Cowashing means "washing" your hair with conditioner. It's a way to refresh your hair when you don't have time to do your full shampoo and condition routine.
Step 1: Start by gently combing through your hair with your fingers so that it's free of knots and tangles. Apply a little conditioner or oil to areas that are difficult to comb.
Key Tips
- Start by rinsing your hair with lukewarm water for about 3 minutes.
- Co-washing is not effective enough to be your only method of cleansing. Use shampoo to cleanse your hair and scalp at least once a week.
- If your scalp becomes flaky or itchy, co-washing is not right for your hair.
Step 1: Start by gently combing through your hair with your fingers so that it's free of knots and tangles. Apply a little conditioner or oil to areas that are difficult to comb.Step 2: Once in the shower, rinse your hair with lukewarm water for 3-5 minutes. This long rinse will loosen up dirt and residue which is especially important since you won't be using shampoo.
Step 3: Apply a large amount of a cleansing conditioner or no-suds shampoo to your scalp and hair.Try As I Am Coconut CoWash, $8.00
Step 4: Gently massage your scalp and hair with the product. Pass your hair back under the water to make a creamy lather.
Step 5: Make sure you've added enough conditioner so that your hair is easy to comb. Use a wide tooth comb to thoroughly comb out your hair so that it's smooth and tangle-free. Rinse.
Step 6: If your scalp does not feel clean enough, repeat steps 3 and 4, then rinse again.
Step 7: Style your hair and allow it to air dry. You must avoid direct and high heat after you co-wash. There will still be product residue on your hair and it will cause your hair to burn from heat styling. Limit your use of heat to a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment or a bonnet dryer on low.
Updated March 17, 2012
I have been working out for several months and I have found this tip to be very beneficial to my hair. Definitely less tangles, kinks and much easier to comb.
Do u think that co washing would be good even if ur hair is really dirty?
Hi Cia E!
Hmmm...You and I might have different definitions of "really dirty". But, generally, I would say no. If you consider your hair to be dirty, then you should wash it with shampoo. Just make sure to use a gentle, conditioning shampoo, so that you don't go from really dirty to squeaky clean. We always want to avoid "squeaky clean"!
I may try this in the spring. I work out a lot, so I need a refresher midway through the week or my hair dries out.
Why not a Shea Moisturizer product as a leave in?
Hi Shana,
Thanks for your question :). The products mentioned in the tutorial are only suggestions. The most important thing to look for is a product that's creamy, other than that you should go with your personal preference.
This is very helpful! Thank you!
Co washing has rescued me during this winter. People have been coming to me at work and asking, "how do you keep your hair from drying out? This winter has my hair breaking off!" I told them that I co wash and people have been running home to do it.
I alternate co-wash with shampooing weekly. I see great results! Winter has just started and is trying to reek havoc on my hair. I'm combating dryness! Thanks HL!
I am learning so much..I am in the process of taking out my locks!! Great info
Thanks, Aeriel!
How often should I co-wash in the winter?
Hey Jordan,
The most important thing is that you wash with shampoo once per week. Other than that, co-wash if you feel that your hair needs to be refreshed (to set a new style, or after a workout, etc.) Some people go all week without co-washing at all, and that's fine. Especially, during a cold winter!
I will definitely co-wash my daughter's hair because her hair is dry often in the winter months.
Hi Thanks for the information...it sounds very helpful for maintaining moisture in the hair. I have a question. I have been natural for 9 years now and this June will be 10! So proud of me! I love my natural hair texture...even though I run out of styling options sometimes...frustrating! My question was...sometimes I wash my hair..even co-wash if you will...while it's twisted *2 strands). I use my own hair..never add on any..and because of my texture (3C) I can get away without the tangles...of course with the right conditioner/shampoo (Aveda Dry Remedy line). Do you think that this is a good method for washing/co-washing the hair? I've always wondered about complete cleansing...I just wanted some advise on this...always wondered never asked. Thanks and Blessings!
Hi Aimee, The most important goal when shampooing or co-washing your hair is to cleanse your scalp. So, in that sense, washing in twists is fine. It would only be a problem if you were planning to wash in twists and then later take them down and heat style your hair. Your hair wouldn't be clean enough for all that. I know that's not what you do, so you're good! Thanks for asking. I'm sure other people have wondered that as well.
and remember to let your hair be.. I find the best looks when I do not try to style!
Is there a conditioner that I can use that can co wash my flaky scalp. I find that if I do not shampoo it and get rid of all the flakes and start afresh with a clean scalp after each wash session I get ALOT of buildup on my scalp. Is there a conditioner strong enough to get rid of flakes on the scalp.
Hey Chelsea!
No, there is no conditioner that can do that job. Shampoo is the only way to go when flakes are involved. If you are concerned about shampooing too much, maybe you can switch to a gentler shampoo. All of the ones in the Hair Liberty Boutique are good options.
You can also try a dandruff or flaky scalp shampoo if you haven't already. You can use one of those until the flakes are gone or as little as once a week.
I love this. i co wash all the time.
Co-washing has now become a regular part of my routine because of this article. My hair is less dry and brittle and I save time. Thank you for the info!!
That's great news, Di! Thanks for posting!
Should you pre-oil/wash before co-washing?
Hi Tabs,
No, you should not oil your hair before you co-wash. The oil is meant to protect your hair from being overly shampooed. Thanks for asking!
Finally someone tells me WHEN to co-wash. I have always wondered how you co wash, deep condition & shampoo once a week.
Can one co-wash too often and is it okay to only do a deep conditioner? Without conditioning before?
Hi Ran, You'll have to keep an eye on your hair. There shouldn't be a problem with co-washing 3-5 times/week, but everyone's hair is different. Just don't skip shampoo, you still need to use shampoo once a week.
Co-washing helps me "use" up old conditioners, and sample packets. I empty everything in to an old sports water bottle, I may even add some oil, add a little bit of water and squirt as needed. I've also seen the difference since I've been doing bikram yoga. I simply rinse after class and apply a leave-in and seal with oil.My hair has been soft and practically tangle free!
One more question about co-washing... I have an itchy scalp... will co-washing help alleviate the problem or make it worse? I'm open to any and all suggestions Thanks!
Hi Tabatha,
No co-washing should only be done when your scalp is healthy, not itching or flaking. It would be best to use shampoo. If the itching is persistent, choose a shampoo that contains tea tree oil like the one from Jason Natural in the Hair Liberty store. Also, make sure you don't put styling products on your scalp. I hope that helps!
I love this, I've been doing this for the last couple of weeks since I've started working out and this keeps my hair from drying out! Thanks for the tip!