6 Benefits of Co-Washing for Your Hair

Co-washing is short for “conditioner-only washing”, and it means just that: foregoing shampoo and washing your hair with conditioner. This technique helps keep the hair hydrated and adds texture to thick, coarse, dry, and curly hair. However, if you have thin or fine hair, co-washing probably won’t work for it; it will only make your hair appear dull, heavy, and flat. Assuming that you have the right hair type for co-washing, let’s learn how you can benefit from it.

It Helps Lock in Moisture

Curly hair is prone to dryness, which causes frizz and breakage. Shampoos, especially those containing sulfates, strip the hair of natural oils and aggravate the problem. Conditioner, on the other hand, leaves the hair’s natural oils intact and helps your hair better absorb and retain moisture. As a result, co-washing is a great way to prevent frizz and reduce hair breakage.

It Defines Waves and Curls

It is no wonder that co-washing was first embraced by African-American women and other women with naturally wavy and curly hair, since this technique helps make natural waves and curls more defined by keeping them moisturized. With regular co-washing, your curls will look supple, healthy, and shiny.

It Prevents Flaky Scalp

A flaky, itchy scalp is usually the sign of dryness. Detergents contained in shampoos can strip your scalp of moisture and oils, making it flaky. Conditioner does no such thing. If you have a problem with flaky scalp, co-washing might be the solution you’ve been looking for. However, if you have oily scalp and dry hair, you shouldn’t apply conditioner to your scalp and hair roots.

It Makes Your Hair Softer and More Manageable

Naturally curly hair is normally thicker and more coarse than straight hair. One of the great things that co-washing can do to this kind of hair is make it soft to the touch and easy to comb through. Conditioner prevents tangles and knots, keeping your hair easier to manage and style.

It Saves Your Time

With co-washing, you wash and condition your hair simultaneously. Even though skipping shampoo saves you just five minutes, sometimes it is five minutes that matters. For example, if you work out, co-washing will help freshen up your hair after workout sessions, when you just need to wash away all the sweat.

It Makes You More Attentive to the Stuff You Put on Your Hair

You can’t use just any conditioner for co-washing. This technique works best if you stick to lightweight products that don’t contain petroleum derivatives, heavy greases and oils, silicones, and other ingredients that can weigh your hair down. Thin, water-based conditioners work better than their heavy and rich counterparts. Some brands even produce conditioners that are specifically designed for co-washing. Soon, reading ingredient lists becomes a habit, and you start doing it with all your hair care products.