Co-Washing Hair: How to Use Cleansing Conditioners

Co-washing hair, a.k.a. “conditioner washing,” is the no-poo approach to cleansing hair that has become increasingly popular with women with naturally curly hair. These early adopters have been saturating and then rinsing their hair with this formula for years. Many love how well it works to rehydrate hair.

Today, these cleansing agents are offered to solve a variety of issues, working its way into your hair care routine in place of traditional shampoo and even dry shampoo. If you’re looking to try out a cleansing conditioner and wondering how you can possibly rely on it, check out three easy ways to use it.

Co-Washing Hair in Three Ways

1. How to Co-Wash Hair

If you’re curious on how to co-wash hair, it’s fairly simple. You can co-wash afro hair, relaxed hair and curly hair! The method is just like your shampoo process: wash, rinse and repeat.

However, instead of using a cleansing conditioner, some people wash with just a conditioner. You can totally opt for this method if you’re looking to just rehydrate your hair with a formula that doesn’t contain any cleansing agents. Conditioners usually instruct you to apply and focus on the tips since the ends are the oldest parts of hair and need much more attention and hydration.

If you’re considering using a cleansing conditioner all you have to do is wet your hair with water to loosen up any dirt, then apply a dollop of cleansing conditioner to your hair and massage it into your scalp. Then, let the low-to-no foaming action work its magic of cleaning and conditioning your strands simultaneously. If your hair falls on the drier end of the spectrum, leave your cleansing conditioner in for a minute or two for a little extra conditioning. Follow up with your conditioner of choice, dry and style as usual. Super easy!

2. Use cleansing conditioner instead of dry shampoo

Let’s face it, we’re all for the in-between hair washing benefits of dry shampoo. However, you really can’t and shouldn’t use it every day. Dry shampoo doesn’t get rid of all of the build-up your hair and scalp accumulates throughout the week, it simply absorbs excess sebum and oil. When it’s time for a wash, it’s time for a wash. But if it seems like you’re due, and don’t think your hair needs a super deep cleanse using a traditional shampoo, you can easily use a cleansing conditioner instead.

Give your hair a gentle cleanse by co-washing with the steps mentioned above. You can use a co-wash like the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Cleansing Conditioner which will remove impurities from hair while taming flyaways.

3. Use cleansing conditioner for added moisture

Whether you’ve got colour-treated hair, keratin-treated hair or thermal conditioning treated hair that’s left you with parched strands, using a cleansing conditioner can help with hydration.

TRESemmé has a cleansing conditioner that will hydrate your hair and nourish it. Try using the TRESemmé Botanic Moisture and Replenish Cleansing Conditioner on your strands.

While you may think to opt for a sulfate-free shampoo, you also have the option of using a cleansing conditioner. Many prefer to go the co-washing route as they favour its low-foaming action.

Pro tip: Co-washing hair doesn’t cancel out shampooing your hair altogether. We’re sure you’ll love the feeling of your hair after using your cleansing conditioner, but be sure to give your hair a thorough cleanse with a shampoo, even it’s only once a month.

We suggest TRESemmé Cleanse & Replenish Shampoo to remove built-up residue without stripping hair of its moisture.

Have you tried a cleansing conditioner? How often do you use it?