The Ultimate Guide to Cowashing!

[@EdneideAR]

In Brazil, we have a hair schedule . We wash 3x a week alternating products 1- moisturizing , 2- nutrition , and 3- reconstruction we call it : "cronograma capilar " and the hair are gorgeous .

[@mishelmuriuki4495]

Wow, that sounds amazing. Could you describe what kind of product achieves each of those goals of moisturizing, nutrition, and reconstruction?

[@BlessedVivi]

​@@mishelmuriuki4495right?! Im curious

[@suzanneaubin7599]

@@mishelmuriuki4495moisture is looking for ingredients that add moisture and softness into the strands. Look for emollients such as: Aloe Vera Glycerin Propylene glycol Honey Panthenol Nutrition, you want to add missing lipids back into the hair shaft. Look for ingredients such as: Different types of oils and seed oils (coconut, shea, cocoa butter, jojoba, olive, flax etc) Vitamins (vitamin e, c, & b etc) For reconstruction: Bond repair (works with bonds inside the shaft) Protein treatments (more surface) Alternating between these two is a good idea That is just a short list of ingredients to get you started. My routine for my 3bc hair: -Once a week nutrition. This is my reset day. Hot oil treatment, shampoo, deep treatment/hair mask (normally contains emollients butters etc) - proceed with normal styling -Moisture for the rest of the week: Cowash. I love As I am, Skala, and Zotos All About Curls. There are other great products. I’ll still wash my scalp with a sulfate free shampoo that is meant to moisturize, while my length is covered with “cowash” conditioner. -Reconstruction: Monthly or as needed. This is done on my usual “reset” day. I’ll do my usual hot oil treatment, then proceed with either the bond repair or a regular protein treatment. I follow that with a light moisturizing conditioner. Our curls are high maintenance but worth it!! ❤❤

[@balleronabudgettv9577]

My hair has never been the same since I have done the frequent wash and go on my type 4 hair. Completely different head of hair! If you had told me, I would not have believed you 😂 I do seem to get product buildup when I cowash, so I shampoo 2-3 times a week, but my hair is thriving now.

[@stephanies3862]

When you wash do you let it air dry. Or sit under a dryer. I want to shampoo at least twice a week. With my busy schedule, I don't have time to sit under a dryer, but I also hate going to bed with my hair damp.

[@rdejlee9288]

I wash early in the morning so my hair dries before bed but If I do sit under my dryer it's no more than 30min, then I let the air do the rest😊..I only do it twice a week right now but would like to do more...With just doing it twice my hair is feeling & looking better 😊

[@kiaragay3259]

Why not just buy a hand held dryer with a defuser.

[@Flyonthewall101yes]

@stephanies3862 Watch the hairrules wash go method vedio he gives wash and go demonstrating for three types of hair and drying techniques step by sep ideas 💡 😀

[@yvettelafleur17]

Ooh lawd this is a game changer My afro is soo moisturized now and looks so fierce Been doing for 2 months ❤❤❤❤

[@Flyonthewall101yes]

@@yvettelafleur17 Your fro must be fire 🔥

[@tip.just_as_i_am9092]

I have been following Dickeys method with fidelity for two months. Straightening my hair was my go to style. But I live in Georgia, and the way this heat is set up, I sweat immediately upon venturing outdoors. So I knew straight styles were not going to work for me this spring/summer. Plus I wanted to give my hair a break from heat styles. I decided to just try this method for a week. Washing my hair everyday seemed tedious, but once I started doing it daily, I realized it gets easier. My hair LOVED being hydrated and nourished with conditioner. My curls popped even more because my hair was so hydrated and elongated. I don't even notice too much shrinkage. It has taken trial and error with the products, but so far I do a combo of UFD and the Doux Mousse def or UFD and Ouidad anti humidity gel. With the later combo, I can go 2-3 days before needing to wash again. Also, I use a blow dryer with concentrator to dry for 5-10 minutes, then I let it air dry. The main thing is you have to be consistent.

[@Angelb-dj1od]

I'm type 4 too-- what is UDF

[@k.5425]

Is concentrator the one people usually use to dry the roots of their hair?

[@BossLadyGrady]

My friends think I’m nuts for co-washing my hair every 2-3 days and sometimes times less. I have high porosity hair and it flourishes with this regimen.

[@vee3133]

Do you still co-wash every 2-3 days? My hair is high porosity as well

[@BossLadyGrady]

@ … yes, I still co-wash my hair every 2-3 days and sometimes I stretch it to 4 days. I use shampoo and deep condition once per week and steam my hair as needed.

[@vee3133]

​@BossLadyGrady Sounds great, have you noticed growth and length retention from it? Also how often do you use protein based deep conditioners?

[@ossier2796]

My brother and dad both washed their hair daily with shampoo and their hair grew like crazy and was beautiful my brother was a 3B and my dad was a 4A. I wash my hair every 3 to 5 days, no tangles.

[@ariesunicorn8225]

I'm so glad I came across Anthony Dickie and this information! I recently purchased a 5lt bottle of salon conditioner for £9.99 for my daily co-washes

[@harriet7676]

Mr. Dicky is so,correct I went natural in 2020 and I have a silver crown with tropic dermatitis . As you know this brings on many challenges but I learned I must wash my hair more often the doctor told me this. So I,have been went from 7 -10 days to 4-5 days what a 😅 game changer it has made from moisture retention, definition, and less tangles wow. And I might add very little scalp irritation😮😮 and also less products for styling. I will continue and hopefully get to 3 days but I’m totally satisfied with my progress. I have become a D Head follower ❤️Thank you Mr. D keep teaching…..👍🏾🙏🏾

[@rdejlee9288]

Just wondering how do you use less products if your washing more..? I totally agree with you on his method has done wonders for my hair but I use more product...

[@harriet7676]

@@rdejlee9288 I use less product because my hair is became more hydrated. I don’t know how long you have used this method but you will notice after time you don’t use the same amount of product. Also this includes conditioning, and styling. Please remember it’s a process and being patient is the key. …everybody’s journey is different especially with the timeline. It took me 4-6 months to notice a change however that does not mean it will take you that long. I hope this helps and best of luck to you. 👧🏾❤️🙏🏾

[@rdejlee9288]

@harriet7676 Thank you and your right patience is key...Haven't been doing it long(30days) Already feels so much better tho...Can't wait to use less products 😀

[@harriet7676]

@@rdejlee9288please hang in there.. I can’t stress this .. I’m still experiencing better hydration, moisture and definition and it’s been 4 years God Bless my sister 👍🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@irrelevance3859]

same has happened to me. I need less product to make my hair look good

[@latonyajackson4295]

I agree with this advice on you can't cowash too much because since I discovered this channel and advice, my hair is much better. Another way to consider the topic/question that may perhaps be asked here isn't "how often to cowash between shampoos", but maybe, "how often to shampoo between the frequent cowashes?" My interpretation has been as I am wetting and conditioning my hair with each shower to use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo once a week...and use clarifying shampoo once a month. However, I almost regret the shampoo days because the results aren't like the others (cowash days). I am thinking about pushing the gentle shampoos to every 2 weeks, and the clarifying to every 6 or 8 weeks. Thoughts???

[@latonyajackson4295]

​@daughteroftheking9560 , thanks so much for the recommendations and sharing your experience. I actually have purchased the cleanser from hairrules, but haven't used it yet as I was trying to finish using the other brands and get the remainder of it out of my way. Since they are sulfate free, etc., I thought they were also gentle enough, but maybe not. I typically clarify before color or Olaplex applications, so for me it's more frequent than a season. Your tips are good insights to consider. Thanks again.

[@suzanneaubin7599]

3c hair. Because I hot oil my hair once per week and deep condition on the same day, I find it non-stripping. I use a no sulfate shampoo on those days . Then, co-wash in between during the week. The clarifying shampoo I used to do once per month like you. I can now get away to every two months or until I see my curls no longer spring up. One thing that remains is I always do a hot oil treatment before shampooing and use a deep treatment/masque after. It tends to lessen the drying effects. Other co-washes I’ve tried and loved are As I am JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor Oil), and Zotos Professional All About Curls No Lather Cleanser. Both can be found at Sally’s or Amazon. Added: protein masque once per month, usually after the sulfate/clarifying shampoo. I like to follow that with a moisturizing everyday conditioner because it works for me. Dickey is full of wonderful advice and it works!!!

[@marleyhill34]

I co-wash when I swim in chlorine or salt water. With my scalp and my neurodivergent and active lifestyle, I often don't have the time or energy to co-wash daily. I always use a leave-in conditioner and leave-in detangler daily though. I use a branded co-wash with surfactants because regular conditioner makes my scalp itch.

[@kimberlygoods36]

I struggle with styling. I am 4c and layered. My hair loves water but i have not mastered the skill of a wash n go. The struggle is real. I always wanted to wash daily so im glad you shared this. No one thought it was ok, but you.❤❤❤

[@theconcealedmistress]

Over time wash go's will make your hair fall out. Scalp bacteria. Hair is not supposed to be wet and damp everyday.

[@KatrinaYancey780]

Thank you for continuing to talk about this method. I've been natural since 2010 and have returned to this. I used to cowash frequently when i big chopped but then started doing twistouts as my hair grew. I used to think that this was too much to do. But apparently i was doing it wrong. I used to apply my stylers at the sink. My hair is long and I've had a baby and needed something to feel sane as i couldn't keep up with the long wash days anymore. I started cowashing again, between shampoos, but needed a better way to style. (I was still doing twistouts.) You came up in my recommended recently and I'm 2 weeks into this. I cowash every 2-3 days. I'm LOVING THIS TOO MUCH! It's perfect for my lifestyle and also helping me keep my postpartum shed regrowth together. I'm amazed that i can do this on longer hair than when i first went natural and it take just as much time, actually less than it did then. THANK YOU! It works for me!

[@JunePolk-o3r]

Anthony, you were my haha moment! Once I followed all the advice that you gave/give regarding hair hydration and moisturizing my hair is something that I know longer fight or worry about! It is thriving thanks to your advice and knowledge…..❤️ you Anthony!

[@MrsBuitenbeentje]

I truly enjoy your video, great information and a giggle or two. ❤

[@carolcollins3108]

Thank you my Hair Doctor. My understanding of my type 4 hair gets better as I learn from you. Thank you and God Bless.

[@andreag1407]

Thank you for continuing to drop the gems!!! I have incorporated your hair care and styling advice and all I can say is WOW!!! It has only been a few weeks and my hair is thriving! Your products are amazing as well!!!

[@dallastyree5079]

I like to cowash but I can only cowash for a couple times before needing to shampoo. I start feeling my hair get weighed down

[@luisagabriel644]

I believe so because my type 4 hair gets very dry after a week and I will have to change the routine . Thank you Mr Dickey

[@basiqueopulence888]

There is much wisdom in and benefit to keeping the hair hydrated so fundamentally I agree with this guidance. Now for me and my hair I’m currently at weekly washing or cowashing depending on what my scalp needs which has been great for me and my mid back length coils but I think 2x week on the cowashing between shampoos when I’m doing wash & gos could be a happy medium because daily is too much dry time and product use for me 😉 I also like the volume of day 2 & 3 hair. My hair is perfectly hydrated so I don’t see the need to do daily. Daily for shorter hair is easier for sure. 😘

[@hairrules]

You've found your own regimen! Congratulations!

[@sheshe30341]

All this free everyone! Headed back to Amazon for hair rules no suds cleanser…

[@MsMoe2024]

Thanks for sharing this information. I have been doing this since finding your channel. It has been a game changer for me with twist outs and wash n go

[@adjeleganl2984]

🙌🏾🙌🏾 Everything he said...and ya might not need to deep condition eventually!

[@jcjackson4446]

EXCELLENT advise as always. Thank you Mr. Dickey.

[@bernaw.3259]

Hello Dickey, I just comb my locks out . I am going to start co-washing I had the locks for about 5 months. This is the routine I am adapting. I cant wait to see how my hair does. Thanks. 💝

[@hairrules]

Please keep us posted with your journey. Tag us on Instagram!

[@traumaqueeen]

Its exhausting trying to convince black women to wash their hair every day 😩😩😩😩

[@ariesunicorn8225]

I cringe when I see videos of BW showing off that they've not washed their hair for MONTHS!

[@hairrules]

🤣

[@rohlehr]

Well, when you’re taught that the only reason to shampoo daily is to remove oil from oily scalps, it’s hard to unlearn that. Also, the styling that non-naturals do is not conducive to daily washing.

[@a.leehilliard4716]

It is bananas seeing people proudly talk about waiting weeks or months to wash their hair. So many crazy old wives tales. Truly sad.

[@sharont1209]

Not for me!😂❤

[@CherritaParks]

Question Dickey when rinsing out the conditioner do you use “cool” water like everyone keeps saying to “close the cuticle” or does it really matter because I’ve never heard you say anything about what temperature water should be when rinsing out conditioner? Thank you.

[@Godisloven09]

I've gotten back to co washing daily and it's not heard. My hair is so soft

[@CurlyCrowie]

Long hair is not my goal. I keep my hair fairly short. I cowash as often as I feel like. I cowash at least every 3-4 days I only shampoo when my hair feels coated or waxy. And even then, I dilute my shampoo. So I shampoo my hair as little as possible sometimes it weekly other times every 2 weeks. I avoid heavy products, so I don't have build-up. I wanna try stretching out shqmpooa to even less frequently. I have no scalp issues neither do I battle tangles and single strand knots. I put it down to cowashing frequently. If I stretch out cowashing, there are more tangles. So its the Dickey way or no way fo my way for me.

[@rjohnson7852]

Yes you did

[@Kevin4M3]

When can I get the products in uk

[@hairrules]

Working on it!

[@missfabidia]

Thank you ❤

[@peajay2202]

Hi Dickey, thank you for oyur videos.. With the 4c texture... (going based off of one of your previous videos about cowashing) if you have to use a blowdryer every single time [blow the hair straight/stretch it first), for a style like a twist or braid out, thats so incredibly tedious and exhaustingly time consuming to the have to redo it in another 1-3 days with a cowash.... how do girls with that texture just shower..... and go......... there truly must be a way and to still look sexy by the time its all dry... hmmm... ?

[@user-vb3fb1rg3c]

From my understanding, twists and braids are considered protective styles. So less frequent washing is needed. Frequent co washing is done for wash and go styles.

[@tip.just_as_i_am9092]

Yes. He's said this in previous videos. If you're wearing a protective style, you don't have to wash your hair every day. Just wash it and make sure you seal in the moisture with hair oils/butters. Then style it in the protective style. Daily washing is more for the people that do wash & go.

[@nwayoo9559]

I love your method but my hair does not retain length with this much manipulation over the long run. Is it my imagination?

[@namaste348]

I notice more hair on the floor in the shower and I'm concerned it's breakage😞

[@a.leehilliard4716]

​@@namaste348when is the last time you had your dead ends trimmed off professionally?

[@nwayoo9559]

@@namaste348I have breakage and shedding when I wash my hair. I have been keeping my hair in twists and shampoing every 2-3 weeks and I have length now.

[@namaste348]

@@a.leehilliard4716 last month

[@irrelevance3859]

How often should you Shampoo the hair? I wash my hair frequently shampoo (with suds) every 2/3days evidently my hair started breaking after months of this. I now cowash every 1/2 days and breakage has dropped loads. At what point do I use shampoo?

[@hairrules]

If you're a type 3 or 4 don't use shampoos that bubble, lather or suds. If you cowash as often as you said, you don't need to cleanse with a shampoo every 2/3 days.

[@irrelevance3859]

@@hairrules Yes, I’ve swapped out my shampoo. But I just dont know when to do it, once a week? or just when my hair feels like I need it?

[@SanctifiedLady]

I can’t do pulling… stress on my hair. 😢 my hairline is fragile

[@deborahfrazier1738]

YES,AND IM NOT A WEAVE MY HAIR BUT THATS GREAAT INFORMATION....

[@judithgomez3102]

DIOS MIO SI LO TRADUJERAN EN ESPANÑOL. LO ENTENDERIA MUCHO MEJOR .POR FAVOR NOSE NADA DE ENGLESSSSSS.😂😂😮😅😊

[@latrisewilson2619]

❤❤❤

[@helenwiggins9390]

💯 ❤

[@SLB9634]

Do you use grease?

[@likemycommentifyouwantareply]

Using grease in my wash and gos has been a game changer

[@TreasureChest0806]

On the scalp? OR on the actual hair?

[@Flyonthewall101yes]

Your 💯 present, right other races wash thair hair daily and have no problem so what is the problem with black people washing thair hair daily isn't all hair made up of keratin ?!

[@k.5425]

Exactly

[@Flyonthewall101yes]

Hi DICKEY, YOU SHOULD COME OUT WITH A SKIN CARE LINE YOUR COMPLEXION IS FLAWLESS YOU SEEM NOT TOO AGE

[@hairrules]

Thank you!

[@theconcealedmistress]

Use olaplex 4c dry shampoo. Problem solved