We are all very familiar with what co washing is but just in case you aren’t, it is a very simple way to add moisture to your hair whenever ‘she’ is feeling particularly parched.
The method does get a bad rap at times because many people argue that using it as a method to cleanse your hair primarily can be damaging to your hair and scalp due to the build up of the conditioner over time.
Others say conditioners are not meant to cleanse which is ok with us because we tend to agree. Conditioners, in the truest sense of the word, cannot cleanse your scalp but co washing does have its benefits.
If you think co-washing is for you here is a list of 10 things you should remember if you want to incorporate it into your regimen
1. It does not replace shampoo
The market has become even more sophisticated than it used to be years ago. We now have products called cowashes that are made to cleanse your hair but not strip your strands of moisture as a sulfate filled shampoo typically would.
With that said we have choices. You can co wash with regular conditioner if you want to give your hair moisture at that time.
However to cleanse your scalp you will need clarifier of some sort. You can use a sulfate shampoo, a clarifying shampoo* or if you are all natural at heart you can incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar* rinses.
2. Absolutely co wash mid week
If you work out very often and sweat in your hair or if your style only lasted 3 days by all means cowash* to restyle or give your hair what it needs.
Conditioners are meant to add moisture and strength to your strand so if you need to do some dryness eradication, by all means do so.
3. Choose your conditioners wisely
If you want great slip you will need to test a few conditioners out to see which ones suit your hair. Some women do not mind conditioners with cones in them, and if that person is you just know that cones have a tendency to stick to the strand.
This means the more conditioners you use with cones the more build up you will have on your strands and the more dingy your hair will feel after every wash. If you use cones you need to shampoo your hair at least once every 14 or 30 days to rid your hair of buildup.
4. Cowash* before you shampoo
This is a little trick I learned early on because my fine hair would feel so stripped after using shampoo. I would co wash first and the shampoo my scalp.This way my hair would be coated with conditioner, my scalp cleansed and my hair not feel stripped.
5. Cowashing is great for chemically treated hair
Cowashing can be awesome for chemically treated hair. That includes relaxers and color because your hair tends to be naturally dry. The more porous your strand the more moisture you will need to sustain your hair so co washing needs to be a regular part of your hair care regimen.
Holli Griggs says
What the hell is co washing?? No I didnt read the article…
Nedra Gartica Montgomery says
Washing your hair with conditioner so as not to dry out your hair. I need some soap in this head! Lol
Natasha Andrews says
What the heck are cones?
Reena says
Silicones. They coat they hair ad great shine but can’t be washed off without a sulfate containing shampoo. It also blocks out moisture making it impossible to re-moisturize your hair unless its removed first.
Reena says
Washing your hair with conditioner
Ke Ke says
That’s what I wanna know too lol
Mary Annette Malone Butler says
Pantene Co Wash in a Brown Bottle @ Walmart $4.97 Shampoo aisle
Mary Annette Malone Butler says
Works very well on Weaves!