Washdé: A Sacred Ritual Reimagined
Washday was never just about hair. It was a ritual—a bond, a tradition carried across generations of Black women. The scent of coconut oil, fingers gently detangling curls, and laughter echoing through the room turned a simple task into a sacred moment of care, love, and pride.
For many Black women across the diaspora, washday has symbolized more than just cleansing and styling textured hair. It’s a day—sometimes even days—dedicated to detangling, moisturizing, and braiding, filled with storytelling, cultural pride, and deep connections to ancestry. Across the diaspora, these rituals carry similar themes of love, care, and tradition.
Janelle Pace, a DMV-based model and cybersecurity professional, reflects on how her mother’s washday care shaped her own routine today:
“My mom always made sure to oil my scalp or use hot oil treatments on wash days to seal in moisture. It’s a tradition I’ve held onto, and it’s something I now do for myself.”
For Beza Frehiwot, a content creator based in Costa Rica, washday was a connection to family, even in humble circumstances. She fondly recalls her childhood in Ethiopia:
“I remember my mom carefully washing my hair in a bucket because we didn’t have a shower or a bathtub. It wasn’t the most comfortable experience, but it was a necessity—a simple act of care and cleanliness that bonded us despite the humble setup.”
These personal stories reflect a shared experience—a need for care, connection, and comfort. Yet, for many, washday has evolved into more of a task than a ritual of care.
This evolution inspired the creation of Washdé—a brand dedicated to honoring the roots of washday while transforming it into a luxurious, restorative experience. Founder Bessa Whatcott reflects on what motivated her to start this journey:
"In creating Washdé, I paid close attention to conversations online and among friends about the frustrations surrounding washday.”
Many women shared their concerns about how time-consuming and exhausting the process could be at home. While others expressed their annoyance with being asked to wash their hair before braiding or wig installations, A step that many believed should be part of the service itself. For some, their hair had become a chore, not a moment of care or indulgence.
“That realization struck me deeply. I knew there was an opportunity to reimagine washday as something people could actually look forward to—an experience that feels luxurious, nurturing, and restorative.”
Washdé was born from this vision—to make washday a moment of self-care, not just a task to check off.
“It’s more than just about clean hair—it’s about creating a moment of indulgence, a much-needed pause from the hustle of daily life.”
Inspired by the serene, holistic approach of Japanese head spas, which emphasize relaxation, scalp health, and mindfulness—elements seamlessly woven into Washdé to create a space that nurtures not only your hair but also calms your mind. Every detail—from soothing scalp massages to personalized facials and massages—reflects this fusion of cultural traditions, creating a sanctuary for both hair and spirit.
Washdé is now open in Arlington, Virginia. Experience a new take on washday with personalized scalp treatments, massages, and facials, all designed to make your routine easier and more enjoyable. Visit us today and treat yourself to a moment of true relaxation.
