tip hairstyler

Closely related to the CWC (that is, condition-wash-condition), the CO wash is something that I do on an almost weekly basis. CO simply stands for ‘conditioner only’, and it means exactly that: skipping the usual shampoo and going straight to the conditioner. It may sound strange but there’s method to this madness: first of all, it gives my hair an often much-needed conditioning boost, and second of all, it provides a quick clean without the need for a proper shampoo.

Maintain your hair's vitality by not over-washing it.

But how can a conditioner clean the hair? It’s a fair question, and the answer is in a chemical analysis of the conditioner’s content. You see, most conditioners actually contain enough cleansing properties – or surfactants – to give the hair a decent clean, without needing the much harsher cleansers found within your average shampoo. While you wouldn’t want to give up shampooing completely, you can easily substitute it with a CO wash every two to three washes and still have glossy, clean hair. Simply use the conditioner as you would a shampoo - massage it into your scalp, run the product through to the ends of your hair with your hands, and rinse well.

The main benefit of the CO wash is reducing the frequency of your shampooing, without having your scalp become oily. I find that it’s the ideal wash for when I need to put my hair up in a style that requires second-day hair: the CO wash allows for extra manageability, while still looking as though it’s been freshly shampooed and conditioned. Give it a go sometime and see how it works for you. If your hair’s anything like mine (long, with a tendency to be dry), you may just find that the CO wash becomes a regular and valued part of your hair care routine.