Hey there kinky krew 🙂

One of the biggest changes I made to my “revamped regimen” 2 years ago was getting rid of weekly shampoo’ing. Many type 4 naturals have dry, lifeless hair and don’t know that they’re actually drying out their own coils by saturating it with harsh detergents unnecessarily.

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What is co-washing?

Cowashing is the act of using a conditioner to lightly cleanse and moisturize the hair in place of stripping shampoos.

What should I use to cowash?

Cheap conditioners like V05, Suave and Aussie are amazing cowashes especially if you’re a natural on a budget. These conditioners can be bought at the dollar store and are perfect for a quick mid-week moisture boost. If you’re looking for more of the cleansing aspect in your cowash, so many companies have begun cultivating products strictly for the cowashing natural. Both products include surfactants so really either conditioner will work!

What ingredients to avoid?

It is important that your co wash does not include silicones that are not water soluble. Non-water soluble silicones coat the hair strands preventing moisture from entering the hair shaft causing dehydrated, dryness and buildup. Here is a list of Water-soluble silicones that are safe for cowashing.

• Dimethicone Copolyol.
• Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane (hydrolyzed wheat protein)
• Lauryl Methicone Copolyol.
• Any Silicone with PEG as a prefix.

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My Favorite Cowashes:

 

This is my OG cowash and has been in my regimen for over a year now. The slip is amazing and distributes through my kinks like butter. It doesn’t lather but my hair is always left feeling clean, moisturized and refreshed. If I had to recommend trying one co-wash it would have to be this cleanser by As I Am.

 

 

This is a new product I’ve begun using and I absolutely love this cleanser. Infused with Peppermint Oil and Rosemary Extract this “No-Poo” leaves your scalp so reguvinated and cool perfect for an itchy and irritated scalp. If you’re willing to spend a little more, I would say this is necessary for every kinky girl’s product stash.

 

This co wash is perfect if you’re looking to get really clean curls without stripping. This Honey Shea Cowash leaves the hair extremely soft and manageable ready to style.

 

 

Mane ‘N Tail Conditioner is one of my OG products from my transitioning days so I had to include it! This conditioner has amazing slip and provides your hair with crazy moisture. If you’re on a budget this is definitely a steal because of its multipurpose uses: it can be used as a co-wash, deep conditioner or a detangler/leave in. Not to mention this huge 32 oz bottle is only $5! If you’re a newbie to the Mane ‘N Tail line I strongly suggest you give it a try.

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Thank you for reading and leave me a comment down below of what you use to co wash!