PHOTO COURTESY OF NATASHALEEDS

Washing your hair is essential for a gorgeous mane. I washed my hair (and my daughter’s hair”> in the kitchen sink until I became natural, then it became easier to handle my curls in the shower. When my hair was relaxed, it never tangled and it was easier to manage in the sink. Using the sink with natural hair caused a tangled, mangled nightmare. 

My wash day progression may be unique as many women easily wash their curls, coils, and waves in the sink, so which exactly is the better option? Here are some pros and cons for washing your hair in the shower and sink to help you determine once and for all which is best suited for you.

Washing hair in the sink

Pros
  • Washing hair in the sink is quicker than washing in the shower. This does not include detangling.
  • It is the easiest way to wash someone else’s hair.
  • You waste less water.
  • Kitchen side sprayers provide a stronger and closer water stream for a better rinse.
  • This method is convenient if you’re tired.
  • It is a great option for TWAs (teeny weeny afros”>
Cons
  • Food, dirty dishes, hand washing, and brushing your teeth are handled in the sink, so you may find this unappealing.
  • Hair that is too long will become tousled and tangled from leaning your hair forward and backward.
  • It’s messy. I always make a huge mess on the countertop and bathroom or kitchen floor.
  • Without a kitchen side sprayer, it can be challenging to get your head directly underneath for a thorough rinse.

Washing hair in the shower

Pros
  • Water will run down the back of your head. You can detangle and handle your hair standing upright without tousling your hair.
  • You not only get to wash your hair but also deep condition while washing your entire body.
  • It’s more comfortable.
  • No mess
  • If you have a handheld showerhead with stream settings, you have better control to thoroughly rinse your hair. This is especially helpful if you have an irritable scalp with scales and dandruff.
Cons
  • You can waste a ton of water, especially if you do not turn the water off between lathering and detangling.
  • Deep conditioning for longer than three minutes is a pain! I always deep condition for thirty minutes, so that means leaving the shower, drying off, and deep conditioning before returning to the shower for a final rinse and styling.
  • Washing hair in the shower seems to take longer, especially if you do not have a handheld showerhead with several settings.

Conclusion

There are a few more cons with washing hair in the sink, but it really depends on the individual as to what method works best for them. There is always the combination of detangling your hair at the sink and then cleansing and deep conditioning in the shower. For some, they either stay in the shower or stand at the sink for styling. It’s all about your preference.

I will stick to the shower method but which do you prefer, the kitchen sink or the shower?

Where do you wash your hair?

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The sink

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The shower

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I detangle at the sink and cleanse & condition in the shower

Survey Maker

Sabrina Perkins

Sabrina, founder of seriouslynatural.org and contributor to several online publications, is a freelance writer who engages her audiences on the relevance of natural hair, beauty, and style.

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