If you have type 4 hair (i.e., coil-y or zigzagged, if you’re unclear about your curl type), you’ve probably been subscribing to the co-wash or cleansing-conditioner life for years. But if you’re new to the natural-curl game or just fed up with your coarse, thick waves or curls feeling dry, undefined, and, well, blah, there’s a good chance it’s time to swap your shampoo for a co-wash (or “no poo,” as it’s often called).

And if you’re still completely confused as to WTF co-washing is, why it’s better than shampoo, and how to actually co-wash your hair, don’t freak—I’ve spent years obsessively researching everything there is to know about co-washing my own 3a curls, and now, I bestow this knowledge onto you.

Co-washing (aka conditioner-only washing, aka no-poo) is when you—yup—use only conditioner to rinse your hair and cleanse your scalp. Unless you’re already slathering oils and butters on your hair every day, the idea of massaging conditioner through your roots can sound positively insane. But wavy-curly, curly, and coil-y hair need moisture (usually way more than you realize), and co-washing your hair with conditioner rather than a harsh, sulfate-filled shampoo (THE DEVIL) will soften and hydrate it instead of stripping it. 

And since oil has the power to break down oil, your co-wash will effectively dissolve scalp oils and cleanse your hair, leaving you with fresh and grease-free locks, without that dreaded day-20 greasy look. shudders The only catch: You'll need to dedicate a solid 60 seconds to massaging the co-wash into your scalp and another 60 seconds for a thorough rinse (seriously—count those seconds, sing a song, do whatever it takes, just make sure to give your scalp some extra TLC). It might take a few attempts to get it right, but trust me, the results are totally worth it.

Yes, you can, but some conditioners are better formulated specifically to cleanse your scalp versus just moisturize it. If it’s specifically called a cleansing conditioner or a co-wash, it’s more likely to be filled with super-gentle, surfactant-like ingredients that help break down oils to give you a cleaner feeling. That said, the conditioner you “should” use totally depends on one thing: your hair type.


If you have fine and/or normal-to-low-porosity waves or curls (not sure <a href="https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a28408775/hair-porosity-curls/">WTF your porosity is</a>? Don’t worry—<a href="https://www.curlsbot.com/porosity">there’s a quiz</a>), you should try a semi-lightweight co-wash, like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BIWZ0JA?ots=1&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;tag=cosmopolitan_auto-append-20&amp;ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10049.a.56230%5Bsrc%7Cwww.cosmopolitan.com%5Bch%7C%5Blt%7Csale%5Bpid%7Cca55bde1-0bce-42b7-a896-ca775e5a0238">Live Clean Apple Cider Refresh Conditioner</a>, which contains fewer oils to weigh your hair down. And if your hair is <a href="https://www.curlsbot.com/high-porosity">highly porous</a>
 (usually hair that’s color-treated or chemically processed or 
ultra-dry, type 4 hair), go with a co-wash that’s a bit richer, like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EV6T974?ots=1&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;tag=cosmopolitan_auto-append-20&amp;ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10049.a.56230%5Bsrc%7Cwww.cosmopolitan.com%5Bch%7C%5Blt%7Csale%5Bpid%7Cf0ec7fd4-d870-4455-acd2-6eb6d4b4ab2d">Shea Moisture Curl Moisture Co-Wash</a> (still semi lightweight but ultra hydrating). Or just try co-washing with your usual conditioner and see how you feel—there isn’t an exact science, only moisture, moisture, and more moisture.

<br>The&nbsp; Best Co-Washes for Your Hair Type:

AYURVEDIC DEEP CONDITIONER - AMARI HAIR CARE 

It’ll low-key give you the best hair of your life.

read more