Keeping 4C natural hair moisturized and healthy requires a delicate balance of cleansing and conditioning. Traditional shampoos, especially those with sulfates, can sometimes strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. That’s where co-washing comes in!
Co-washing, short for “conditioner washing,” is a gentler cleansing method that uses a conditioner or a specially formulated cleansing conditioner to clean the hair without stripping it of essential moisture. This method is a game-changer for 4C hair, as it helps maintain hydration, reduce frizz, and keep curls soft and manageable. If you struggle with dryness or find that regular shampoos leave your hair feeling rough, co-washing might be just what your hair needs.
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Co-washing can be an alternative if you have extremely dry hair or need mid-week cleansing. Using a shampoo twice or more a week can strip off your natural oils & to avoid/minimize it, co-wash mid-week then shampoo weekly to get rid of the dirt & product build up. Here are cleansing co-washes for natural hair.
Why Co-Washing is Beneficial for 4C Hair
4C hair tends to be more fragile and prone to dryness due to its tight curl pattern, which makes it difficult for natural oils to travel from the scalp down the strands. Regular co-washing can help:
- Retain Moisture: Unlike shampoos that can strip the hair, co-washing cleanses while keeping strands hydrated.
- Reduce Breakage: Hydrated hair is more elastic and less likely to snap or break.
- Enhance Curl Definition: Co-washing helps curls stay soft, bouncy, and well-defined.
- Keep the Scalp Healthy: While co-washing is gentle, it can still remove dirt and buildup when done correctly.
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Top 10 cleansing co-wash products
EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing Cowash
Product Promise, “The Cleansing CoWash conditions the hair between regular shampoos, bringing back moisture that may have been lost during styling and has a good slip for easy detangling.”
Product Review, “I have used two other cowashes on my natural, 4c, dense, low porosity, gray hair and this is now a favorite. It smells great. After using it my hair felt cleansed and was super soft and not stripped. You get a generous amount in the jar and I feel it was worth the cost. I highly recommend this product. I will be purchasing it again.
As I Am Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner
Product Promise, “Preserves Moisture. Adds more Moisture and helps hair retain moisture until your next cleanse. Contains a special blend of natural ingredients that work to promote healthy hair growth from the follicular level. Spreads easily throughout hair & gently cleanses hair and scalp.
Product Review, “After trying at immediately after I received it, it worked pretty well on the low porosity 4C hair. It was really moisturizing and had a lovely but not strong scent.
tgin Quench 3-in-1 Co-Wash Conditioner and Detangler For Dry Hair
Product Promise, “Cleanses while conditioning: This 3-in-1 cleanser, conditioner and detangler cleans dirty hair while restoring moisture to dry tendrils. Redefines the wash: This time saving co-wash combines the cleansing agents of traditional shampoos with the moisturizing agents of conditioners giving you a quick cleanse and condition when saving time is a must. Revitalizes curls: Curls are instantly brought back to life with cleansing and moisturizing sweet almond oil and pure African shea butter.
Product Review, “I use this in place of shampoo for co- washing. Basically washing my hair with conditioner. This products smells so good. I just love it. It helps my curls and softens my coarse hair.
Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Complete Conditioning Co-Wash
Product Promise, “Co-Wash gently cleanses curls and the scalp to avoid product build up while a unique blend of natural butters and oils provide deep moisture. Works on all types of wet or dry hair.”
Product Review, “I purchased this for myself and husband. I have 2C-3A waves/curls and he has 4C curls. This works great for both of our different hair types as he is low porosity and I am high. The scent is great. Nice gentle clean that doesn’t completely strip oils. Works great combined with other Cantu products. “
Creme of Nature with Argan Pure-licious co-wash cleansing conditioner
Product Promise, “Creamy Hydration Co-Wash is a light-weight, color-safe formula infused with Argan Oil from Morocco, that gently cleanses and removes product residue. It hydrates natural tresses to deliver unstoppable frizz-free curls, coils, kinks and waves.”
Product Review, “My natural 4c hair loves cream of nature products. They work the best for my hair type”
Oyin Handmade Ginger Mint Co-Wash with Invigorating Cleansing Cream with Green Tea & Ginger Extracts
Product Promise, “Smooth & soften your way to clean hair! Gentle, simple cleansing for all hair types.”
Product Review, “I love the way this co-wash smells I use it on my hair (tight, kinky 4c curls) as well as my daughter who has more loose curls. It works wonders. It softens and moisturizes my hair. It helps detangle and bring the bounce to hers.”
Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Nourishing Co-wash
Product Promise, “This hydrating, detangling cleansing cream makes curly hair more manageable and nourishes dry, thirsty curls for frizz-free, defined curls.”
Product Review, “Perfect for 4C hair”
Pantene Sulfate-Free Deep Hydrating Co-Wash with Argan Oil for Curly, Coily Hair
Product Promise, “Ultra-rich cleansing conditioner is gentle on hair for a moisturized feel and ultimate softness and manageability.”
Product Review, “This Co wash left my hair & scalp clean soft and moisturized without stripping my hair of natural oils. It made my hair very smooth with no tangles to my 4b/4c hair.”
Alikay Naturals Cowash Me Cleansing Conditioner.
Product Promise, “Alikay Naturals Cowash Me Cleansing Conditioner For Kinky, Curly, Wavy, Straight Hair, Essential oil that breaks down undesirable buildup and residue at the scalp and roots. Fills cracks of hair cuticle to repair damage, hydrates hair from inside out, Encourages hair growth by stimulating blood flow in scalp, Soften hairs and helps moisture loss to improve hair hydration level.”
Product Review, “This works really well for my super kinky, curly hair. The smell is awesome!”
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser
Product Promise, “This conditioning co-wash gently cleanses hair while delivering nourishing hydration”
Product Review, “I love this co-wash! It makes detangling easy and conditions my hair. I have type 4b and 4c hair and it works great! I threw out all of the others because I love how my hair feels after I use this co-wash conditioner. After using mine, my daughter now also uses.”
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Which is your favorite co-wash?
