Is there a product that finds the right balance to clean your hair without stripping it of natural oils while providing moisture for your scalp? In other words, is there something that replaces the need for shampoo and conditioner? There is — it’s called co-wash.
Here’s why co-wash is a game-changer for hair: The scalp produces more oil per square inch than your regular skin because hair follicles produce sebum. It’s like a geyser up there — that’s how oily hair happens, and that’s why people think shampoo is a solution. But shampoo can actually strip your hair and scalp of essential moisturizers.
Enter co-wash, a 2-3x per week hair cleanse that gives you a natural look without stripping your hair of essential oils. We call it an anti-shampoo — great for the scalp, great for the hair.
Read on for why it’s the key to you becoming the boss of your own hair.
In this article you’ll learn:
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What is co-wash?
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What are the benefits of co-wash?
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Do you use co-wash with shampoo?
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Why is co-wash better than shampoo?
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How often do you use co-wash?
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If your hair type is right for a co-wash.
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How to use co-wash.
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Do you use a conditioner after a Co-wash?
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Can you co-wash every day?
What is co-wash?
Soft, smooth, frizz free hair starts with a healthy scalp and balanced moisture. Co-wash is a low-foam wash that nourishes your scalp and cleans your hair without stripping it of its good, natural oils.
Custom Control Hair Care co-wash is not shampoo, and it’s not conditioner, it’s co-wash — “COntrol wash.”
We use natural oils, moisturizing squalane, strengthening rice protein and vitamin B5 to deliver everything your hair needs in one super wash — ideal for daily use and great for all hair types and color-safe.
What are the benefits of co-wash?
The benefits of cowash include:
- Cleans hair without stripping. Formulated without harsh ingredients like sulfates. Therefore, it doesn’t strip your hair of its natural, good oils.
- Richly conditions
- Allows you to extend time between washes.
- It helps clean the scalp, with Squalane, a key scalp moisturizer, which promotes healthy hair growth by preventing breakage and protecting it from further damage.
- Adds luster and shine. Vitamin B5 (sometimes referred to as panthenol) seals in moisture to follicles, which helps prevent dryness. This ingredient provides conditioning benefits like intense moisture, shine and softness without layering on greasy oils.
- Makes hair more manageable – minimizes frizz and tangle — and gives you more control.
- Save money by using just one product.
Do you use co-wash with shampoo?
Many people like to use both in their routine — for great scalp health, you can co-wash regularly and use your traditional shampoo/conditioner every week or so.
The point is you’re in control. Let your hair and scalp decide the right rhythm. If you really want consistently frizz-free and manageable hair, Same for if you're really into scalp care, because co-wash can offer natural oils and moisturizers.
However, if your hair is not super dry and you’re only washing twice a week, more frequent shampooing might be better for you. Hair colorists and stylists who advocate for co-washes say there is a time for one versus the other.
Bottom line: Pay attention to your scalp health and it’ll yield great hair health. For some people, co-washing can replace shampooing — we call it an “anti-shampoo” — or a person might alternate between the two.
Why is co-wash better than shampoo?
The co-wash vs. shampoo debate is a popular one. Here’s the deal: You're not supposed to shampoo your hair every day. Shampoo traps oils, so if you do it too frequently, you may dry your hair out, leaving it prone to breakage.
And then there’s this: sometimes shampoos and conditioners can feel really heavy and weigh down your hair; sometimes people complain that shortly after washing, they already feel greasy. This can sometimes be due to the extra weight of heavy shampoos and conditioner. Also, not everybody rinses the product completely out of their hair, which leads to buildup.
Hair produces natural oil called sebum, and shampoo is an emulsifier that captures and traps excess oil, dirt, and product residue, which you then rinse out to clean the hair. For the most part, some dirt is OK and natural -- and you definitely want some oils to remain in your hair.
Co-wash won’t strip all the oils from your hair, but will clean oil, dirt and product residue while conditioning the scalp.
How often do you use co-wash?
Co-wash can be used daily. To maintain control of your hair, you can modify how much you use and how long you use it. Remember, it's a cleanser, so you should use it as frequently as you would a shampoo.
Remember, there are no standard, scientific guidelines for choosing the right way to wash hair. Some people co-wash daily or only a few times per week or month. The best option depends on your hair type and personal preference.
Is my hair type right for a cowash?
Co-wash is great for all hair types because it allows the user to be in control. It's a favorite method for those with curly hair, while dry/damaged hair types, and mixed-textured will take to co-washing especially well.
How do I use co-wash?
Get hair wet and coat evenly with co-wash from scalp to ends. Add water with fingertips to activate and gently massage for one minute. Let sit for one minute more to nourish your scalp and moisturize your hair fully. Rinse clean.
For a deeper clean, use a bit more co-wash, activate it with more water and massage for 2 minutes or more before rinsing.
How long do you leave co-wash in?
It's easier to work in sections to make sure that you're getting a thorough cleaning. This step should take about three to five minutes—don't rush it, as you want to leave the co-wash on for long enough that it really works, much like you should let regular hair conditioner sit on your hair for a bit.
Do you use a conditioner after a Co-wash?
Our co-wash contains moisturizing squalane and natural oils that condition the hair while gently cleansing. This cleansing method can save time because a rinse-out conditioner is often not needed after co-washing.
Can you co-wash every day?
It’s generally suggested to co-wash two to three times per week. If your hair is highly dehydrated, more co-washing is better than less. Wetting and conditioning your hair won't harm it.
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Tired of shampoo that dries your hair and gives you more frizz than you need? Looking for more control of your hair? Say goodbye to bad hair days with Geologie's Custom Control Haircare. It's not shampoo, and it's not conditioner. It's a refreshing and cooling low foam co-wash designed to clean and care for your hair AND scalp.
Check out Custom Control Haircare here.
