Have you ever thought about washing your hair using only conditioner? Well, while it may seem absurd to some, it is actually the trend of the moment: cowashing.
The word "cowash" comes from "conditioner only wash." It seems to be the turning point for oily hair. How is this possible?
It is a system that allows you to wash your hair without using shampoo, which means that those who have oily hair and need to wash it often do not run the risk of damaging it.
What is cowash and how do you do it?
As we have already mentioned, cowash is a technique that allows you to clean your hair using only two products: conditioner and sugar. It is inexpensive and particularly suitable for people who have oily and fine hair and who have oily or dry dandruff on the scalp.
It is the optimal solution for those who need to wash their hair frequently but do not want to weaken it with shampoos containing harsh surfactants.
Cowash does not contain chemicals like commercial shampoos, does not attack the scalp, and does not make hair even greasier. On the contrary, the presence of sugar combined with the conditioner provides a scrub for the scalp, a deep exfoliation that removes dandruff and impurities and directly stimulates cell renewal.
What do you need to perform a cowash?
You need:
A sufficient amount of conditioner, depending on the volume and length of your hair.
A small cup of sugar.
The most appropriate is brown sugar, which should not be unrefined, otherwise it takes too long to dissolve.
Mix these two ingredients well until you get a smooth cream.
Wet your hair with water that is not too hot and begin applying the mixture over your entire head, using circular motions with your fingertips, not your nails. Continue applying the product to the lengths and ends.
When you can no longer feel the sugar with your fingers, rinse thoroughly with water to completely remove the mixture.
The conditioner must be removed perfectly from the roots, otherwise, when you go to dry your hair, it will appear greasy and heavy.
To finish the wash, it is important to perform an acid rinse. The final rinse should be done with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water. An acid rinse helps all hair types, not just oily hair, to be shinier, less greasy, healthy, dandruff-free, and strong.
You can also add a few essential oils to the mixture, which will give your hair a pleasant scent.
When should you cowash?
It is ideal:
In the summer, when your hair is washed more often due to salt, sweat, and chlorine.
If you go to the gym or the swimming pool and have to wash your hair frequently.
After using herbal hair dyes; it is highly recommended in this case to use a cowash, as it is less aggressive than shampoo, so the color lasts longer.
If you have oily or dry hair.
Cowashing is always recommended, except in cases where the scalp has dermatitis, psoriasis, or itching. In this case, the exfoliating power of the compound can cause further irritation, which is why it is better to avoid it.
Cowash and oily hair
As mentioned above, cowash is particularly suitable for oily hair. It is an excellent way to clean hair perfectly and keep it clean for longer.
To make the mixture more effective against the problem of oily hair, you can add baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or lemon, which will absorb excess sebum and make your hair clean and shiny.
To the basic recipe, simply add:
o a tablespoon of baking soda,
a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar,
or a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Washing and drying hair
Cowash is a washing product that is particularly suitable not only for people with oily hair but also for those with dry and brittle hair. To the basic recipe, simply add a few precious ingredients that will nourish your hair and strengthen it from the root:
1 small spoonful of honey
1 teaspoon of aloe vera
The mixture should be applied to the entire head of hair and left to act for at least 5 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Why use a conditioner?
Conditioners are preferable because, unlike shampoos, they contain milder surfactants and in smaller doses. The lower the amount of surfactants, the less they can damage the hair's hydrolipidic barrier.
How do I choose my cowash conditioner?
When choosing a conditioner for cleaning oily hair with cowash, read the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) carefully. Choose one that is not too harsh and does not contain too many chemicals.