How to Co Wash Curly Hair
Naturally curly hair is dryer than all other hair textures.
The curls and coils prevent natural oils from traveling down the hair shaft to keep it nourished and hydrated. In an attempt to combat dryness, co-washing became popular in the curl community.
If you want to learn how to incorporate a co-wash into your hair regimen, check out these tips.
What is co-washing?
Co-wash or "conditioner washing" is when you cleanse your hair using a specially formulated cream cleanser. A co-wash removes build up and cleanse the hair without the lathering of harsh sulfates and parabens, typically found in shampoo.
The Volume conditioner uses bentonite clay to deeply clean the scalp, remove dead skin cells and other toxins. It also strengthens the hair and prevents hair loss by penetrating the hair shaft with nutrients and essential amino acids.
What are the benefits?
Co-washing helps retain moisture in the hair which leads to better curl definition, less frizz and more manageability.
If you color your hair, co-washing can also help maintain your color. Frequent shampooing can strip hair color causing it to fade quickly. A co-wash will keep your color looking fresh and vibrant for longer.
What are the drawbacks?
The number one risk of co-washing is product buildup. Shampoos contain ingredients that are strong enough to break down heavy hair products, dirt and oil that builds up on the hair and scalp. If left untreated, product build up can lead to dryness, flaking and hair breakage.
Co-washing is not recommended for people who suffer from scalp conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. These conditions can actually worsen because co-wash products are not enough to break down flakes and excessive oil. This can result in scalp itchiness and irritation.
How to co-wash curly hair
How often you co-wash your hair is a matter of preference. It really depends on your own hair's specific needs.
If you are live an active lifestyle and sweat a lot, I recommend co-washing once a week in between wash days to refresh your hair. It's a good idea to counteract this with a clarifying shampoo such as the Volume shampoo once a week to remove build up from the hair and scalp.
Scrub your scalp - When you co-wash your curly hair you want to make sure to really spend a few minutes thoroughly massaging the scalp. Friction form your finger pads will help loosen any dirt and oil to really get your scalp clean.
Double wash - Cleanse and repeat. The first cleanse is what removes dirt, toxins and pollution from the hair and the second hydrates.
Detangle to distribute - Use this time to finger detangle your hair in the shower while you apply your co-wash. You can also use a wide tooth comb to detangle. Doing so helps distribute the co-wash to evenly saturate and moisturize your hair.
Pump up the volume! Essential amino acids provide easy and complete absorption of nutrients into hair’s innermost layers. Cleanse and rebuild each strand to a visibly fuller, lighter, and glossier finish, for hair that resists shedding, breakage and is larger than life!
Sulfate and Paraben Free.
The Benefits:
•QUINOA PROTEIN: penetrates the hair shaft plumping each strand to maximum fullness.
•BENTONITE CLAY: plumps, strengthens and protects hair.
How to Use:
SHAMPOO: Wet hair and lather from roots to ends. Rinse. CONDITIONER: After cleansing with shampoo, apply evenly from roots to ends. Leave in for 3-5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Reset your hair and scalp with our Volume Shampoo. This clarifying shampoo is powered with bentonite clay to gently pull out buildup, impurities, and excess oils — giving your scalp a “facial” while leaving your hair soft, clean, and hydrated. Unlike harsh clarifiers, it removes product residue without stripping your hair, making it the perfect first step for healthy, thriving strands.
Features:
Deeply cleanses scalp and hair to remove buildup and impurities
Infused with bentonite clay for a detoxifying yet moisturizing cleanse
Leaves hair light, fresh, and weightless — never dry or brittle
Creates the perfect foundation for blowouts, silk presses, or protective styles
Works beautifully on all textures, especially fine hair that gets weighed down easily
Benefits:
Your scalp feels refreshed and balanced, not tight or dry
Helps curls, blowouts, and silk presses last longer by starting on a clean base
Lightweight formula makes it safe for weekly use
Pairs perfectly with the Moisture Shampoo for the ultimate cleanse + hydration routine
Think of the Volume Shampoo as your reset button, the one step that ensures your hair is clean, healthy, and ready to shine.
What’s inside:
•QUINOA PROTEIN: penetrates the hair shaft plumping each strand to maximum fullness.
•BENTONITE CLAY: plumps, strengthens and protects hair.
How to Use:
SHAMPOO: Wet hair and lather from roots to ends. Rinse.
CONDITIONER: After cleansing with shampoo, apply evenly from roots to ends. Leave in for 3-5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.