What is co-washing? Is it good for your hair?
Co-washing has become the latest buzzword when it comes to hair care rituals. But what exactly is co-washing? Well, co-washing refers to washing hair only using a conditioner. This means skipping the cleanser and washing the hair only with a conditioner. It’s important to note that co-washing isn’t just about skipping the cleanser or shampoo and applying the conditioner as you usually do. Typically, a conditioner is applied on the strands and not on the scalp and the root, however, when you are co-washing, you use the conditioner on the scalp as well.
Benefits of co-washing
Shampoos with harsh chemicals can be rough on your hair. They often strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture. Co-washing helps in keeping the moisture and natural oils intact.
Should you ditch the shampoo forever?
Well, the answer to that question is — No. Unlike shampoos, conditioners do not have cleansing properties. Conditioners will not be able to remove dust, sweat and grime properly. Even while co-washing remember that you must use a product which has cleansing properties which would help reduce the number of times you use a shampoo.
Who can benefit from co-washing?
- Those with curly and wavy hair: Curly and wavy hair are prone to frizz and dryness. Co-washing will allow the hair to get better hydration which means less frizz and more shine. Co-washing will also give good definition to curls.
- Those with colored hair: Co-washing can also help maintain the color of treated hair. Frequent shampooing can strip the color and cause fading very quickly. Co-washing can fix this problem as it won’t strip strands of pigment the way traditional cleansers do.
How to co-wash?
Step 1: Fully wet the hair with water. This will help to distribute the co-wash evenly.
Step 3: Take a generous amount of co-wash and massage into the scalp. Make sure you use your fingertips and not nails to spread the hair product.
Step 4: Unlike the regular cleansers, co-washes do not lather. So add water to spread the product.
Step 5: Leave it on for about 2-3 minutes and rinse off thoroughly. Spend twice as long rinsing as you did lathering.
Step 6: Simply towel try or air dry your hair and don’t forget to use any post-wash serum or hair moisturizer.
Which is the best conditioner for co-washing?
The best conditioner for co-washing your hair depends on the type of hair. First of all, it is best to avoid products that contain harmful chemicals, parabens and mineral oil that strip the hair of moisture. That being said, use a co-wash and not a conditioner as co-washes are cream-based cleansers with mild cleansing properties.
Who should skip co-washing?
Those with straight thin and limp hair as well as those with an oily scalp should avoid co-washing as it might weigh down the hair. They need proper hair cleansers to remove oil and greasiness. And not regularly washing hair can leave the hair flat and greasy.
So, have you guys tried co-washing? Tell us your experiences and we would love to hear how it’s worked for you. And If you have any specific hair concerns, book our one-on-one consultation.