I have been a staunch co-washer for many years and it's one of the best changes I implemented for my hair care routine with tangible results.  I actually can't remember the last time I used shampoo on my hair and I can categorically tell you that not using harsh shampoo has solved a myriad of hair and scalp issues.

Co-washing is short for conditioner washing, and is a cleansing alternative to harsh shampoos, as it cleans the hair without stripping away the natural oils that help to keep the hair hydrated.  This is particularly useful for those with curly or afro hair who need these natural oils to keep the hair at its best.  However, if you use lots of product on your hair on a daily/weekly basis, you will have to shampoo wash periodically to remove the build-up from your hair and scalp.  An alternative would be to limit the amount of product you use on your hair, or use more lightweight or water based products, which will  wash out much more easily.

When I co-wash, I make sure that I pay good attention to my scalp, since it is a healthy scalp that promotes healthy hair growth.  Be sure to rub your scalp gently but thoroughly to loosen and remove dirt and product build up, which is necessary regardless of whether you are a shampooer or co-washer.    Both shampoos and conditioners contain surfactants, which are cleansing agents which bind to the dirt causing it to be washed off the hair, however the surfactants in shampoos are stronger than the surfactants in conditioners.  

Furthermore, not every conditioner is made with the same purpose, meaning there will be varying degrees of conditioners, such as deep conditioners, moisturising conditioners, protein conditioners, 2-in-1 conditioners, smoothing conditioners, balancing conditioners and I could go on.   Due to the ingredients present in these varying types of conditioner, not all of them will be suitable for co-washing.  As a rule of thumb, look for conditioners that read "volumising", "light", "strengthening" or "balancing" since in general, these will be more effective in at removing excess oil by using gentle surfactants, which is what you will be looking for to cleanse your hair.  Additionally, as co-washing has taken the curly hair community by storm, there are now a range of conditioning products made specifically for washing.  

My go-to conditioner for co-washing is Giovanni Root 66 Volume Conditioner, which I have used for years, to the great appreciation of my  hair.  If you are new to  this and want some additional alternatives, my recommendations include:

1. Love Beauty And Planet Happy & Hydrated Gentle Cleansing Conditioner

2. As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner

3. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser

4. Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Co-Wash Cleaning Conditioner

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