What Is Co-Washing? Co-Washing Tips For Healthier Hair

If your hair has been feeling dry, frizzy, or downright rebellious, it might be time to rethink your washing routine.

Enter co-washing — the hair care method that’s been stealing the spotlight for its ability to cleanse without stripping your strands of their natural oils.

But what exactly is co-washing, and why are so many people ditching shampoo for co-washing hair? Let’s find out if this method is right for you.

What Is Co-Washing?

Co-washing hair, short for “conditioner washing,” is the practice of cleansing your hair with conditioner instead of traditional shampoo, also known as conditioner only washing. It sounds a little wild, right?

After all, we’ve been trained to believe that shampoo is the only way to get clean hair. 

But here’s the catch: many shampoos are packed with sulfates and other harsh detergents that can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage.

Think of sulfates as that overachieving friend who shows up to every party and takes it too far. Sure, they clean your scalp — but at what cost? Your hair ends up feeling brittle, frizzy, and parched.

When you co wash hair, you are essentially co washed, meaning you use conditioner instead of shampoo to cleanse your hair and scalp. 

What Should You Use Instead?

With co-washing, you skip the sudsy stuff altogether. Instead, you use a cleansing conditioner — or just a regular conditioner — to gently cleanse and maintain your hair while keeping moisture locked in.

This makes co-washing a go-to method for people with curly, oily, or dry hair types who crave hydration without the harsh aftermath of traditional shampoos.

Co-washes are specifically formulated for these hair types - allowing you to keep your hair clean without having to strip natural oils from your entire scalp.

Think of it this way: Conditioner is the responsible friend who hydrates, smooths and keeps things calm and collected.

Benefits of Co-Washing

If you’re wondering why someone would swap their trusty shampoo for a conditioner-only routine, here’s the tea — co-washing has some serious benefits.

Many co-wash products contain conditioning agents and oils, which help to moisturize and condition the hair.

Co-washing helps retain the hair's natural oils, keeping your hair hydrated and healthy-looking.

1. Keeps Hair Moisturized

Traditional shampoos that contain harsh ingredients can strip your scalp of natural oils, leaving your hair feeling like straw. The right conditioner will help retain those oils, keeping your hair hydrated and healthy-looking. 

This is especially important for people with curly or textured hair, which naturally tends to be drier.

Hydrated hair doesn’t just look better — it’s stronger, more resilient, and less prone to breakage. Who doesn’t want that?

2. Reduces Frizz

More moisture equals less frizz. If you’ve ever fought with flyaways or unruly curls, co-washing might be your new best friend. 

By maintaining your hair’s natural oils, co-washing smooths out the frizz and makes styling easier.

No one wants to spend hours wrestling with their hair every morning. Co-washing can help make your hair more manageable, saving you time and frustration.

3. Enhances Curl Definition for Curly Hair

For those rocking curls or coils, co-washing can bring out your hair’s natural shape and definition. Moisturized curls are happy curls, and co-washing can help them spring to life.

If you’ve been struggling with limp or undefined curls, co-washing with a moisturizer conditioner bar might be the solution you’ve been looking for. It’s like giving your hair a big ol’ drink of water — it’ll thank you by looking its best.

4. Gentler on Your Hair

Because you’re skipping the harsh detergents found in most liquid shampoos, co-washing is much gentler on your hair. 

This makes it a great option for anyone with damaged or color-treated hair who wants to preserve their hair’s health. It's a healthy balance between a deeper cleanse and keeping healthy hair.

When you color your hair, the last thing you want is for your pricey dye job to fade after just a few washes. Co-washing can help extend the life of your color by keeping your hair’s natural oils intact.

How to Co-Wash Your Hair (Without Making a Mess of It)

Wondering how to properly co-wash your hair and ready to give it a try? Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing it right.

Step 1: Choose the Right Conditioner

Not all conditioners are created equal when it comes to co-washing. You’ll want to pick one that’s free from silicones. Why? Because silicones can build up on your hair, weighing it down and making it look greasy.

Instead, look for products with natural emollients like shea butter, proteins like rice protein, and humectants like honeyquat to keep your hair nourished. 

Bonus points if you use a solid conditioner bar to cut down on plastic waste.

Step 2: Wet Your Hair Thoroughly

Start by wetting your hair completely. You want your strands to be drenched before you leave in the conditioner. 

Having wet hair helps the conditioner spread more evenly and ensures that every strand gets some love. It also helps you massage the conditioner in with less friction.

Step 3: Apply Conditioner to Your Scalp

Massage a generous amount of conditioner into your scalp. Don’t be shy — this step is how you get rid of dirt and prevent buildup. 

Use your fingertips to really work it in. Think of it as giving yourself a mini scalp massage.

Step 4: Distribute Through the Lengths

Once your scalp is clean, work the conditioner through the rest of your hair, paying extra attention to the ends, which are typically the driest part. 

A perfect co-wash isn't complete without the use of a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to make sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 5: Rinse Well

Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the conditioner. If you have dry or curly hair, you can leave a little conditioner behind for extra moisture. 

Co-washing for curly hair or dry hair can require more conditioner than usual. Just be sure it’s not too much — you don’t want your hair to feel greasy.

Step 6: Repeat as Needed

Depending on your hair type, you may want to co-wash a few times a week or alternate with a gentle shampoo to avoid buildup. Listen to your hair and adjust your routine accordingly.

Who Should Consider Co-Washing? A Guide for Different Hair Types

Not sure if co-washing is right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown of who benefits the most.

• Curly, Coily, or Wavy Hair: These hair types thrive on moisture, and co-washing can help keep curls and coily hair hydrated and defined.
• Dry or Damaged Hair: If your hair feels like it needs a drink of water, co-washing can help restore moisture.
• Color-Treated Hair: Co-washing can help preserve your color by keeping your hair’s natural oils intact. Choose shampoo bars for color-treated hair to keep your hair and its color healthy.
• Caution for Fine or Oily Hair: Co-washing can sometimes cause buildup if your hair is naturally oily. If that’s the case, you might want to alternate between co-washing and using a sulfate-free shampoo.
• Straight Hair: Individuals with fine or straight hair may find co-washing ineffective as it can leave their hair looking weighed down or greasy. We recommend traditional shampooing methods for these hair types.

Potential Drawbacks of Co-Washing

While co-washing has its perks, it’s not without its downsides. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Product Buildup

If you’re only using conditioner, your scalp may not get as clean as it would with shampoo. This can lead to buildup over time. 

To combat this, try incorporating a clarifying shampoo like HiBAR Maintain Formula every two to four weeks to prevent product buildup. Adding this to your co-wash routine can keep your hair both healthy and clean.

Scalp Health

If you have scalp issues like dandruff, you might need a stronger cleanser to keep your scalp healthy. A lightweight formula might be too weak to clean your hair properly.

Co-washing alone may not be enough, so it's important to balance it with a traditional hair washing routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Any Conditioner for Co-Washing?

Not exactly. It’s best to use conditioners that are specifically formulated for co-washing, as using only conditioners can lead to buildup. 

These co-washing conditioners are designed to cleanse the hair while maintaining moisture balance.

How Often Should I Co-Wash My Hair?

The frequency of co-washing depends on your hair type and personal preference. Some people opt to co-wash their hair every few days, while others do it once a week. 

Incorporating co-washing into your hair care routine can help maintain natural moisture levels and prevent damage.

If you are co-styling with your hair stylist, ask them how often you should be co-washing your hair. It's always best to check so that you don't overdo it and end up with damaged hair!

Will Co-Washing Make My Hair Greasy?

It can — if you’re not doing it right. Co-washing can lead to greasy hair if you use the wrong products or don’t rinse thoroughly. 

Make sure you’re using a lightweight, silicone-free conditioner and that you’re giving your scalp a good scrub.

Wrap-up on Co-Washing

Co-washing is more than just a trendy hair care hack — it’s a method that can truly transform how your hair looks and feels. 

By skipping shampoo and opting for conditioner-only washes, you can maintain your hair’s natural oils, reduce frizz, and enhance curl definition. 

Just remember, co-washing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Consider your hair type and needs before making the switch, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you. 

And hey, if you’re going to co-wash, why not try a conditioner bar from HiBAR? Your hair (and the planet) will thank you!