{"id":7335,"date":"2020-08-22T16:52:01","date_gmt":"2020-08-22T20:52:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/?p=7335"},"modified":"2020-08-22T16:52:24","modified_gmt":"2020-08-22T20:52:24","slug":"how-to-start-a-co-wash-routine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/how-to-start-a-co-wash-routine\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start a Co-Wash Routine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you have curly or Type 4 (coily, kinky) hair you\u2019ve probably already heard about co-washing and are a longtime subscriber to this method. If you don\u2019t have that hair type or are new to the hair world, welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Co-washing sounds confusing and daunting. Washing more than once? Washing with something else? Do you have to buy yet another set of products?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look no further, below we\u2019ll tell you what exactly co-washing is, why it might be better for you than shampoo, and different ways to try this technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Co-Washing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Co-washing is the abbreviated form of \u201cconditioner only washing\u201d. It is a method of washing and refreshing your hair without shampoos. Whether you wash your hair daily or weekly, or your hair is type 2 or 4, it is a brilliant method to keep hair moisturized, maintain length, and reduce shrinkage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wash days can get frustrating when your hair comes out dry and frizzy after all that hard work (and heavy arm work out). With co-washing you allow your hair to take care of itself the way it normally would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Co-Washing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of co-washing range depending on your type of hair. Curly, wavy, relaxed, and colored hair gain the most benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Curly & Wavy Hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Curlier and wavy hair are drier than most, and even the best service from a famous curly hair salon<\/a> can\u2019t stop this dryness. Many curlies opt for the co-washing method so they can avoid the drying ingredients usually found in shampoos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Co-washing for curly hair allows for retaining moisture, healthier locs, hair growth, stress-free combing, and easy styling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Relaxed Hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Co-washing restores all the moisture lost from the chemicals in relaxers, it also makes the transition from relaxed to natural hair easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Colored Hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Those who like to experiment with different colors and dyes know how damaging and drying all those bleaches and chemicals can be to your hair and scalp. Even the best service from a famous curly hair salon couldn\u2019t stop these effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Co-washing allows the color to remain vibrant and brings out a more noticeable shine, along with less shedding and split ends. This is a great practice for both clients and stylists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Should Skip Co-Washing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People with straight, fine, and oily hair don\u2019t benefit from co-washing. This method makes the hair appear flat and even more oily, and applying conditioner can weigh the hair down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Start a Co-Wash Routine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We often hate routines, but to get the best results out of co-washing it\u2019s necessary. Here are step-by-step guides to get you through this new routine;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Saturate your hair with as much water as possible, whether you work best in the shower or at your sink<\/li>
  2. Apply a healthy amount of co-wash conditioner to your scalp and hair, Massage with your hands for 4-5 minutes<\/li>
  3. Next, without rinsing, apply a deep conditioning hair mask and leave for 18-20 mins<\/li>
  4. Detangle with a comb, rinse out with lukewarm water, and style<\/li>
  5. Use a Shampoo once every 2-4 weeks. <\/li>
  6. It is recommended to Co-wash about 3 times a week, however; it is not an exact science and should be based on your lifestyle and schedule<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The Right Conditioner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Finding the right conditioner isn\u2019t very difficult. You can technically co-wash with any conditioner but there are also conditioners made for co-washing specifically; made to add moisture and cleanse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With that said, your conditioner should depend on your hair type. Your daily conditioner works just as well, as long as it doesn’t contain any silicones. Silicones are known to add shine for the short term but their long term effects include making your hair feel heavy and lackluster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whether your hair is thicker or thinner, low or high porosity, colored, relaxed or you have looser or denser curls, finding the right conditioner is the best way to get the best results out of co-washing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Co-Washing With Natural Products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    No, you don\u2019t *need* to co-wash with conditioner. Co-washing can also be done with natural and homemade products. Not only is it recommended, as it causes less damage to the scalp, but it\u2019s a great way to support local farmers and natural\/local stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you like your ingredients simple to understand and pronounce, this is the co-wash method for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Natural co-wash can be made using ingredients such as; apple cider vinegar, natural oils, coconut & oats, and various other recipes. Make sure to research the benefits of your chosen natural ingredients and keep track of your reactions in case of allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Co-Rinse vs Co-Wash<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Another Co-? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. These two get mixed up quite often. And they are far from the same process.   A co-rinse is when you rinse, condition then rinse your hair again. It provides moisture to your hair but doesn’t cleanse the same way co-washing is meant to.    Co-washing, on the other hand, is meant to hit the scalp, lather, be left in for a few minutes before being thoroughly rinsed out. A co-rinse is a great between wash alternative, but shouldn’t be substituted for co-washing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your Co-Wash Routine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Some people find co-washing to be so effective that they\u2019ve completely abandoned the conventional shampoo method. A proper co-was should leave your scalp feeling clean, hydrated, and moisturized. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The goal of a good co-wash it to remove any dirt and product build-up, so picking the right ingredients for your hair type is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Need more reading on hair care and beauty? Check out the additional articles on our blog!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    If you have curly or Type 4 (coily, kinky) hair you\u2019ve probably already heard about co-washing and are a longtime subscriber to this method. If you don\u2019t have that hair type or are new to the hair world, welcome. Co-washing sounds confusing and daunting. Washing more than once? Washing with something else? Do you have […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7335"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7335"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7335\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7337,"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7335\/revisions\/7337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7335"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7335"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7335"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}