Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been intensively involved with the topic of curly hair care since her youth, when her straight hair suddenly turned into curls.
The days when washing hair for natural curls and waves was a real strain are long gone thanks to coordinated and nourishing curl products! And yet many curlies prefer to pamper their curly mane with ultra-gentle cleaning methods.
This guide is about a particularly gentle way of washing your hair - co-washing . This method is particularly suitable for curly hair and natural curls . With co-washing, you don't use conventional shampoo and instead use a special co-washing conditioner.
This gentle cleaning method can
- protect the hair from drying out,
- define the curls
- and ensure improved hair health.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about co-washing, from the benefits to how to use it and choosing the right co-washing products.
Ready to show your love for your curls when you wash your hair? Then let's dive into the world of co-washing together!
What is Co-Wash actually?
Co-Wash stands for "conditioner washing" and describes a hair washing method in which conventional shampoo is replaced by special co-washing conditioners.
These conditioners are formulated to gently cleanse the hair with a very small amount of detergents.
At the same time, their nourishing formula is able to provide your hair with plenty of moisture. The focus of the cowash is on protecting the curl structure .
- In this way, frizz hair can be reduced
- and the hair's natural moisture balance is preserved.
The Co-Wash Conditioner is massaged into wet hair and rinsed thoroughly , removing impurities and excess oil without drying out the hair.
This method is particularly suitable for curly hair , as it tends to become dry and brittle more quickly . By using co-washing, the hair is gently cleansed while also receiving the necessary moisture. This way, your curls always stay in top shape and look healthy and defined.
What are the benefits of co-washing?
Co-washing offers a number of benefits especially for curly hair and natural curls. Here are some of the main reasons why we love co-washing:
Gentle cleaning: Co-washing is a gentle alternative to conventional washing with shampoo , as the special co-washing conditioners gently cleanse the hair without washing out the scalp's natural oils. Brittle and dry curls are also a thing of the past , as the moisture inside the hair is not removed too much. This means your curls stay smooth and hydrated for a long time.
Moisturizing: Co-washing conditioners often contain moisturizing ingredients such as
- Aloe Vera,
- coconut oil
- or shea butter.
These care products also help to moisturize the hair and protect it from drying out. Especially with curly hair, moisturizing plays a key role in keeping your curls healthy.
Curl definition: Co-washing can help to improve the definition of curls. The moisture and gentle cleansing gently support the curl structure and bounce of the hair . As a result, the curls are more defined and the hair's own curl texture can be better emphasized.
Reduction of frizz: Since co-washing preserves the hair's natural moisture balance, it can help reduce frizz and static . The curls are
- smoother,
- smoother
- and straw-like hair no longer stands a chance.
Protects hair color: Co-washing is also a good option for colored hair, as the gentle cleansing of the co-wash conditioner minimizes the fading of the hair color. This way, the color intensity is preserved for as long as possible and your curls can shine.
How does co-washing work?
Co-washing is a relatively simple method of washing your hair . Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do co-washing:
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Choosing the co-washing conditioner: Use a conditioner that is specifically designed for co-washing. Make sure it contains moisturizing and nourishing ingredients that will benefit your curls. There are various co-wash products in our Lockenbox Shop that have been specially developed for the co-wash method .
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Preparing your hair: Wet your curls thoroughly with warm water to prepare them for co-washing. They should be very moisturized to be optimally prepared for the conditioner wash. Rinse out any styling products or residues carefully.
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Applying the Co-Washing Conditioner: Take a generous amount of the Co-Washing Conditioner and distribute it evenly throughout your hair, from scalp to ends.
Gently massage the conditioner into your hair in circular motions to distribute it well and stimulate the scalp. Massage for a little longer than you would normally do when shampooing.
According to the inventor of the Curly Girl Method - Lorraine Massey - dirt can only be effectively removed from the scalp by thorough massaging during co-washing.
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Allow to work: Allow the co-washing conditioner to work for a few minutes. This allows the nourishing ingredients to develop their full effect and provide the hair with sufficient moisture.
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Rinse: Rinse the co-washing conditioner thoroughly from your hair. Use lukewarm water, as this - unlike cold water - can loosen dirt particles. Make sure that no residue remains in the hair.
After rinsing, you can shower again with cold or cool water. This closes the cuticle and the hair becomes beautifully shiny.
- Optional: After co-washing, you can use additional styling products such as leave-in conditioner or curl gel to define and care for your curls if needed.
Which hair type is the co-wash method suitable for?
The co-wash method is particularly suitable for curly hair with a dry structure . Thick and very curly hair often tends to lose moisture more quickly and can become dry and brittle as a result. In the worst case, curls can become so dry that they even risk breaking.
Co-washing gently cleanses the curls while moisturizing them . This keeps curly hair hydrated, defined and wonderfully smooth. The co-wash method is therefore particularly suitable for people with thick hair, dense natural curls and very curly hair of curl types 3 and 4 .
Co-washing is not always suitable for all hair types . People with oily hair or an oily scalp may have difficulty with co-washing as the method does not always effectively remove a large amount of excess oil .
Fine hair can also be over-conditioned and weighed down by co-washing, as many co-washing conditioners are rich and moisturizing. For people who regularly use styling products that are difficult to remove, co-washing can lead to product build-up over time.
Expert tip: Co-washing may not be enough to completely remove product buildup in this case. In such cases, it may be useful to occasionally do a deeper clean with a clarifying shampoo. This will help to remove buildup and cleanse the hair thoroughly.
Are you still looking for a clarifying shampoo that is suitable for curls? Bounce Curl's Gentle Clarifying Shampoo is a moisturizing cleansing shampoo with precious plant-based ingredients and an invigorating citrus scent made from 100% natural oil.
The best co-washing conditioners
We went on a search to present you the best curl products . Here we present three of our co-wash favorites that should definitely be in our bathroom cabinet! Have you found your favorite yet?
The Peppermint Fresh Co-Wash by Pretty Curly Girl captivates with its refreshing peppermint scent and gently cleanses the hair and scalp. At the same time, the co-wash power pack reduces frizz, defines the curls and gives the hair a wonderfully invigorating feeling.
Stimulating ginger and wasabi meet nourishing castor oil. This creative combination of the Tropial Bliss Spicy Wasabi Co-Wash strengthens your curls and can even stimulate hair growth . The non-foaming co-wash is gentle on the scalp and hair and gives your curls a beautiful shine.
A real hit when it comes to co-washing is the Curl Flo Revive Cleansing Co-Wash . With its unique formula, it gently cleanses the hair and scalp, while valuable botanicals such as palmarosa and eucalyptus moisturize and strengthen your natural curls .
3 typical mistakes when co-washing
Below we will discuss three typical mistakes when co-washing that can reduce or even prevent the success of the hair washing method:
Inadequate rinsing: A common mistake is not rinsing the hair sufficiently. It is important to rinse the co-washing conditioner thoroughly to ensure that no residue is left in the hair.
Inadequate rinsing can lead to product build-up and weigh down the hair . Warm water should be used for rinsing as it cleans and clarifies the hair much better than cold water.
Massaging in for too short a time: Massaging in the co-washing conditioner is an important step to thoroughly cleanse the hair and scalp . A common mistake is massaging in for too short a time or too superficially.
It is advisable to massage the conditioner into the hair and scalp in circular movements with gentle pressure. Sufficient massaging ensures effective cleansing and also promotes blood circulation in the scalp.
You only wash your hair once: Another mistake is to only wash your hair once with co-washing. In some cases, a single co-wash application may not be enough to clean the hair thoroughly enough.
Especially if there are styling products or residues, your hair will benefit from a second “wash”. So it can be helpful to repeat the co-washing when needed or to occasionally schedule a deeper clean with a clarifying shampoo, such as Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo .
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Conclusion
With this guide, we have given you a comprehensive insight into the fascinating world of co-washing. Now you are well equipped to master the art of co-washing and always offer your curls the best care.
Whether you're already a co-wash expert or are just falling in love with this gentle cleansing ritual - our guide provides you with valuable tips and recommendations! So grab your co-wash conditioner and let your curls feel the nourishing effect of a gentle co-wash treatment!
FAQ
Can I replace my shampoo with co-washing?
Whether you can completely replace your shampoo with co-washing depends on your individual hair type and needs. Co-washing can be a good alternative to gently cleanse hair while moisturizing it, especially for curly hair and natural curls that tend to be dry.
If your scalp gets oily quickly or you often have problems with build-up, it might be a good idea to occasionally use a mild shampoo with a stronger washing effect to clean your hair more thoroughly.
If you decide to replace your regular curl shampoo with a co-wash conditioner, observe how your curls react and make sure they are adequately cleansed and nourished.
For example, many curlies find a combination of occasional co-washing and traditional curl shampooing to be optimal in order to achieve the perfect balance between cleaning and care for their curls. Just give it a try! :)
Is co-wash suitable for daily hair care?
Co-washing can be suitable for daily hair care, but individual factors and your individual hair structure also play a role. Washing too often, whether with shampoo or co-wash, can potentially strip the hair of its natural oils too much. This can lead to dry hair and a disturbed moisture balance.
For some people with curly hair, it is beneficial not to wash their hair every day to preserve the natural oils and protect the curls from drying out.
In such cases, it may be useful to limit co-washing to two or three times a week and use other methods on the other days, such as refreshing the curls with water or a leave-in conditioner.
You can find out how to successfully refresh your curls in our guide : Refreshing curls » 13 factors & methods at a glance
Every hair type, especially curl type, is different and some people with curly hair may be able to co-wash their curls daily without experiencing any problems. Experiment and see how your hair responds to frequent co-washing.
This will help you figure out how often you can incorporate co-washing into your hair care routine and how to find the perfect washing routine for your curly hair.
Is co-wash suitable for extremely fine hair?
Co-washing may not be the best option for extremely fine hair. Fine hair tends to get weighed down by products quickly and co-washing conditioners may be too rich. Hair may tend to become over-conditioned and lose volume.
If your fine hair tends to look flattened quickly, it is recommended to choose lighter curl products and consider alternative cleaning methods such as a mild shampoo or clarifying conditioner.
If you are blessed with fine curls, then take a look at our product recommendations for fine curls: Curl products for fine hair.