Okay, today’s focus in the “DID YOU KNOW?” series is cowashing. (Yeah, I know you read the blog title smarties lol).
It is a term that circulates the natural hair world quite often but do YOU know what it is? As I said before, you can’t take for granted EVERYONE (natural or not) knows of certain topics often discussed. So I’m going to refresh some and enlighten others… hopefully ;).
Cowashing was started by Lorraine Massey, author of Curly Girl: The Handbook and founder of the Curly Girl Method.
Cowashing is short for conditioner washing. It’s means to cleanse the hair using conditioner instead of shampoo.
Curly/textured hair is drier than straight hair because the natural oils that come from the scalp don’t easily move down the hair strands like it does straight hair. This is due to the different spirals, twists, and turns of the curl pattern in textured hair versus the simple up/down direction of straight hair strands.
Cowashing is a part of the Curly Girl Method’s No poo regimen. In Lorraine Massey’s book, the no poo method means to not use sulfate shampoo. Sulfates strip the hair of natural oils.
The Curly Girl Method is a regimen free of silicones, sulfates, shampoo and heat. It’s a regimen followed with the goal of attaining your best curls possible.
There are many different curl patterns so just like all other naturally textured hair regimens, the results vary. Some being favorable, others less favorable.
When choosing a cowash it’s basically based on your own preference and results. In other words, a conditioner that I like to use for cowashing may not be a good choice for you.
There are sulfate free cowashes ,cleansing conditioners, and silicone free conditioners too. Some don’t mind and even prefer silicones for things such as slip and detanging aids. However, if the Curly Girl Method is your normal regimen, silicones are something you should steer clear of.
Silicones are synthetic additives and are not water soluble so they’re not easily washed or rinsed out. This leads to buildup. YUCK :P.
The great thing about cowashing is you can do it as often as you you’d like without the worry of harsh detergents that are in most shampoos, stripping your hair of its natural oils. Much needed natural oils!
How to identify silicones in the ingredient list? Anything ending in “cone” :).
Even with the freedom of cowashing you have to be mindful that it is possible to over condition . A way to know if you’re overdoing it is if your hair feels mushy or spongelike.
It’s safer to cowash as needed.
If you suffer from any scalp conditions, it is best to keep cowashing to a minimum, as a more regular cowashing regimen could cause the scalp condition to worsen.
If you have naturally excessive oily hair you may want to limit cowashing as well because cowashes can add oil.
This brings me to sulfate free shampooing.
If you have excessive oily hair, shampoo is needed to remove excess. Too much oil can act as a magnet for dirt and other foreign matters in the air. The same goes for product buildup or buildup on the hair and scalp of any kind.
I may get backlash (and could care less btw) but as a trained professional and licensed Cosmetologist/hairstylist that specializes in ethnic and textured hair, SHAMPOO IS NEEDED, for thorough cleansing of the hair and scalp, occasionally. For some more often than others.
If you’re only cowashing in between styling using product, wearing your natural hair loose or protected through seasonal elements and various climates (especially warm/hot), you are definitely going to have some kind of buildup. Whether oil or product buildup, cowashing alone will not cleanse thoroughly during those times. Your scalp may begin to itch or smell stale (or worse). That is your wonderfully, amazingly intelligent brain sending signals to your body to let you know, “Hey! I need a serious bath!” 😀
I do recommend cleansing using a sulfate free shampoo in between cowashes. You can do it bi-weekly or once a month. It depends on the individual need.
There are clarifying cleansers too. These, like clarifying shampoos, are best used during times of buildup.
I’ve only used one brand of clarifying cleanser (though I’ve used numerous clarifying shampoos). Clarifying cleansers are basically clarifying cowashes.
I’ve used Ori Essentials Clarifying Cleanser .
It’s a no sulfate, no paraben, no petroleum, no mineral oil or silicone cleanser that actually leaves my hair buildup free without leaving it stripped because it adds moisture to it.
*DISCLAIMER* I wasn’t paid or asked to say any of that regarding the previous product. I just wanted to give an example of a clarifying cleanser but only had personal experience with one (so far) . It just so happens to be one I’d recommend. 🙂
Some cleansing conditioners have the same harsh detergents that shampoos have so be careful and READ LABELS! The example above (Ori Essentials) is made with organic ingredients and does not contain harsh chemicals… but I read the label to find that out;)!
I cowash mostly but shampoo as needed. I don’t simply look at the week and say, Oop! It’s clarify or cowash week! I give my hair what is needed according to style, product frequency and climate conditions.
The following are some cowashes that I personally am fond of.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Cowash Cleansing Conditioner
Most of these products can be found at your local drugstore, or visit Curlkit for these and many other healthy hair promoting products for all your hair needs!! 😉
I hope this has been informative and helpful to you in some way! It’s simply about informing, enlightening and encouraging one another :). I just want to be a blessing!!
Have a particular topic you’d like to hear more about or don’t quite know about but desire to? Hit me up! Just leave a comment below. Also, do you cowash? How’s that going for you? Do you see/feel a difference compared to shampooing? Do you have a favorite cowash? If so, what is it?
I LOVE feedback!!
Feel free to like and share!!!
Blessings always!
THEE Stonidee
All Suga N Stone (Naturally) 