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? )
21 Responses
I do that for my daughters hair
Would love to try this, I wash my hair everyday since I suffer with oily hair in which I can’t stand.
I need this, need to give it a try it looks promising. i’ve been looking and using everything to make my hair stronger but nothing helped thus far.
Am sceptical and would love to put it to its test. I am not convinced that co-washing would help thoroughly cleanse my scalp.
I would like to be brave enough to try this! Sounds interesting
I certainly would try this product.unfortunately i am obsessed with having clean hair and guilty of overwashing
This product will be great because it cuts washing hair time in half, especially if you have long hair.
I tried co-washing for about a year, it didn’t work so well with my hair. Now I shampoo only once or twice a week and co-wash the rest of the days.
I have stopped shampooing my hair for over 2 years now. When I need to get rid of build-up, I use bicarbonate of soda mixed with water. This works wonders.
I agree with co washing. Our Shampoo’s of today are too harsh on our hair therefore we need a change.