The past couple years have been such a journey for me. Whoever said that we are supposed to have it all figured out by age 30 lied... yup that was a flat out lie!! I've always known that I wanted some kind of digital presence, I've always known that I wanted to be an entrepreneur but I've never quite got it to click. Over the past years that I have been absent from this blog I've gone from working a fulltime 8-4, to creating my own hair product line, opening an online retail store, having several part time jobs, whew I am getting tired just writing this lol. Then came 2020..... the year covid hit. There was a lot of silence, stillness and healing in 2020. I needed a time out. I needed to stop. If I am being totally honest 2020 rocked me in ways that I still cannot quite put into words. Maybe one day, far far into the future looking back I could explain. At present I sit here in June 2021, still trying to catch my footing, not wanting to go back to the mundane activit...
Hi Ladies,
Let's talk about the ever so popular co-washing. I remember when I first heard about co-washing it was such a weird concept at the time. I had just started my healthy hair journey and taking care of my natural hair was such a pain (I was natural at the time). Now, I dont think I can go a week without it....
So to start, what exactly is co-washing?
Co-washing is washing your hair with conditioner. Yes, thats what I said, washing your hair with CONDITIONER.
Why would someone wash their hair with conditioner?? *confused face*
Traditionally, we all associate washing our hair with that sqeaking clean feeling that shampoo gives us. This method of cleaning is what has been showcased in the media for years, but, what we fail to realise, is the race of the women and the type of hair in these commercials. Straight hair gets oily and weighed down faster because natural sebum can move freely down their strands. So in this case, once the hair is not processed, they can use shampoo to strip the oil from their strands. In a couple of days, because of their hair texture... their hair is going to get oily and weighed down again..and they shampoo again. This is fine for naturally straight hair that has not been processed in anyway.
We African women on the other hand, need to clean our hair using different methods. Our hair is naturally dry because its difficult for sebum to move down curly textured hair. Relaxed hair or any other type of processed hair is also dry because of the chemicals. This is why we all have that extra step of sealing in moisture. So how do you clean hair that deperately needs all the oils it can possibly get?
Yep, thats it, COWASHING!!
When to co-wash?
Now just to clear things up, I am not against the use of shampoo. To answer the question, it depends on the individual.
I use diluted shampoo (containing sulfates) once a week on my wash day, then I follow up with a co-wash (instead of shampooing twice) and then a good deep condition. I use silicones, gels and heavy butters in my hair... so once a week I strip everything out to prevent build-up. I also co-wash mid week on Wednesdays.
How to co-wash?
Firstly, it's best to use a cheap conditioner because you are going to need alot of it. I think the best way to co-wash is to apply the conditioner to the length of the hair (not on the scalp as much), especially to the new growth if stretching or transitioning. Use a downward motion to apply the conditioner from root to ends, this helps move unwanted substances down and out of hair. You can also finger detangle at this time to remove shed hairs. Now to clean the scalp, stand under the shower, using the pressure of the water, rub your scalp in a circular motion using your finger pads. While you do this step, the conditoner should be washed out of your hair. Please do not pile your hair up to the top of your head like in the commercials...that is tanlge city.
Benefits of co-washing:
-Well first and foremost, the most obvious benefit is cleaning the hair without drying it out.
-If you exercise or swim regularly co-washing is definately a good way to clean the hair multiple times a week without drying it out. It is also excellent for people who naturally sweat alot in their heads.
- Co-washing makes detangling a breeze as it softens up the hair, this makes it very useful to transitioners and long tem stretchers. I always de-tangle when my hair is full of conditioner.
-If you use gels and other holding products its advisible not to leave these products in your hair for a long period of time, especially if your use gel everyday to hold down your edges. This is why I co-wash and re-style my hair mid-week.
Wow, I really didn't intend for the post to be this long but I really wanted you to understand this concept as it has made such a huge difference in my hair journey.
As usual, thanks for reading and feel free to ask questions/leave comments.
HHJ,
Ren
Let's talk about the ever so popular co-washing. I remember when I first heard about co-washing it was such a weird concept at the time. I had just started my healthy hair journey and taking care of my natural hair was such a pain (I was natural at the time). Now, I dont think I can go a week without it....
So to start, what exactly is co-washing?
Co-washing is washing your hair with conditioner. Yes, thats what I said, washing your hair with CONDITIONER.
Why would someone wash their hair with conditioner?? *confused face*
Traditionally, we all associate washing our hair with that sqeaking clean feeling that shampoo gives us. This method of cleaning is what has been showcased in the media for years, but, what we fail to realise, is the race of the women and the type of hair in these commercials. Straight hair gets oily and weighed down faster because natural sebum can move freely down their strands. So in this case, once the hair is not processed, they can use shampoo to strip the oil from their strands. In a couple of days, because of their hair texture... their hair is going to get oily and weighed down again..and they shampoo again. This is fine for naturally straight hair that has not been processed in anyway.
We African women on the other hand, need to clean our hair using different methods. Our hair is naturally dry because its difficult for sebum to move down curly textured hair. Relaxed hair or any other type of processed hair is also dry because of the chemicals. This is why we all have that extra step of sealing in moisture. So how do you clean hair that deperately needs all the oils it can possibly get?
Yep, thats it, COWASHING!!
When to co-wash?
Now just to clear things up, I am not against the use of shampoo. To answer the question, it depends on the individual.
I use diluted shampoo (containing sulfates) once a week on my wash day, then I follow up with a co-wash (instead of shampooing twice) and then a good deep condition. I use silicones, gels and heavy butters in my hair... so once a week I strip everything out to prevent build-up. I also co-wash mid week on Wednesdays.
How to co-wash?
Firstly, it's best to use a cheap conditioner because you are going to need alot of it. I think the best way to co-wash is to apply the conditioner to the length of the hair (not on the scalp as much), especially to the new growth if stretching or transitioning. Use a downward motion to apply the conditioner from root to ends, this helps move unwanted substances down and out of hair. You can also finger detangle at this time to remove shed hairs. Now to clean the scalp, stand under the shower, using the pressure of the water, rub your scalp in a circular motion using your finger pads. While you do this step, the conditoner should be washed out of your hair. Please do not pile your hair up to the top of your head like in the commercials...that is tanlge city.
Benefits of co-washing:
-Well first and foremost, the most obvious benefit is cleaning the hair without drying it out.
-If you exercise or swim regularly co-washing is definately a good way to clean the hair multiple times a week without drying it out. It is also excellent for people who naturally sweat alot in their heads.
- Co-washing makes detangling a breeze as it softens up the hair, this makes it very useful to transitioners and long tem stretchers. I always de-tangle when my hair is full of conditioner.
-If you use gels and other holding products its advisible not to leave these products in your hair for a long period of time, especially if your use gel everyday to hold down your edges. This is why I co-wash and re-style my hair mid-week.
Wow, I really didn't intend for the post to be this long but I really wanted you to understand this concept as it has made such a huge difference in my hair journey.
As usual, thanks for reading and feel free to ask questions/leave comments.
HHJ,
Ren
What arendomenof your fave cowash conditioners?
ReplyDeleteHi Chelle,
DeleteI consistently use any Suave conditioners for my co-washes. I love that they are affordable (I use alot of conditioner at this length), they don't have alot of protein and smell nice :)
I have tried Herbal Essence, I like those but there's just not enough in the bottle for my hair. I would have to get one every week.
VO5 didnt work very well for me. But I just got a bunch of them from my Gran. So i guess i'll be re-visting them.
Do you co-wash? What has been ur experience with it?
Thank you Ren. Your post has been very informative. I have recently started 'Transitioning' on my natural hair journey. My hair was in a short style before so didn't mind this method. I had heard of Co-washing but didn't know much about it, however, your detailed post on how to Co-Wash and on highlighting the importance of having it as part of the Natural Haircare regime has given me a better understanding. I will now definitely give it a go.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post on hairs. I noticed this blog further more useful information. Thanks for sharing your useful views..
ReplyDeleteSalon in Chandigarh
Thanks so much, I'm happy to help
Deleteat the start of my hhj i did use to co wash and i rmbr thinking Err okayyyy but now i av decided it not for me after doing it about 3 times
ReplyDeletei rather do a hot oil treatment on dry hair before i shampoo
my shampoo feels like a conditioner and is great for detangling too
co washing with a regular conditioner isnt for me
Washing is a big factor in keeping it healthy.
ReplyDeletegray hair