Here’s everything you need to know about co-washing your hair

Dive into the co-washing trend that has become immensely popular these days, and check if it suits your hair type.

1. What is co-wash?
2. How to co-wash the right way?
3. What are the benefits of conditioner-only wash?

In the realm of hair care, co-washing is a trend that has managed to stick around due to its effectiveness. Particularly for curly and textured hair, and dry hair. While the former is known to experience more moisture loss than any other hair type; the latter brings with it a slew of hair problems, such as dry scalp, itchiness, and hair breakage. The co-wash technique moisturises your scalp and hair, and leaves you with soft and manageable tresses.

Let’s find out more about the co-washing hair trend and its various benefits.

The word ‘co-wash' is short for ‘conditioner-only washing’ and the term is quite self-explanatory. It implies skipping shampoo and using just a conditioner to wash your hair. It is a convenient way of adding moisture to your dry tresses and preserving their natural oils. A co-wash is perfect for days when you don’t want to use a shampoo but aren’t keen on missing out on your daily dose of moisture either. This technique is great for textured hair as it prevents loss of moisture and gives you defined, well-hydrated, and bouncy curls.

Co-wash can yield the desired outcome only when you do it correctly. For a clean scalp and healthy hair, you need conditioners that target major hair care woes, such as dandruff, flaking, dryness, and an itchy scalp. If you are currently experiencing these symptoms and are willing to give co-wash a chance, explore the wide range of Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Conditioners. These conditioners are formulated with ingredients that lock in the dandruff-fighting power to give you clean, healthy, and moisturised tresses. Here’s what you have to do:

• Fully saturate your hair with water

  For a good co-wash, the first step is to wash your hair with water. Drench your strands completely in water until they are dripping wet. Water loosens the dirt and gunk in your hair, making it easier to wash them out. Also, this makes it easier to spread the product evenly through your hair.

• Apply the co-wash conditioner

  Unlike regular shampooing and conditioning, you need to coat all your hair strands, from root to tips, with the conditioner. Plus, the amount of conditioner you use solely depends on the length of your hair. If you have short hair, a coin-sized dollop of conditioner should be enough. Adjust the amount as per your hair length, and if you feel that you need more conditioner, go for it. 

• Massage the conditioner into your hair

  Since you won’t be using a shampoo, massage the conditioner into your scalp and distribute it evenly through the ends. This breaks down the scalp oils and gets rid of any residue left behind by styling products. Once you apply the conditioner, allow it to sit for three to five minutes before washing it off completely.

• Use a shampoo once every two to four weeks

  You cannot give up shampooing your hair because you use a co-wash conditioner. The truth is that build-up from sweat, hair products, or conditioner is inevitable, and you need a gentle yet strong shampoo to remove all that gunk from your scalp. If your hair feels heavy, it’s a sign that you need to use a shampoo to remove all the nasties from your scalp and hair.

• Moisturises hair

  Co-wash is an excellent option for those with curly or textured hair. This type of hair is more prone to moisture loss, and shampooing them every other day will only strip them of their natural oils. Using just the conditioner to wash your hair adds moisture to your tresses, and even prevents moisture loss throughout the day.

• Keeps dandruff at bay

  If you experience signs of dandruff, such as flaking, itching, dryness, choose a moisturising anti-dandruff conditioner. When you use Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Conditioner for co-washing hair – first, it retains your hair’s moisture, and second, its potent ingredients give you clean, flake-free tresses.

• Reduces breakage

  Conditioners are moisturising agents and are quite gentle in nature. They prevent dryness, which is one of the major causes of hair breakage. Dry hair is weak and brittle and breaks easily when you comb your tresses. A co-wash moisturises your tresses and strengthens them from the inside, thereby preventing breakage.

• Gives you defined curls

  There are instances where your curls lose their natural structure when your hair becomes dry. With co-wash, you don’t have to worry about your curls losing their bounce and natural texture. The conditioner keeps your hair hydrated and makes your curls pop!

Co-washing your hair is a great way to keep your curls intact and protect the natural texture of your hair. But it is not for everyone. People with fine, straight hair won’t get similar results from co-washing as compared to their counterparts. Plus, the conditioner-only wash can make their hair feel heavier and dull. However, if you still prefer following the shampoo + conditioner routine, explore the range of Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoos that give you clean, healthy, and beautiful hair.