Read all about co-washing, its benefits and figure out if it is right for you!

What is co-washing?

Co-washing is washing your hair with conditioner only, in between shampoos. Everyone has a different opinion on this, some love it and others hate it.

Should you co-wash?

If you are debating adding a co-wash into your routine, it is best to look into if your hair needs it and will benefit from it. Curly hair tends to naturally be dry because it can be difficult for your natural oils to travel down the hair shaft as opposed to straight hair. This is why straight hair tends to look oily faster and need to be washed more often. Those with naturally oily scalps may benefit more from a co-wash than those with dry scalps because it can help remove excess oil to prevent clogged hair cuticles.

Co-washing is useful to clearing away excess product, to refresh curls without drying out your hair. However, it should not replace your shampoo because it is not a true cleanser. Shampoos can have detergents that strips your hair of product build-up, but it takes some of your natural oils at the same time. This leaves your curls dry and more prone to breakage. Hence where a co-wash can be occasionally beneficial.

Products to co-wash

Below are a few co-washes that I love to use to refresh my hair without doing a full wash-day.

1. Mielle Detangling Co-wash
2. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Moisture Co-wash
3. Miss Jessie’s Co-wash
4. Aunt Jackie’s Purify Me Co-wash Cleanser
5. As I Am Coconut Co-wash
6. Cream of Nature Pure-Licious Co-wash