When winter hits and the air turns cold, your beauty routine likely shifts into survival mode. Heavy moisturizers replace lightweight lotions, your lip balm becomes a lifeline, and your hair? Well, it probably needs a little extra TLC too. That’s where co-washing comes in, or at least, that’s what the internet would have you believe. But is co-washing actually a good idea when it’s freezing outside?
Let’s get into what co-washing really is, why some people swear by it, and whether it’s the winter hair hack your routine needs.
What Is Co-Washing?
Short for “conditioner washing,” co-washing is the practice of skipping shampoo entirely and cleansing your hair with conditioner or a dedicated co-wash product. The idea is that you’re cleaning your hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
It’s been a go-to method for people with curly, coily, or textured hair for years. But lately, even straight-haired folks are getting curious—especially in the winter, when traditional shampoo can make dry hair feel even drier.
So… Is Co-Washing Good in Cold Weather?
Short answer: It depends. (Annoying? Yes. Honest? Also yes.)
Cold weather brings a perfect storm of hair issues: low humidity, indoor heating, static, breakage, and dry scalps. Because co-washing is super gentle, it can be a great way to help your hair retain moisture in these conditions, but only if it’s right for your hair type and lifestyle.
Let’s break it down:
When Co-Washing Works in Winter
1. You have dry, curly, or coarse hair
Textured hair types already tend to be drier because scalp oils have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft. In the winter, that dryness can go next-level. Co-washing helps preserve moisture while still gently cleansing the scalp, especially if you're not using a ton of styling products.
2. Your scalp isn’t super oily
If your scalp isn’t producing a ton of oil or you’re not working out daily, you might not need a traditional shampoo every time you wash. Co-washing can be a great in-between to refresh your hair without drying it out.
3. You’re in a “less is more” phase
Co-washing is ideal if you're cutting back on heat styling, simplifying your product lineup, or giving your hair a break from color. It’s like a mini reset for your strands.
When Co-Washing Doesn’t Work So Well
1. You have fine or oily hair
If your roots get greasy quickly or your hair tends to go flat, co-washing might not be the winter miracle you’re looking for. Most conditioners just don’t have the cleansing power to remove oil buildup, which can lead to scalp issues and limp hair.
2. You use a lot of styling products
Dry shampoo, hairspray, gels, oils—all that stuff builds up over time. Co-washing can’t always break it down, which means you’re kind of just layering conditioner on top of gunk. Not ideal.
3. Your scalp needs help
If you’re dealing with dandruff, itchiness, or buildup, co-washing might actually make things worse. You’ll need a clarifying or scalp-focused shampoo at least once a week to reset things.
Best Practices for Co-Washing in Winter
If you’re ready to dip your toes into the co-washing pool, here are a few tips to make it work:
- Use a product made for co-washing. Regular conditioner isn’t always enough to cleanse the scalp. Look for co-washes labeled as “cleansing conditioners” that include light surfactants to lift dirt and oil.
- Focus on the scalp. Massage thoroughly with your fingertips (not your nails!) to break up buildup and stimulate circulation.
- Don’t skip your ends. Even if you’re not using shampoo, your ends still need hydration—especially in cold, dry air.
- Alternate with a gentle shampoo. Co-washing doesn’t mean never shampooing. A sulfate-free shampoo once a week (or every few washes) can keep your scalp healthy while maintaining moisture.
Acure Curiously Clarifying Conditioner
KEVIN.MURPHY RE.STORE
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