HGKWW ::: Q&A V

Q: I have a problem with my scalp. I started trying the co-washing thing and my hair loves it, but sometimes there's a white film on parts of my scalp. When my hair dries, it flakes up a little bit. Is this a bad reaction to the conditioner?

A: It sounds like you simply haven't been rinsing the conditioner out of your hair well enough. I doubt your scalp is having a bad reaction to the conditioner. You just need to make sure that you are getting all of the product out of your hair or else you'll experience residue build-up. One thing you can do is experiment with different conditioners. Here are a few ways to avoid and remove product build-up from co-washing, or even just shampooing.

1. Wash your hair in SECTIONS. If you haven't done this before, the difference will be life-changing. Depending on your patience and hair length & thickness, you should part your hair into 4-6 sections before washing it. Not only does it make the hair easier to manipulate and minimize tangling, you will have better access to your scalp. Not having to navigate blindly through your hair will help you target common problem areas, such as the crown of your head and the area behind the ears. Many people experience product build-up in those areas since they are easy to miss.
   
2. CLARIFY YOUR SCALP using a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos are more drying to the hair than others so I suggest you focus them on where they are needed most--your scalp. Clarifying shampoos break down build up and make way for your conditioners and moisturizers to work their magic.
   
3. Use a CLARIFYING CONDITIONER when you are co-washing. They are designed to not leave behind any residue as normal conditioners will do over time. You still need to be sure to rinse well, but it makes the job a little bit easier.
   
4. Try an APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (ACV) RINSE after using your conditioner. In addition to removing build up from the hair, ACV rinses can help the hair cuticles to lay flat, helping to prevent split ends and lock in moisture and nutrients. Your hair will also get a boost of shine!!! You simply spray or pour the ACV rinse on your hair once you have rinsed out the conditioner.
   
   
   Apple Cider Vinegar Mix

   1-2 tbs apple cider vinegar
   2 cups room temperature distilled water/rosemary water/spring water
   
   
   
   

HGKWW ::: The War Against Dry Hair: The Right Conditioner

In an earlier post, I mentioned that not all conditioners are equal. Nor are they all designed to do the same things for your hair.

I stress the importance of moisturizing the hair all of the time. But if there is one more thing that can fight off the dreaded dry hair dilemma...it's conditioning conditioning conditioning.

But! The right conditioner.

Some conditioners are meant to rebuild the protein in your hair. What we need right now is to replenish the moisture content of our hair.

Here are a few of my fav go-to moisturizing conditioners (& as usual, they are on the easy-on-the-pocket end):

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration

*Herbal Essences Replenishing Conditioner

*ORS Replenishing Pak (word on the street is it comes in bottles now!!!)

Suave Humectant

Suave Almond & Shea Butter

*Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask

*Dove Intense Moisture

*Creme of Nature Nourishing Conditioner

*Try these conditioners when doing a deep condition. Deep conditioning for AT LEAST 15-20 minutes (& under a hooded dryer, if you can) is a must. I usually shoot for 30-45, especially in the absence of a dryer.

Of course, these are only conditioners I've tried. There are TONS more to try. What ingredients should you look for?
ONE. Water
TWO. Fats (fatty alcohols)
THREE. Humectants/Emollients

HGKWW ::: What is CO-WASHING?

WHAT IS CO-WASHING?!!!!!

You simply wash your hair with conditioner. That's it.

Now...some people might fight me on this...but...

I do not believe that co-washing should be a complete substitute for washing your hair with shampoo. Shampoo is designed to remove dirt and product buildup in ways that conditioner is not. If you do wish to join the folks who swear by co-washing and have abandoned shampoo, I strongly recommend using a CLARIFYING SHAMPOO once every month or two to rid your hair of the buildup from your conditioner.

What are the BENEFITS of Co-washing?

One. Conditioner does not dry your hair like shampoo. It leaves it feeling soft and moisturized.
Two. The detangling process goes so much smoother!
Three. For my transitioning ladies, it helps make blending new growth with relaxed ends a little easier.

Um...so how do I do it?

You use your conditioner the same way you would use your shampoo. That really is all there is to it. Section your hair. Slather (I just like that word) each section with conditioner. Work it in. Detangle w/ your shower comb. Let it rest for a couple minutes. Rinse.

And how often is this supposed to happen?

Because co-washing does not result in as much drying of the hair and does not strip down the follicles, some people will do it daily. I do not actually co-wash as often in the colder months because it is good to do as a prep for the wet-and-go hairstyles I ONLY do in warm weather (DO NOT WET-AND-GO IN COLD WEATHER!!!). Co-washing several times a week helps protect and revive my hair in its wet state between my regular shampoos. Depending on my time schedule, I will try to co-wash at least once a week when it is cold out.

Which conditioners are best for co-washing?

Some easy-on-the-pocket options? Mane-and-Tail, Suave Humectant, Suave Tropical Coconut, Herbal Essences, Frutis Garnier, Kinky-Curly Knot Today

What if it is not quite working out for me...should I keep trying?

You can experiment with different conditioners, but honestly, co-washing simply may not be the thing for you---and that's perfectly fine! I do recommend giving it a try, though!