What Is Co-Washing?
A co-wash is the use of a specially formulated cream cleanser to remove buildup and cleanse the hair without the lathering or harsh ingredients, such as sulfates or parabens, typically used in shampoos. Co-washing is using conditioner to wash and cleanse your hair.
The Benefits of Co-Washing your natural hair
Many people choose to co-wash because of the benefits of ditching shampoo, which is loaded with sulfates that strip curly hair of natural oils and can create frizz, dryness, and possible breakage. When you co-wash, you're scrubbing your scalp with conditioner as if it were shampoo. You're still cleaning the scalp to remove any dirt or residue because of the friction of your scrubbing. The main benefit is that you'll have really hydrated your hair during the cleansing process."
The process is especially good for those with natural hair, because it does not strip hair and scalp of natural oils, so your hair remains stronger and healthier with better moisture retention and less breakage
The Drawbacks
While co-washing can be game-changing there can be downsides, the number one being the risk of product buildup on the scalp. This can cause scalp itchiness and irritation, as well as an oily and/or flat appearance to the hair. It's a good idea to counteract this our Lemongrass Conditioning Crème Cleanser and use this at least once a week or alternate with your normal conditioner used as a co-wash.
Co-washing is also not recommended for people who have flaky scalp conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. These scalp conditions worsen when co-wash products are used instead of shampoo. The scalp becomes severely clogged because the cleansing ingredients in the co-wash product are not enough to break the flakes or excess oil down and remove them."
How to Co-Wash Natural Hair
- Apply the first round of conditioner.
- Scrub the scalp. "Remember the friction and scrubbing motion is what's removing dirt and grime from your scalp. Without friction, you're not cleaning anything
- Rinse the hair completely.
- Apply a second round of conditioner.. Start at your ends and work your way up to the mid-shaft of the hair. This is to detangle but also to condition your strands; this round of conditioner does not need to be applied to your scalp."
- Rinse until no product remains on the hair.
Co-Wash vs. Conditioner: What’s the Difference?
Co-washing and conditioning are similar, but not identical. Conditioning is about moisture, detangling, and pliability,. Protein-rich conditioners are also about strengthening or repairing damage. Cleansing conditioners have special cleansing ingredients that gently cleanse and remove product buildup, leaving you with a soft and clean feeling. It's also a huge time-saver because you're cleansing and conditioning in one step."
So, while a co-wash can replace a conditioner in your routine, you can't co-wash with any old conditioner or you'll run the risk of not properly cleansing the hair, which may result in product buildup, scalp discomfort, and general greasiness. Look for products explicitly labeled as cleansing conditioners or co-washes.
When looking for a conditioner, make sure it’s alcohol and silicone-free—these ingredients will weigh your hair down and dry out your curls. Find a conditioner that has natural cleansing ingredients such as lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, or an apple cider vinegar mixture.
