One commonly asked question within the natural hair community is whether co-washing is good for natural hair. The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. Co-washing, which involves cleansing the hair with conditioner instead of shampoo, is not inherently bad for natural hair. Using a co-wash product alone will not damage your curls and coils.
However, it is important to understand that co-washing can become harmful when used as the sole method of washing, completely replacing shampoo. It is important to balance the two methods and prioritize the health of your scalp and hair by incorporating regular shampooing alongside co-washing.
What Is Co-Washing?
Co-washing, short for conditioner washing. It is a technique where you use conditioner to wash your hair instead of shampoo. It helps preserve moisture and prevent dryness, especially for curly and coily hair types.
Benefits of Co-washing
Retains Moisture
One of the key factors for healthier-looking hair is moisture, and co-washing helps with that. Regular shampoos can strip away natural oils, including sebum, which keeps hair hydrated. Co-washing, however, cleanses the scalp of dirt and oils while keeping the hair moisturized, preventing dryness and promoting healthier curls.
Reduces Frizz
Shampooing can strip hair strands of natural oils, leading to brittle, dry, and frizzy hair. Co-washing, focusing on moisture retention, helps hydrate the hair strands, reducing frizz and promoting smoother, more manageable curls.
Enhances Shine and Bounce
Dull and lifeless curls can be a result of dryness. Co-washing help maintain the hair's essential moisture, resulting in healthier, bouncier curls with improved definition and increased shine.
Makes Detangling Easy
Detangling dry and damaged hair can be challenging, especially with tight coils. Co-washing makes detangling easier by maintaining strong, healthy, and hydrated hair. Whether using finger detangling or a wide-tooth comb, co-washing helps loosen knots and tangles gently, promoting smoother, hassle-free detangling sessions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Co-Wash
Step 1: Get in the shower and make sure your curls are thoroughly wet.
Step 2: Divide your hair into sections to make things easier.
Step 3: Don't hold back; use a generous amount of conditioner. Remember, you're not just conditioning; you're also washing, so you need a good amount of product to work through your hair.
Step 4: Apply the conditioner from your roots to the tips for each section.
Step 5: Use your fingers to work through the section gently, and then grab a wide-tooth comb. Start combing from the bottom, working your way up. Once it's detangled, twist the section.
Step 6: Repeat steps 3 to 5 for the remaining sections. You can leave the conditioner in for 5-10 minutes if you'd like.
Step 7: Rinse your hair while it's still twisted. Make sure to focus on your scalp, ensuring you wash away all the dirt and product residue. Keeping the twists intact will help preserve your curls and make styling easier later.
Step 8: Gently dry your hair with an old t-shirt or a microfiber towel. Pat and squeeze out any excess water. Avoid rubbing vigorously with a regular towel, which can cause frizz, tangling, and breakage.
Step 9: Apply your favorite finishing oil to keep your curls nourished. Then, style your hair as you normally would.
Takeaway
While co-washing can provide benefits, it's still crucial to have a complete washing regimen periodically to maintain a healthy scalp and ensure optimal hair health. So, think of co-washing as a supporting player, not the sole star of your hair care routine.