When I first started learning about hair, the one thing that always bugged me to the bone was conditioner washing, a.k.a co-washing. Isn't that gonna dry up your hair and make it break? I thought when I read threads from girls raving about co-washing. But the more I found out, the more I wanted to do it. So, when I got my twists in, I began co-washing daily. I LOVED IT!
What's so good about it?
When we use conditioners, we typically use them to put moisture back into our hair strands after shampooing right? Why? Because the shampoo cleanses our hair and strips just a little moisture from our hair, even if it's a "moisturizing" shampoo. Moisture helps immensely when it comes to growing hair, just ask anyone who's had a jherri curl. They'll tell you that all that constant moisturizing made their hair grow like crazy. This is the point of co-washing. Co-washing keeps your scalp clean, which helps hair grow faster since there's nothing clogging the hair follicles, and keeps your ends moist.
But all that moisture? C'mon now, Belle!
It is good to wash with a moisturizing conditioner, but it is also better to balance the moisture with a light protein conditioner in my opinion. Too much moisture can make your hair very stretchable (elastic is a better word) and prone to breakage. So, washing hair with a moisturizing conditioner one day and a LIGHT protein conditioner the next day would be good.
Popular moisturizing conditioners: Nexxus Humectress, Nexxus Hydra Sleek (I have it!), Suave Humectant, Lacio Lacio, Salerm, etc.
Popular protein conditioners: Aubrey Organics GPB, ORS Replenishing Pak (I love this!!), Any Suave Conditioner w/ an egg (courtesy of Divine Tresses)
Product Name: Oyin Handmade Greg Juice
10 comments
February 2, 2008 at 4:18 AM
People think I'm crazy for co washing but they'll see the benefits when I'm swangin in a few months.
February 2, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Songbird B said...
People think I'm crazy for co washing but they'll see the benefits when I'm swangin in a few months.
I know how you feel! People in my family who have SL and shorter hair tell me that it's all gonna break off.
November 3, 2008 at 12:33 AM
How do you wear your hair if you co wash every day? If i did that I would have to use a flat iron eveyday unless I want my hair looking a mess. What do you do to keep your hair looking presentable? Thanks
November 3, 2008 at 12:37 AM
I used to co-wash daily while in braids or twists mostly. What you can do is air dry your hair hanging down and then slick it back into a cute bun.
Flat ironing daily isn't something I would advise, especially if you're trying to achieve healthier hair.
November 3, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Have you ever used Dr. Miracles to grow your hair? or what do you use to make your hair grow? Mine is at the bottom of my ears and has been about 3 inches longer broke off in the past 3 months. Can you suggest anything? I really appreciate your advice.
November 3, 2008 at 1:01 AM
I don't use Dr. Miracles. Before I can give you ANY advice, I need to know the following:
What products are you currently using?
What type of relaxer (Lye or No-Lye) are you using?
Do you have a pre-existing medical condition causing you hair to break?
How often do you wash, condition, and deep condition?
November 3, 2008 at 1:19 AM
I just started using dr. miracle's products a week ago. No lye relaxer, dr. m oil sheen every day, dr. m wrap/ setting lotion at night when i wrap, and just started oiling my scalp at night with dr. m gro oil.
Previously I used silk elements shampoo and conditioner. Wrapped my hair every night and used luster's pink oil sheen everyday.
Flat iron every 2 days because my hair never holds a curl and used silk elements heat protector or redken heat glide.
I don't have a medical condition that I know of.
I wash and deep condition every 1-2 weeks.
November 3, 2008 at 2:08 AM
First off, STOP using your flat iron every two days. For now, cut it down to just once or twice (not recommended) a month.
Second, throw away your Pink oil sheen. Try using something more moisturizing like Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Lotion, Silken Child Moisturizing Creme, or Wave Nouveau Finishing Mist or Lotion.
Third, you don't need to use the Dr. Miracles wrap lotion when wrapping. A moisturizer or leave-in should suffice.
Fourth, make sure you use a chelating shampoo, like Organic Root Stimulator Creamy Aloe Shampoo, once a month to rid your hair of product buildup.
Fifth, when you do moisturize your hair, make sure you take some oil (Coconut, Olive, or Jojoba oil) and rub through your hair. This ensures that the moisture stays locked in until you re-moisturize.
Sixth, once a month, use a reconstructor like ApHogee 2 Minute Reconstructor and follow it with a moisturizing conditioner of your choice. This gives your hair strength and elasticity.
I hope this helps and feel free to ask anymore questions!
January 9, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Is the VO5 Strawberries & Cream Moisture milk good for co washes? And is it considered a moisturizing conditioner or protein conditioner (because of the soy milk proteins)?
January 11, 2009 at 3:06 PM
I consider it a moisturizing conditioner with a little protein. Milk protein is not as strong as Keratin, so it wouldn't cause as much damage if you used it for co-washing a few times a week.
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