"Cowashing Is Overused" - Thoughts?

[andromeda]

I think it's all a matter of preference. I think some people find their hair thrives better if they co-wash regularly whilst others can't co-wash frequently and/or prefer to add moisture to their hair in other ways. Personally, I wash 1-2x a week, condition after each wash and DC maybe 2-3x a month. I believe the conditioning and sealing is most important to my hair and I do not need to co-wash. It's mainly time-consuming and inconvenient to me.

With all that said, I believe many people wrongly jump on the co-washing like it's a bandwagon and in that sense it becomes over-used and hailed as the cure-all sometimes. It's easier to latch onto as a hair-retention miracle than something like MSM or MTG.

However, I have read about quite a few people struggling with co-washing daily/most days and they ask how they can get over the issue. As thus, they end up ignoring what their hair really wants.

Agree. .............

 

[Lady S]

I guess there's a possibility of over moisturizing, but if it's making your hair healthy and luscious, knock yourself out. Cowashing doesn't work for me, but I wouldn't take it away from others. It's trial & error for everyone. Some people can do it everyday, some can do it every week, and some have to do it occasionally.

If your hair is clean & fabulous, I don't see the problem.

 

[naturalgyrl5199]

I can see how she feels that way. If you over co-wash (unless your condish is cone-free) you can end up over moisturized, and that leads to breakage too. (This happened to me before) And the hair feels awfu-gummy, can't get saturated with water...eeww. I don't co-wash every week, I base it on my needs at the time. I will co-wash tonight because I didn't moisturize well this last wash/shampoo....It depends on how you do it. But I say go with whatever works for your hair

 

[B_Phlyy]

I think it's all a matter of preference. I think some people find their hair thrives better if they co-wash regularly whilst others can't co-wash frequently and/or prefer to add moisture to their hair in other ways. Personally, I wash 1-2x a week, condition after each wash and DC maybe 2-3x a month. I believe the conditioning and sealing is most important to my hair and I do not need to co-wash. It's mainly time-consuming and inconvenient to me.

With all that said, I believe many people wrongly jump on the co-washing like it's a bandwagon and in that sense it becomes over-used and hailed as the cure-all sometimes. It's easier to latch onto as a hair-retention miracle than something like MSM or MTG.

However, I have read about quite a few people struggling with co-washing daily/most days and they ask how they can get over the issue. As thus, they end up ignoring what their hair really wants.

ITA and this was me the first time I went natural. I literally threw every shampoo I had away and switch to daily co washes with cone free conditioners. My hair was dry and breaking off faster than I don't know what. It wasn't until I added shampoo (I did find that my hair prefers ALS based shampoos to other types) and cones back into my routine that my hair got better.

 

[nysister]

I guess it just doesn't work for her. I'm 4A and I co-wash 1-2 times a week in winter though I wet it every night before braiding) and daily in summer. I rarely if ever shampoo my hair (occasionally use an Ayurvedic bar), and for that matter I never comb or brush it either (it's been months) I detangle with my fingers, and my hair is easier to get through now than it ever has been, but that's me. Someone else does it and they might have their hair fall out. I say all of this to say I don't think co-washing is overused, but it may be for her.

 

[Sweet_Ambrosia]

Different strokes for different folks.
My hair loves co-washing way better than shampooing, that’s what I’ve been sticking with for the last 5 years, I have no intentions on using shampoo on the regular, since co-washing has done a world of good for my hair and scalp.

 

[~NanCeBoTwin~]

Whatever works for her.....works for her.....

I cowashed yesterday, and just finished co-washing about 10 mins ago.....My hair loves it...I'll co wash daily or 2-4 times a week, depends on what my hair wants and needs. At the end of the day, we all have to listen to what our hair is telling us it needs.

 

[katblack]

Why is it that we need to scrutinize people like Kimmaytube? Especially she always stresses that she does research that works for her. She made a statement that was very much her opinion. Her opinion that works for her hair. I will also mention that just because it works for you doesn't make it the majority rule. I think the true problem lies with people wanting sources and concrete evidence with techniques, products, etc... The truth is alot of thing we do here are not scientificly proven, does make us wrong? Maybe or maybe not. But it works so you do it. Really I thought we got past this hair video youtube bashing?


No more I'm looking out for others BullDodo, that gets old!

 

[andromeda]

Why is it that we need to scrutinize people like Kimmaytube? Especially she always stresses that she does research that works for her. She made a statement that was very much her opinion. Her opinion that works for her hair. I will also mention that just because it works for you doesn't make it the majority rule. I think the true problem lies with people wanting sources and concrete evidence with techniques, products, etc... The truth is alot of thing we do here are not scientificly proven, does make us wrong? Maybe or maybe not. But it works so you do it. Really I thought we got past this hair video youtube bashing?


No more I'm looking out for others BullDodo, that gets old!

Bashing? How so?

 

[katblack]

I'm sorry but if you had concerns of whether co-washing was overused or not, why not just state that question minus the youtuber?? I not going to pretend like people on this site haven't talked down youtubers in the past. Bashing because of the way people get sensitiive about something that doesn't concern them (i.e.,youtube videos).

 

[andromeda]

I'm sorry but if you had concerns of whether co-washing was overused or not, why not just state that question minus the youtuber?? I not going to pretend like people on this site haven't talked down youtubers in the past. Bashing because of the way people get sensitiive about something that doesn't concern them (i.e.,youtube videos).

I didn't have concerns of whether cowashing was overused prior to viewing the video. I love kimmaytube, primarily because of the way that she approaches her vid tutorials - professional, well-researched, and more concerned with presenting useful information that can be used as a foundation for forming one's own regimen and opinions rather than simply showing her own techniques with no explanation of "why" or "how". She's all about teaching one how to fish rather than holding out a silver platter loaded with fish that might not suit everyone's tastes.

Her opinion is thought-provoking and the reasoning behind it was very informative, whether one agrees with it or not. I think her intent in saying that "cowashing is overused" was to draw attention to the fundamental purpose of shampoo and conditioner and present an alternative technique. A technique that works well for her and might work well for others who have largely been convinced that cowashing is the only, or one of a few, alternative techniques to traditional shampooing/washing. I don't think she's bashing cowashing as a technique and it is surely not my intent to bash her or incite bashing.

Context is important - her video provides context for the opinion stated in the thread title. Past LHCF experiences provide the context for you assuming this is an attempt to bash. I understand the context for your assumption but as far as this thread is concerned, it's projection, not fact. With all due respect, your assumption of my motives is wrong and I've seen no semblance of bashing in any of the replies to this thread.

 

[Eisani]

I thought op's question was prompted AFTER watching the youtube video hence the reference to the video in the first place. Any damn ways...

I say different strokes for different folks. Cowashing has always been beneficial for me, I actually did it before joining the boards or knowing there was an actual name for it. During the warmer months I cowash 2 or more times a week, alternating between a moisture and protein enriched conditioners and I use shampoo maybe once a week in between. Hopefully this routine still works for me this summer.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

I have dry skin & scalp, so Co-Washing has been a life saver for me (and my hair). Helps retain moisture, helps with stretching and helps to relieve dry, itchy scalp. *I Love it*

I only currently do my hair once (or twice) a week, so I don't think I am over-doing it.erplexed

As alot of the previous women already said, if it works for you & your hair and you aren't experiencing any negative results from it.....It boils down to a Personal Choice/Personal Preference.

I do clarify about every 4-6 weeks. Sometimes with a Clarifying Shampoo OR sometimes with a Clarifying Conditioner.

 

[katblack]

I didn't have concerns of whether cowashing was overused prior to viewing the video. I love kimmaytube, primarily because of the way that she approaches her vid tutorials - professional, well-researched, and more concerned with presenting useful information that can be used as a foundation for forming one's own regimen and opinions rather than simply showing her own techniques with no explanation of "why" or "how". She's all about teaching one how to fish rather than holding out a silver platter loaded with fish that might not suit everyone's tastes.

Her opinion is thought-provoking and the reasoning behind it was very informative, whether one agrees with it or not. I think her intent in saying that "cowashing is overused" was to draw attention to the fundamental purpose of shampoo and conditioner and present an alternative technique. A technique that works well for her and might work well for others who have largely been convinced that cowashing is the only, or one of a few, alternative techniques to traditional shampooing/washing. I don't think she's bashing cowashing as a technique and it is surely not my intent to bash her or incite bashing.

Context is important - her video provides context for the opinion stated in the thread title. Past LHCF experiences provide the context for you assuming this is an attempt to bash. I understand the context for your assumption but as far as this thread is concerned, it's projection, not fact. With all due respect, your assumption of my motives is wrong and I've seen no semblance of bashing in any of the replies to this thread.

I completely agree with you
I guess I may be a tad sensitive.No?

 

[katblack]

I thought op's question was prompted AFTER watching the youtube video hence the reference to the video in the first place. Any damn ways...

I say different strokes for different folks. Cowashing has always been beneficial for me, I actually did it before joining the boards or knowing there was an actual name for it. During the warmer months I cowash 2 or more times a week, alternating between a moisture and protein enriched conditioners and I use shampoo maybe once a week in between. Hopefully this routine still works for me this summer.

Right??

 

[Chaosbutterfly]

Why is it that we need to scrutinize people like Kimmaytube? Especially she always stresses that she does research that works for her. She made a statement that was very much her opinion. Her opinion that works for her hair. I will also mention that just because it works for you doesn't make it the majority rule. I think the true problem lies with people wanting sources and concrete evidence with techniques, products, etc... The truth is alot of thing we do here are not scientificly proven, does make us wrong? Maybe or maybe not. But it works so you do it. Really I thought we got past this hair video youtube bashing?


No more I'm looking out for others BullDodo, that gets old!

OT, but I actually think that most of the things we do here are based on science. Moisturizing, sealing, steaming, porosity control, DCing, cold rinsing, ACV-rinsing, ceramides, stretching, basing the scalp, protective styling, using heat protectant, checking ingredients....if you wanted to know why anyone did any of those things, someone (*cough* gymfreak *cough*) could probably break it down for you in scientific terms.

And no one's bashing the youtuber.

 

[katblack]

OT, but I actually think that most of the things we do here are based on science. Moisturizing, sealing, steaming, porosity control, DCing, cold rinsing, ACV-rinsing, ceramides, stretching, basing the scalp, protective styling, using heat protectant, checking ingredients....if you wanted to know why anyone did any of those things, someone (*cough* gymfreak *cough*) could probably break it down for you in scientific terms.

And no one's bashing the youtuber.

Sure it may be reputable, but not beneficial for all heads of hair. I get the feeling sometimes if it doesn't work for some they write it off as unreputable. That's all.

 

[andromeda]

I completely agree with you
I guess I may be a tad sensitive.No?

Even if you are, it's not necessarily unreasonable or counterproductive. If you felt that way and expressed it, it's quite possible that there might have been some who felt the same way, rolled their eyes, and just clicked out of the thread. You pointed out something that hadn't occurred to me and is both helpful and important for me to be aware of. I appreciate that.

 

[darlingdiva]

Firstly, I saw this video yesterday before washing my hair & I tried the buffering technique. It works very well. My hair felt softer than it usually does before I DC.

Secondly, just do what works for your hair. Co-washing doesn't work for me, so I don't do it. Shampoo (w/ sulfates) does work for my hair. I shampoo my hair w/ V05 Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo (the second and third ingredients are sulfates) every time I wash my hair, and I haven't seen any adverse effects.

 

[katblack]

I like the way you think andromeda, there needs to be more people in the world like you. My maturity wants to grow up to be just like yours.

 

[WantNatural]

I really like Kimmaytube. I'm a subscriber, but I haven't seen this particular video. I do not think that cowashing is necessarily overused, but I do find her method intriguing. Personally I just do what I feel - when I was transitioning I cowashed 2-3 times per week and shampooed once per week b/c I had to use so much gel to control my crazy edges! Cowashing really helped me get through my transition. Now that I'm natural and it's winter, I cowash or shampoo once a week, whichever I feel like doing. If I shampoo I use a sulfate-free shampoo and still co-rinse. Now that it's warming up I may go back to multi-week cowashes or I may not, I just do whatever I feel is best for my hair at the time.

 

[MonPetite]

Cowashing relaxed, natural, and texlaxed is 40% of the reason I can hack my hair off knowing in a few months it'll be right back where it was.

That said, it's a matter of balance.

If I'm using a moisturizing leave-in, I don't co-wash. I just shampoo with a SLS-free poo.

If I'm using say, just a shine serum, I co-wash because I want that layer of fatty alcohols and light silicones to help hold in the moisture I just drenched it with (water) while washing.

If I use conditioner as my leave-in, I don't co-wash. If I DC weekly I don't co-wash.

If I co-wash daily, I don't need to DC.

I shampoo DAILY.

I'm not going to knock the methods of those who wash monthly. I would go mad after five-days of not washing. I've tried, my scalp utterly revolted. Daily washing would be a kiss of death to another woman's mane. It's not my place to tell her that her techniques are "overused" because they may be more popular than what works for me, irregardless of the initial purpose of the products she uses with her particular regimen/techniques.

 

[natstar]

I shampoo 2x/week with a cleansing cream-its a lot gentler than regular shampoo. Co washing didnt work for me-but my hair is inherently soft,thin-so it just made it worse. It obviously works differently on different heads-plus ppl have their own ways of clarifying too. As far as the buffering method- I thought we all do that on here already in a way... When we prepoo with conditioner/oils/etc.

Anway- I like kimmays channel and growth and I am inspired to continue on my hair health/growth journey

 

[andromeda]

Firstly, I saw this video yesterday before washing my hair & I tried the buffering technique. It works very well. My hair felt softer than it usually does before I DC.

Secondly, just do what works for your hair. Co-washing doesn't work for me, so I don't do it. Shampoo (w/ sulfates) does work for my hair. I shampoo my hair w/ V05 Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo (the second and third ingredients are sulfates) every time I wash my hair, and I haven't seen any adverse effects.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the buffering technique. I'm still in the process of mastering my hair (which really is just that - an ongoing and non-finite process) and I've been trying to find a way to use shampoo sans tangling and stripping. I stopped using my staple Giovanni tea tree and have tried diluted castille soap, trader joe's nourish spa and also baking soda and acv as clarifiers. I don't want to shampoo for the sake of shampooing and I have been receptive to cowashing. However, I think this technique would still be useful for those times that I do shampoo - even if it remains as infrequent as monthly/only when needed basis.

Then again, I henna, so my hair does need to be clarified before application. :scratchch Something to mull over. At the very least, I'll be paying more attention to pH and how rinsing activates the stripped feeling.

Cowashing relaxed, natural, and texlaxed is 40% of the reason I can hack my hair off knowing in a few months it'll be right back where it was.

That said, it's a matter of balance.

If I'm using a moisturizing leave-in, I don't co-wash. I just shampoo with a SLS-free poo.

If I'm using say, just a shine serum, I co-wash because I want that layer of fatty alcohols and light silicones to help hold in the moisture I just drenched it with (water) while washing.

If I use conditioner as my leave-in, I don't co-wash. If I DC weekly I don't co-wash.

If I co-wash daily, I don't need to DC.

I shampoo DAILY.

I'm not going to knock the methods of those who wash monthly. I would go mad after five-days of not washing. I've tried, my scalp utterly revolted. Daily washing would be a kiss of death to another woman's mane. It's not my place to tell her that her techniques are "overused" because they may be more popular than what works for me, irregardless of the initial purpose of the products she uses with her particular regimen/techniques.

I agree with the bolded. Thanks for weighing in, I always appreciate your insight and the red provides a good counterpoint to the molecular differences of most shampoos and conditioners.

 

[equestrian]

I was watching one of KimmayTube's latest videos - Updated Wash and Detangle Routine - and was intrigued by an opinion she stated.

"I know that shampooing is controversial and taboo in the natural hair community but I swear by it. I know that shampoos are designed to take something away from the hair, conditioners are designed to leave something behind. The molecules of each don't even function the same, so it is my personal opinion that cowashing is overused."

She uses a "buffering technique" to acheive "clean hair without the stripped feeling". She does this by shampooing the hair with a sulfate-free shampoo with an acidic pH balance, squeezing the excess lather from her hair and adding conditioner to the hair before rinsing - essentially "adding oils from the conditioner back to the hair while the dirt molecules are being washed away".

Do you think this is just a matter of "different strokes for different folks" or do you agree that cowashing is overused? What do you think of her reasoning and buffering technique?

to each his own but i prefer co-washing.

 

[NerdSauce]

I will never never never stop cowashing with cone free conditioners. I've tried the alternative and its just...not happy hair. That being said I almost always shampoo before a deep conditioner. I'm finding that frequent cowashing with nutritive conditioners means less frequent dc's (though not by much.) But it does save time. Like someone else said, it makes more sense to dc on freshly shampoo'd hair. Unless its only been one cowash since the last shampoo and i've only used conditioner on my hair, thats when I feel I have to shampoo.

 

[Vashti]

Co washing will be "overused" when people outside of those in the haircare/YT community actually start doing it. I had no idea what CW was until I came here and I'm sure that's true of a lot of people who aren't vigilant about hair like we are here.

 

[Theresamonet]

that to me is like using a conditioning shampoo, it cleans the hair without stripping it of important olis

To me it's just like shampooing and then conditioning (but less effective and sort of counterproductive, IMO)...I don't see what's so unique about what she did. I also don't see how it's better if you add condish while you rinse the shampoo vs. Conditioning after you shampoo. Wouldn't you just be washing off that conditioner too, when you rinse. Is this basically a double pre-poo? Someone explain this logic to me.

 

[Filmatic]

I shampoo when I feel like it. I'm onto a great Garlic Shampoo now. If co-washing is wrong I don't want to be right. It has been a life saver for my hair.

 

[katblack]

To me it's just like shampooing and then conditioning (but less effective and sort of counterproductive, IMO)...I don't see what's so unique about what she did. I also don't see how it's better if you add condish while you rinse the shampoo vs. Conditioning after you shampoo. Wouldn't you just be washing off that conditioner too, when you rinse. Is this basically a double pre-poo? Someone explain this logic to me.

Shampoo strips hair. Conditioners adds slip(for the most part). Squeeze out lather from shampoo and add slip before your hair gets the chance to feel stripped. Which happens when you rinse out the shampoo. I haven't tested out her method, but I will be sure to