Co-Wash & Cleansing Conditioner.
Our full range of co-wash & cleansing conditioner, curated for curly, coily and wavy hair. Free UK standard delivery on orders over £40.
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Co-washing, how to swap out shampoo without build-up
What a co wash actually is
A co wash is a conditioner with a small amount of gentle cleanser in it. It lifts sweat, dust and light product without the lather of a shampoo, and it leaves far more moisture behind. For curly and coily hair that goes dry and squeaky after an ordinary wash, that difference is the whole reason people switch.
Who it suits, and who it does not
Co washing works best on thick, coarse, coily or very dry hair, and on anyone washing more than once a week. It also suits colour treated hair, since there is nothing in it to strip the tone. Fine hair, oily scalps, and anyone using a lot of gel or oil will build up quickly, and that is where the complaints come from.
How to use one properly
Use more than you think, and get it on the scalp rather than only the length. Section the hair, apply directly to the roots, and massage with the pads of your fingers for a good minute or two, the way you would a shampoo. Then rinse for longer than feels necessary. Most people who say a co wash left their hair greasy either used too little or rinsed for ten seconds.
You still need a shampoo sometimes
Co washing is not a permanent replacement. Every third or fourth wash, use a clarifying shampoo to clear what a co wash cannot. This matters more in London and the south east, where hard water leaves mineral deposits that dull curls and stop conditioner absorbing. Aunt Jackie's flaxseed Purify Me sits at the gentler end, and Cantu sulphate free cleansing cream shampoo bridges the gap between a co wash and a full shampoo.
Picking one
As I Am Coconut Cowash is the one most people start with, and it comes in two sizes so you can test before committing. Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus co wash is richer and better for thick hair. Mielle detangling co wash and Taliah Waajid The Great Detangler earn their names on tangle heavy wash days. Keracare Curl Essence coconut co wash and Design Essentials almond and avocado are the salon leaning options.
If your scalp feels dry and tight rather than oily, As I Am Dry and Itchy Scalp Care co wash and Bounce Curl Hydra Drench are worth a look. For locs and thick coils, Mazuri shea butter naturals or Activilong give more slip.