What Even is Co-Washing?

If you search online for curly hair tips, you’ll find a plethora of online blogs and resources for curly hair, but this can quickly become overwhelming. One curly girl swears by one product, another says it ruined her curls forever. We’re hoping to help dispel some confusion by addressing one of the most popular issues for curly girls: co-washing.

Co-washing is the process of cleansing your hair with conditioning cleansers instead of traditional shampoos that lather. This is a great way to cleanse your hair without stripping your curls and drying them out, which is common with traditional shampoos that lather. This curly-hair trick helps to address some of the wash-day problems that many curly clients deal with, but it also has its drawbacks. Co-washing does not thoroughly cleanse your scalp of dirt, product buildup, and sebum that gets trapped amongst your scalp. Over time, this can cause extensive dryness to your scalp as well as prevent growth.

So what’s the best way to take on co-washing? Life is all about balance… 

If you’re going to begin co-washing, the first step is to make sure you’re using the right product for your unique curls. Some curly clients may require more hydration, while others may find that oil replenishing products create an oily scalp. Your stylist can help recommend the best co-washer for you! The next, critical step is to clarify your scalp at least once per month to ensure you are thoroughly cleansing your scalp. Some clients may need to clarify more often. Our favorite clarifying products are Paul Mitchell’s Shampoo Three or Influance’s Rosemary Shampoo. The final step is to listen to your curls! If this method is not working for you and providing ideal results for your curls, try something else!

We always encourage you to reach out with any questions or curl support you may need!