Compared to other hair textures, coarse, curly natural hair is typically drier and doesn’t respond well to over-shampooing.
That’s where co-washing—the practice of shampooing your hair with a creamy, nourishing product called a “cleansing conditioner”—comes into play. Co-washing usually produces hair that feels hydrated and healthy rather than stripped and dry, as might happen with conventional shampoos.
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Why Do People Co-Wash?
In order to clean the hair and remove buildup without the lathering or harsh compounds, like sulfates or parabens, commonly used in shampoos, a co-wash is utilized. Using conditioner to wash and clean your hair is known as co-washing.
The Benefits of Co-Washing
Co-washing is popular because it has advantages over shampoo, which contains sulfates that strip natural oils from curly hair and can lead to frizz, dryness, and even breakage.
When you co-wash, you use conditioner like shampoo to scrape your scalp. Because of the friction from your scrubbing, you’re still washing the scalp to get rid of any residue or grime. The biggest advantage is that during the cleansing procedure, your hair was thoroughly hydrated.
The procedure is particularly beneficial for people with “textured and natural hair” since it does not remove the hair and scalp of its natural oils, leaving your hair stronger, healthier, and more resistant to breaking.
Co-Washing Natural Hair Guide
- Start by applying the conditioner.
- Rub your scalp. Keep in mind that your scalp is being cleaned of dirt and filth through friction and scrubbing. Without friction, nothing gets cleaned.
- Give the hair a thorough rinse.
- Reapply the conditioner one more time. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the mid-shaft.This will not only untangle your hair but also condition it; you do not need to apply conditioner to your scalp during this process.
- Rinse the hair until there is no product left on it.
- Recur every two to three days. Some curl types co-wash every day, while others can go a little longer between washes. More co-washing is preferable to less co-washing if your hair is severely dehydrated. Your hair won’t be harmed by conditioning and wetting it. The reason why it’s advised against wetting your hair every day is actually due to the side effects of using shampoo frequently.
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