Photography: Inlighten Photography
Take what you know about shampoos and throw it out the door! There's a newer way of getting lustrous stronger locks with richer colour without any lathering suds involved. And we're not talking about dry shampoos or beer washes … all you need is one very good conditioner. Confused yet? Read on.
CO-WASHING WITH A CLEANSING CONDITIONER ...
WHAT IS IT: If you haven't heard already, co-washing is the latest beauty buzzword. Coined from the term conditioner-washing, co-washing or co-cleansing is taking the hair world by storm because it's basically eliminating the entire shampoo step from your hair wash regimen. Yes, you only wash your head with a conditioner. Not just any ordinary conditioner; specifically a cleansing conditioner. Why? According to Adam Reed creative director of Percy & Reed haircare, oil attracts oil much like how we use cleansing oil to remove makeup.
"You do not need to lather to clean your hair. That isn't what cleans the hair, it's the cleansing ingredient. Lathering agents just give you that luxe feeling," explains Adam. He recommends Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Cleanse & Nourish, a lightweight creamy formula enriched with 97 percent natural ingredients like soothing aloe vera, rose geranium, lavender, peppermint, avocado and jojoba oils for nourishment and repair, while keratin and wheat proteins condition and rehydrate to improve manageability.
WHY DO WE NEED IT: Unlike traditional shampoos, co-cleansers contain little to no detergents and chemicals that often leave the hair dry, brittle and damaged, and result in hair loss and premature colour fading. These creamy cleansers do not lather, and are especially ideal for women with dry, curly, frizzy or chemically-treated hair, to hydrate and condition in one easy step. Best of all it can be used daily, and the longer you use it, sebum levels start to rebalance and scalp takes longer to become oily. Ideally, you should be washing only once every three days! You will also find hair is cleaner, softer and stripped from all the parabens and silicones that coat each strand.
HOW TO USE IT: The Wonder Cleanse has absolutely no lather. Since it's a cream, there's no need for rubbing or scrubbing that causes hair-damaging friction. First, thoroughly wet the hair and take a generous amount of co-cleanser and massage through your scalp. The soothing head rub helps to also stimulate circulation in the scalp to foster hair growth. Comb through the ends if you need to and then properly rinse off with cold water – this helps draw blood to scalp and close cuticles so hair looks nice and glossy. No need for additional conditioner or even hair masque and style as usual.
You may feel unsettled after the first few washes because of the no-lather concept, but after a week, you will feel a natural softness, bounce and airy volume. If you really need a shampoo, then use a regular shampoo as a once- or twice-weekly clarifying wash to rid excess dirt and grime.
Percy & Reed Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Cleanse & Nourish, $40, is available at Sephora.
MODEL PHOTO: Inlighten Photography (for illustration purposes only)
