Co-washing: Goodbye to shampoo and sulfates

Care Curly,

A few days ago I received an email from a reader, Valentina, who asked me to write an article on co-washing, a technique that she uses for some time, but which I had never heard of. Since it is a very interesting topic for us curly, Valentina gladly settle public and a small guide to co-washing.

Co-washing - What's this?

The co-washing is a method for the treatment of curly hair which in English is also defined as "no-poo", literally "nothing-poop", this to emphasize that this is a natural technique that avoids the use of shampoo and in particular sulfates , which, as explained in a previous article, are detrimental to the health of hair and beyond.

As already said, the co washing does not provide for the use of the shampoo. Basically the hair must be washed only with the air conditioner (hair mask).

As with all methods, the results of cowashing vary from person to person, depending on the type of hair, but I think it's worth trying. Who tested promises hair moisturized and shiny, but, above all, free from frizz.

Before you begin:

Sprouted the hair to remove the tips ruined

Wash your hair with your normal shampoo for the last time. The use of a shampoo containing sulphates in this case is useful for freeing the hair from silicones contained in many products and which are not water-soluble.

Throw away the brush and replace it with a wide-toothed comb that does not damage the hair. Alternatively, use only your fingers to release the knots. Remember to only do this with wet hair, or frizz worse.

How to wash your hair with co-washing:

Wash the skin with an air conditioner or hair mask. Distribute the conditioner to wet hair and massage with your fingertips. This massage helps to eliminate frizz and product residues (eg, gel or foam) and even dandruff.

Rinse thoroughly, continuing to massage with your fingers.

Apply a new nut conditioner on the hair and begin to gently untangle the hair with your fingertips.

Leave it on for about five minutes.

Rinse your hair with cold water or, if you are not so brave, warm, to reduce frizz and give your hair more shine.

Apply the styling products (foam, oil, gel or whatever you like), the hair is wet. If you use multiple products together, applied before the anti-frizz products, and only then to define (such as gel or wax).

Gather hair into a t-shirt, paper towels or microfiber to remove excess water.

Dry hair with a diffuser or with the technique of plopping.

Occasionally, for example once a month, you can use the most delicate shampoo, for example those which contain the following elements: cocamidopropyl betaine or coco betaines.

If you try the cowashing but the results seem disappointing, do not be discouraged immediately. It takes 5-6 weeks before hair get used to the new method.