Washing your hair last minute, especially when you’re running late is never a wise decision. But what if you have to attend an important event later or you’re out of shampoo (Oh, imagine the horror!). What to do, what to dooo?
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Have you ever come across the term, ‘co-washing’? If you haven’t heard about it or if you have but haven’t tried this amazing hair washing technique yet, your life is about to change. Say goodbye to your traditional way of shampooing your hair and say hello to co-washing!
What Is Co-Washing?
Conditioner washing or co-washing is washing your hair using just a conditioner. This ‘no-poo’ technique of washing your hair is a foolproof way to ensure fabulous, flip worthy hair with every wash.
The conditioner locks the moisture in your hair, prevents breakage and leaves you with silky smooth hair, each time. It also helps protects your mane from harmful chemicals found in your shampoo.
As simple and effortless it may sound, using the co-washing technique may result in unmanageable hair if you’re not careful about what kind of conditioner you use. As you may or may not know, our shampoos contain sulfates in them which is why they lather up but it’s not a hair-friendly ingredient. Using conditioners that are free of sulfates is the right way to go about it.
Co-washing requires specially formulated conditioners called cleansing conditioners. These conditioners are free from sulfates and don’t lather much. They’re also super gentle and moisturizing to make sure that your hair is not stripped of its natural oils.
Experts agree that co-washing your hair will result in fruitful results, in the long run, especially women with long, thick and curly hair. If you have thin hair, co-washing will not add any texture to them but will make them shiny and soft. If you have dry hair, especially with the winter season approaching, co-washing might be the solution to all your hair woes. Everyone has different types of hair and what might work for your friend (despite having similar texture) may or may not work for you. It’s all about finding what products suit your hair the best and being loyal to it.
Anybody can try co-washing, but it is especially beneficial for people with dry and damaged hair, or chemically-treated hair. People with curly hair can also benefit from it since it leaves the curls more defined.
Recommended Hair Type
As the beauty industry is expanding, people are becoming aware of the products they use on their skin and hair. And since everyone uses shampoo, it’s better to use less damaging alternatives as the harsh chemicals strip your mane off its natural oils. They can also lead to product build-up which weighs the hair down and makes it lifeless and dull. Cleansing conditioners, on the other hand, are very gentle and free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones. They don’t lather much, which means reduced friction while washing your hair, and less hair breakage.
Need To Try Co-Washing
Traditionally, we only use the conditioner only on the hair ends and never on the roots or the scalp as it’s believed that the thick consistency of it may leave you with hair fall, greasy and flat hair, and other scalp complications. But that’s not how cleansing conditioners work. They are perfectly safe to use on the scalp. In fact, they should be used on the scalp. Co-washing is extremely simple. Here’s how you should do it:
Step 1: Take out some conditioner on the palm of your hands and massage it into your scalp.
Step 2: Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the conditioner evenly through the hair.
Step 3: Let it sit for 3 to 4 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
Step 4: Towel dry your hair and be prepared to have a great hair day!
How To Co-Wash Hair
Co-Washing Products
If you’re a gorgeous woman who is annoyed with her curls, this product shall become your next favourite! It gently cleanses your curls and scalp removing heavy product buildup while the unique blend of natural butter and oils infuse moisture. Oh, and did we tell you? It smells divine!
Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Complete Conditioning Co-Wash
Wash away all your hair woes with this conditioning cleanser. It is made from hand-picked natural ingredients that help the most stubborn curls tangle and make ’em frizz-free! The yummy smell of coconuts will keep you and your mane happy throughout the day
PS: Good hair days ahead.
Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser
Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
This unique formula will definitely tame thy mane. This all-in-one cleansing cream may just replace your holy grail shampoo. It’s got a unique, no no-lather formula to help to moisturize, soften and detangle your hair for the gentlest daily cleanse.
If you don’t mind a little splurge then this MoroccanOil Curl Cleansing Conditioner has proven to be highly effective in restoring the natural moisture to your hair. It also makes your hair extra bouncy, just in time for those selfies. It is a vegetable infused conditioner that promises to leave your hair shiny, smooth and soft, all while fighting frizz.
Curl Cleansing Conditioner
After a long day, your mane too needs to rest and restore its energy. Trust this conditioner to do exactly that. Its unique creamy formula generously coats your hair fibres and help to keep them detangled. It also acts as a deep nourishing agent for your hair and it from hair damage. Day after day, curls remain defined and soft and are easy to style.
Discipline Curl Ideal Cleansing Conditioner
By now, we’re sure you’re totally on-board to add co-washing as a part of your hair care routine. But if you still aren’t convinced about it, allow us to persuade you.
Benefits Of Co-Washing
Shampoos usually have paraben and sulfates in them which makes your hair weaker with every use. A conditioner seeps deep into your hair, helps repair broken hair meaning that hair doesn’t snap and break off easily!
Reduction in Hair Breakage And Damage
Conditioners provide an immense amount of moisture to our hair, making it super soft and smooth from within. It also helps to keep our mane tangle-free frees it off knots and reduce the frizziness of our hair.
Manageable Hair
If you’re dealing with an itchy or a flaky scalp, you should start co-washing your mane right away.
Bid Adieu To A Flaky Scalp
Since you’re putting fewer chemicals on your hair, your hair tends to improve with every wash.
People who have tried co-washing say that they noticed a definite improvement in their hair growth. The fact that it reduces breakages and improves overall hair quality leads to hair that grows faster.
Helps In Hair Growth
Regularly co-washing your hair will result in an overall improvement of your hair as it’s getting a proper dose of moisturizing. You will have to do it at least 3-5 times before you see an actual difference in your hair.
Silky, Smooth Hair Awaits You
FAQs
Yeah, you can! As some conditioners are formulated specifically to cleanse your scalp versus just moisturize it. If it’s a gentle conditioner like a cleansing conditioner, it’s more likely to be filled with gentle, surfactant-like ingredients which help to break down oils to give you a ‘cleaner’ feeling.
Can I Use A Conditioner After Co-Wash?
The number of times you wash your hair depends upon a lot of factors – the kind of hair you have, how you style it, the weather and climate, the length and more. A lot of people like to alternate their conditioner-only washes with regular shampoo washes.
How Often Should I Co-Wash?
There are more pros than cons when it comes to co-washing.
Pros: It’s moisturizing, defines a curl pattern, makes detangling your mane easier, adds volume to your hair.
Cons: You end up wasting more water as it takes longer to rinse out and it may lead to conditioner build-up and over moisturization.
What are the pros and cons of co-washing?
It actually depends on the length of your hair. Use a coin-sized amount for hair up to shoulder length. For the longer mane, use a dollop on your mane first and if you think you need more, then only use more.
How Much Product to Use?
Co-washing your mane is recommended during the summertime as the sun is out and you’re constantly losing moisture from your scalp. Using a cleansing conditioner will not only restore moisture but also help to protect your hair from the harmful UV rays while gently cleansing your mane.
Well, that sums up everything you need to know about conditioner-only washing. Go ahead, pamper your hair today!
Featured Image: Shutterstock
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