Co-wash: the washing technique that leaves hair beautiful and hydrated

The idea that you have to spend a lot to have beautiful hair is lagging behind. Care becomes increasingly accessible — both in terms of techniques and products. The market has a good range of product options with prices that fit in the pocket and the internet has a great role in the dissemination of homemade techniques and recipes.

This “hair revolution”, which brought an expansion of techniques and products, is democratic and helps to leave power in the hands of those who matter. Women regain independence in this aspect and regain complete control over their hair, being able to discover what works best for their hair and achieve the effects they desire.

Capillary schedule, low poo, no poo and co-wash are examples of techniques that have been winning fans around the world and promise very positive results. The capillary schedule aims to restore the health of the wires through a schedule of monthly hydration, nutrition and reconstruction treatments. With this system, the wires are recovered from the effects of the aggression of the sun, of the dryer, of chemical procedures.

No poo and low poo are techniques that help maintain the hair’s natural oils and lipids. On a daily basis, shampooing can damage the hair, due to the sulfates in its composition. Therefore, in low poo, only sulfate-free shampoos are used, and in the no poo technique, no shampoo is used. The techniques also recommend the use of hair products without petroleum derivatives or non-water-soluble silicones, as these substances are only completely removed from the hair with shampoo.

Those who do low poo or no poo will probably also do very well with co-wash. This is the case of Bru Serrano, from the blog Morena Raiz. Adept at low poo for almost two years, the blogger decided to test co-wash a year and a half ago and never let go. “After a while of just washing with sulfate-free shampoo, I decided to try the co-wash technique. I was traveling, on the beach, when I decided to test it and I really liked it. Since then I decided to insert co-wash into my routine”, she says.

The idea of ​​co-washing is simple: wash your hair only with conditioner. Despite the initial strangeness, the technique is quite beneficial for the hair, which is less dry than with shampoo. “The co-wash provides a light cleaning of the strands, and this is very positive because it leaves the hair more hydrated, defined and looser”, guarantees Bru.

Although it’s more common for those who practice no and low poo, those who don’t follow these techniques can also co-wash! Throughout this text, you learn more about co-washing, how you can do it at home, which products are the most suitable and how all this can help your hair. Check out!

What is co-wash and how to do it

Co-wash is a technique that consists of washing the hair without using shampoo, using only conditioners. Like shampoo, conditioner also has substances capable of cleaning the hair without leaving it dirty or oily. The difference is that this cleaning is lighter, doesn’t attack the hair so much and preserves the natural oiliness – which results in more hydrated, soft and beautiful hair!

To adopt co-wash, simply choose a conditioner that fits the restrictions of the technique — products free of paraffin, water-insoluble silicones and petrolatum. With the conditioner chosen, just apply it normally during the shower, as well as washing with shampoo: starting at the root, apply product along the entire length to the ends.

To enhance the effect, don’t forget to massage well during application! “Massaging the scalp well is essential for a good wash with co-wash”, says Bru Serrano. Then, let the product act for a few minutes and rinse with water.

What kind of hair can you co-wash?

Straight, wavy, curly and frizzy can bet on co-wash. Dyed or chemically treated can also invest in the technique. “The wavy, curly and frizzy, mainly, benefit: the curls are frizz-free and no longer opaque, because the hair cuticles are not very open, preserving the nutrients”, explains Olivier Costa, hair stylist at Espaço Vip, in Rio de Janeiro.

Due to the characteristics of the technique, dry hair takes more advantages from this type of washing. Those who have very oily hair should pay attention to the reaction of the strands and limit the number of applications.

The biggest caveat is for those who have scalp problems. “The disadvantages affect people who have scalp problems, such as seborrhea, for example. In this case, the application of the technique can develop fungi or bacteria that cause the hair to fall out”, warns trichologist Alessandra Juliano.

How many washes should I do per week?

There are not many rules regarding the number of washes. As it is less aggressive to the strands, co-washing can be done every day, but it can also be done just a few times a week. It all depends on your hair type and how it reacts to the technique. “The ideal is not to let go of a week without washing”, remembers Alessandra.

Is there a right amount of product?

Like the number of washes, the amount of product is directly linked to your hair type and length. “There is no right amount. You have to use it according to the length of your hair and according to the label specification”, comments Olivier.

Can I intersperse with shampoo washes? What would be the ideal shampoo?

It can and in some cases it is essential. Those who do it in the poo don’t use shampoos and can co-wash quietly with every wash. Those who do low poo, like Bru Serrano, can follow her example and alternate the co-wash with washes with sulfate-free shampoos.

Interspersing with washes with sulfate-free shampoo is ideal for those who do not want to give up the deeper cleaning of the shampoo, but still want better treated hair and without substances that can be aggressive. In that case, look for products released for low poo.

Those who do not follow any of the techniques will need to alternate the co-wash with shampoo, since the conditioner alone cannot clean some substances from other hair products.

How to choose the best co-wash products

Not all conditioners can be used to co-wash. For the results to be really positive, it is necessary to carefully observe the composition of each product and avoid some substances that leave residues accumulated in the hair – which would not cause the desired effects.

Substances that should be avoided are:

• sulfates;
• Petroleum derivatives (petrolatum, liquid paraffin, mineral oils, vaseline);
• Water-insoluble silicones.

For a complete list of released and prohibited substances, including the technical name of each of the prohibited silicones, click here.

Below you will find some product options suitable for co-washing.

Yamasterol Rosa (R$4.72)

Yellow Yamasterol (R$ 5.69)

Purple Phytohervas (R$ 18.99)

No one can with me, Lola Cosmetics (R$ 59.58)

Co Wash Bio Extratus (BRL 37.59)

Conditioner Amla, Guarana and Melon Surya Brasil (R$ 30.90)

Garnier Fructis Stop Fall (R$11.69)

Novex No Poo (R$ 42.49)

Deva Curl No Poo (BRL 35.00)

Curly Wurly Lola Cosmetics (R$ 26.86)

All these products fulfill the requirements of the technique and can be purchased online, in pharmacies or supermarkets. The price ranges are democratic and fit into different budgets, which makes it possible to find a good product for your hair without spending too much.

Testing the product is the best way to find what works best for your hair type. Whenever you are in doubt as to whether or not a product can be used to co-wash, be sure to look at the ingredient list on the package.

Testimonials from those who do

The main reason why co-wash has become popular is the success and satisfaction of those who are adept at the technique. Check out in the videos the opinion of some bloggers who follow the co-wash and get inspired!

Co-wash by Bru Serrano

Bru Serrano, from Morena Raiz, is a fan of low poo and, in this video, comments on how she combines this technique with co-washing: alternating with shampoos, to get her hair completely clean. The blogger also indicates the use of co-wash for those who are at the beach, which will help keep their hair hydrated and beautiful.

Co-wash by Mari Morena

Mari Morena is one of the biggest co-wash references among Brazilian youtubers. In this video, Mari tells what she does in the poo, explains how to choose the best product and shows how to apply the technique to her hair. The youtuber says that she uses co-wash as the only way to clean her hair and that the strands are clean and hydrated.

Co-wash by Luciellen Assis

In this video the vlogger shows the hair co-wash process, applying the product and commenting on each step. Luciellen also reveals that her hair reacted very well to the technique and recommends co-washing for those who have curly hair and need more care.

Co-wash by Dani Azevedo

Dani Azevedo comments on the benefits of co-washing for those with drier hair. In addition to explaining how to do the washing process, Dani also comments on the best way she found to apply co-wash in her hair routine.

Co-wash by Jessica Dutra

Blogger Jessica Dutra shares her experience with co-washing in the video and tells how the technique helped improve the look of her hair, leaving it more hydrated and less rough. The video also includes the step-by-step application of the conditioner.

Co-wash by Tia Du

Tia Du shows in this video the entire process of applying the conditioner to the hair for the co-wash. The youtuber is a good inspiration for those who have bleached and dyed hair, and says that the technique helps keep the strands hydrated and shiny.

Co-washing is a simple technique, with affordable product options that can do wonders for your hair! In addition to leaving the strands free of harmful substances, which attack and leave residues, co-washing helps to preserve natural nutrients and preserves the health and beauty of the hair. Take the test and start enjoying the benefits!