If co-washing is a regular part of your hair regimen, stay away from silicones. Many of these ingredients are easy to identify on product labels: look for ingredients ending in -cone. Many silicones are synthetic additives that are not water-soluble, making them a little bit harder to wash out without harsh detergents. The end result is yucky build-up on your hair and scalp. Read! – Jenell’s Cowash Faves! Co-Wash As Needed Depending on your hair and other factors, such as your schedule and the climate, you can co-wash as frequently as you like. Keep in mind that your hair is the most fragile when it’s wet. Be careful in styling, and allow your hair time to dry completely before washing again. There is a such thing as over-conditioning, so pay attention to your hair’s feel. If it’s spongy or even mushy, you’re overdoing it. Clarify Occasionally With A Sulfate-Free Shampoo This is an important step that some people skip. Your hair and scalp still need a gentle shampoo to adequately cleanse. When I skip the shampoo for too long, my scalp itches like crazy. I recommend shampooing weekly or bi-weekly in addition to regular co-washing. Co-washing Is Not For Everyone If you suffer from scalp conditions such as dermatitis, co-washing occasionally is okay. But a strict no-poo regimen could make this condition worse. Also, depending on your hair type, you may not see the benefit of co-washing. If you have oily hair, a shampoo is needed to remove excess oil, as co-wash can add extra oil to the hair. A Co-washing Cleansing Conditioner Might Not Be Enough I feel like including the term “cleansing” or “cleanser” on the bottle of co-washing conditioners can be a little deceiving. There are certain properties that shampoos or cleansers have that are absent from some co-washing conditioners. For example, many shampoos are formulated with a low pH. The acidity of shampoo raises the hair cuticle, making it easier to remove dirt and product buildup. Shampoos also have detergents that clean the hair and scalp. Some co-washing conditioners exhibit some of these properties, but not all, so check labels for what you want.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:14:10 +0000