By stufflovely
By Choya Randolph
If you don’t feel like washing your hair but you’re in need of a cleanse, cowashes may be your best bet. Cowashing is when you use a cleansing conditioner to wash your hair instead of a shampoo. This is perfect for the naturals who still haven’t found the perfect shampoo that cleanses without stripping your hair of every ounce of moisture you work hard to put in. This is also perfect for those whose hair leans on the drier side. You can buy a cowashing conditioner at your local beauty supply store but why buy one when you can make one? It’s time to get cheap and organic.
Because cowashes are meant to gently cleanse the scalp, you won’t need too many ingredients. In fact, all you need is water and apple cider vinegar to get that scalp clean. You will also need a container to hold your cowash. You can reuse an old shampoo bottle but I do suggest using a hair dye bottle. It makes it easier to apply all throughout the scalp. You can buy them online for a couple bucks.
Fill your bottle a third of the way with apple cider vinegar. Make sure you use pure apple cider vinegar. Fill the rest of your bottle with water. Because apple cider vinegar is acidic, you want it diluted with 2 parts water and one part apple cider vinegar. Apply and massage the mixture on your scalp so the apple cider vinegar can do its job. Though it should be focused on your roots, don’t be afraid to get it on your hair.
Because apple cider vinegar is acidic, it will balance your hair’s pH balance. It also kills bacteria which is why it can replace your shampoo. Apple cider vinegar will strengthen and add luster to your hair. It also will exfoliate your scalp which will promote hair growth and save you from any itchiness.
But what about the conditioning part of a cowash? If you want to take this cowash to the next level, add in a conditioner of your choice. You can also add in essential oils. Lavender oil promotes hair growth, conditions the hair, and controls dandruff. Peppermint oil will add a cooling sensation to your cowash that feels amazing. That cooling sensation is the oil increasing blood circulation to your scalp which promotes hair growth. Tea tree oil moisturizes the scalp while getting rid of chemicals. Don’t be heavy handed with essentials oils, they work best when diluted.
Cowashing is a great shampoo alternative for naturals who are tired of shampoos that take all of the moisture out of their hair. It is great for the lazy naturals who don’t want to go through an entire wash day routine but are in need of a hair boost or some hydration. Next time your hair is in need of a cleanse, instead of going to the store, go to your kitchen and make your own personalized cowash that works best for your hair.
