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    The benefits of 'co-washing'

    27 Feb 2015 2:37 AM | Posted by
    Beth E's picture
    Beth E
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    If there’s one beauty routine I find tedious, it’s washing my hair.

    Yes, I feel like a million dollars afterwards, it’s such an effort to rub-in, rinse and repeat.  

    Enter co-washing, a new hair trend that’s set to hasten the process. In fact, you may never have to use shampoo again.

    Forgoing the usual two-to-one ratio of shampoo and conditioner, co-washing (short for ‘conditioner-washing’) means you only use one product to clean and condition your hair. Particularly good for curly, textured or frizzy hair, it’s a great way to nurture the natural state of your strands without spending a bucket load on treatments.

    If you suffer from chronic frizz, co-washing’s also a great way to control the amount of oil your head and scalp produces. But how do you make the switch from your traditional shampoo and conditioner routine to co-washing?

    Well, to make sure your hair doesn’t freak out, it’s important to use a shampoo every second wash in the beginning. If your hair is chemically-treated, use a sulphate-free shampoo such as Natures Organics Organic Care Normal Balance Shampoo or Al’Chemy Unscented – Very Gentle Shampoo intermittently.

    But if you suffer from a particular dry scalp and find that this isn’t working if you, the complete switch to a 2-in-1 formula could be the answer. Each wash will gently cleanse your scalp without removing too much excess oil.

    If co-washing sounds like the haircare regime for you, here are two gentle 2-in-1 formulas to get you started:
     

     
    LEFT: Wen by Chaz Dean Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner
    RIGHT: Curash 2in1 Shampoo and Conditioner (this one’s meant for babies but it’s also ideal for adults with a dry scalp)

    Would you consider switching to co-washing? What’s your preferred hair care routine?

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    83 Member Comments

    KatieBurnie 1 Mar 2015 10:49 AM

    2 in 1 washing has been around for ages but it was never moisturising enough for me. Wen was good but hate how they sign you up for shipment after shipment. I generally only wash my hair once a week anyways so shampoo is pretty necessary for me.

    ren812 1 Mar 2015 10:24 AM

    No I wouldn't consider co washing my hair. Interesting though

    Bellefleur 1 Mar 2015 10:07 AM

    This sounds like a great thing for my hair as it does go frizzy and dry

    Claire88 1 Mar 2015 10:03 AM

    I usually prefer to do two separate steps, but co washing might be a good option if I was in a rush or after going to the gym if I am washing my hair daily. I usually wash my hair every second or third day.

    Ellelily 1 Mar 2015 9:54 AM

    I am not sure about this. Perhaps if my hair wasnt so heavily treated. But i am not totally ruling it out

    Arty Girl 1 Mar 2015 9:22 AM

    My husband always used Pert 2 in 1. He wouldn't use anything else. Pity you can't get it anymore. Wish that they would bring it back. It saves a lot of time having to rise and then add conditioner. In addition, I always find that when using conditioner, I always lose more hair. The same goes for conditioner that is meant for "thinning hair".

    Temporary Princess 1 Mar 2015 9:08 AM

    Nope, think I'm still a shampoo and conditioner girl.

    GoddessMagick 1 Mar 2015 9:06 AM

    Hmm, This can work well for some hair types. I do agree with the ease into it program, its really ease to upset your hair/scalps natural balance.

    Miss_Lee 1 Mar 2015 9:04 AM

    its not like this is new? Pert was around years ago. I prefer to use separate products

    Haniibee44 1 Mar 2015 8:45 AM

    I'll look into wen and curash because my hair is soooo annoying at the moment...co-washing might just be the answer

    Gogrl600 1 Mar 2015 8:14 AM

    I only use a 2-in-1 when I'm in a rush!

    TheUglyDuckling 1 Mar 2015 8:01 AM

    Yes, I remember the Pert days!

    reni267 1 Mar 2015 7:52 AM

    I like to use separate, I know my hair is getting a proper clean and conditioner. I enjoy washing my hair . 2 in 1 products id feel worried my hair isn't getting enough shampoo. For kids its good and easy.

    Rose_P 1 Mar 2015 7:30 AM

    I personally dislike 2 in 1 hair products. They don't suit my hair at all. I'm quite happy to use shampoo and conditioner, just as I've always done.

    Lily141 1 Mar 2015 7:24 AM

    The 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner have been around for ages, but I really prefer to use 2 separate ones.

    Beckky 1 Mar 2015 7:19 AM

    Haven't really heard of this. I thought it was just 'wen' that was doing this

    Tee631 1 Mar 2015 6:51 AM

    ive hear about this also

    Misy Rose 1 Mar 2015 6:32 AM

    I've heard about it but I've never been interested in trying it.

    misfortune8 1 Mar 2015 6:19 AM

    I've got a 2in1 which I pack when I go away for a few days (less product to pack) but my hair needs a good, proper wash when I get home. My oily, straight hair needs shampooing regularly. I shampoo my roots but only condition my ends like caylem, but I need to do it every second day or I look like a homeless person.

    Cheriejoy 1 Mar 2015 5:41 AM

    Tor1, do you mind sharing your secret? What are you using and how? I have a routine that I follow along with a "proper" wash now and again.

    maggieball 1 Mar 2015 5:10 AM

    It's expensive, but I love Wen and my hair has never looked better - it's perfect for really dry hair like mine that needs a lot of conditioning. I also appreciate being able to have faster showers.

    Cheriejoy 1 Mar 2015 5:08 AM

    "Co washing" (I suppose it was only a matter of time before it got a silly name) has been recommended for curly hair for a very long time (there's a whole book on it called "Curly Girl"). It is the best way to look after hair with any kind of curl or wave, if you want to make the most of that. pretty asset. I love curls. &:)

    Anita1502 1 Mar 2015 4:35 AM

    Wow! Now that is interesting! I might try this. I always seem to have more conditioner in the bottle.

    Wendy1965 1 Mar 2015 4:34 AM

    Sounds like a great idea. Will give it ago as it will save me money and make my hair feel and look better

    Tor1 1 Mar 2015 3:24 AM

    I stopped using commercial shampoos several months ago, after decades of scalp problems. My hair and scalp have never felt healthier and my pocket likes the savings.

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