Co-washing: Everything You Need to Know!

You’ve probably heard something about the“co-washing” hair-washing method. But do you know exactly what it entails and whether it’s right for your hair? This trend is hugely popular among women with curly hair. And if you have curls, you’ll do everything you can to keep your hair well-hydrated. In this blog post, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of the“co-washing” hair care method!

What exactly is co-washing?

Co-washingis short for “conditioner washing.” It means washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. Beauty enthusiasts who swear byco-washingclaim that shampoo can be disastrous for your hair because of the harmful ingredients (sulfates, detergents, and other chemicals) it contains. They also say that these ingredients have a negative effect on curls. These ingredients can cause hair breakage, split ends, and brittle hair, since curly hair is naturally dry. The oils produced by our scalp take longer to reach the strands of hair. If you have curly hair and keep washing it with a shampoo that contains a lot of cleansing ingredients, your hair will remain dry. So co-washers simply skip the shampoo step and wash their hair using only their favorite conditioner. Co-washing is usually done between regular (shampoo) washes.

Does conditioner actually clean your hair? And what ingredients should you look out for?

All conditioners contain cleansing ingredients. Conditioner cleanses your hair, but only if you don’t use any other hair products containing silicones. That’s because silicones can only be washed out with sulfates. A co-washconditionerdoesn’t contain SLS, but it does contain other, milder cleansing ingredients. 

Which conditioners are best to use?

Avoid conditioners with harsh cleansing ingredients. It’s also best to avoid conditioners containing silicones. Otherwise, you’ll quickly end up with buildup (layers that accumulate on your scalp and hair).

Shop for your conditioner here

How often can you co-wash?

You can decide how often to do it. In principle, you can co-wash as often as you feel is necessary.

Can anyone use the co-wash method to wash their hair?

Washing your hair with a conditioner or co-wash doesn't work for everyone. You'll have to try it to find out if it works for your hair.

What are the pros and cons of co-washing?

As with almost everything, there are pros and cons. This is also true for co-washing. We’ve listed the pros and cons of co-washing for you. That way, you can decide for yourself if it’s worth trying!

Benefits

• Hair and scalp always hydrated
• Helps define your curls
• Adds more shine
• Your hair will become softer

Disadvantages

• Your hair can become heavy or lackluster (if you don't use shampoo or a natural cleanser in between washes)
• Build-up (accumulated hair products)
• Scalp irritation (for sensitive skin)
• Oily hair (some people's hair gets too oily)

Co-was conditioners JohnBeerens.com

Now, of course, you want to know which conditioners you can use for co-washing right away.

1.) Redken Natural Science All soft conditioner

TheRedken Natural Scienceline is a vegan line featuring three shampoos and three conditioners. All products in this line are free of parabens, silicones, and sulfates. In addition, the packaging is 98% biodegradable and made from recycled plastic. The products are designed to address the hair’s primary needs: hydration, protein, and color retention. The Redken Natural Science All Soft Conditioner is designed to soften the hair. Thanks to the ingredient birch sap, the hair is hydrated and softened. 

2.) Kérastase Aura Botanica Fundamental Care Conditioner

Kérastase Aura Botanica Soin Fondamental Conditioner is specially formulated for natural and slightly sensitive hair. This moisturizing and nourishing conditioner provides 48 hours of intense nourishment and makes detangling easier. Kérastase Aura Botanica Soin Fondamental Conditioneris free of silicones, sulfates, and parabens for optimal, long-lasting results. The conditioner combats frizz, adds shine, and keeps hair feeling soft.

3.) Hairfinity Balanced Moisture Conditioner

Hairfinity Balanced Moisture Conditioner is a moisturizing conditioner for all hair types. The conditioner replenishes the hair’s natural moisture levels and makes it more manageable. The blend of essential oils, vitamins, and biotin leaves hair soft and ensures optimal, long-lasting results. Hairfinity Balanced Moisture Conditionercontains the exclusive CAPILSANA® COMPLEX, which promotes vibrant hair. The conditioner softens the hair and makes it easier to detangle. The conditioner consists of no less than 96% natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, and honey, and is free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones.

The Bumble and bumble Seaweed Conditioner is Bumble and bumble’s first conditioner. It’s suitable for the whole family and works for all hair types. Bumble and bumble Seaweed Conditionergently yet thoroughly cleanses the hair without adding any product to it. Ideal for people whose hair gets oily quickly. Suitable for daily use. Bumble & bumble is a brand that does not test on animals. Its products are also free of parabens and mineral oils.

5.) Living Proof No Frizz Conditioner

TheLiving Proof No FrizzConditioner is a lightweight conditioner that detangles hair and prevents frizz and flyaways. This conditioner can be used on all hair types and is also safe for use on color-treated hair. The conditioner features the Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA), which is patented by Living Proof. This anti-frizz technology is one of the major breakthroughs of the last 30 years. Thanks to this technology, the hair retains a full 70% more moisture and is healthier than when using the silicones, oils, and parabens found in most other conditioners. Silicones and oils weigh down the hair, making it limp and greasy. Thanks to the Living Proof No Frizz Conditioner, your hair becomes and stays much cleaner and better cared for, so you don’t have to condition it as often.

Order your co-wash products at JohnBeerens.com

Want to try co-washing? Then JohnBeerens.com is the place for you! Here you’ll find a wide selection of co-wash products, such ascleansing conditioners. You can also shop forconditionersfrom various brands, such asKérastase,L Paris,Biosilk,CHI, andWaterclouds. For optimal hair care, be sure to choose a matchingshampoo as well. Do you suffer from dandruff or a dry scalp? Check out all ourarticleson hair problems and discover which products are right for you! 

Do you have any questions or would you like personalized advice? Please contact ourBeauty Care team. Whatever your question may be, we're here to help.

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