Hair Trend Alert: 5 Things You Need to Know About Co-Washing

co-washing
co-washing

Co-washing, or conditioning washing, got its start as a part of the Curly Girl Method, and I wanted to give you a complete guide to it. We'll discuss everything you need to know about co-washing and new co-washing cleansing conditioners.

Related: 25 ways to style curly hair in under 10 minutes

What is co-washing?

Co-washing is short for "conditioner washing," or cleansing your hair with your favorite conditioner instead of shampoo. I believe the actual term was coined by Curly Girl Method creator and author of Curly Girl: The Handbook, Lorraine Massey. The Curly Girl Method is a curly girl's step-by-step guide to beautiful curls.

Textured hair has a natural tendency to be drier than straighter hair types. The natural oils created by the scalp have a harder time navigating the twist and turns of curly hair. Massey suggests that all conditioners have a small amount of gentle cleansers and that conditioners can and should be use more than shampoo to clean curly hair. Co-washing is a part of the no-poo movement.

A curly girl has to take all measures to ensure that curls stay hydrated. A "no-poo" hair regimen that consists of regular co-washing can create beautifully nourished waves and curls. Some even believe gentle cleansers can prevent split ends and other hair damage.

Co-washing is becoming so popular that hair product companies are offering co-washing cleansing conditioners along with gentle sulfate-free shampoos. As a curly girl, I have experimented with co-washing with regular conditioners and co-washing conditioners. You can read a full product review of SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-wash Conditioning Cleanser here. Before you start, here are five things you should know about co-washing:

1. Watch Those Ingredients
If co-washing is a regular part of your hair regimen, stay away from silicones. Many of these ingredients are easy to identify on product labels: look for ingredients ending in -cone. Many silicones are synthetic additives that are not water-soluble, making them a little bit harder to wash out without harsh detergents. The end result is yucky build-up on your hair and scalp.

2. Co-Wash As Needed
Depending on your hair and other factors, such as your schedule and the climate, you can co-wash as frequently as you like. Keep in mind that your hair is the most fragile when it's wet. Be careful in styling, and allow your hair time to dry completely before washing again. There is a such thing as over-conditioning, so pay attention to your hair's feel. If it's spongy or even mushy, you're overdoing it.

3. Clarify Occasionally With A Sulfate-Free Shampoo
This is an important step that some people skip. Your hair and scalp still need a gentle shampoo to adequately cleanse. When I skip the shampoo for too long, my scalp itches like crazy. I recommend shampooing weekly or bi-weekly in addition to regular co-washing.

4. Co-washing Is Not For Everyone
If you suffer from scalp conditions such as dermatitis, co-washing occasionally is okay. But a strict no-poo regimen could make this condition worse. Also, depending on your hair type, you may not see the benefit of co-washing. If you have oily hair, a shampoo is needed to remove excess oil, as co-wash can add extra oil to the hair.

5. A Co-washing Cleansing Conditioner Might Not Be Enough
I feel like including the term "cleansing" or "cleanser" on the bottle of co-washing conditioners can be a little deceiving. There are certain properties that shampoos or cleansers have that are absent from some co-washing conditioners. For example, many shampoos are formulated with a low pH. The acidity of shampoo raises the hair cuticle, making it easier to remove dirt and product buildup. Shampoos also have detergents that clean the hair and scalp. Some co-washing conditioners exhibit some of these properties, but not all, so check labels for what you want.
- By Tamara Floyd

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