Should You Be Using Conditioner to Cleanse Your Hair? Everything to Know About Co-Washing
From its amazing benefits to product recommendations, learn everything there is about co-washing and cleansing conditioners.
@khadijha
Although co-washing or conditioner-only washing has been used for a while by people with wavy, coily, and curly hair, in recent years, it has gained wider popularity due to its amazing benefits and long-term results.
For the uninitiated, L’OFFICIEL breaks down everything you need to know about this hair treatment method, regardless of your hair type.
What is Co-Washing?
Simply put, co-washing is cleansing the scalp and rinsing your hair without using shampoo. You read that correctly, conditioner washing is just that: cleaning your hair only with conditioner. However, co-washes aren't the same as traditional conditioners. They contain cleansing agents that will wash the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
Benefits
Co-washes/cleansing conditioners are formulated with hydrating and cleansing ingredients to gently clean your hair without damaging or drying it out. They moisturize and nurture every follicle from scalp to ends and can add shine for healthier looking hair. Also, shampoos are often formulated with harmful ingredients sulfates and detergents that strip the hair’s natural oils leaving it dry, dull, and prone to stripping.
How-To
If done correctly, co-washing can bring long-term benefits to your hair. The first thing to note is that co-washing should only be done when needed. It is not a total substitution for your usual hair washing routine. It's recommended to use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo in between co-washes.
When you're ready to give it a try, in the shower, dedicate at least 60 seconds to massaging the product on your scalp by gently rubbing the tips of your fingers in circular motions. Since co-washes don't lather the same way shampoo does, you'll want to use more product than usual. It should be enough to coat the hair from root to ends. Once you're done massaging it in, let it sit for three to five minutes so your hair can absorb the hydration. When ready, rinse thoroughly.
Is Co-Washing Right For Your Hair Type?
Although it is a no-brainer for curly, coily, and wavy hair, if you have straight hair, whether you should try co-washing or not depends on the condition of your hair. Conditioner washing is beneficial to dry, damaged, and fine hair regardless of your type, however, if your hair tends to be naturally oily, you should avoid co-washing as it can weigh the hair down.
Co-Washing Products
