Indian women love their hair rituals. We’re always up for trying new ways to show our locks some extra TLC—including hacks, tips, and trends to help us get the healthy mane of our dreams. For the longest time, however, the right care for curly hair wasn’t available or all that accessible. The same rules for straight hair applied to those with curls, which, as we know now, can be poles apart. But thankfully that’s changed and curly-haired girls are receiving the love they truly deserved. One such technique that has taken curls in the West by storm is the co-washing method. And no, it doesn’t require multiple products, but instead just one.
What is co-washing?
“Short for ‘conditioner’ washing, co-washing is a haircare method that involves washing the hair using only a conditioner,” says Dr Sravya C Tipirneni, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, and Trichologist, Manipal Hospitals Bangalore. Yes, you read that right—it means handing over the role of your shampoo to your conditioner and essentially giving the former the boot from your haircare routine.
Co-washing became popular amongst African American creators who wanted to wear their hair in its natural state. According to Dr Tipirneni, however, this trend grabbed the attention of Indian curly girls and eventually gained popularity amongst their routines too. “Co-washing typically involves massaging a conditioner into the scalp and hair, gently rinsing it out, and then applying conditioner again as a leave-in product,” explains Dr Tipirneni.
Fitting into the curly girl method (CGM)
If you’re a curly girl, we’re sure you’ve come across the CGM technique that’s proven to be quite useful for those who want to wear their hair natural. Co-washing fits into this very method because it helps enhance textured hair like waves or curls. Since the CG method encourages the use of sulfate-free and silicone-free haircare products, which include conditioners, Dr Tipirneni believes that it makes it suitable for co-washing.
The benefits The benefits of co-washing
Firstly, co-washing is perfect for when you want to maintain moisture balance and boost hair health when treating your curls, especially if you are following the CG method. Secondly, according to the expert, since conditioners are formulated to hydrate and soften the strands, co-washing aids in retaining moisture within the hair. This also prevents the strands from becoming dry, dehydrated or stripped of their natural oils, which is something that can occur when you shampoo. Lastly, co-washing can also help reduce frizz and enhance the natural texture and curl pattern of the hair, making it more manageable.
What about Indian hair?
It’s a 50-50! The truth is that Indian hair and skin are so diverse that it is difficult to pigeonhole them to one particular type. Dr Tipirneni states that the effectiveness of this technique can vary for different hair types—while it may work well for some individuals with curly or wavy hair, it may not quite be suitable for everyone. “Co-washing tends to be more beneficial for individuals with hair types that require extra moisture and are prone to dryness or frizz,” she explains. “Those with straight or oily hair may find co-washing less effective and may prefer using a gentle shampoo to cleanse their scalp and hair, instead.”
Who should avoid co-washing
- Those with certain hair and scalp conditions like dandruff or a very oily scalp, as it can exacerbate the conditions.
- Those who use a lot of styling products.
- Those who are exposed to hard water.
- Those who engage in activities that can make their hair and scalp excessively dirty.
Dr Tipirneni’s guide to co-washing your hair at home
Step 1: Wet your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and apply a generous amount of silicone-free conditioner to your scalp and hair.
Step 2: Gently massage the conditioner into your scalp using your fingertips to loosen dirt and build-up.
Step 3: Allow the conditioner to sit on your hair for a few minutes to hydrate the strands deeply.
Step 4: Rinse your hair thoroughly, making sure to remove all the conditioner.
Step 5: Apply a smaller amount of conditioner as a leave-in product, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
Step 6: Style your hair as desired, using additional hair styling products if needed.
Expert’s note:
When choosing a co-washing conditioner, look for silicone-free, sulfate-free, and moisturising formulas. Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and glycerin can be beneficial for providing moisture to the hair. It’s also important to keep in mind that not all conditioners are suitable for co-washing, so reading product labels and seeking recommendations from fellow co-washers can be helpful.
Remember to listen to your hair and adjust the frequency of co-washing based on your individual needs. Some individuals may find that co-washing every few days or once a week works well, while others may prefer to alternate between co-washing and shampooing. Experimentation and paying attention to your hair’s response will help you determine the ideal routine for your hair type.
Meet the expert:
Dr Sravya C Tipirneni is a highly qualified Consultant Dermatologist & Cosmetologist at Manipal Hospitals Bangalore. She specialises in Clinical Dermatology and Cosmetology, including expertise in advanced laser technologies. A socially conscious philanthropist, she actively organises health camps and undertakes health awareness initiatives.
