Direct from the bases of the method curlythe technique of washing hair with conditioner (without shampoo) It arrives ready to become a trend. And its success is a direct consequence of its results. Hair is deeply hydrated and regains its natural shape. Curls and pretty waves, without frizz. We tell you all about co-washing or co-wash.
What is co-wash and what do the experts think?
The mechanics is simple and consists of stopping using shampoo. But unlike the nope who advocated water and a mixture of baking soda with cider vinegar, wash hair with water and conditioner or mask.
The process is as follows: after rinsing the hair with water, a generous amount of conditioner is applied and used to wash the hair as you would shampoo. Something that, on the one hand, is greener and free of sulfates, silicone and parabens, but on the other, is being heavily criticized.
In principle, it makes sense because conditioners contain mild cleansing agents among their ingredients and constant shampooing can lead to a decrease in natural hair oils. By occasionally replacing your shampoo with conditioner, you can still cleanse away unwanted oil while maintaining the essential moisture your hair needs.
TikTok has been filled with positive comments from users of the co-wash method, but while they praise the technique, experts from the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Vereology advise that hair should be washed with shampoo, whether or not it contains substances such as parabens. sulfates or silicones, since it is the only one that ensures capillary hygiene.
From L’Oréal they are right: “washing hair only with conditioner makes no sense, since it is a product that has not been created for that, but to nourish and provide softness to our hair”.
This point could be worrying because, according to experts, “the combination of dirt and grease clogs the follicle from which the hair is born, and it becomes weaker and weaker until it falls out”.
In Mi Rebotica they recommend that you alternate shampooing and conditioning if you have curly, dry hair. Something that can be the intermediate solution.
Another thing you can do halfway, is use natural mild shampoosknown as low poo
Type of hair suitable for the co-wash method
If you had curly hair already hit by silicones and sulfates and trying to go against them, your curls have been diluted to the point that, when you want to leave them natural, there is no trace of them, this method is ideal for you. With it you can make a detox for a minimum of three months.
Even so, any type of hair can thank you because it has no side effects and does not reactivate the sebum of the scalp.
My experience trying it
The hair is hydrated, very hydrated. I have tried it with the Dream Long curl mask from L’Orèal Paris Elvive. At first it seems strange, especially since the amount of foam it generates is considerably less than that of the shampoo, but the sensations are pleasant.
Strong hair is noticeable and I dare to speak of a reduction in frizz. Something that makes perfect sense for hydration. I have not noticed a greasy effect or caking. On the contrary, after using it, the sensation is of hair with life and flexible curls.
After my experience, I would repeat as a detox in specific periods or integrate a wash in this way from time to time.
If you wear African braids, it is a technique that I would 100% recommend. I used it during the period that I wore them this summer and it cleaned well, while being light and not making them suffer.
star products
Not just any conditioner, the one you choose It does not have to have silicone and it does contain emollient ingredients, proteins, moisturizers and moisturizers. We recommend some:
Revuele Hemp Me Conditioner. Rich in essential fatty acids and Omega 3,6 and 9.
Price: 1.99 euros.
REVUELE Hemp Me Conditioner
eSalon Cream CoWash. 2-in-1 cream that cleanses and moisturizes in one step.
Price: 15 euros.
Detangling Conditioner with Onion Extract from Mi Rebotica. Formulated with onion extract, a hair growth stimulant that strengthens the hair and protects it from oxidative processes, it also has panthenol, which acts by recovering damaged hair and nourishing it in depth, and vitamin E, which protects against damage. caused by external agents, such as heat and humidity and prevents brushing from breaking.
Price: €20.95.
+Farma Dorsch conditioner. Moisturizing, redensifying and anti-aging. Repair hair. Contains acai, coconut oil, argan oil, panthenol, Quaternary ingredients, vitamin B6 and biotin.
Price: 38 euros €31.30.
Garnier Original Remedies Coconut Water and Aloe Vera Conditioner. With a melting gel texture and a fresh perfume, it provides freshness and softness to the hair.
Price: €2.99 €2.74.
Original Remedies Coconut Water and Aloe Vera Conditioner
Ziaja goat milk conditioner. It is a strengthening conditioner for dry, damaged and dull hair. Deeply regenerates the hair structure. Completely nourishes, strengthens and softens the hair.
Price: €2.20.
Ziaja Goat’s Milk Hair Conditioner
L’Orèal Paris Elvive Dream Long Curls Mask. A specific product to be used as a co-wash replacing the shampoo that can also be used as a mask and cream without rinsing. Contains Glycerin and Castor Oil.
Price: €9.95 €8.98.
Elvive Dream Long Curls Mask
Cover photo | @sofyabenzakour
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