Should you be ditching your shampoo?

Co-Washing

By now you would have heard the term “co-washing,” or perhaps you heard about the “no poo movement,” but how much do you know about this new trend in hair care?

In the past we saw a massive influx of styling products, and women layered different products onto their hair, but in recent years, there’s been a shift towards taking the “natural” route. All over the world women are starting to ditch the styling agents, but what does this mean for shampoo? The idea is that when you use less products on your hair, there’s no need for a harsh shampoo to cleanse or to remove product build-up.

What happens when you wash your hair too often? Over-washing has reportedly been the cause of a flaky and dry scalp, breakage, dullness, colour fading and excess oil production. With this being the problem, there was a need for a new way of cleansing the hair, without damaging it in the process. Enter “co-washing.”

Co-washing (short for “conditioner washing”) is when you wash your hair with a cleansing conditioner rather than a traditional shampoo. It is a much gentler way of cleansing the hair, and simultaneously moisturises, balances oily hair and leaves it more manageable. Because these cleansing conditioners are also free from sulphates, parabens and other nasties, it doesn’t strip the hair of its colour, nor any of its nutrients.

Will it work for me? If you’re looking for a product that isn’t harsh on your hair, then yes. And if you have curly or coarse hair that’s often dry or dehydrated, this will be a God-send. If you have any scalp conditions or struggle with dermatitis, chat to your dermatologist or trichologist first.

In theory, you could just use your regular conditioner to wash your hair, however, if you want to reap the full benefits you should be using a product specifically formulated for co-washing.

We’re loving the new Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner that’s finally landed on our shores. It gently removes dirt and build-up while locking in moisture and protecting your hair colour. It’s safe for all hair types and is especially good for colour-treated hair. It’s available at selected salons for R585. The brand also has an Anti Residue Rinse (R525) and Hydrating Masque (R545) to complement your hair care routine.

What do you think about this movement; would you try co-washing?

Other articles you may be interested in:
Six hair tools for a fuss-free winter
The healthy hair diet
Become an expert at creating beach waves
The pros and cons of sulphate-free shampoo
How much hair loss is normal? )

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
WhatsApp

21 Responses

  1. I don’t use any products on my hair (except for the occasional hair spray once every blue moon) could using too harsh shampoo be the cause of my split ends? My hair looks shiny and healthy but on closer inspection I have bad split ends.

  2. my scalp turns oily very quickly, so i wash my hair almost everyday. is co – washing just the hair at the bottom (ponytail) or do u wash the scalp as well?

  3. I usually wash my hair about twice a week. I can’t wash it too much, or else it dries out, and too little washing leaves my roots oily. I am keen to try Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner.

  4. My hair always looks so dull, even shortly after having it coloured. It just never seems to have a nice shine to it, and I thought colouring it would help to give it a nice shine. I also try not to use too much conditioner as I thought that was making it dull.

  5. Not sure how convinced I am because my hair is healthy and shiny already. I’d rather wait until the likes of Kerastase start bringing out something like this and then I might consider using it because I’m already using Kerastase at the moment with fantastic results.

  6. it sounds amazing especially useful as i go on hiking trails and washing hair not always possible-could you tell me who stocks it in cape town southern suburbs please?

  7. Will it stop my hair from falling out – please advise – I am taking Biotin capsules but so far no results

    1. Hi Tanya
      This product isn’t intended to stop or prevent hair loss, but it is definitely less harsh on the hair than a regular shampoo, which helps prevent breakage and damage.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

RELATED POSTS
Clicks Beauty Fair: Step up your makeup game with Smudge and @SaylaDean

Clicks Beauty Fair: Step up your makeup game with Smudge and @SaylaDean

Sayla Dean shows us how to create the "Sugar Plum" look using Smudge beauty products.
Win a Smudge makeup hamper

Win a Smudge makeup hamper

Win all the Smudge makeup used to create Sayla Dean's look.
The new Reebok Sensation Body Mists are here to awaken your senses

The new Reebok Sensation Body Mists are here to awaken your senses

New Reebok Sensation Body Mists offer a moment of wellness with every spritz.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Latest on Instagram