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If you have type 4 hair (i.e., coil-y or zigzagged, if you’re unclear about your curl type), you’ve probably been subscribing to the co-wash or cleansing-conditioner life for years. But if you’re new to the natural-curl game or just fed up with your coarse, thick waves or curls feeling dry, undefined, and, well, blah, there’s a good chance it’s time to swap your shampoo for a co-wash (or “no poo,” as it’s often called).
And if you’re still completely confused as to WTF co-washing is, why it’s better than shampoo, and how to actually co-wash your hair, don’t freak—I’ve spent years obsessively researching everything there is to know about co-washing my own 3a curls, and now, I bestow this knowledge onto you.
What is co-wash?
Co-washing (aka conditioner-only washing, aka no-poo) is when you—yup—use only conditioner to rinse your hair and cleanse your scalp. Unless you’re already slathering oils and butters on your hair every day, the idea of massaging conditioner through your roots can sound positively insane. But wavy-curly, curly, and coil-y hair need moisture (usually way more than you realize), and co-washing your hair with conditioner rather than a harsh, sulfate-filled shampoo (THE DEVIL) will soften and hydrate it instead of stripping it.
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And because oil helps break down oil, your co-wash will still dissolve some scalp oils and cleanse your hair, so you won’t be left with day-20-looking greasy hair. *shudders* The only difference: You’ll need to spend at least 60 seconds massaging your co-wash into your scalp and another 60 seconds really rinsing it out (really—count the seconds, sing a song, do whatever you need to do, but spend some extra time massaging your scalp, k?). It can be a trial-and-error situation the first few times, but trust: It’s worth it.
Can you co-wash with any conditioner?
Yes, you can, but some conditioners are better formulated specifically to cleanse your scalp versus just moisturize it. If it’s specifically called a cleansing conditioner or a co-wash, it’s more likely to be filled with super-gentle, surfactant-like ingredients that help break down oils to give you a cleaner feeling. That said, the conditioner you “should” use totally depends on one thing: your hair type.
If you have fine and/or normal-to-low-porosity waves or curls (not sure WTF your porosity is? Don’t worry—there’s a quiz), you should try a semi-lightweight co-wash, like Live Clean Apple Cider Refresh Conditioner, which contains fewer oils to weigh your hair down. And if your hair is highly porous (usually hair that’s color-treated or chemically processed or ultra-dry, type 4 hair), go with a co-wash that’s a bit richer, like Shea Moisture Curl Moisture Co-Wash (still semi lightweight but ultra hydrating). Or just try co-washing with your usual conditioner and see how you feel—there isn’t an exact science, only moisture, moisture, and more moisture.
The 4 Best Co-Washes for Your Hair Type:
Will co-washing make my hair greasy?
If you are new to co-washing or have naturally oily roots, this can be the biggest roadblock to mentally get over: Will co-washing make your hair greasy? And the answer totally depends on your hair type (see above), the co-wash you’re using (see above), aaand which school of thought you choose to believe.
If you ask the hundreds of thousands of people on the curly-hair parts of Reddit (and probably a million more around the world), they’ll all say, yes, sure, co-washing might make your hair oilier in the first month or two, but it’ll actually make your hair less greasy over time, as you basically train your scalp to produce less oil by giving it all the moisture it needs first. And while your scalp is going through the adjustment period, you can load up on dry shampoo to curb the grease.
Experts are split on this belief though—some dermatologists I’ve spoken with say your oil production is genetic and you can’t actually change it in a meaningful way. But other dermatologists, like Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale University, are a bit more positive: “I think if you’re stripping your scalp with a sulfate shampoo, you may be able to calm some of the excess oil production by switching to a moisturizing co-wash,” she says.
In reality, there’s no hard science behind training your scalp (even though, trust me, thousands of people on the internet swear by it), so you’ll have to test it out for at least four to six weeks and see how your hair reacts. And if your hair is especially fine or already oil-prone, try swapping your co-wash with a sulfate-free shampoo once a week (I love Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo) to break down buildup and get that super-clean feeling again.
How often should you co-wash?
Ideally, every time you wash your hair. For some people with oilier scalps, they may need to wash their hair daily (it’s not actually damaging if you’re using moisturizing co-washes and conditioners), and for others, they may need to wash their hair only once a week. Basically, whenever you’d normally shampoo your hair, just use a co-wash instead, and always follow up with your usual conditioner and/or leave-in conditioner too.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t co-wash?
For the majority of people, co-washing can radically transform your curls and coils. But for some people, like those with waves or ultra-fine curls, they may never be able to comfortably co-wash on a regular basis (example: I can co-wash one out of every three washes—I use Kinky Curly Knot Today Conditioner as a co-wash alternated with Not Your Mother’s Naturals Royal Honey & Kalahari Desert Melon Shampoo—although I gave co-washing a solid two months before deciding it was too moisturizing for me). So give it the ol’ ~college try~ before making a final decision.
Important note though: Not all hair types can comfortably co-wash, sadly. “If you have seborrheic dermatitis, washing your hair less can actually create more oil and inflammation,” says Dr. Gohara, since the yeast on your scalp feeds on the grease and bacteria, making your seb derm worse. Yum. Still, you shouldn’t have to choose scalp health or curl health, so chat with your derm to see if co-washing once or twice a week could be right for you.
The TL;DR:
Co-washing can make curly, coil-y, and some wavy hair types feel more hydrated, defined, and healthier—you just need to make sure you’re using the right formula for your hair type. Regardless of which one you choose, though, give co-washing at least six weeks before deciding whether it’s right for your hair. You may just need to add in a clarifying shampoo once a week or switch your cleansing conditioner to a more lightweight formula. Either way, it can’t hurt to give the co-wash a try—your selfie life may just thank you for it.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
