What is a Co-Wash? 5 Tips for Co-Wash Beginners

Are you familiar with co-washing? It's a cool hair cleansing method that's becoming more and more popular among people with curly or textured hair. Let us break it down for you and then give you some tips to help you get started.

So, co-washing is all about washing your hair with conditioner instead of regular shampoo. Yup, you heard us right - conditioner! Why, you ask? Well, traditional shampoos often contain harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture, leaving it dry and damaged. Co-washes, on the other hand, are formulated with gentler cleansers and moisturizing ingredients that help to hydrate and nourish your hair while cleansing it. Pretty cool, right?

Co-washing is especially great for those with curly or textured hair, as it helps to retain moisture and natural oils that can be easily stripped away by regular shampoo. Plus, co-washes are usually free of sulfates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals that can damage hair, making them a gentler alternative to traditional shampoo.

But before you jump on the co-washing bandwagon, it's important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone. If you have oily hair or a buildup of product, you may still need to use a traditional shampoo to fully cleanse your hair. But if you're looking for a way to cleanse your hair without stripping away its natural oils, co-washing could be a great option for you.

So there you have it - co-wash in a nutshell! Give it a try and see if it works for you. Who knows, you might just fall in love with this new, gentle way of washing your hair.

Getting Started with Co-Washing

It’s probably no surprise that co-washing is a totally new way to clean your hair for many of our customers. Only 4% of individuals from our Custom Control Haircare quiz tell us that they’ve used a co-wash before. And while this innovative, low-foam formula will transform your routine and deliver the best hair of your life, you should know some things to ensure you’re getting the most out of your wash.

Ready to get started? Here’s 5 tips for co-wash newbies:

1. Choose the right co-wash product for your hair type

There are various types of co-washes available in the market, and each one is designed for different hair types. Be sure to choose a product that suits your hair type and addresses your specific hair concerns. With Geologie’s Custom Control Haircare quiz, we’ll help you find the right formula for your hair type. Whether you have straight, wavy or curly hair one of our two formulas will help you reduce the need for constant washing so you can get that naturally moisturized, frizz free hair.

2. Use enough product

Unlike regular shampoos, co-washes need to be used generously to ensure that they effectively cleanse and hydrate your hair. Don't be afraid to use more product than you would with regular shampoo. Add water with fingertips to activate and gently massage for 1 minute. Let sit for 1 minute more to nourish your scalp and moisturize your hair fully.

Pro Tip: For a deeper clean use a bit more co-wash, activate it with more water and massage for 2 minutes or more before rinsing.

Bonus Tip: Our biodegradable, eco-friendly packaging is purposely designed to sharply reduce plastic waste. 

3. Focus on your scalp

Co-washes are designed to cleanse your hair without stripping it of its natural oils, so be sure to focus on your scalp when applying the product. Massage your scalp with your fingertips to ensure that the co-wash is evenly distributed. The protein-rich formula repairs and rebuilds hair structure while moisturizing your skin, scalp and hair.   

4. Rinse co-wash out thoroughly

Co-washes can leave a residue if not rinsed out thoroughly. Take the time to rinse your hair thoroughly to ensure that all the product is removed from your hair.

5. Follow up with a conditioner 

While co-washes can be great for cleansing and conditioning your hair, they may not provide enough moisture for some hair types. Follow up with a conditioner to ensure that your hair is adequately moisturized and nourished. Don’t know where to start? Try the Geologie Strengthening Conditioner with Rice Protein + Avocado.

If you aren’t interested in taking a hair quiz to get started, check out Geologie’s best selling co-wash: Smoothing Avocado + Coconut Oil Co-Wash