Squish to Condish: A Revolutionary Hair Care Technique

If you have curly hair, you know that hydrated curls are happy curls. So your curly hair care routine should focus on boosting moisture, encouraging curl formation, and cutting down on frizz. Enter Squish to Condish, a revolutionary hair-conditioning method that helps push more moisture into your hair, and a game changer for smooth, frizz-free curls. The squish to condish method has quickly become the curly hair community’s go-to for beautiful curls. If you’re ready to transform your curly hair and end frizzy hair for good, we’re telling you how to squish to condish ahead!

So what is the squish to condish method? Squish to Condish, often abbreviated as STC, is short for "squish to condition". It’s a haircare technique for applying conditioner to curly hair, designed to boost hydration and curl definition. The squish to condish method consists of using only water and conditioner to hydrate your hair. The key to this technique is in how you handle your hair. Unlike traditional methods where the conditioner is simply applied and rinsed out, squish to condish involves squishing and scrunching the conditioner into your curls to encourage the hair to absorb the product fully. This curly hair hack has garnered lots of attention as of late and we can totally understand why. Adding it to your routine will instantly transform your curls and waves, no matter what your curl type!

The science behind Squish to Condish lies in the concept of encouraging moisture retention. Curly hair is dryer than straight hair, mainly because the natural oils from the scalp struggle to make their way down the twists and turns of each curl. So when you just apply a palmful of conditioner through your curls and rinse it out, the conditioner isn’t getting underneath your hair cuticle. It’s just sitting on top before getting rinsed away. Squish to condish uses manipulation (the squishing and scrunching) to slightly the hair cuticles, forcing the water and conditioner into them. The squishing action raises the cuticles allowing water to enter and hydrate your hair. The conditioner acts as a sealant around the water, so the two work together to keep your hair hydrated for longer and longer. 

Squish to condish is now one of the most popular curl-conditioning methods you’ll find on the internet for curly hair. It’s a hydration technique that helps push water into the cuticles of your hair so they get- and stay- properly moisturized. From slightly wavy to very curly hair, the squish to condition method will enhance your natural texture, banishing frizz and flyaways. Here is a more thorough breakdown of the haircare benefits of adding squish to condish to your hair care routine.

The primary benefit of Squish to Condish is its ability to provide intense hydration to curly hair. By squishing the conditioner into your wet curls, you’re helping it penetrate deeper into the hair shaft. This leads to more hydration, which is exactly what your curls crave. The technique ensures that the conditioner is evenly distributed throughout the hair, addressing dryness and promoting softness. 

For those with natural curls, achieving well-defined, bouncy curls is a must. Squish to Condish enhances curl definition, resulting in a more natural curl pattern. Scrunching and squishing your hair with conditioner encourages your curls to clump together naturally for more defined curls.

Remember, frizz is just a thirsty curl. Squish to Condish seals the cuticles and reduces frizz, by thoroughly moisturizing your hair. The squish to condish method helps you combat frizz for smoother and more manageable curls. Keep in mind that frizz is part of having naturally curly hair, so sometimes you just need to go with it and embrace the frizz.

Squish to Condish not only improves the quality of your curls but also saves time in your hair care routine. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve salon-worthy results in the comfort of your own home.

If you have low-porosity hair, meaning your hair cuticles are tightly closed, the squish to condish method helps force them open and let water and conditioner enter your hair shaft, allowing for better absorption.

By incorporating Squish to Condish method into your haircare routine, you’ll get beautifully defined, moisturized, and frizz-free curls like never before. The idea behind squish to condish is simple. Flip your head over, load up your wet curly hair with conditioner, then squish in handfuls of water to slowly rinse it out. But here’s a step by step breakdown of how to perform squish to condish.

The first step in this technique is to start with freshly washed hair. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your curls gently.

Next up is applying conditioner. Apply a generous amount of silicone-free, conditioner for curly hair to your wet hair. Divide your hair into sections for better coverage. 

Now comes the fun part. Flip your head upside down (be careful if you’re still standing in the shower). With your head flipped over, start squishing your hair from the ends toward the scalp. This motion helps the hair absorb the conditioner effectively.

There are two popular rinsing techniques when it comes to Squish to Condish. Choose your technique by the results you’re looking to achieve.

1. Partial Rinsing: Leave some conditioner in your hair to provide extra moisture and frizz control.
2. Full Rinsing: Rinse out the conditioner entirely for a lighter hold and volume.

Incorporating Squish to Condish into your hair care routine will lead to healthier, more defined curly hairstyles. If you’re ready to transform your curly hair with this well-loved technique, consider the following before you start.

Before adding Squish to Condish to your routine, it's crucial to understand your hair type, texture, and porosity. This knowledge will guide you in choosing the right products and adjusting the frequency of application to suit your hair's unique requirements. Look for a conditioner that is silicone-free and rich in moisturizing ingredients. You may need to play around to find the one that works best for your hair type.

The frequency of performing Squish to Condish depends on your hair's condition and how often it needs hydration and curl enhancement. For most people with curly hair, applying this technique once or twice a week is enough to see lasting results. So do you have to squish to condish every time you apply conditioner? More on that below!

Squish to Condish is typically performed on wash days after shampooing. After cleansing your hair, proceed with applying a curl-friendly smoothing conditioner and squishing it in with gentle upward motions. If your hair is very dry or damaged, use this technique every time you apply conditioner. Hair feeling a little heavy or weighed down? Try squish to conditioning with every other shampoo.

Squish to Condish can be used in combination with other curly hair care hacks for even better results. For example, you can incorporate the LOC method (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) or the Curly Girl Method into your routine to enhance the overall health and appearance of your curls. 

You can customize the squish to condish method to suit your individual hair type. So If you have high porosity hair that tends to be dry, consider opting for partial rinsing after doing the squish-to-condish method to retain extra moisture. Note that if you do a partial rinse, it serves as a leave-in conditioner, and you don’t need to follow up with another.

Like any hair care routine, consistency is key for achieving long-term benefits. Make Squish to Condish a regular part of your hair care regimen for the full cumulative effects on your curls.

When it comes to caring for your curly hair, hydrated curls are happy curls.So your curly hair care routine should focus on boosting moisture levels, encouraging curl formation, and cutting down on frizz. And that’s where squish to condish comes in. The hair-conditioning method has quickly become the curly hair community’s favorite hack for smooth, frizz-free, well-defined curls. If you’re ready to transform your curls and end frizzy hair for good, it’s time to squish to condish. Use only high quality, silicone-free formulas like the conditioners from Davines.

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor