In this comprehensive guide, we talk all about co-wash vs shampoo, explore the benefits of both, how to properly do each method and lastly some product recommendations for both methods. I know most, if not all of us have found ourselves asking if you should co-wash or shampoo your Type 4 natural hair.

Feel like your hair has been the same length forever, I’ve an Ebook that will help you grow your hair healthier, longer and thicker. Grab your copy here… Also, check out all the Ebooks,guides and journals that will go a long way in your hair care journey here.

When it come to co-wash vs Shampoo conversation, you’ll find me on the shampooing side. This is because I do monthly cleansing and there is no other way to get rid of all month long dirt, sweat and product with co-washing. I’ve nothing against co-washing, only that it wouldn’t work for my hair.

“Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.”

All things Co-wash Vs Shampoo

The Shampooing.

We are all familiar with the shampooing part of our hair wash day regimen. Shampooing is the process of applying a gentle cleansing shampoo or clarifying shampoo to break down the dirt, sweat and product build-up.

Benefits of shampooing.

• Deep Cleansing; shampooing removes product buildup, dirt, sweat and other impurities that can accumulate on your hair and scalp. Shampoos, especially clarifying shampoos are perfect for deep cleansing. Experiencing build-up? Shampooing is the way to go.
• A clean scalp is super essential for healthy hair growth. Shampooing helps maintain a balanced, clean and nourished scalp.
• Also, a clean scalp and hair helps with absorption of other products from deep conditioners, moisturizers, moisture sealants, styling products and oils. Clean hair and scalp gives better styling results compared to hair and scalp with product build-up.

How to Shampoo 4C Natural Hair|

• Start by preping your hair for Shampooing. To prep, start by sectioning the hair, use a pre-shampoo treatment to minimize the stripping effect of shampoos and also detangle before cleansing. Always detangle before shampooing to avoid more tangles and knots.

Best pre-shampoo treatment that are perfect detanglers too

• African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo
• Dr. Miracle’s Strong & Healthy Detangling Pre-Shampoo Treatment
• Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Ultra Shield Pre Poo Hair Treatment

• Choose the right shampoo for your hair’s porosity type and depending on how much dirt and build-up is on your hair and scalp. For high porosity hair and minimal build up, use gentle cleansers and sulphate free shampoos and for low porosity hair and lots of build-up, use clarifying shampoo or deep cleansers.
• Apply shampoo on sopping wet hair for quick and easy lathering. Focus more on the scalp. Using the pads of your fingers or a scalp massager to massage the scalp to break down the dirt and product build-up.
• Thoroughly rinse off the shampoo.

Top clarifying shampoo recommendations

• Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
• As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo
• Design Essentials Oat Protein & Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo, to Clarify

Top gentle cleanser/ sulphate free shampoos

• Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo
• Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Shampoo
• Design Essentials Honey Creme Cleansing Shampoo

All About Co – washing.

Co- washing is a hair cleansing process where one uses a conditioner instead of shampoo. I know you’ve seen products labelled cleansing conditioner or Co-wash. Most people use co-wash products for mid- week cleansing. Conditioners aren’t formulated to cleanse meaning deep cleansing is next to impossible.

Co- Wash benefits include;

• Co- washing, or conditioner washing, helps preserve natural oils, preventing over-drying the hair. Unlike shampoos which strip off the natural oils leaving your hair dry, Co-washing products leaves your hair feeling soft and moisturized.
• Conditioning agents in co-washes smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and promoting a smoother appearance.

How to Co- wash Natural Hair

• Divide your hair into manageable sections to ensure thorough cleansing and coating each strand. The number of sections depends on your hair’s thickness.
• Use a generous amount of co-wash and distribute it evenly. A generous amount is needed because conditioners aren’t meant for cleansing.
• Detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb, detangler brush or your fingers while the co-wash is in your hair. For matted hair, I prefer to start off with using my fingers to detangle then follow up with a wide tooth comb.
• Ensure you rinse thoroughly to avoid product buildup. Leaving too much conditioner on your hair and scalp may clog your pores causing scalp irritation or itchiness.

Top Cleansing Conditioners/ Co- Washes Product Recommendations

• As I Am Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner
• DESIGN ESSENTIALS Natural Almond & Avocado Nourishing Co-wash
• Creme of Nature, Argan Oil Hair Conditioner, Creamy Hydration Co-Wash Cleansing

Related post; best cleansing conditioners for natural hair

Co-wash Vs Shampoo, the best choice is what your hair needs. Note that conditioners aren’t formulated to cleanse and when it comes to shampoos, we have clarifying shampoos which are also referred to as sulphate shampoos and we also have gentle cleansers, also known as sulphate free shampoos. Go for clarifying shampoos when your hair got a crazy amount of build-up.