Naturals who live in areas with hard water
Hard water is such a nuisance because you will find that your hair will have the worse build up from chemicals you can imagine. Like the swimmer you will need a special type of shampoo to remove the harsh chemicals found in your water.
These shampoos are called chelating shampoos and they are a life saver next to installing a water filter* on all your showers.
If you are able to fix the water issue then you can certainly co wash more often but if not you will need to use shampoo and add moisture during your deep conditioning* session and weekly maintenance.
Naturals who just like shampoo
There are some women who just like to shampoo their hair. They prefer to get their hair squeaky clean at least once a week without fail and if you know how your hair works you can certainly do that and still have healthy happy hair.
If you like to use shampoo, we advise not to shampoo too often, once a week at the most, and you must deep condition with something moisture based on wash day.
Another thing we must add is that if you pre poo, that is add oil or some sort of barrier to your hair before you shampoo you might alleviate some of the effects of the harsh sulfates.
Naturals who don’t like harsh shampoos but do not like co-washing either
In this day and age we have options for cleansing our hair that do not involve either shampoo or conditioner co washes.
If you practice Ayurveda or you have heard about using bentonite clay* as a cleanser then you can absolutely still cleanse your hair using a clay mask. They are healthy for your hair but again you will still need to deep condition your hair afterwards.
In addition to clays companies are more aware of our needs now more than they have been in the past. There are shampoos out there that are so gentle on your hair, you can actually detangle with them.
They are not made with sulfates, have a ton of healthy ingredients and actually clean your hair and scalp very effectively.
This post isn’t meant to deter you from co-washing, co washing is still a very great and viable thing to have in any regimen. However if you are just not into it then that is just fine too!
Marti Sealey says
I thought it was just me but I’m natural and it just don’t works for me ether!
Tia Boo says
What does co-washing exactly mean?
Omada 'Abahi' Okpe says
Washing with a conditioner instead of shampoo
Tia Boo says
Thank you!
Natasha Thomas says
I like co-washing every weekend before deep conditioning, makes my hair soft and my hair doesn’t shed too much.
LaKeasha Harris says
Tia Boo Washing with conditioner only or a product that’s made just for cowashing which will have a mild cleaning agent in it
Tia Boo says
Okay, thank you!
Alegra FormallyknownasHolloway Ellis says
Not for me it did absolutely nothing but made my hair feel dirtier
Markisha Tingle says
Is not for me either
J'aime La Vie says
my hair doesn’t feel clean with cowashing.
Charlene Jeffers says
Never understood this concept. Can’t you just use a moisturizing conditioner after or oils to counter act the stripping some shampoos do?
Taylor Elonne Rose says
I always thought the same thing. Or use and all natural shampoo
LaToyia Cherletta Taylor says
I co wash weekly. I only shampoo my hair once a month because co washing has been the best for me.
Tammalah Matlock says
I found that when I cowash Wednesday and Sunday of each week my hair responds well. I only use shampoo once a month.
Esther Williams Jordan says
I can was or cowash…as long as I wash at least 1-2 times a week
Andrea D Brayboy says
I cowashed for the first time on Friday and my hair is super dry. I’m shocked but I guess it’s not for me.
Chala Brooks says
Hello Andrea! What kind of conditioner did you use for cowashing? The ingredients most likely are the problem and may be causing the drying. Every conditioner is not created equal for cowashing our hair and that should be said when people are promoting using conditioners for cowashing. We have naturally drier hair and it doesn’t need anything that will dry it out more unless it is used for removing buildup that just want come off the hair like some silicones. I know some people use Herbal Essence, Suave, and a few others for cowashing but I have decided so far not to use any of those because the ingredients say a lot to me and I already know my hair is not having it. Learning how ingredients are added to a product will take you a long way with your natural hair journey. You can find articles on CurlyNikki and a few other black hair groups about the order of ingredients and what their benefits are. I only use cowashing conditioners that are strictly for cowashing like As I Am Coconut Cowash, Pantene Cowash, Shea Moisture Cowash and so on. My hair has never had a problem with any of these because the ingredients are perfect for my hair. Also, I still deep condition most of the time whether I shampoo or cowash. I hope this helps out some.
Cedra Strickland Theobald says
I love Cowashing! As I am coconut cowash is the best my hair feels cleaner with that then regular shampoo!
Caramel says
Sorry when you say you are coconut, what does that mean exactly?
Caramel says
Don’t worry about answering that, I’ve just found out that ‘As I am Coconut cowash’ is a hair product that we don’t have in the UK.
Caramel says
Sorry when you say you are coconut, what does that mean exactly?
Caramel says
Don’t worry about answering that, I’ve just found out that ‘As I am Coconut cowash’ is a hair product that we don’t have in the UK.
Endenezjia Graham says
What works for some may not work for others.
Lauren Ralph says
I need to always shampoo first at least just the scalp
William Theobald says
I thought you were talking bout showering with your spouse.
Charlene Jeffers says
Lol!
Paidamoyo Paradza says
My hair doesn’t feel clean after cowashing
Shanice NavySeal says
I cowash plenty of times just to keep my hair from stripping of moisture, but my scalp had buildup