Washing your relaxed hair can be a tricky process. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced stylist, knowing how to co-wash is essential for keeping your locks looking their best.
So, if you’re ready to learn the ropes of this time-honored tradition, pull up a chair and let’s get started! Co-washing relaxed hair isn’t just about lathering up with any old shampoo—it’s an art form that requires patience and precision.
Preparing Hair
Before you start, take some minutes to prepare your tresses for the conditioning process.
Make sure that your relaxed hair is free of knots and tangles by brushing it out with a wide-toothed comb. This will help ensure that your washing experience is as smooth and successful as possible.
To further protect your curls from damage, massage some coconut oil into them before washing.
Avoid using hot water; it strips away essential oils from the scalp and relaxers from the hair shaft, leaving you with dry, brittle locks. Instead, opt for warm water, which should be just enough to open up the cuticles so that they are able to absorb moisture during co-washing.
With these steps taken beforehand, you’re now ready to begin co-washing relaxed hair!
Co-Wash Product
Co-washing is an alternative method of cleansing your relaxed hair that uses natural cleansers instead of the harsh ingredients found in traditional shampoos. A co-wash product is specifically designed for this type of cleansing, as it contains water, natural cleansers, and other special ingredients that gently cleanse your scalp.
When choosing a co-wash product, look out for gentle ingredients which are known to nourish the scalp while still providing effective cleansing. Additionally, make sure the product has no sulfates or parabens, which can be drying on relaxed hair.
Gently Massage
After selecting the perfect co-wash product, be sure to gently massage it for maximum results. Coconut is a great ingredient to look for in a co-washing product, as it has natural oils and proteins that help nourish and condition hair. Cantu Shea Butter’s Curl Co-Wash is an excellent choice for relaxed hair as it helps keep straight styles lasting longer, up to 14 days per style.
Massage the product into your scalp gently with your fingertips; this will help remove any dirt or excess oil while simultaneously stimulating blood flow to the scalp and increasing moisture levels. The use of gentle massage can also promote healthy hair growth by enabling nutrients from the products you’re using to penetrate deeper into the follicles.
Let Sit
Co-washing is a great way to keep relaxed hair hydrated and moisturized without stripping away all of the natural oils.
When you shampoo, it strips away some of those natural oils which are essential for keeping your hair healthy. By co-washing with conditioner only, you’re able to get rid of any dirt or debris while still preserving those natural oils.
After gently massaging the cash into your scalp and throughout your strands, let it sit on your head for some minutes before rinsing it out completely.
Taking time in between steps of your hair care routine is key for ensuring that you’ll get maximum results from each product used.
Thorough Rinsing
Once you’ve let the co-wash sit, it’s important to thoroughly rinse it out of your strands for optimal results. To ensure that your hair is completely cleansed and free from the product, use a generous amount of lukewarm water while running your fingers through your hair.
This will help remove any excess cleansing conditioner and prevent build-up that can lead to dryness and difficulty styling. Make sure to pay attention to the scalp area.
When rinsing, focus on each individual hair strand as opposed to just sections of your head for maximum effectiveness. Doing so will allow the product to be evenly distributed throughout all areas of your scalp and strands.
Leave-In Conditioner
Surprisingly, you can’t just leave your hair to its own devices – it needs a little TLC even after the wash! Luckily, a leave-in conditioner can provide the extra nourishment and hydration that your strands crave.
For best results, apply the conditioner once per week in order to keep your hair moisturized. This process helps to prevent product build-up from harsh chemicals and other residues that can accumulate over time.
Additionally, using a leave-in conditioner has many benefits, such as providing greater protection against breakage and split ends. With regular use of a quality product, you’ll be able to maintain beautiful, healthy relaxed hair for years to come!
Detangle with Comb
After you’ve applied the leave-in conditioner, it’s time to detangle your strands with a comb for maximum hydration and nourishment. Combing through relaxed hair is essential to keep your curls healthy and prevent breakage or damage.
It’s important to use a wide-tooth comb, as this will be gentler on your hair and help separate large clumps of curls without pulling too hard on them. Start from the bottom and go your way up in small sections – this will lessen the amount of stress put on each strand.
Comb slowly and carefully while paying attention to any knots that may occur so they can be gently worked out. Doing this weekly as part of your regular hair care routine leaves your hair clean and free from tangles.
Styling
Co-washing hair is an excellent way to give your locks the cleansing power they need on a daily basis while also providing extra nourishment. By using conditioner instead of shampoo, you’re able to wash and condition your co-washed hair in one step. This helps keep your relaxed hair from becoming too dry or brittle over time.
You should look for products designed for washing that have the added benefit of additional ingredients like aloe and coconut oil, which help hydrate and protect your scalp from further damage. When styling, be sure to use minimal heat on any part of your head so as not to cause further damage to already fragile strands.
Once you’ve finished styling, use a light serum or oil to lock in moisture and shine throughout the day.
Regular Co-Washes
Regularly co-washing helps keep your tresses nourished, hydrated, and protected from further damage. To do so, it’s important to use a moisturizing conditioner designed specifically for relaxed or chemically treated hair.
Using a co-wash routine on relaxed hair can help restore the natural oils lost during the relaxer treatment. For those with oily hair, deep conditioners should be used on occasion to replace lost moisture in addition to regular co-washing.
Moreover, using products that are free of sulfates and other harsh chemicals when co-washing will ensure optimal protection against environmental pollutants and product build-up. Regularly incorporating these elements into your haircare regimen will keep you looking great!
Avoid Harsh Products
To maintain healthy hair, it’s important to avoid using harsh products that can strip your hair of its natural oil. This is particularly important for relaxed hair that has already undergone chemical treatments. Using products specifically designed for chemically-treated hair is also recommended, as they are formulated to nourish and protect your locks and keep them healthy.
Avoid anything with sulfates or other harsh chemicals that can be too drying on already fragile strands. Taking care of relaxed hair requires special attention when selecting the right haircare products to ensure gentle treatment and longer-lasting results.
Investing in quality products made with natural ingredients will help maintain a healthy scalp and give your curls a shiny boost without compromising their integrity.
Conclusion
You’re all set! Co-washing your relaxed hair can be a great way to keep it feeling healthy. To reap the benefits, make sure to use a product specifically designed for co-washing. Massage it and let it sit for several minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Once you’ve rinsed out the product, detangle it with a wide-tooth comb or brush and style it as desired. Don’t forget to do regular co-washes throughout the month. This will keep your hair soft while avoiding harsh products that can cause dryness and damage.
So enjoy the silky smoothness of your relaxed tresses!