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Spring/Summer '09 Cowashing Challenge

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Can I get into the Challenge, I'm just shampooed today, but I will cowash for now until whenever.....I want to give co-washing another chance......so for the spring and summer right? What are the rules?
 
Eisani said:
I have hard water and haven't had any problems cowashing several times a week. Most often I do my final rinse w/distilled water, but if you use a chelating shampoo every once in a while, it will remove the mineral deposits from your hair. I prefer to chelate instead clarify simply because chelating works down to the cortex to remove build up while clarifiers only work over the surface of the hair strand. HTH!
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What chelating shampoos would you recommend?

I cowashed with VO5 with Milk Proteins some fruity smelling one. Then did a ACV rinse before DCing with Mizani Moisturefuze mix. I retwised the front with it on and it felt soft but there was some breakage :nono: and the expected shedding.
 
mscocoface said:
I have no clue what I am cowashing with because I put a bunch of cheapie conditioners in my gallon size container that has a large pump on it.

But I am cowashing! :) The days that I don't, I just place my head under the shower head real quick to get it moist.
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That's what I did this morning. I was rushing and didn't have time to do a whole lot.

Closeout said:
I did my first cowash today!!! I used Suave Tropical Coconut, came out good!!
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Good to hear/see :grin:

SlantedEyezMiss2003 said:
Can I get into the Challenge, I'm just shampooed today, but I will cowash for now until whenever.....I want to give co-washing another chance......so for the spring and summer right? What are the rules?
Click to expand...
Yep, you can join :yep: The dates are in the first post. No real rules, just cowash regularly and report what you used and how your hair responded.

Vonnieluvs08 said:
What chelating shampoos would you recommend?

I cowashed with VO5 with Milk Proteins some fruity smelling one. Then did a ACV rinse before DCing with Mizani Moisturefuze mix. I retwised the front with it on and it felt soft but there was some breakage :nono: and the expected shedding.
Click to expand...
A cheap but effective chelating poo is ORS Creamy Aloe. This is the only one I use. I f/u w/a moisturizing poo because my hair tends to be on the dry side then cowash and/or dc w/a moisturizing conditioner. How much protein are you currently using? Trying to figure out the cause of breakage, want to make sure you have the right balance of moisture and protein.
 
Eisani said:
There aren't a bunch of rules, that's why there isn't much in the first post :yep:. Simply cowash for 6 months consistently, however many times per week you deem appropriate for your hair and schedule and check in with what you used and how your hair responded. That's it!
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Sweet! Nice and easy. Okay, I'm in. Will start updating with my next co-wash. Thanks Eisani for replying!
 
Aggie said:
Added salt to my Keracare Humecto and co-washed with that. It got super watery after I added the salt....freaky so the only thing I can do with it now is co-wash with it:yep:.
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Salt? Why? Is salt good for hair? I thought it dried out hair via osmosis etc? Please educate a sista ignorant of the goodness of salt to hair.......:yawn:
 
Isnt deep co-washing when you leave the conditioner in for a while on dry hair (pre-poo) and then just rinse?

If so, thats what im doing... Steam Treating with Aussie Moist (45 minutes)... then im going to detangle and rinse, seal with EVOO, and twist... next co-wash on thursday (hopefully with Mane n Tail). My hair LOVES protien so I hope it likes MnT... we shall see...
 
Please count me in! I'm already co-washing twice a week so this is definitely a challenge I can stick to.

My conditioners of choice are Pantene R&N and Silk Elements Olive Oil. I plan on adding Trader Joe's Nourish Spa to the mix as well. I've put myself on a budget so I'm not allowed to buy new products until I've used up what I have.
 
i did my first cowash today so far so good. I have decided that I will air dry my hair in a wet bun or pony tail on days that I cowash which will be through the week since thats when go to the gym. Also I am going to use some stuff up so I can start fresh with new product. so here is what I did today

prepoo: w/dry, flaky scalp oil recipe suggested to me here + HB carrot cholesterol conditioner

Then I went to the gym and worked out for an hour+... my butt hurts :look:

cowash: garnier length and strength + baking soda, then garnier fortifyng conditioner, then GVP hydrating balm

Leave-ins: Infusium 23 + salerm 21 + kemi oyl

So far so good, I will update when it is dry
 
A-Yannie said:
Which powders are you mixing with your condish?!?!?
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I mixed 3 different powders in my mix of conditioners (Shikakai - 1 part, Amla - 2 parts, Aritha - 4 parts) This ratio is a lot stronger than intended. I initially added 1 Tbs of powder to 1/4 cup of conditioner. At first, it was okay then I noticed as I used it more my hair didn't feel as nice.

Since then I now add 1 Tbs powder to 3/4 cup of conditioner and 1/4 cup of oil like EVOO. This mixture works for me. I made a huge batch so it will be a while before I make more.

If I had to do all over again. I would have started with one powder, like Brahmi, and experimented with combinations one co-wash at a time to see which combination I liked best.

HTH.
 
I just conwash now i am DCING going to do this 2x a week tue/sat so far so good:yep::yep: then i going to air dry use my hair butter to mois with redo braids if i have too . seal with oil then i am done.
 
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I cowashed yesterday. It wasn't planned, but I was at a friend's house and didn't have all of my usual supplies. I used Garnier Fructis Color shield conditioner mixed with tea tree oil. It was okay considering it's different from what I normally use.
 
Ivy Santolina said:
I mixed 3 different powders in my mix of conditioners (Shikakai - 1 part, Amla - 2 parts, Aritha - 4 parts) This ratio is a lot stronger than intended. I initially added 1 Tbs of powder to 1/4 cup of conditioner. At first, it was okay then I noticed as I used it more my hair didn't feel as nice.

Since then I now add 1 Tbs powder to 3/4 cup of conditioner and 1/4 cup of oil like EVOO. This mixture works for me. I made a huge batch so it will be a while before I make more.

If I had to do all over again. I would have started with one powder, like Brahmi, and experimented with combinations one co-wash at a time to see which combination I liked best.

HTH.
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Even with the adjusted ratios, this combo doesn't strip your hair? Aritha and Shikakai both are such deep cleansers, I'd be worried about it drying my hair out, even if being used in conditioner. Let us know about tweaks you make to your recipe!
 
can i join?

i will be co washing with vo5 passion fruit smoothie and rollersetting. i will probably do this twice a week. i wont start co washing daily and wet bunning until it gets really hot here.
 
chebaby said:
can i join?

i will be co washing with vo5 passion fruit smoothie and rollersetting. i will probably do this twice a week. i wont start co washing daily and wet bunning until it gets really hot here.
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Of course! I know you have plenty of stuff to use up anyway :giggle:
 
123ACTION said:
This challenge has me addicted, off to co-wash......again!
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I know exactly what you mean! I thought I was addicted already but now it's a mission lol! It's been HE LTR for the past few days sealed with castor oil....................I :heart2: castor oil
 
i really cant figure out how often i want to do this.

i'm so indecisive.

i think i'm excited that i felt successful about my last condition...
 
Eisani said:
Today is the first official day of our challenge. :woot::clap:

To reiterate, the dates are from March 20th thru September 21st. I have requested the original thread be locked to avoid confusion :grin:

**You do not have to change your regimen or routine in any way. If you shampoo once a week, that is still fine and actually a good idea if you're prone to buildup. :yep:

**You can still cowash while in braids or weave, just be sure you're rinsing thoroughly.

Okay, here is a list of the participants:

Eisani
Shay72
Aggie
msMicaela
TrueQueen06
ChameleonChick
Lynnery
TexturedTresses
Bttrfly70
Toy
Naturefreegirl
Countrychickd
LunadeMiel
danigurl18
Determined22
Joanna721
Nice_Lady
Sharentu
JJamiah
Rosie8604
**Sassy**
Platinum
JuniePie
Kitten45
Poochie167
Keen
Charzboss
Mini_mimi
Sammy214
1969inthesunshine
Tyra
vslady
Checkmate!
Thaidreams
baby42
pinkchocolatedaisy
betteron2day
morehairplease
Simply_Kelz
addaboutmyhair
Prettylonghair
Je_Ne-Sais_Quoi
Soulie
mtmorg
cch24
lilsparkle825
nitavcc
SouthernStunner
Optimus_Prime
lawyer2be371
hairbrat_danni
RockCreak
2inspireU
Shana'
CocoSlim83
Butterfly08
ButterCaramel
naturalpride
SelfStyled
Mummysgirl
MCrzyGr
Ivy_Santolina
AmbyC92
Dapper
lacreolegurl
runrunrunner
CICI24
Amelia456
KarmelQT_2008
cherryhair123
cutiebe2
jreagins
qt_pie
mrsrobertson2005
Starronda
exubah
kimmy89
kels823
GeorgiaGurl
Closeout
shelly25
Summer79
evsbaby
Moniquenuss
MzPrince
AngelDoll
mscocoface
belledomnik
123ACTION
Manushka
Giggletush
janaq2003
sd_mylfd
daydreem2876
DaDragonPrincess
SouthernBeauty
JD2'd
carmeleyes81
AtlantaJJ
Sammy214
maddywoo13
Jaxhair
brebre928






Click to expand...

Is it too late to join the challenge?
 
Ivy Santolina said:
I mixed 3 different powders in my mix of conditioners (Shikakai - 1 part, Amla - 2 parts, Aritha - 4 parts) This ratio is a lot stronger than intended. I initially added 1 Tbs of powder to 1/4 cup of conditioner. At first, it was okay then I noticed as I used it more my hair didn't feel as nice.

Since then I now add 1 Tbs powder to 3/4 cup of conditioner and 1/4 cup of oil like EVOO. This mixture works for me. I made a huge batch so it will be a while before I make more.
Click to expand...

Eisani said:
Even with the adjusted ratios, this combo doesn't strip your hair? Aritha and Shikakai both are such deep cleansers, I'd be worried about it drying my hair out, even if being used in conditioner. Let us know about tweaks you make to your recipe!
Click to expand...

You're right, they are deep cleansers. That's why I tweaked the original mixture by adding more conditioner and oil. My hair didn't like the original combination. Along with pre-pooing the night before co-washing and a moisturizing DC once a week this mixture works well with my hair. I've been using it for a while now and my hair hasn't complained yet.

I even used it to co-wash out my Hendigo treatment last Sunday and my hair felt soft. I still moisturized DC'd though b/c my hair loves it. BTW - I don't add oil to my hendigo mixtures, but I do add moisturizing powders like irish moss, marshmallow root, and/or bringaraj.

Last Wednesday I co-washed with the mixture and final rinsed with an ACV rinse. I didn't DC. My hair stayed soft. I have hard water too. It's very high in calcium-carbonate and leaves a white film in my shower. That's why I do the ACV rinse - to not only close my cuticle but to get the calcium deposits off of my hair.

I don't plan on changing this combo for a while because I have a lot of it to use up. However, if my hair starts complaining, I'll let y'all know how I tweaked it to make it work again. :yep:
 
runrunrunner said:
i really cant figure out how often i want to do this.

i'm so indecisive.

i think i'm excited that i felt successful about my last condition...
Click to expand...
Just do what you feel is best. You'll fall into your routine soon enough lol.
Ivy Santolina said:
You're right, they are deep cleansers. That's why I tweaked the original mixture by adding more conditioner and oil. My hair didn't like the original combination. Along with pre-pooing the night before co-washing and a moisturizing DC once a week this mixture works well with my hair. I've been using it for a while now and my hair hasn't complained yet.

I even used it to co-wash out my Hendigo treatment last Sunday and my hair felt soft. I still moisturized DC'd though b/c my hair loves it. BTW - I don't add oil to my hendigo mixtures, but I do add moisturizing powders like irish moss, marshmallow root, and/or bringaraj.

Last Wednesday I co-washed with the mixture and final rinsed with an ACV rinse. I didn't DC. My hair stayed soft. I have hard water too. It's very high in calcium-carbonate and leaves a white film in my shower. That's why I do the ACV rinse - to not only close my cuticle but to get the calcium deposits off of my hair.

I don't plan on changing this combo for a while because I have a lot of it to use up. However, if my hair starts complaining, I'll let y'all know how I tweaked it to make it work again. :yep:
Click to expand...
Cool! You know I never thought about adding irish moss or marshmallow root to my henna. That's a good idea.

Myxdchiik it's not too late to join the challenge. Just jump on board!
 
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