Co-washing or conditioner washing refers to washing your hair with conditioner. The idea behind co-washing is that it's healthier than regular shampooing because it doesn't strip the natural oils from your scalp. Instead, it leaves your hair hydrated and silky smooth. It also helps prevent dryness, split ends, and dandruff as it contains ingredients that form a protective barrier against moisture loss.
Curly hair is different from other hair. Curly hair loses more moisture. Therefore, curly hair should be shampooed less than usual to avoid damage.
Co-washing works well for people with curly or frizzy hair. It provides extra moisture without stripping the scalp of natural oils or stripping moisture from the curls.
The main reason co-washing works so well for curls is its ingredients. These products contain ingredients that actually help combat frizz in our natural texture and help seal split ends and detangling.
Co-Wash is formulated with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil that add long-lasting hydration to every strand of curly hair.
It does not contain harmful sulfates, silicones, and parabens, one of which robs your hair of moisture while the other prevents moisture from forming in your hair. Co-washing can be a great way to get your curls back in shape after a break or if you're having a tough time.
The best part about this method is that it doesn't require any extra steps beyond what you already do when you wash your hair yourself! So co-washing is a great way to save time, money, and effort on your curly hair routine.
The key is choosing the best co-wash for curly hair types, so you don't dry out the curls more than usual!
Our 7 Best Co Washes for Curly Hair
If you're looking for a unique cleansing conditioner that won't strip your hair of natural oils, look no further. Here is an effective haircare regimen for curly and color-treated hair! This co-wash cleansing and conditioning formula is perfect for all hair types - and it even protects your color-treated locks.
You can still keep your hair healthy and bouncy while removing daily dirt and grime. It will leave your hair feeling full and bouncy and less frizzy. So give it the TLC it deserves with our Bio-Cleansing Conditioner Hair Cleanser today.
Curly, coily, and wavy hair, rejoice! As I Am has created a game-changing Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner that is gentle enough for everyday use. It's effective enough to remove scalp sebum and product buildup that can clog your curls and hinder healthy hair growth.
This Curly Girl Method-approved cleansing conditioner will protect your scalp and hair's natural biological balance. It contains a blend of organic oils and ingredients that stimulate hair growth from the follicular layer.
Experts recommend this Best Coconut Co-Wash for anyone with coils or curls who wants to remove scalp sebum and product buildup.
Bring life back to your tired, dry hair with this best Coconut Shea Cleansing Cowash. It combines coconut oil, shea butter, aloe, avocado oil, and other natural ingredients to provide a simple solution to everyday beauty concerns. A rich and creamy co-wash not only restores lost moisture but also helps maintain a healthy scalp environment.
This is the most effective co-wash for curly hair preventing breakage and cleansing any build-up or residue. Jeff Novak (a famous hair expert and owner of Lather Salon Aspen) says their claim is valid.
Bring the salon home with you and get healthy hair with the Pantene Gold Series Deep Hydrating Co-Wash. This affordable co-wash is gentle on hair and gives your locks the ultimate softness and manageability. In addition, it is paraben-free and sulfate-free, which will not strip your hair of its natural oils or alter its pH level.
This blend of dye-free argan oil will moisturize your hair and scalp and reduce breakage and split ends. This recommended product from "My Black is Beautiful" will leave your hair feeling smoother than ever.
Head and Shoulders Royal Oils Moisturizing Co-Wash is another best co-wash for curly hair.
Do you have a dry, itchy scalp? Keep your scalp healthy and your hair looking great with Head and Shoulders Royal Oils Moisturizing Co-Wash. This rich cleansing conditioner gently cleans and relieves scalp dryness. Its paraben-free, sulfate-free, dye-free formula relieves scalp dryness for natural, kinky, and coily crowns.
Your hair will receive an anti-dandruff treatment with this moisturizing CoWash formula. Its fresh coconut fragrance will keep you feeling fresh and confident throughout the day.
Say goodbye to buildup and hello to soft, manageable curls. This moisturizing co-wash uses lavender, mint, and tea tree oils to provide an aromatherapy experience while cleaning.
The ream formula gently removes product buildup without lathering, so it's perfect for those with coarse hair or natural curls. Plus, it hydrates and nourishes your hair, leaving it soft and manageable. It's the best co-wash for curly frizzy hair!
Bring the salon experience home with our Curliosity Solid Conditioner Bar. If you're looking for a vegan conditioner bar that is sulfate-free, silicone-free, wax-free, and alcohol-free, look no further! The Curliosity Solid Conditioner Bar from Ethique is formulated with natural ingredients to hydrate and restore shine to curly hair.
The conditioning bar is formulated with a blend of ingredients like shea butter, jojoba, and cocoa butter to keep hair and skin healthy. With fresh lemongrass and coconut scent, this conditioner bar is pH balanced and 100% soap-free, making it safe for all skin types. It is also eco-friendly and of great value.
Say goodbye to your thirsty hair! MopTop's Cowash Cleansing Conditioner is here to give you the nourishment you've been missing. It gently cleanses your hair, and the natural honey, aloe, and sea botanicals help restore vital nutrients and moisture.
Perfect for those with trickier, curlier hair, this conditioner is essential for making 2nd and 3rd-day styling effortless. Plus, it's free of all harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, silicones, dyes & phthalates! So get ready to flaunt strong and healthy hair that looks lusciously beautiful.
How To Co-Wash Curly Hair
Co-washing curly hair is a great way to improve the health of your curls and reduce frizz. It also helps reduce breakage, add shine and definition, and eliminate tangles.
Follow how to co wash curly hair step by step:
- Wet your hair thoroughly with water. Make sure water reaches all the bases.
- Now apply your used co-wash on the head.
- Massage your scalp in circular motions using your fingers. Use a comb or shampoo brush to comb through any tangles that may have formed during the massage. Nikki Nelms recommends refraining from excessive brushing and finger massage.
- If your curly hair is extra dry, let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing. This will give your hair a chance to absorb the product's nutrients.
- Wash your head and hair thoroughly with water. Ensure all the product is rinsed off, leaving no residue on your scalp or hair strands. It's best not to apply the co-wash to the scalp the second time, suggests Nikki Nelms.
- Apply styling products like gel or leave-in conditioner as needed. It will add shine and definition to every hair strand and help retain more moisture while preventing frizz during styling sessions.
Read also: Should You Wash Curly Hair Every Day?
How often should curly hair co-wash?
Co-washing is a gentler method of washing your hair, but it’s not necessary or even recommended for everyday use. Some people prefer to co-wash their hair every 7 to 10 days, but others like to switch up their routine often.
“It may be necessary to co-wash hair twice a week if the hair is severely dehydrated. Co-washing depends on the curly type of hair and hydration”, says Nikki Nelms.
Many people find that co-washing helps their curly hair maintain its shine and feel soft and healthy. Some people also use it when they want to add volume to their curls.
However, it’s important to note that the exact frequency of co-washing will vary from person to person and depends on how often you wash your hair, how thick your curls are, and whether you have any breakage issues.