breakage, softens buildup, and protects your strands from potential dryness during shampoo. It also starts the detangling process early, while your hair is strongest since wet hair breaks easily.

Massage in slow, circular motions with your fingertips to increase blood flow and support the follicles. Not only does this encourage stronger, healthier growth over time - it’s also your moment to slow down for a bit and ease into the process. Scalp care is self-care. Let it be your ritual, not a rush. Your hair will thank you!

Step 2: Hydrating Shampoo

A clean slate without the squeak

Now that your scalp is prepped, it’s time to gently cleanse. Our Hydrating Shampoo is rich, creamy, and designed to balance. It lifts buildup, removes product residue, and refreshes your roots without leaving your hair dry or stripped.

Start by rinsing your hair with lukewarm water to open the cuticle gently. Apply the shampoo in sections and focus on your scalp using light, circular motions. Remember, you’re not scrubbing! Let the suds do the work as they run through your curls during rinsing.

Hot water might feel relaxing, but it strips your hair’s natural oils and invites in frizz. So make sure you keep things warm, not hot. After rinsing, your curls will feel fresh, clean, and ready, not brittle or tangled. It’s literally, balanced in a bottle.

Step 3: Softening Conditioner

Hydration, detangling, and softness on cue

Once your hair is clean, it’s time to pour hydration back in. Apply Softening Conditioner to mid-lengths and ends - where moisture tends to escape fastest. This formula is rich in slip, which makes detangling easier and prevents the mechanical breakage that often comes from brushing through dry, tangled hair.

Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to work the conditioner through each section. Move with intention. This is where you melt away knots, seal in softness, and restore elasticity. If you have time, let it sit for a few minutes while you set up your next step, do a quick stretch, or just breathe.

Avoid slathering it onto your roots unless your hair is ultra-dry. This keeps your scalp balanced and prevents product buildup. After rinsing with cool or lukewarm water, you’ll feel the difference. Your hair won’t just look more hydrated, it will be more manageable and resilient.

Step 4: Repairing Hair Mask

15-minute treatment, real results

Time for deep care. Apply our Repairing Hair Mask from root to end, coating every section of your hair evenly. This is where the magic of the Chébé Complex™ gets to work, repairing internal bonds and restoring strength where your hair needs it most.

Unlike masks that ask for 30 minutes and a second shower, this formula is optimized to work in just 10. Use that time to multitask, or don’t. Cover with a shower cap to trap heat and enhance absorption, or use it as a pause moment while you do skin care, plan your outfit, or make a cup of tea.

Consistency beats intensity here. You don’t need to save this for a special occasion. Weekly use keeps your hair strong, smooth, and able to withstand your real-life routine. After rinsing, your curls will feel soft, look revived, and move with natural bounce. You’re already halfway to your best hair.

Step 5: Leave-In Conditioner

Seal in softness, prep for what’s next

On damp hair, apply our Length Retention Leave-In Conditioner! This lightweight formula is here to give your curls the hydration and protection they need all day long. Focus on your ends and any areas that are extra dry or prone to frizz, like your crown or hairline.

This step works best on damp, not soaking wet hair. If your hair starts to dry too quickly, mist with water to create a soft canvas for the leave-in to glide over. You’ll feel it instantly: more slip, less frizz, and protection that lasts.

Think of this as your daily shield. Whether you’re air drying or heat styling, it sets your hair up for softness that stays locked in and protects. For extra sealing, you can follow with a drop of Growth Oil on your ends.

Step 6: Gelée + Buttercrème Duo

Define, moisturize, and hold without heaviness.

Now it’s time to style. Layer our Styling Gelée first for curl definition and hold, then smooth Nourishing Buttercrème on top for added moisture and flexibility. These two were made to work together - giving your texture structure without stiffness.

Work in sections to ensure even coverage. Scrunch if you want bounce, twist if you want definition, or rake it through for a looser look. Apply generously but with intention. This duo brings the salon look home without the crunch, flakes, or weighed-down feel. Your curls will look styled, but still feel like your curls. Just soft, bouncy, and totally touchable.

Step 7: Daily Refresh with Moisture Milk

For the days in between, because good hair lasts. 

Your wash day worked. Now let's make it last! Use our Daily Refresh Moisture Milk to revive curls and replenish hydration throughout the week. It reactivates product, smooths frizz, and brings softness back where it’s needed.

Target the areas that go flat first - like your crown, the front pieces, or your ends. Spray lightly, scrunch gently, and reshape as needed. And remember, you don’t need to soak your hair for results! 

This step is what keeps your routine feeling fresh, not just looking that way. With just a few spritzes, you extend your style, maintain your moisture, and protect your vibe until the next wash.

The Results You Can Expect

This routine isn’t just about saving time - it’s about getting better results with less effort. When you layer intentionally and apply products with care, your hair texture responds. You’ll notice improved manageability, stronger moisture retention, and longer-lasting styles between washes.

Our community consistently reports healthier, stronger curls with improved texture, shine, and softness. The system targets key concerns like dryness, frizz, and definition - while nurturing long-term hair health. The bonus? As your hair gets easier to work with, your styling time naturally goes down.

And while the glow-up starts right away, the real magic is in the momentum. Week by week, you’ll notice more resilience, better moisture balance, and curls that bounce back with ease. Consistency transforms everything - and your curly hair wash day routine is no exception.

Making It Work for Your Schedule

The beauty of this ritual is that it’s made to move with you. Yes, the full routine can be done in under an hour, but it’s also flexible enough to break into parts. Whether you do it in one stretch or in stages, it’s the consistency that counts and not the clock.

Think about your lifestyle. Are you a Sunday reset kind of person? Or does a quiet weekday evening work better for your hair wash day? This ritual is designed to meet you where you are. And if time’s tight, there are easy ways to adapt without losing the benefits.

Cut your mask time to 5 minutes instead of 10. Apply your leave-in and styling products at the same time. Skip diffusing and let your curls air dry. The steps are meant to flow in sequence, but how long each takes is totally up to you.

Professional Tips for Maximum Results

Want to get stylist-level results from your own bathroom? A few pro techniques make a big difference. Use lukewarm water from start to finish, it’s better for your hair and helps keep moisture in. Section your hair when applying products so they coat evenly. Always follow the grain of your texture, not against it.

Start with small product amounts and build up only as needed. Over-applying can weigh your curls down or lead to buildup that blocks results. It’s easier to add than to undo.

And don’t forget your tools. A wide-tooth comb for detangling, a microfiber towel for blot-drying, and a diffuser if you like volume, they all work in sync with your products to bring your wash day to life. This is your wash day routine, and when you treat it with care, it gives back every time.

Ready, Let's Begin! 

Ready to finally feel in love with your routine? Your healthiest, most manageable hair is just one ritual away. Whether you're just starting your journey or refining your flow, this elevated hair wash day will meet you where you are - and take your curls to the next level.

By pairing Chéribé’s signature products with intentional, stylist-informed steps, you’re not just washing your hair. You’re caring for it. You’re strengthening it. You’re creating a ritual that honors softness, strength, and the beauty of showing up for yourself every single time.