Taking care of curly hair isn’t always easy. It takes time, a bit of trial and error, and some patience. Most of us just want to keep our curls soft, defined, and healthy, without making things complicated.
You might’ve come across the term “co-washing.” It’s short for conditioner washing, and it’s a method a lot of curly-haired folks swear by.
Learning how to co-wash curly hair can help you avoid dryness, reduce frizz, and keep your scalp in better shape.
It’s not about throwing out shampoo completely, but knowing when and how to co-wash can make a real difference in your routine.
What Is Co-Washing & What to Look for?
Co-washing is short for “conditioner washing.” Instead of using shampoo, you wash your hair with conditioner. Sounds a little strange at first, but for curly hair, it can be a game-changer.
The idea is simple: you skip the harsh stuff and use something more gentle to clean and moisturize simultaneously.
Shampoo, especially the kind with sulfates, can strip natural oils from your scalp and hair.
Curls already tend to be drier than straight hair, so co-washing helps you keep that moisture where it belongs—inside your strands.
But here’s the catch: not just any conditioner will do.
What to Look For in a Good Co-Wash
If you’re learning how to co-wash curly hair, there are a few things to keep in mind when picking the right product and using it:
It should moisturize well. The point of co-washing is to keep your curls soft and hydrated, so look for ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or natural oils (like jojoba or coconut, if your hair likes them).
It should clean your scalp gently. Some co-washes include light cleansing ingredients, like cetearyl alcohol or behentrimonium chloride. These help lift dirt and oil without drying you out.
It shouldn’t build up fast. Avoid heavy silicones or waxes that simply sit on the hair. You want something that rinses clean, especially if you’re not using shampoo often.
Massage matters. Co-washing only works if you work it in. Use your fingertips to gently scrub your scalp and rinse thoroughly. That’s what gets rid of buildup and keeps things fresh.
How to Co-Wash Curly Hair: Step-by-Step
Once you’ve got the right conditioner, it’s time to co-wash properly. Here's how to do it without overcomplicating things:
1. Start with warm water
Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm—not hot—water. Warm water helps loosen dirt and product buildup. It also opens up the hair cuticle slightly, so your conditioner can do its job better. Take your time here. A good rinse sets the stage.
2. Apply conditioner to your hair, not your scalp
Unless the conditioner is made for co-washing or says it has mild cleansing ingredients, skip your scalp. Most regular conditioners aren’t made to clean it, and using them on your scalp can cause buildup over time.
Instead, focus on the lengths of your hair, midshaft to ends. That’s where you usually need the moisture most.
3. If your conditioner can cleanse, massage it in
Some co-wash products are designed to clean as well as hydrate. If you’re using one of those, it’s okay to gently massage it into your scalp with your fingertips (not nails). Take a couple of minutes. This helps lift any oil or dirt while boosting circulation.
4. Detangle while the conditioner is in
Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle. Start from the ends and work your way up. The conditioner will give you enough slip to make this part easier and reduce breakage.
5. Let it sit for a few minutes
Leave the conditioner in for about 3 to 5 minutes so your hair can soak in the moisture. If you’re short on time, even 2 minutes is better than nothing.
6. Rinse thoroughly with cool water
Finish with a cool rinse. Cool water helps seal the hair cuticle, which can make your curls look shinier and feel smoother. Make sure you rinse all the conditioner out, especially from your scalp, if you applied it there.
How Often Should You Co-Wash Curly Hair?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. It depends on a few things, like what your scalp needs, how often you style, and what kind of shampoo (if any) you use between washes.
Start with your shampoo routine
If you use a sulfate-free shampoo once a week or less, co-washing in between can help maintain moisture without stripping your curls. But if you're using a stronger shampoo regularly, you might not need to co-wash as often.
Think about your scalp
Is your scalp usually dry and sensitive? Or oily and itchy by day three? If it leans dry, you can co-wash more often—every 2 to 4 days works for many people.
But if you deal with scalp buildup or irritation, it’s best to space it out or use a gentle clarifying shampoo once in a while.
Listen to your hair
Curly hair often gives clear signs when something’s off. If your curls feel limp, greasy, or heavy, you might be overdoing it—or using the wrong kind of conditioner. If they feel dry and frizzy, co-washing more often might help.
Lifestyle counts too
Workout daily? Live somewhere hot and humid? You might want to co-wash more often to keep your scalp feeling fresh. On the other hand, if your hair doesn’t get dirty quickly, once a week might be enough.
Can I Co-Wash Curly Hair Extensions?
Yes, you can co-wash curly hair extensions—but there are a few things to watch out for.
First, check what kind of extensions you have. If they’re made from human hair, co-washing can help keep them soft, defined, and long-lasting.
Just like with your natural curls, co-washing adds moisture without drying them out.
But here’s the key: be gentle. Extensions don’t produce natural oils like your scalp does, so they don’t need frequent washing. Over-washing, even with conditioner, can wear them out faster.
A few quick tips:
- Use a sulfate-free, lightweight conditioner—something that adds moisture but doesn’t leave buildup.
- Avoid applying directly to the base or wefts, especially if the extensions are sewn in or glued. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Detangle carefully with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner is in. Start from the bottom and work up.
- Rinse well with cool or lukewarm water. Leftover product can cause a buildup or odor.
Co-washing works best on curly extensions that mimic natural textures, like afro kinky or deep wave types. Just don’t skip the occasional deep cleanse if the hair starts to feel heavy or coated.
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