What You Should Know About Co-Washing

Co-washing involves the process of washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. However, it is not meant to replace your regular shampoo regimen. Hair conditioner and shampoo both contain surfactants. The surfactants in conditioner stick to the hair, while surfactants in shampoo bind to oil and dirt to lift it off the hair. Shampoo will clean your hair much better than a co-wash. But a co-wash does an amazing job at moisturizing. Co-washing is becoming so popular that hair product companies are offering co-washing cleansing conditioners along with gentle sulfate-free shampoos. Remember, it’s okay to co-wash, but here are a few things to keep in mind when doing so.

1. If you exercise regularly and/or sweat heavily and require more frequent cleansing,  you might find that shampooing frequently is too harsh.

Daily shampooing can strip the hair of its moisture and cause unnecessary drying. Co-washing is a great option in that conditioner wArill not strip the hair and cause drying. In fact, you might find that your hair feels softer and more moisturized. On the other hand, if you live in an area where pollution is high, or your hair gets dirty at work, instead of solely relying on co-washing you will have to implement shampoos into your regimen every often to remove buildup.

2. If you do opt to co-wash, don’t use a deep conditioner as they contain more ingredients that stick to the shaft of the hair.

Deep conditioners are intended for infrequent use and can cause build up if you continue to apply it without shampoo every so often. Opt for a rinse out conditioner instead. Rinse out conditioners are lighter and easier to rinse out of the hair. 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. Only use the deep conditioner when you feel your hair needs some extra TLC.

3. If you are managing or suffer from scalp or skin conditions such as dermatitis, you may have to shampoo more frequently.

Co-washing is not for everyone as infrequent shampooing can aggravate such conditions and make them worse. Additionally, if you have oily hair, shampoo is essential in removing excess oil. Co-washing can have the opposite effect.

4.  Occasionally washing your hair with shampoo is the real trick to being able to successfully manage a co-wash regimen. 

Shampoo helps to thoroughly cleanse the hair.  Keep in mind that you should opt for sulfate free shampoo.  The goal is to occasionally use a cleaning product to remove any oil and dirt buildup before it causes it any major issues.  The key is finding an alternating routine that involves co-washing and shampooing.