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Co-Washing: What is it and how do you get started?

Co-Washing: What is it and how do you get started?

By Camilla Svensson
Co-washing is a gentle method for curly hair. Read how to get started with co-washing and achieve perfect curls!

Are you tired of your hair feeling dry after washing? If you have curls, you may already be familiar with co-washing. The method is especially popular among those following the Curly Girl Method, as curls often need extra moisture and care compared to straight hair.

Co-washing is a gentle way to cleanse your hair, helping to retain moisture and providing well-maintained, soft curls without drying them out.

In this guide, we'll explain what co-washing is, how to do it, and which hair products deliver the best results.

Read more about the Curly Girl Method in the article - here.


What is Co-Washing?

Co-washing, or conditioner washing, is an alternative way to wash your hair. Instead of using a traditional shampoo, which can be a bit too harsh for curls, you use a specially formulated conditioner that cleanses and moisturises the hair. This method is perfect for those with wavy or curly hair, which tends to dry out and frizz easily.

Because co-washing doesn't strip the hair of its natural oils, it helps to maintain the moisture balance in the hair, meaning you avoid that "stripped" feeling that regular shampoo can leave behind. It is therefore ideal for keeping your curls healthy, shiny, and voluminous!

Tip: Remember to choose a conditioner that is specifically designed for co-washing! Regular conditioners may contain silicones and heavy ingredients that can build up on the scalp.


Benefits of Co-Washing

Co-washing has many benefits, especially if you have dry or curly hair. Here are some of the key advantages:

  • Moisturising: Co-washing adds lots of moisture to your hair, making it softer and easier to style.
  • Gentle on curls: It is much milder than traditional shampoo and doesn't strip the hair of its natural oils.
  • Reduces frizz: The moisturising properties help keep curls defined and fresh.

Drawbacks:

  • Not for deep cleansing: Co-washing is great for everyday washing, but it can't remove all product build-up. A deep cleansing shampoo is still necessary a couple of times a month.
  • Not for all hair types: If you have fine, oily, or flaky hair, co-washing might make your hair feel heavy and greasy.

Who Benefits from Co-Washing?

Co-washing is particularly popular among those with curly or wavy hair, who often struggle with dryness. Here’s who can benefit most from this method:

  • Curly and wavy hair: Curls tend to be dry, and co-washing helps keep them hydrated without stripping natural oils.
  • Dry and damaged hair: If your hair is dry and porous, conditioner washing can help restore moisture balance.
  • Frequent hair washers: If you wash your hair often, co-washing helps prevent dryness and breakage.

Which Hair Types Should Avoid Co-Washing?

Co-washing isn't ideal for everyone. If you have any of these hair types, you might want to choose a different washing method:

  • Fine or straight hair: Co-washing may make the hair look flat and greasy since it doesn’t remove excess oil.
  • Oily or flaky scalp: Co-washing can't cleanse the scalp thoroughly enough if you have dandruff or excess oil.

Co-Wash vs Low-Poo: What's the Difference?

Co-washing and low-poo shampoo are both gentle alternatives to traditional shampoo, but they differ in a few important ways:

  • Low-Poo: Contains gentle cleansing ingredients that still remove dirt and excess oil, but without sulfates. Perfect for regular use.
  • Co-Wash: Contains very few cleansing agents, as the focus is on moisturising the hair while cleaning. It’s mild and perfect for the days when you just want to pamper your hair.

For best results, it’s recommended to alternate between co-wash and low-poo.


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How to Get Started with Co-Washing (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Wet your hair

Start by thoroughly wetting your hair with lukewarm water to ensure it's completely saturated. The warmth helps open the hair cuticles, making it easier for the co-wash products to penetrate and cleanse effectively.

Step 2: Apply Co-Wash

Take an appropriate amount of co-wash product (usually less than you'd use with regular shampoo) and apply it to your hair. Start by distributing it to your scalp, as this is where most of the oil and dirt build-up occurs.

Step 3: Massage and distribute

Use your fingertips to massage the product into both your scalp and the lengths of your hair. If you want a deeper cleanse, you can use a scalp brush to stimulate circulation and ensure the product reaches every section of your hair.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly

Once you've massaged and distributed the product properly, rinse your hair thoroughly with water. Make sure there’s no co-wash residue left, as this can make your hair feel heavy or greasy.

Repeat (if necessary): If you feel that your hair is still greasy or doesn’t feel completely clean, you can repeat the co-wash process once more. Too much build-up may require an extra wash to get your hair completely clean.

Step 5: Finish with conditioner or hair mask

After co-washing, you can finish off with a conditioner that adds extra moisture and care, especially if your hair needs extra nourishment. This helps lock in moisture and leaves the hair feeling soft and healthy.

Step 6: Style your curls

Now you can style your hair with gel, curl cream, or other products to gather your curls. Once your hair is styled with gel, curl cream, or another product, you can enhance curl definition by plopping it. Plopping helps enhance the shape of your curls and gives a more defined result.

Plopping means gathering your freshly styled hair in a T-shirt or microfiber towel so it "sits on top of your head". After plopping, you can either air dry your hair or dry it with a diffuser on low heat for extra volume and definition.


Choose the Best Co-Wash for Curly Hair

When selecting a co-wash, it’s important to look for ingredients that provide both moisture and care, such as:

  • Coco-glucoside: A mild cleansing agent that removes impurities without stripping the hair.
  • Glycerin: Helps retain moisture balance and keeps hair soft and manageable.
  • Avocado oil: Moisturises and strengthens hair with essential fatty acids.

Avoid hair products with silicones, as they can build up and make it harder to cleanse your hair properly.

Explore the wide range of Curly Girl hair care – here.

Experiment with Frequency

Co-washing is not something you have to do every day. Start by co-washing once a week and see how your hair reacts. If it feels good, you can increase the frequency. If you notice product build-up, try using a deep-cleansing shampoo.

Ready to give your curls a fresh start? Begin co-washing today!