Why You Should Shampoo Less, Condition More + Co-Washing

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Inside: Ready to transform your curly mane into a crown of glory? Discover why shampooing less, conditioning more, and embracing the magic of co-washing could be your secret weapons for achieving healthier, happier, and more radiant curls.

When you look in the mirror, do you see a crown of glorious curls, or are you greeted by frizz and dryness that’s more akin to a lion’s mane? (I mean, lions are amazing and everything but…)

If it’s the latter, then you’re in luck because I’ve got some fantastic tips to help you tame that mane and flaunt your curly hair in all its natural glory.

Our focus today? Shampooing less and conditioning more!

Shampoo Less & Condition More is step 3 in our Beginner Series:

Adjust Your Routine: The Key to Hydration

If you’re like me, you’ve probably grown up thinking that washing your hair daily is the ticket to cleanliness and health.

While this may hold some truth for our straight-haired sisters, it’s not the best approach for us curlies. Why, you ask? Well, it’s all about those natural oils.

Your scalp produces oils, which are meant to travel down your hair shaft, moisturizing and nourishing your locks along the way.

But the nature of curly hair makes it difficult for these oils to navigate their twists and turns, often leaving your curls high and dry.

Shampooing too often strips away these hard-to-come-by oils, leaving your curls thirsty for moisture.

So, what do we do? We adjust our routine! Instead of lathering up daily, try shampoo only once or twice a week.

Now, I can hear some of you panicking, “But my hair gets oily,” “I work out every day,” “What about the dirt and grime?”

Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!

We’re not saying you shouldn’t wet your hair or keep your scalp clean – far from it. The goal is to retain moisture.

Every time you wet your hair, condition it. This will help lock in the moisture without stripping away the natural oils.

Co-Washing Is Your Friend: Unlock the Magic of Conditioning

Alright, so now you’re shampooing less, but what about those in-between days? Here’s where an interesting curly hair strategy comes in – co-washing.

Co-washing is essentially conditioner washing. Say what? It means using a cleansing conditioner to wash your hair instead of shampoo.

Cleansing conditioners are specially formulated products that gently cleanse your hair while deeply moisturizing it. They are less harsh than traditional shampoos and are designed to preserve those all-important natural oils.

For many curly gals, co-washing can be an absolute game-changer.

The concept may seem a bit foreign initially, but once you start, you’ll see your hair transform. It will feel more moisturized, look shinier, and your curls will have that bounce and definition that you’ve always dreamed of.

Remember, though, not all cleansing conditioners are created equal. Look for one that’s sulfate-free and made for curly hair.

And, as with any new hair care routine, give your hair some time to adjust. You may not see changes overnight, but stick with it, and you’ll start to notice the difference.

Here are a few highly rated co-washing products for you to check out:

• Tea Tree Lavender Min Cowash
• tgin Quench 3-in-1 Co-Wash Conditioner
• MopTop Cowash Cleansing Conditioner

Do I Co-Wash?

As with every tip I share on Fearless Curls, I want to remind you that we are all different. What works for me might not work for you, and vice versa.

But on the other hand, you and I might have very similar curl types and hair. So, I’ll be sure to share my curly hair routine.

Do I co-wash? Short answer…no.

At the beginning of my natural curl journey, I followed every tip I could get. Co-washing was one of those.

But I quickly found out it wasn’t for me. I personally prefer curls with a lot more volume and less definition. I like the way it looks on me. Co-washing did not give me the look I wanted.

So while I do shampoo less often and only shampoo my roots, I don’t skip the shampoo and opt to wash with a cleansing conditioner.

I wash my roots with shampoo once or twice a week and follow up with conditioning the ends.

Need More Hydration Tips?

If you’re looking for even more tips on how to give your hair the hydration it needs, especially if you’re in the beginning stages or embracing your natural curls, check out our in-depth article: Hair Hydration 101.

What’s next up in our beginner series? It’s all about choosing the right products!