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If you have yet to hear of or try a co-wash, you're not alone. Luckily, we’re here to tell you all about the hair-washing technique while providing you with a couple of must-have product suggestions to help you consistently achieve the good hair days of your dreams.
It's no secret that shampoos can often contain detergents, sulfates and other harmful ingredients that can damage your hair. Plus, it’s a well-known fact that over-washing one’s hair can strip it of its natural oils, making it frizzy, dry and prone to breakage. So how can co-washing help consistently improve your hair’s look and health?
What is a co-wash?
Co-washing (which is short for “conditioner only washing”) is essentially the act of washing one’s hair with just conditioner. This is done to revive and soften hair without over-exposing it to the harmful cleansing agents that usually make up the average shampoo. However, several brands have now created ‘co-washes,’ which are products specifically made for the act of co-washing between full-on wash days. But that begs the question, what’s the difference between a conditioner and a co-wash?
The difference between a conditioner and a co-wash
Just like a conditioner, a co-wash aims to strengthen hair while moisturizing and detangling. However, co-washes also contain additional cleansing ingredients that allow the hair to retain its natural oils after a wash. Essentially, a co-wash is a mix of the best elements of a shampoo and conditioner.
To put it in mathematical terms:
A light cleanser without the harmful chemicals of a traditional shampoo + the moisturizing elements of conditioner = a nourishing co-wash built for healthy hair.
Benefits of a co-wash:
- Shampoo less and extend the time between full hair wash days. This is not only helpful for maintaining a healthy scalp, but it's also great for your wallet and the environment.
- Helps recover damaged hair, strengthens hair that is prone to breakage and reduces the appearance of frizz.
- It amplifies the natural texture and body of your hair. Think of co-washing as a way to give your hair an extra “boost” without weighing it down with too much product.
- Moderates oil production for better, more consistent good hair days.
Our top pick:
Why we love it:
- It’s a gentle, low-foam cleansing conditioner that won't strip hair of its natural oils for softer, smoother, frizz-free hair.
- It works quickly! See results in just 2 to 3 washes.
- Formulated with only clean ingredients. sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free. Its protein-rich formula is dermatologist-designed for a healthy scalp, plus it repairs and rebuilds hair structure.
- Great for all hair types!
- It’s super budget-friendly. At just $27.99 it's 40% less expensive than other leading co-washes on the market and outperforms them. If you're using this co-wash in place of a typical shampoo + conditioner, you're also saving a ton by using less product less frequently.
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Other great options:
Why we love it:
- Made with natural ingredients that your hair will love, including organic aloe vera, avocado oil and mango extract.
- Free of all sulfates, silicones and drying alcohols, which your hair will so thank you for.
- Formulated specifically for curly hair and is Curly Hair Method-approved (which is Hairlust’s unique approach to styling naturally curly hair in a way that’s both healthy and effective).
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Why we love it:
- Suitable for all hair types and works especially well on curly hair.
- Not only is it frizz-controlling but it also works to combat humidity for those extra hot days.
- With notes of ambrette seed, magnolia, pear water, night violet and more, this product will have your hair smelling oh-so fresh and clean.
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Why we love it:
- Perfect for dry, wavy, curly and coily hair types that would appreciate a bit of extra moisture in between full-on wash days.
- It’s infused with shea butter, coconut oil, and Abyssinian oil, which all work together to leave hair feeling strong and healthy.
- At just $14, it’s the most affordable co-wash on this list and is of great value for the price.
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Why we love it:
- Removes unwanted build-up between wash days while retaining your hair’s natural oils.
- Perfect for curly hair as its gentle, sulfate-free formula won’t weigh down definition.
- At 4.7 stars with almost 200 glowing positive reviews, it’s safe to say that this product’s claim of instantly reducing frizz while increasing hydration and shine is certainly credible.
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Why we love it:
- Nourishes naturally dry, coarse and curly hair with ingredients such as monoi, pequi and jojoba oils.
- Helps to fight frizz and add shine while locking in your hair’s precious natural oils.
- Not only is this product vegan and cruelty free but its packaging is also entirely sustainably-crafted. Win, win, win!
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Whether your hair is naturally dry, especially prone to breakage or just needs a little extra boost, your tresses will thank you for giving co-washing a try. Plus, with so many products to choose from that all specialize in different hair types, you’re sure to find a co-wash that’s perfectly suited for your ‘do!
