While opting for a sulfate-free shampoo is certainly a step in the right direction for those looking to improve the way they care for their natural hair. The latest hair care trend goes further to offer vital relief to dry or damaged hair, as well as the natural hair of individuals impacted by loss or thinning.
Conditioner- or co-washing unlocks several benefits to hydrate hair once more, meaning you could enjoy a shinier, silkier and more nourished look for 2024, and battle hair loss and thinning in the same breath. But, what is co-washing and does it really deliver the results it promises?
Co-washing is exactly that – skipping the shampoo and instead washing your hair with only conditioner.
Shampooing, especially with products that contain sulfates, can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leaving it drier and more brittle. By forgoing the shampoo and reaching straight for the conditioner, many people benefit from healthier and more hydrated hair.
While hair loss can be the result of various factors – including hormonal changes, genetics, medical conditions, stress, and poor diet – hydration is the key to supporting hair health, as well as minimising the risk of loss, thinning and excessive shedding.
By adopting co-washing, you can keep your natural hair moisturised, prevent dehydration and support collagen production that minimises breakages and bolsters hair growth. It is however important to note that co-washing doesn’t work for everyone.
Co-washing may be the hottest new hair care trend, but certainly doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution.
While excessive shampooing causes more harm than good, the sweat, dead skin, sebum, dirt, dust, styling products and pollutants that cleansing with shampoo does remove can build up when co-washing. With this in mind, it’s recommended that co-washing fans shampoo every 7 to 10 days to strike the right balance between clean and hydrated hair.
Co-washing also unlocks more benefits for people with certain hair types. Co-washing should be used by individuals who have curly, textured, coily, excessively dry, damaged or thinning hair.
If co-washing is right for you, finding a frequency that complements your hair type and your lifestyle is your next task. Here natural hair expert Antoniette Bullock shares her top tips for getting the timing of your co-washes right:
“What is important to remember about co-washes is that you can use them more often than shampoo… For example, if you shampoo once a week, then you can easily use co-washes two to three times a week. It all depends on your hair and your lifestyle. Maybe you work out daily—in that case, you may want to co-wash more often to remove any excess sweat or impurities.”
After you’ve picked the perfect co-washing product for your hair – preferably one that contains emollients, proteins and moisturisers – it’s time to get started with your co-wash. Simply, wet your hair with clean, lukewarm water before massaging your chosen co-wash or conditioner from root to tip. Rinse your hair thoroughly to finish.
If you’ve chosen a product that’s specifically formulated for co-washing, you can follow your co-wash with your usual conditioner. The use of an additional conditioner is a great option for those with curly, coily, coloured or chemically treated hair.
People with finer or thinning hair can also enjoy co-washing, and all its perks. Just choose a richer co-wash to restore moisture and rinse well to ensure your chosen formula doesn’t weigh heavy on the hair and in turn, do more harm than good.
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