Co-washing is a big thing in the curly world. Basically what it means is cleansing your hair with a light conditioner as opposed to traditional shampoos. The idea behind this is that curly hair is dry by nature and co-washing helps keep the curly hair moisturized. There are many dedicated co-washes on the market, but many curlies choose to use silicone-free drugstore conditioners such as Suave Naturals or V05. Both are very friendly on the wallet, though admittedly, I have yet to try them myself.
Lately, I've been trying out Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing Co-wash. I purchased it at my local Sally Beauty Supply for $8.49. It comes in a 16 oz. jar, so cost per ounce comes out to 53 cents per ounce, which is quite reasonable.
I really wanted to like this co-wash, but despite my best efforts....it didn't really work for me. The first few times I used it, I just slathered it on because of how much hair I have. When I did that, I got a bit of buildup and it was hard to rinse it out completely. Plus, it didn't exactly play well with my styling products.
Next, I tried only using a little bit because I read reviews online that said a little goes a long way. Again, I ended up using more than planned because thick hair.
So, I tried cutting my other shower products to a minimum. First, not using a deep conditioner and just using my GVP rinse-out conditioner. Nope. Then I tried using deep conditioner after co-washing instead of a rinse-out. That worked a little better, but I still got buildup and itching.
Oh yeah, the itching. Normally I only start having an itchy scalp right around my normally scheduled wash days, but I would itch immediately after my hair dried using this co-wash :(
I am also not a fan of the co-wash in a jar concept--it's unwieldy in the shower.
However, I will say that the slip this co-wash gives is phenomenal.
However, I will say that the slip this co-wash gives is phenomenal.
After trying Garnier Pure Clean as a co-wash and using a dedicated co-wash like Eden Bodyworks...I'm starting to think that my hair just doesn't like co-washing. My hair is naturally really dry and seriously DRINKS up moisture, but I guess it just needs more lather than a co-wash can provide.
So, if you don't have problems with buildup and itching like I do, this may work. Maybe this co-wash would work for tighter, kinkier hair than mine (I have 2C/3A curls) Maybe I'll try another co-wash someday, but for now, I'll seek out a good sulfate-free/silicone-free shampoo.
Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Co-wash Pros:
Great slip
Inoffensive smell
Great value price per ounce
Cons:
Buildup
Itching
Awkward jar situation
Not so great for my 2C/3A curls
Just a reminder, I am not being compensated in any way for this review. I purchased the product myself.
Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Co-wash Pros:
Great slip
Inoffensive smell
Great value price per ounce
Cons:
Buildup
Itching
Awkward jar situation
Not so great for my 2C/3A curls
Just a reminder, I am not being compensated in any way for this review. I purchased the product myself.
