How to do a Co-Wash - Hair Routine

After getting your hair thoroughly soaked put a dime size amount of conditioner in your hand. Using your fingers gently massage your scalp as if you were using shampoo, this will help remove dirt and break up oils. Slowly work your way until you have massaged every area of your scalp. When your hair feels clean rinse the conditioner out with cool water and continue the massaging motion to help remove any residue from the conditioner. Now pour more conditioner into your hand, this can be a different conditioner as long as it is silicone free. Rub your hands together and apply the conditioner over the length of your hair as you normally would. At this point you should detangle with a wide tooth comb or your fingers, whichever you are more comfortable with. Leave the conditioner in for the length of you shower and rinse it out with cool water at the very end of your shower. The longer the conditioner is in your hair the more moisturizing it will be.

Now it is time to apply your gel, a lighter hold clear gel is recommended. The lighter hold helps prevent the hair from getting crunchy but still prevents frizz and the clear gel lets the natural shine of your hair show through.

When styling your curls remember not to ever brush them, brushing curls separates the natural curl pattern and creates frizz. Detangle your hair only when it is wet and soaked in conditioner, using your fingers or a wide tooth comb.. whichever you prefer. Dry hair with blotting and scrunching motions, do not rub the towel against your hair. A microfiber towel or old t-shirt works best. Rubbing the towel against your hair damages your hair and will create frizz. Air dry whenever possible, daily use of a blow dryer can cause dry frizzy hair.

Once in awhile you may feel the need to clarify. You may experience build up of oils that may be natural or from your conditioner/gel. This build up may not rinse off with just conditioner and water. If your hair suddenly looses shine or definition or stops responding to your normal routine you are probably experiencing build up. The hair may feel "gunky" to the touch and not as clean as it could be. There are many natural recipes you can use to clarify your hair such as 2 Tbsp baking soda into 1/2 cup of water. Suave naturals line of shampoo will also work as a slightly harsher clarifying shampoo. Do not use a shampoo that says specifically "Clarifying shampoo". These are designed to remove build up from silicone's that are much harder to remove than natural oils. You do not need to use a shampoo any where near that harsh and I would not recommend it.