Let’s be real: you’ve grown up thinking that shampoo is the way to wash your hair. Lather, rinse, repeat… it’s literally on the bottle. But what if I told you that for curly and wavy hair types, shampooing every wash day is actually doing more harm than good? Enter co washing: the gentler, moisture loving alternative that’s about to change your entire wash day for the better.

So, What Is Co washing?

Co washing (short for conditioner washing) is exactly what it sounds like: washing your hair with a specially formulated cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo. It still cleans your hair and scalp, but without stripping away every last drop of natural oil in the process. Think of it as your curls getting a spa day instead of being put through a car wash.

If you’re following the Curly Girl Method, co washing is one of its core principles, and honestly? It’s one of the easiest wins you can get for your curls.

Co wash vs Shampoo: The Showdown

Here’s the thing about shampoo: it contains sulfates, which are those foamy cleansing agents that give you that squeaky clean feeling. And sure, squeaky clean sounds great, but that squeak is basically your hair crying out because it’s been stripped of its natural oils. For straight hair types, this isn’t always a massive issue as the oils can travel down the hair shaft pretty easily and replenish themselves. But curly and wavy hair? The twists and turns make it nearly impossible for those oils to travel all the way down, which is why your curls are already prone to dryness without shampoo making it worse.

A co wash cleans your hair with gentle cleansing agents that remove dirt, sweat, and buildup without going nuclear on your natural oils. The result? Hair that’s clean and hydrated, with curls that actually hold their definition instead of turning into a frizzy mess the second you step out of the shower.

I’ll say it: switching most of my wash days to co washing is the single biggest improvement I’ve made to my curls in years. The difference in moisture, definition, and frizz control is not even subtle. It’s dramatic.

"But Will My Hair Actually Be Clean?"

This is the number one question everyone asks, and I get it. The idea of not using shampoo feels wrong. Like showing up to brunch without mascara. But here’s the truth: a good co wash absolutely cleans your hair. It uses mild surfactants that lift away dirt and excess oil without the aggressive stripping action of sulfates. Your hair won’t feel weighed down or greasy, I promise.

That said, and this is important: co washing doesn’t replace shampoo entirely. Every now and then (think once every 2–4 weeks, depending on your hair), you’ll still want to use a sulfate free shampoo to do a deeper cleanse and remove any product buildup that a co wash can’t quite tackle. Co washing is the MVP of most wash days, but shampoo still gets to come off the bench occasionally.

How Often Should You Co wash?

This depends on your hair type and lifestyle, but most curly and wavy haired gals do well co washing 2–3 times a week. If you work out a lot or live somewhere humid, you might lean towards more frequent co washes since sweat and humidity can make your scalp feel icky fast. The beauty of co washing is that because it’s so gentle, you can use it more often without drying out your curls, which is something shampoo could never.

Co wash 300ML

If you’re ready to give co washing a proper go, Curls ‘n Clouds Co-wash is the one. The luxurious formula gives your curls a delicate cleanse without stripping them of the good stuff, leaving them soft, bouncy, and smelling absolutely heavenly (seriously, the scent lingers all day and you will get compliments). It’s 100% vegan, cruelty free, and CGM approved, so you can use it with confidence knowing your curls are getting exactly what they need. Apply to wet hair, gently detangle, let it work its magic, and rinse. That’s it. Your curls will thank you.

So, Do You Still Need Shampoo?

Short answer: yes, but way less than you think. Keep a sulfate free shampoo around for those occasional deep cleanse days when your hair feels like it needs a proper reset. But on your regular wash days? Co washing is the move. Your curls get clean without the drama, stay moisturised without the extra effort, and look more defined without piling on a million styling products afterwards.

Honestly, once you experience a proper co wash day where your curls come out soft, defined, and full of life instead of dry and desperate, you’ll wonder why you ever shampooed every single wash day in the first place.

So, are you ready to rethink wash day? Good. Because your curls have been waiting for this.