Co-Wash #2

Price: $22 for 12oz ($1.83 per oz)

Active Ingredients:

• Water
• Cetyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alcohol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Also give conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Is additionally used to keep product ingredients from separating.
• Gylcerin: Generally vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
• Isopropyl Palmitate: Palm oil-based emollient derived from coconut oil, used as a thickening agent, lubricant, and softener. It works to improve the luster, silkiness, and softness of the hair, helping the hair to become softer, healthier, and more manageable over time.
• Behentrimonium Chloride: Quaternary ammonium compound and close cousin of cetrimonium chloride. Also penetrates the hair, conditions, and acts as an anti-static and anti-microbial agent
• Laureth-4: Lauryl alcohol derivative used as a cleansing agent and texture enhancer. It also acts as an emulsifier, keeping ingredients from separating. While gentle, it is also mildly comdeogenic (causes breakouts on skin).

The major difference between the two (I don't consider 17 cents major) boils down to cyclopentasiloxane vs. Laureth-4. Cyclopentasiloxane is one of personal preference. If you're a staunch "Curly Girl" supporter, then this will likely turn you off - no matter how many times I explain that we've basically been brainwashed into thinking silicones are bad. That aside, both ingredient lists are essentially the same with regard to active ingredients after water.

To be honest, it made me laugh - thinking especially of Co-Wash #2. But as I'll later discover, one active ingredient switch can make all the difference...

Performance
Detangling
Given that I was working with my holy grail, I knew exactly what to expect. As soon as I applied the product and wet it down to start detangling, it was smooth sailing. That's one of the reasons I live for Co-Wash #1 - it helps me save SO much time on wash day thanks to the creamy slip. It detangled flawlessly, and in less time than Co-Wash #2.

I gotta be honest - I expected way more out of Co-Wash #2. With all the hype online, I was expecting a botanical revolution on my hair and scalp. Unfortunately, Co-Wash #2 can't hold a candle to #1 in the slip and detangling department. Where I was able to just start moving the comb through the side of my head with Co-Wash #1, I had to stop and pull certain sections with Co-Wash #2. Not exactly the smooth sailing I had expected.

Buildup Removal
To be fair, I found the cleaning abilities of both products to be on par with each other. They both equally removed buildup from the hair and scalp. No news to report here.

After Rinsing
Talk about where the rubber meets the road! One of the perks of co-washing is getting those silky, soft, moisturized strands that you don't typically find with shampoo. Co-Wash #1 delivered that effortlessly (one of the many reasons I love it), while Co-Wash #2 struggled in that department.

I'll mince no words here - I hated the way my hair felt after using Co-Wash #2. It felt rough. A lil' crunchy. Not smooth in the slightest. I remember saying to myself repeatedly, "why do people buy this?!" 😂 But in all seriousness, I'm never putting this stuff in my hair again. And there's nothing you can do to convince me otherwise. I learned a looooong time ago, that if a product doesn't work the first time, stop trying to force it.

The Winner
Co-Wash #1, by leaps and bounds. From ease of detangling to appearance and feel, Co-Wash #1 over and outperformed Co-Wash #2. In fact, I got my receipt ready to return Co-Wash #2 and get my schmoney back. 😂

The Reveal
Co-Wash #1 - Be Kekoa Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner
Co-Wash #2 - DevaCurl No Poo Original

How many of you knew which was which?

Aiight y'all - let's hear it! How shocked are you? Lets chat in the comments below!

Who should do it?

Everyone. Literally, everybody. Natural. Relaxed. Transitioning. Straight natural. 4c. 2b. Ya momma and 2nd cousin Rochelle. Say it with me: 👏ev👏er👏y👏bo👏dy👏! 

How often?

This is where things get a little trickier, and you have to really assess the needs of your hair, where you live, how often you wash and style your hair, and your lifestyle. I would personally recommend no more than 2 clarifying sessions per month, to prevent over-drying the hair. If you are the average naturalista who co-washes once every week or two, is moderately active, and doesn't slather your hair down with butter and oils every day, then clarifying monthly is sufficient. However, if you frequently use heavy butters and oils, don't co-wash between shampoos, or have an insanely active lifestyle that causes your hair to be drenched in sweat when you're done working out, bi-weekly clarifying sessions are better. 

This is probably the most epic clarifying and deep conditioning duo of ALL TIME.

Clarifying Combo

Clarifying sessions should always be followed up with a hearty deep conditioning. Because clarifying shampoos strip the buildup, gunk, and your scalp's natural oils, a restorative deep conditioner is best to follow up with. I highly recommend the Inahsi Naturals Soothing Mint Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo and Mango Hemp Restorative Hair Masque. The Clarifying Shampoo is quite literally one of - if not the best- clarifying shampoo I've ever used. The consistency is thin, which makes it super easy to target and apply directly to the scalp. It's minty with notes of lavender and rosemary, and has slip to boot! It leaves my hair and scalp clean and refreshed, with incredible shine. There's a slight squeaky clean feeling to it - but that's a good thing here. It means that the Clarifying Shampoo got the job done.

The love I have for this deep conditioner is unreal.

As I mentioned earlier, following a clarifying session up with a deep conditioner is a must. The Inahsi Naturals Mango Hemp Restorative Hair Masque delivers intense hydration, rich moisture, strength, softening, smoothing, cuticle-laying, and pH balancing goodness to the table - which is exactly what you need after your hair has been stripped. Clarified hair is actually the best hair to deep condition on - because there's nothing standing in the way of the potent ingredients and your tresses. Without getting too science-y, the general rule is that hair carries a slightly negative charge that is enhanced by use of a shampoo with a negative charge (anionic surfactant). Conditioner has a positive charge (cationic), and of course, opposites attract. The ingredients in deep conditioners are designed to stick to the hair (adsorb), smooth the cuticle, fill in chipped areas (if there is protein), and can do so better when exposed to completely clean hair and scalp. 

Sidebar: I'm definitely doing a separate review on this product duo, because I need y'all to understand how bomb they are. Inahsi Naturals ain't even ask for alladat. I'm doing it on GP.

Creamy lather + slip = a shampoo session in paradise.

What it is
The act of cleansing the scalp and hair of oil, dirt, debris,and residue with a more gentle, sulfate-free formula designed to remove product and environmental buildup without stripping the hair of natural oils. 

Why it's important
To quote Jc of The Natural Haven, "In the grand scheme of things, shampoo will remove more oil and dirt than conditioner, conditioner will remove more oil and dirt than using plain water." Translation: working shampoo into your regimen will take up a significant amount of product, dirt, and oil buildup that co-washing can leave behind on your hair.

Who should do it?

While clarifying for me is more of a non-negotiable, regular shampooing depends more on preference than performance for the most part. Some naturalistas just can't get into co-washing between shampoo sessions and liken the experience to washing clothes with fabric softener (I get it). Others still just can't give up the bubbles and suds. Regular shampooing with a sulfate-free cleanser is perfect for these naturalistas, as well as naturals who are actively dealing with scalp conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis.

How often?
If you're a shampoo girl, sudsing up with a sulfate free shampoo on a weekly basis or mid-month basis shouldn't have an adverse on the health of your hair, so long as you follow it up with a restorative deep conditioning session. The general rule of regular shampooing is to do it on an as-needed basis. Signs you may need to incorporate at least one monthly regular shampooing into your regimen include: flaky scalp, excessive itchiness, and hair that feels dry or hard (and seems to not feel moisturized) after a couple of co-washes. 

Perfect duo for the anti-cowasher.

Super Shampoo Combo
Hands down, the Inahsi Naturals Soothing Mint Sulfate Free Gentle Cleansing Shampoo and Mango Hemp Restorative Hair Masque fit the bill here. The Soothing Mint Gentle Cleansing Shampoo is a thick and super creamy shampoo with a spa-like essence, thanks to peppermint, lavender, and rosemary essential oils. It also contains coconut and avocado oils to mitigate protein loss (which makes it an ideal shampoo for weekly or bi-weekly cleansing) while improving elasticity to ward off breakage. Soothing Mint Gentle Cleansing Shampoo does not strip, has good slip, and leaves the hair and scalp feeling clean and invigorated, yet moisturized. Paired with the Mango Hemp Restorative Hair Masque, your tresses will emerge thoroughly cleansed, strong, soft, moisturized, smooth, and primed for styling.

Tons of moisture, slip, shine and smoothness with the Tropical Escape Cleansing Co-Wash. And the scent? HEAVENLY.

What it is
Co-washing is the act of partially cleansing or resetting the hair by using a non-sudsing cleansing conditioner or regular rinse-out conditioner.

Why it's important: This is another one of those 'depends on who you ask' moments. As I mentioned previously, some naturalistas can't jive with co-washing, and that's fine. Others swear by it, and that's fine too. My stance on co-washing has evolved since my transitioning days. I'll talk more about my journey and current regimen in a bit - but for now, let's discuss why many naturalistas opt to co-wash regularly. The logic above from Jc applies here still - with co-washing being less effective than shampoo, but still effective. Many co-washes and conditioners contain cationic surfactants that will lift some (but not all) oils, dirt, debris, and product buildup. For many naturals, it gets up just enough to get the job done while leaving the hair incredibly soft, moisturized and frizz-free. That last part is quite possibly the biggest benefit - co-washing resets the hair jusssssst enough for another round of styling, while allowing the hair to be rehydrated via saturation with water and conditioner more often.

Who should do it?
Co-washing is ideal for three primary types of naturals: 1 - the naturalista who's hair LOVES water and thrives when saturated frequently. 2 - the wash and go naturalista. And 3 - the natural who tends to keep her hair tucked away or off the shoulders (but uncovered) most of the time (crown braid, buns, puffs, etc.). Here's why:

The Hydrophile
Texture typing aside, medium/normal to high porosity naturals tend to benefit from co-washing because unlike our low-po sistas, water escapes more rapidly from our hair and benefits from constant replenishment via saturation with water and co-washing.

The Washer and Goer
The essence of the wash and go involves capturing the coil and curl pattern of wet hair with a combination of water-based leave-ins/creams and gel. The majority of naturalistas who rock wash and go's seek some level of definition, to assist in the longevity of the style. Regular co-washing helps to streamline this process, and the majority of styling agents can be broken down (for the most part) by conditioner and cleaning conditioners.

The Low Maintenance Naturalista
Whether it be on-the-job protocol (another topic for another time), lifestyle-based, our out of sheer convenience, the low maintenance/manipulation naturalista can also benefit from co-washing regularly, simply because they don't put too many heavy products on the hair on a regular basis. The less you put on, the less there is to take up.

How often?
Back in the earrrrrly days, I would see tons of naturals that co-washed daily to refresh their wash and go's. If this is still you and it works - by all means keep doing it. I've discovered that the majority of naturalistas who opt to co-wash do so every 4-7 days. This time frame allows for consistent rehydration, longevity of style with little to no manipulation, and minimized tangles. As a rule of thumb, I never go more than 8 days without co-washing. If I take longer than that, I'm heading into "might as well shampoo" territory.

Perfect duo for travel, the gym, and between shampoo sessions.

Co-Washing Combo
Most conditioners formulated for cleansing tend to be incredibly gentle and packed with tons of moisturizing properties. Inahsi Naturals Tropical Escape Cleansing Co-Wash is no exception. Packed with aloe, glycerin, coconut, and avocado oils, Tropical Escape Cleansing Co-Wash hydrates, softens, and detangles while gently removing product buildup and dirt, and leaving the hair frizz-free. 

Mega moisture and slip.

While you can pair Tropical Escape Cleansing Co-Wash with the Mango Hemp Restorative Hair Masque, I've found the Soothing Mint Moisturizing Conditioner to make the perfect pairing. It isn't always necessary to deep condition post co-wash, because much of the hair's natural oils have not been taken up. The Soothing Mint Moisturizing Conditioner packs a moisturizing punch while delivering creamy smoothness and strength to the strands. Thanks to peppermint, hibiscus, nettle, and horsetail extracts, the scalp is stimulated and nourished to promote health and growth. 
My Sample Regimen
My natural hair regimen has taken some time to evolve, mainly because I've been through so many phases and had to adjust to account for the needs of my hair. Transitioning needs are different from newly natural needs, are different from seasoned natural needs, are different from color treated natural  needs, are different from color damaged natural needs - and so on, and so on, and so on. 

In the beginning, I was strictly shampoo. Then I discovered Aussie Moist, and went co-wash crazy. It seemed that by the end of every month, my hair hated Aussie moist - feeling crunchy, dry, and unmoisturizable...while still in the shower. After reading up on co-washing, I realized that my hair needed both. So I began incorporating both into my regimen. Then, after coloring my hair I went co-wash crazy again. It helped my hair, but my scalp began to suffer (I have scalp psoriasis). So a whoooole lotta time, growth, and tinkering later - I've arrived at a regimen that works for my hair. 

Here's a sample snapshot of how I manage my tresses now: 

Results may vary. Lol.

Yes, I wash my hair twice a week. I try to keep it to Mondays and Thursdays, but I always prioritize the needs of my hair over being super rigid and regimented. And sometimes, life gets in the way and I may skip one co-wash, or swap it for shampoo if my scalp starts feeling janky. 

The biggest change I've made to my regimen is transitioning from deep conditioning and using heavy protein with every single wash. Back when my hair had way more color damage, it was necessary. But now that I'm in a much, much, much, much, MUCH healthier place with my hair, it's a waste of good product and money. Regular/rinse out conditioners are my new BFFs. 

Just keep in mind - this is my regimen, tailored specifically to the needs of my hair. Feel free to use this as an example and customize it for your hair's own needs. And no, I don't keep a hair calendar - I'm not that obsessive. I literally typed this up as a visual representation for you guys :) I'm going to go into a little more detail with my e-mail fam this weekend - so make sure you're on the list (sign up at the bottom of this blog post) if you want the inside scoop!

And don't forget to head to www.inahsi.com to pick up your wash day essentials. Every natural hair texture and type can benefit from Inahsi Naturals' amazing range of cleansers and conditioners. All Inahsi Naturals products are sulfate, silicone, paraben, petroleum, mineral oil, GMO, glycol, and cruelty free. Plus, they're Black-owned and handcrafted. A win all the way around in my book!

 

Detangle & Co-Wash:

• Aussie Moist Conditioner

• ApHogee Texture Treatment

About 20 minutes before hopping in the shower, I covered my hair and scalp in a fair amount of this new oil I'm trying out, Darshana. I actually had the chance to sit down over coffee with Darshana's creator, Shana. She's a sweet and funny curly girl with a passion for Ayurvedic hair care. I love meeting fellow LA naturalistas/curly girls, and entrepreneurs. Anywho, I'll likely do a full review on Darshana Ayurvedic Oil once I have more time to test it out, but just for now know that I am loving it. It is a great pre-poo oil, scalp massage oil, and end sealer. I left that on my hair for about 20 minutes, and didn't even attempt to detangle my hair at this point. Check it out at www.darshanabeauty.com.

I hopped in the shower with zero clips and a full super sized bottle of Aussie Moist. I let the shower water run over my hair and thoroughly saturate it for about a minute. Then, I applied massive gobs of Aussie to my hair from root to end. I can't count how many pumps. I definitely used at least a third of the bottle just saturating my hair. If you think you've used too much conditioner, you haven't used enough. Seriously. After my hair was thoroughly drenched in conditioner, I separated it section by section into 4 total -- down from my 6 that I normally do. I twisted each section down to the ends. Next, I undid one section, ran it briefly under the water to increase slip, added a few more pumps of conditioner, and then began detangling.

I.
Was.
SHOCKED.

The slip, the creaminess, the ease with which my fingers just gliiiiiiided through my tangled hair. Sure, I did have a small number of knots (like 3 on my entire head) that I had to gently tug at and untangle, but even that was a walk in the park compared to my usual. After each section was detangled, I rinsed it out, and applied a few more pumps of conditioner to cowash with. After cowashing, I rinsed each section and slapped in the ApHogee Texture Treatment. I twisted each section up, and left that in for about 10 minutes while I handled my showerlies. An important note here is that I didn't really miss having my shower clips. I had been so used to using 5 or 6 as a transitioner, that I really didn't realize I probably didn't need them to keep my hair sectioned anymore. In the future, I will likely drag at least 1 or 2 in, to keep my hair off my neck, back, and face while I deep condition. 

After rinsing the Texture Treatment I followed my new usual, which is going back to each section and putting in about 2-3 pumps of Aussie Moist on, as a stage 1 leave-in of sorts. One follower asked what my natural texture was before manipulation, and with minimal product. Here goes:

Nothing but wet hair with a little Aussie Moist in each section.

I totally expected to lose more hair to breakage and shedding, because of what is said about hair being weaker when wet. On the contrary, I think I lost less hair, and I saw significantly fewer of those pesky wispy hairs that signal end breakage/weathering. I saw less breakage overall. I will definitely be sticking to this method for this foreseeable future. I was only in the shower about 40 minutes, which is how long I am in there on a typical wash day anyway. No extra time, no extra drama, no extra hair lost. For those interested in the oddities, here is my shed hair from detangling, washing, and conditioning in the shower:

Shed hair beez in the trap, beez, beez in the....nevermind.

Overall, this method is a total 184% success for me. My wash days involve fewer products (hallelujah), and have been made scores more manageable. If you're concerned about the cost of using excessive amounts of conditioner, don't be. Aussie Moist is one of the most cost effective conditioners out there -- at under $6 for 29.2oz. I personally score mine from Target every time, becuase CVS and Walgreens be playin' games with their pricing. And if this entire process only costs me about 1/3 of a bottle every week, that's only 1 bottle a month. But if I get back on my twice a week washing game (which I really should soon), that is only 2 bottles a month and a little over $11. Still a win, either way it goes!

Will you be trying the excessive conditioner method? Lol...I love how everything becomes a method when it comes to natural hair. Let me know how it goes, and what conditioner you're using!