If you’ve been reading the blog for a while (or at least my hair posts), my next statement will not come as a big surprise. I don’t like shampoo. I don’t like shampoo for a number of reasons, with the two biggest being: it dries out my hair, and it often feels like it’s completely striped my hair of its goodness. Naturally, my strong dislike for shampoo means I hardly ever shampoo my hair – in fact I’m pretty sure the last time I shampooed my hair was last year (if not the year before). Now, if you’re wondering how I clean/wash my hair, it’s with co-washing. For naturals, co-washing is especially useful. This is because unlike most shampoos, co-washes and conditioners don’t strip your hair or scalp of its naturally occurring oils. These naturally occurring oils are crucial because they help promote hair growth and hair health. Now, enough with my rambling, let’s start with the basics.
What Is Co-Washing?
Simply put, co-washing is conditioner-only washing. When I talk about co-washing I’m talking about replacing shampoo with conditioner to clean my hair and scalp. It’s important to note that to effectively clean your head, you should be using a cleansing conditioner, not just any old conditioner – which is what I used to do. This is because a regular conditioner will not actually clean your hair. If anything, it’ll add to the build-up you have and leave you with an itchy scalp.
Why You Should Be Co-Washing
If you’re a natural, you should definitely be co-washing and this is why:
- Co-washing helps add moisture to your hair
- Unlike shampoo co-washing does not strip your hair of its natural oils
- Co-washing doesn’t dry out your hair (which is already very prone to dryness)
- Co-washing cleanses your hair and cleans your scalp like a shampoo would
- Co-washing offers better curl definition
- Co-washing can help reduce breakage and shedding
- Co-washing can help reduce tangling and knots
- Saves you a whole of time!
Though co-washing is great for naturals, it can also have benefits for those with straighter hair textures. I was recently listening to Lauren Conrad’s new podcast, Asking for a Friend, and her guest, Kristen Ess, talked about how co-washing can be good as it gives thinner hair volume and makes it look fuller. She also mentioned how it gives the hair a break from the constant shampoo and stripping of its natural oils.
My Co-Wash Of Choice
For the longest time I didn’t know that actual co-washes existed, and I relied on washing my hair using a conditioner. These days however, I’m well versed in the world of co-washes and often buy them. I’m currently using the Crème Of Nature Pure-Licious Co-Wash Conditioner and have done since last year. As I only wash my hair twice a month, it’s taken me a little while to work through the bottle. That said, when using this co-wash, a little goes a long way to clean your scalp of gross sticky build-up without stripping your hair. After using this, my hair always feels soft and feathery, and my scalp always feels cool and like it can breathe again.
I can personally say that since I properly started co-washing my hair I’ve noticed: a reduction in breakage, knots (like hardly any), and better curl definition (like x1000, especially following years of chemically straightening my hair which totally wrecked my curl pattern). I’ve also noticed that my hair is less dry after washing it, it gets tangled less easily, my scalp feels fresher and less stripped; but most importantly, wash day takes a fraction of the time! If you’re interested in my current wash day hair routine, check out my latest YouTube video.
Can’t Live Without Your Shampoo?
For those of you who can’t live without your shampoo, don’t worry. As long as you’re using a shampoo that’s moisturising and nourishing, you should be all good!
Have you tried co-washing? If so, what are some of your favourite products to use? Let me know what you think in the comments. You can read more about the wonders of co-washing here, here and here.
alice
xo
