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| Quick flat twist after co-wash. Hair still slightly damp. |
Hi beauty!
Being that this is my first natural hair post, I wanted to be strategic in what I picked because the options are endless! I decided to tackle the subject of co-washing. If you’re transitioning or many years natural you’ve probably already heard this term before.
Co-washing is simply a way of cleansing the hair without using shampoo. Now why would you want to cleanse your hair without shampoo?
Shampooing the hair regularly or over excessively can cause the sulfates in many shampoos to strip the hair of its natural nutrients and moisture.
Personally, I think co-washing on a daily basis is fine. It’s something I’ve been doing for three years now. I would recommend that a good practice for your hair is to co-wash once or twice a week.
Some critics might argue that co-washing dries out your hair but, I think it depends on the conditioner that you are using. Using a moisturizing conditioner that is silicone-free will keep your coils hydrated and bouncy.
Here are some fantastic silicone-free products to co-wash with:
1. Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner
(my favorite…detailed product review coming soon)
2. Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Conditioner
3. Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
4. Hair Rules Quench Conditioner
These conditioners can be a little pricey if you do decide to co-wash everyday like I do. If you’re a natural on a budget I would recommend using good ‘ol faithful: VO5 Moisture Milks Conditioner, Moisturizing, Strawberries & Cream
For just $1.00 a bottle (and even less in the 99 cent store) this product will keep you stocked up and ready to co-wash everyday like a pro!
Tips for co-washing hair:
-Always co-wash hair in sections if you have thick hair. Start by saturating hair in water and then gently making 4 large sections (try two twists on each side of your head)
-Apply conditioner generously and start at the ends of the hair and work your way up to the scalp
-Use a denman brush and start at the ends of your hair and work your way to the scalp. The brush will allow the conditioner to get evenly distributed through the hair while simultaneously enhancing your curl pattern
-Retwist hair as you complete brushing the conditioner through each section
-Once you complete the brushing process, wash each section with cold water (cold water seals the hair cuticles and makes for shiny, more manageable hair)
-After the co-washing process is complete; apply your favorite leave-in conditioner and air dry!
xoxo
NB
