How do you deal with Co-Washing? Cuz it is NOT cute...

[Chanteuse]

I think that you have gotten some good tips in this thread but I just wanted to add / emphasize a couple of points.

- You do not have to co-wash every day. You can do it twice a week or even once a week.
- If you do want to co-wash everyday you can have a very sleek, well put together looking bun. Just do your bun while your hair is still wet, add some gel to your front edges, brush them down a bit and tie them down with a scarf for at least ten minutes. Every time I do this I get compliments on how sleek my bun is ( and my hair is 4a/4b - I'm relaxed but stretch for a long time btw relaxers)
- Also you can do a braid out and slick your edges down in the front as well to have a more polished look.

You just need to decide how you want (and are willing) to wear your hair. Honestly though I think that most people who condition wash everyday are either wash & goers or wet bunners. Good luck with getting your regimen together.

 

[shibababy]

I started cowashing prior to finding LHCF. It happened accidentally. I got tired of the tangled mess that shampoo caused so I decided to just use the conditioner only. Sometimes it was because I was running late and didn't have time to do both. Some days I would just co wash, some days, I would use shampoo, just whichever worked for that moment.

I am relaxed, but my hair waves up big time after it's wet. I did wet ponytails with a phony ponytail or half wig. I used gel and a hard brush GASP! It did keep the frizzies down, but the gel build-up was horrible and unhealthy. I can still do the same , but I just use aloe vera gel or Hairveda Whipped jelly instead and I'm not as heavy with the brush.

My hair grew so much with co washing and no heat. I hate taking pics so I'm not sure if I have a "before" pic to show my length But my hair grows so fast when I use this regimen, it has done this twice for me after major cuts.

 

[NYAmicas]

I went natural about 3 years ago after a hair dresser practically burned my hair ALL the way out and I started getting bald spots. It was terrible. I got weaves to basically cover up the damage and try growing my hair back out but my relaxed hair couldn't take it so I accidently started transitioning and stopped getting perms. Eventually my entire head was natural. I have beautiful tiny little curls on my head when it's wet but i would never wear it like that and it's so short and thin. That's why I am natural. I miss my perms a lot but my hair seems to be healthier without them. I think.....

Why cant you wear those beautiful curls out? Plenty of women wear their natural hair after a BC and sport a TWA for awhile, many pretty pictures on this board.
Perhaps you can post a pic of your results or co-washed hair for further help/advice/techniques.

 

[msa]

I went natural about 3 years ago after a hair dresser practically burned my hair ALL the way out and I started getting bald spots. It was terrible. I got weaves to basically cover up the damage and try growing my hair back out but my relaxed hair couldn't take it so I accidently started transitioning and stopped getting perms. Eventually my entire head was natural. I have beautiful tiny little curls on my head when it's wet but i would never wear it like that and it's so short and thin. That's why I am natural. I miss my perms a lot but my hair seems to be healthier without them. I think.....

Like gabulldawg said...maybe you should start experimenting with more styles on your hair. Bantu knot outs will give you a really cute curly hairdo and it's not difficult.

Two-strand twist med-large sections on damp moisturized hair. Then twist the twist around itself until it becomes a bantu knot and tuck the end under (make sure you do it snugly). Let it dry overnight and take it out in the morning, fluff, and go. It's a great style that embraces the "frizz" of natural hair and tames it a bit. It also makes hair look more voluminous because of the curls.

I think if you start doing more styles you'll find that your natural is beautiful all the time, not only if it's wet or straight. And you have enough length that it's not like you only have a few options. Start experimenting.

 

[PGirl]

I know how she feels. With my 4a hair I couldn't understand how people were co-washing multiple times in the week. I just knew since heat was seen as bad by so many on here, that surely no one was blowdrying and flat ironing that much so obviously they must be airdrying.

So I tried it and what a freakin mess that was at first. And believe it or not, now I know what products work for me (after much trial and error) and I use the scarf method and ponytail method to dry....and I can now airdry my hair in a slick, moisturized ponytail. No crunchiness, just soft soft hair...

You have to be willing to sacrifice on your hair journey. Our hair isn't easy and that is the whole purpose of this forum just for us. Here you will find women willing to share their secrets with you and those who are just here because we understand.

Co-washing may or may not be for you but just try it for a couple of weeks and if not, then don't do it and you can still have healthy, long hair.

 

[Lovestyr]

hmmm good question i personally dont co wash . i just do a regular shampoo and DC.

 

[brucebettye]

I wear my hair curly everyday. So when I cowash I just moisturized add some gel and put it in a puff or where it down. I love my hair like this even with the frizz. Keep in mind like all the other ladies are saying that co washing is just an alternative to shampooing. Also you do not have to do this everyday, just do it on the days you wash your hair.