You are probably itching to know more about Co-Washing. So here’s the next part of the post as promised.

Positives of Co-washing

Of course, there are positives to co-washing. So, let’s take a look at that before we get to the nitty gritty!

You allow your scalp’s natural oils to condition and cleanse your scalp.

When you use a shampoo, your natural oils are often stripped off. This doesn’t happen with co-washing.

Co-washing makes styling easy, especially if you love intricate styles. This is because – the hair is a cross between second day hair and squeaky-clean hair after co-washing and is softer and easier to manage.

You save some space in your washroom cabinet and money 😉 as you don’t have to hold a shampoo and buying only cleansing conditioner or conditioner costs lesser, as opposed to buying shampoo and conditioner!

Disadvantages of Co-washing

With time, your hair will feel heavy and dull. Also your hair will feel sort of musky and not clean and fresh – like after a hair wash.

Your hair follicles won’t be able to breathe at their best, which is a must if you want your hair to grow healthy. Also, hair grows best and longer, when your hair follicles are breathing well and able to render enough nourishment to the hair shaft.

Who Can Co-Wash?

A short and straightforward answer is NONE, like we covered in the last post. However, if you are looking at considering this method, let’s take a look at what makes you a good candidate for it.

Is your hair wavy, curly or dry? In other words, is your hair naturally dry? Most curly or wavy hair is dry. You would benefit from co-washing, as it tends to make hair manageable and moisturized.

Who Cannot Co-wash?

Anyone with straight or fine hair, oily scalp, or have scalp conditions like Dermatitis, shouldn’t opt for Co-wash. They’re best sticking with using a Shampoo + Conditioner!

How to Choose a Conditioner?

Most conditioner already have a little detergent agents in them, a reason conditioners are able to cleanse your hair. A normal conditioner is usually enough, especially if you have thick hair.

Don’t use the ones with silicone, as they build-up and can weigh down your hair. Unless you will be using Shampoo intermittently, silicones aren’t an ideal ingredient in the conditioner you choose.

If you don’t thick hair and considering co-washing, go for cleansing conditioners. They’re usually designed to help cleanse gently and don’t weigh your hair down.

How to Co-wash?

If you thought a dollop like a shampoo would do, you are in for a shocker! You would need enough conditioner to completely soak your strands! It is best to get them fully wet before you apply conditioner, as it helps with distributing it easily and evenly. Once you have coated your strands from tip to root, massage the conditioner into your scalp and distribute evenly. After 3 – 5 minutes, wash off and you’re done!

Why Should I Use a Clarifying Agent?

Using a Clarifying Shampoo or Clarifying agent at least once or twice a month is impertinent. The products you use (stylers, conditioner) and sweat tends to accumulate in your hair and scalp. Without using a clarifying agent, it will build-up and your hair will become dull and dry eventually. However, when you use a clarifying agent at regular intervals, you can enjoy the benefits of co-washing and still avoid the disadvantages associated with it.

Tips for Co-washing

Use a conditioner that’s light and doesn’t weigh down your hair.

Don’t use conditioners that are protein-based, as they can lead to hair breakage.

Avoid conditioners with silicone to prevent build-up.

Consider using a wide toothed comb to distribute the conditioner evenly – from tips to roots.

Use a Clarifying Shampoo at least once a month.

Have we answered all your questions regarding Co-washing? Feel free to send us your questions and we will do our best to answer them. Have you tried HY Vitamins products for your hair? Do send us your feedback and suggestions.