Go coco for co-washing hair

Co-washing hair: You might have heard of it, but what exactly is it? And what are the benefits of co-washing hair? We delve deep into the world of co-washing so you can decide for yourself whether it’s something you’d like to try out and give your locks a treat.

What is co-washing hair exactly?

Despite the name making it sound like a collaboration of products for washing your hair, it’s actually the opposite. Co-washing is short for ‘conditioner-only washing’, meaning no shampoo is used at all. This suds-free method aims to give you smoother, softer, and easier-to-manage locks, especially if you've got curly or wavy hair.

You’re probably wondering what’s wrong with shampoo and why are we trying to skip it? Well, many shampoos are formulated to include sulfates—although these detergents clean hair thoroughly, they can actually strip your locks of their natural oils and moisture, leaving them dry and more prone to breakage. By skipping the shampoo step, your hair is able to maintain its natural moisture levels, enabling it to become healthier and more resilient.

Which kind of hair is best for co-washing?

Not every hair type will reap the benefits of co-washing: dry, curly, or wavy hair will get the most out of this shampoo-free way of washing. Conditioners contain detergents which get rid of the dirt in your hair, but the good thing is that they don’t leave your hair feeling excessively clean, which is actually a bad thing, believe it or not. By shampooing too vigorously or by staying in the shower or bath for too long, you end up removing the natural oils and lipids that seal in moisture and protect both skin and hair. By making sure your hair isn’t too clean, you ensure that strands are left smoother and silkier, great news for dry, curly, or wavy locks.

If you color your hair, you’re also a good candidate. Co-washing allows you to wait longer between salon visits since it doesn’t strip the pigment out of your hair as quickly as shampooing would, meaning the color stays put for longer.

For those with fine, straight hair, we recommend giving co-washing a miss since your hair could get weighed down and look greasy more quickly. The same goes for people with oily scalps as this will only exacerbate the problem.

How to co-wash your hair

First things first, you need to find the right conditioner for your hair. The most important thing is to make sure it doesn’t contain silicones. Silicones are added to many conditioners because they add shine, but this effect is only temporary. As the silicone builds up over time, it can leave your hair feeling heavy and dull. Opt for a conditioner containing shea butter or oils, which smooth your hair cuticles and reduce frizz.

So now you’ve chosen a conditioner, follow these steps for how to co-wash your hair.

Make sure your hair is completely wet. This is so that the water can loosen the dirt and make it easier to rinse out.

Get a good dollop of conditioner. Depending on how long your hair is, you might need as much as a golf ball-sized amount. Coat ALL your hair, leaving no strand unturned.

Massage the conditioner into your scalp. Then continue down the lengths of your hair. This ensures the any styling products left in your hair are removed. Leave the conditioner to soak it for around three minutes, or longer if you feel your locks are quite damaged. Then rinse out.

Co-washing hair can make your locks feel more hydrated, defined, and healthier as long as you’ve found the right formula for your hair type. If you’ve decided to give co-washing your hair a go, try it out for at least six weeks before deciding whether it’s right for your hair.