10 Things To Remember When You Start Co Washing

We are all very familiar with what co washing is but just in case you aren’t, it is a very simple way to add moisture to your hair whenever ‘she’ is feeling particularly parched.

The method does get a bad rap at times because many people argue that using it as a method to cleanse your hair primarily can be damaging to your hair and scalp due to the build up of the conditioner over time.

Others say conditioners are not meant to cleanse which is ok with us because we tend to agree. Conditioners, in the truest sense of the word, cannot cleanse your scalp but co washing does have its benefits.

If you think co-washing is for you here is a list of 10 things you should remember if you want to incorporate it into your regimen

1. It does not replace shampoo

The market has become even more sophisticated than it used to be years ago. We now have products called cowashes that are made to cleanse your hair but not strip your strands of moisture as a sulfate filled shampoo typically would.

With that said we have choices. You can co wash with regular conditioner if you want to give your hair moisture at that time.

However to cleanse your scalp you will need clarifier of some sort. You can use a sulfate shampoo, a clarifying shampoo* or if you are all natural at heart you can incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar* rinses.

2. Absolutely co wash mid week

If you work out very often and sweat in your hair or if your style only lasted 3 days by all means cowash to restyle or give your hair what it needs.

Conditioners are meant to add moisture and strength to your strand so if you need to do some dryness eradication, by all means do so.

3. Choose your conditioners wisely

If you want great slip you will need to test a few conditioners out to see which ones suit your hair. Some women do not mind conditioners with cones in them, and if that person is you just know that cones have a tendency to stick to the strand.

This means the more conditioners you use with cones the more build up you will have on your strands and the more dingy your hair will feel after every wash. If you use cones you need to shampoo your hair at least once every 14 or 30 days to rid your hair of buildup.

4. Cowash before you shampoo

This is a little trick I learned early on because my fine hair would feel so stripped after using shampoo. I would co wash first and the shampoo my scalp.This way my hair would be coated with conditioner, my scalp cleansed and my hair not feel stripped.

5. Cowashing is great for chemically treated hair

Cowashing can be awesome for chemically treated hair. That includes relaxers and color because your hair tends to be naturally dry. The more porous your strand the more moisture you will need to sustain your hair so co washing needs to be a regular part of your hair care regimen.

6. Great for little kids

If your toddler suffers from severely dry hair incorporating cowashing can save your life. Detangling is much easier, you child’s hair will be much softer.

Look for cowash products for your child as well and we would suggest not using conditioners with cones on children. If your child is like mine then the last thing they need is cones on top of, pancake syrup, strawberries and ketchup!

7. Do not co wash after swimming

When swimming, your need to drench your hair and add conditioner to your strands however after you are done with the pool and the beach you will need to shampoo.

Shampoo to remove chemical buildup and salt from your hair and strands that cling to your hair after swimming.

8. Leave a little in

if you co wash with high quality products leaving a little in on your ends for extra moisture does not hurt especially if you plan to spend the day out.

Hot days with high heat exposure from the sun can dry out your hair so along with physically protecting your ends you can also help by leaving a little conditioner on your strands.

9. You will still need a leave in

Most of us use leave in conditioner* even after a cowash. Some of us actually leave in regular conditioner as mentioned in number 8.

If you aren’t into that then using a leave in is also highly recommended. Curly hair thrives on moisture so do not skip that step if your hair is dry.

10. Cowashing might not be for you

There are a million women out there that will tell you that cowashing is not for them. They prefer to shampoo weekly and style for the week. There is nothing wrong with that as a matter of fact if you are a heat styler you might not ever cowash because your regimen just does not call for it.

If you deep condition every week there might be no need for a mid week spruce up, it all depends on your preference and lifestyle.

Do you cowash?