Hairapy: Benefits of CoWashing Part II

OK LADIES,

As promised here’s my regimen.

I presently wear half wigs and lace fronts due to the fact I work fulltime, go to school fulltime and although I have long, thick hair- I want to keep it! So these are protective styles. As with any protective style I utilize no heat on my natural hair, I use only products that DO NOT contains petroleum or mineral oil. There are also some silicones that I look out for, as a relaxed lady you MUST in order to maintain healthy hair. I’ll find that list and post it later down the line.

I wash my hair once every two weeks (I find that personally washing my hair TOO much I lose hair) I alternate using shampoo one wash and co-washing the next. When I co-wash I use

Alberto V05 Moisture Milk Conditioner (they have different types, but I tend to use the strawberryncream one)

I simply slowly and carefully detangle my hair, wet, and then massage the conditioner into my hair. I work the conditioner as if it is shampoo, it’s very loose so it’s very easy to do so.

For the first co-wash after massaging I rinse, I put in a little more conditioner then let it sit. Depending on your hair, you may wish to by-pass this step, but again because I have thick hair, I use all the moisture this stuff can suck up. After I let it sit, normally 5-15 mins, I rinse. I squeeze, then lightly pat my hair dry (please remember hair is at it’s most fragile state wet) I spray my towel dried hair with THROWBACK Infusium 23 Provitamin Leave-in Treatment (all varieties except the maximum body cater to relaxed, permed, or color-treated hair)

I don’t soak my hair with it, I just spray enough to ensure that I’ve covered my entire head. I let it sit for a min or 2 then I comb it through, following up with either Herbal Essence Long Term Relationship Leave-In conditioner or Hawaiian Silky 14 N 1 Miracleworker

I seal my hair with 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I will be trying Castor Oil soon) Before my hair air drys I braid it up in two pigtails put on a satin bonnet. In the AM I bobby pin my pigtails and put on a wig cap; if I wear a half wig I do my normal separation in the front, if I wear lace I secure my whole head and do what I gotta do.

As with all regimen’s you learn by trial and error, learn your hair- the healthy way and use the products that give you the desired results.

Hairapy: Benefits of Co-Washing Part I

Have you heard of co-washing? Many relaxed sista’s think this process is detrimental but in all actuality co-washing has many MANY benefits for us ladies who fry, die, and lye our hair down.  

Co washing is washing your hair with a conditioner rather than shampoo. For it to be effective make sure you are using a moisturising conditioner (see pic) not a protein conditioner. A protein conditioner will dry out your hair, doing more harm than good. Look for inexpensive products to wash your hair with because you are going to use a lot. Alberto V05 has a line of Moisture Milks shampoo's and conditioner that are regularly on sale at CVS, WalMart, and even Supermarkets like Giant and Shoppers. roughly around .88 to 1.00 this is what i feel is THE BEST to use, normally it's very Liquidy, very loose which is great for those who wish to co-wash once or twice a week. The bottles are small but do come in 20% more bottles for a lil more change. As with any hair care product it’s very important to read the label and use only those products that you know work on your individual hair.   


Some Tips from the Pro's over at Back Hair Media


Taken From: The Official Co-Washing Thread


Since I see so many posts on co-washing from confused newbies, I thought this post would be helpful.  Also, this would be nice for some of the older members who dislike seeing the same posts asking the same questions about co washing over and over again.

 

Definition: Co-Washing is a technique that entails washing your hair solely with conditioner, this includes massaging the conditioner into your scalp like you would with shampoo as well as putting it on the length of your hair.

Benefits: Moisture, moisture, moisture! As well as softness and added mangeability for new growth

How-To:  Everyone does it differently.  There is really no 'right' way to co-wash.  If you do it differently than someone else, you will not be damaging your hair.  Personally, I let water run over the length of my hair and apply my conditioner in sections so I know that my hair is evenly coated.  I then massage it into my scalp and finger comb it through, which helps with the detangling process later.  Afterwards, I proceed to continue about my activities and rinse it out when I'm about to get out of the shower.

Products: Most of us perfer to use cheap conditioners because we co wash often.  Favorites tend to be: Suave, White Rain, and VO5.  I like those as well as Herbal Essences.  Some people cannot use cheap shampoos so they use conditioners like Keracare Humecto, Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner, and Nexxus Humectress

Growth: Because co washing can also clean the scalp, it is good for growth.  Hair goes faster with a cleaner scalp.  Some ladies report receiving enhanced growth from frequent co washes.

How Often: The average range is from daily to once a week. This obviously varies.

Feel free to add whatever else you want or ask any questions!

More info, Taken From Afri Curl

Benefits of Co washing
The general benefit of co washing is that it eliminates dryness, some women find that their hair grows more when they co wash. Another common effect is that women find it easier to retain hair length. For the hair types mentioned below the following benefits are often experienced.
Transitioning hair – Softens new growth so less breakage at demarcation* line.
Relaxed hair - Softens new growth making stretching** relaxer touch ups is easier.
Natural hair - Eliminates dryness and makes wash and go styling a reality.
Weave hair - Keeps your own hair underneath the weave healthy and soft.


How to Co wash your hair
For ladies new to this method the best option is to co wash weekly, after co washing allow the hair to air dry. Shampoo your hair once a month and use a protein conditioner afterwards. When you are in a hurry and need to dry your hair quickly, dry it with a hood dryer or a diffuser, You can fully or partially dry your locks.  Alternatively use a blow dryer on cool setting. 
1 Apply the conditioner to wet or dry hair
2 Leave the conditioner in your hair for 3 – 15 minutes. Detangle your hair whilst it is full of conditioner – it’s easier.
3 Fully rinse out the conditioner or for a more frizz free finish leave 5 – 10% of the product in your hair.
4 Ideally allow your hair to air dry.
As you become accustomed to how your hair feels after co washing you may wish to do it more often. If this is the case there are some points you particularly need to know and they are covered below.
Dangers of over conditioning hair
The over use of a conditioner on your hair can lead to breakage because it softens the hair to a point where it begins to break. Tell tail signs that you have reached this point is your hair being very stretchy when wet or feeling mushy. When your hair feels like this use a medium strength protein conditioner, one or two applications is usually enough to put it right. Ideally develop the habit of using a protein conditioner once a month or more depending on how often you co wash.
Daily Co washing
As mentioned before co washing on a daily basis can be highly beneficial. Some women experience more hair growth, whilst others discover retaining hair length is easier. Unfortunately for some the experience is less sweet. One of the main reasons for this is often the hair is never allowed or never has the chance to fully dry day after day. This constant state of wetness can lead to hair breakage. Bearing this in mind proceed with a little caution when considering daily co washing. 
Essentially co washing on a weekly basis is an effective easy and way to deal with dry hair. Give it a try. Dig out those old bottles of conditioner you didn’t totally fall in love with and make them useful.


there you have it ladies,
peep Part II for my personal regemin.