Co washing hair – Is it good or not?

Shampooing is so much more than just cleaning the hair, it’s like therapy for all us. It seems almost impossible to find out which way is right or wrong when doing a hair wash. Some women would wash their hair on a daily basis. While others are washing only 2 or 3 times a week. There even exists some go through the “No-shampoo” movement. Whatever it is, it seems like that there are always thousands of new ideas to wash your hair. And Co washing hair is making a splash on social media lately. What gives it that power? Keep reading and you will find the answer!

1. What is Co washing? 

Co-washing (or conditioner washing) is simply using a conditioner to replace for a shampoo to cleanse your hair and scalp. It can be said that Co-washing is a type of the “No poo” movement. Natural hair is very dry, therefore we need a ton of moisture for manageability and for the overall health of our hair.

Co-washing works best with curly and natural hair. Why? It is because these hair types are very dry, therefore we need a ton of moisture for manageability and for the overall health of our hair. And conditioners can help them a big deal. While co-washing is great for curls and coils, it won’t benefit those with straight or fine hair, oily scalp and those who have scalp conditions like dandruff. If you fall under any of these categories, it’s better to stick with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

2. Pros of Co Washing

There are several benefits to co-washing. Let explore them now!

Having difficulties in retaining moisture? No problem. Co-washing can do a favor for you. Shampoos contain many chemicals that are harsh on both hair and scalp stripping out natural oils. While conditioners allow you to curb that issue and lock in ultimate moisture you crave. This gives your hair a more natural body. If you have naturally curly hair, then co-washing can help keep your hair looking gorgeous while making detangling a breeze. A win-win situation for this! It’s so great, right?

Using co-washing can also help extend the life of your highlights or color. Even color-safe shampoos eventually strip the hair, making your color dull over time. The more gentle co-shampoos are much better for those with color-treated hair, especially since they combat dryness.

Especially, Co-washing not only benefits the health but also helps with styling purposes. We’ve all experienced the difficulties of styling squeaky-clean hair. It can be limp and keen on slipping from the pins. So if you want to have an intricate hairstyle, co-washing before may be the best cleansing option.

3. Cons of co washing

Along with the good, there exist some disadvantages that you should take into consideration before going for a co-washing routine.

No one likes leftover residue. Unfortunately, with co-washing, this happens much more often. Shampoos act as a reset button for your scalp, eliminating all build-up, etc,.Without having using shampoo, your hair will not be fully clean.

Moreover, Co-washing may not be the best if you’re trying to grow out your hair. The method actually stifles the hair follicle as it’s not being fully cleansed with a shampoo, which is required for healthy hair growth.

Note: If you have naturally oily hair, co-shampooing will make your hair heavier and more difficult to style, so you should stick with simply shampooing less rather than completely converting to no-poo.

4. Tips to Co washing

There is a saying that “too much of one thing, is good for nothing’’. Co-washing is the perfect example of that. There are many benefits, but at the same time, if you do it too often without variation, it can come along with unexpected results. So, below are some useful tips for you to take full advantage of co-washing.

Tip #1: Shampoo your hair when you feel the product building up

You do not need to shampoo every day. Usually between 3-4 days after co-washing is enough time for dirt and products to start building up on your scalp. If you feel residue when you run your fingers through your scalp or hair, it is probably time to shampoo.

Tip #2: Find the right conditioner for your hair

There are so many conditioners out there, and it can sometimes be hard to choose the right one. Try out different products and find what works for you. There are conditioners that help with volume, protects color-treated hair, and adds shine. If you are looking for one to define your curls and your current conditioner is not getting the job done, get a new one.

Tip #3: Consider your environment and lifestyle

For those who regularly do exercise and be wet with sweat heavily, daily shampooing is too harsh. Co-washing is a great option for you. However, if you live in a polluted area or your work brings your hair into contact with a high level of dust or dirt, you may find that a co-washing routine actually makes your hair dirtier because hair conditioner has a tendency to attract and bind particles. Instead, finding a mild shampoo may be a better alternative instead of adopting a co-wash routine.

So that’s all we want to share with you about Co-washing! If you’re interested in it, give your hair a try with this method. And share with us your Co-washing story.