Co-Wash vs. Shampoo Routines | The Active Woman’s Schedule
Mapping Your Wash Routines With a Gentle Co Wash Vs Shampoo
The “Stagnant Salt” Nemesis
The villain in this chapter is Stagnancy. When sweat dries, it doesn’t just disappear—it crystalizes. If you wait for a traditional ‘Weekly Wash Day’ to address post-workout salt, you are allowing those crystals to act as a barrier to moisture for days on end. This leads to the ‘mid-week itch’ and scalp inflammation. Conversely, if you shampoo after every single sweat session, you face the ‘Protein Drain.’ The conflict is finding the middle ground where your scalp stays fresh but your strands stay fortified. A routine without a Co-Wash is a routine that eventually leads to breakage.
Co Wash Vs Shampoo
Wash days can be the most stressful, hectic yet fulfilling experiences for any Natural. A normal wash day can involve a standard all-natural shampoo, deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner, oils and butters. Traditionally, this was a good process because the sole purpose was cleansing and styling to avoid over manipulation. The idea of using shampoos on wash day had been more than welcome in the natural hair community for years but we know now that there are several factors that cite hair damage as the major reasons why Naturals now opt for alternative cleansing solutions.
The invention of milder yet better shampoos free from sulfates, GMOs and Parabens is a great breakthrough but doesn’t completely solve the stripping effect we must avoid. Yes, there are moisturizing shampoos but frizz and dryness remains a problem, and honestly, it’s not advisable to use a shampoo daily no matter how moisturizing it is, because of the loss of protein that comes along with it.
Gentle co wash.
Co washing is the ideal and most realistic way to cleanse hair on a daily basis. The full process involves the co wash itself, deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner and oils and butters. Before you say the process is pretty much the same, remember that a co wash (replacing the shampoo) provides a gentle cleanse but also aims at making hair healthier by leaving it moisturized longer.
There have been misconceptions about co washing for some time with Naturals feeling reluctant to deep condition after a cleanse. You could always choose not to deep condition, depending on how well you know how moisturized your hair tends to be, but we would highly recommend that you use a conditioner after every co wash.
The University Solution: The Hybrid Routine
“We recommend the Hybrid Rhythm. This is how the EBAN woman manages her crown:
- The Daily Mover (3+ workouts/week): Use the Sweat Reset (Co-Wash) after your high-intensity sessions to lift salt. This keeps the hair pliant and the scalp breathing.
- The Weekend Warrior (1-2 workouts/week): Use the Co-Wash mid-week to refresh, saving the Deep Cleanse (Shampoo) for your end-of-week ritual.
- The Monthly Reset: Once every 4 weeks, regardless of your workout frequency, perform a full EBAN Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo ritual (shampoo + deep conditioner) to remove environmental pollutants and product buildup.
Why should you deep condition after co washing?
The answer is quite simple. Deep conditioning is so that you can fully maximize the retention of moisture in your hair. How? Well, deep conditioning aims to cure or replenish nutrients and oils from the hair and scalp lost after wash. In case you are thinking, “but I’m using a co wash and it doesn’t really strip.” In some ways you are right, in other ways maybe not.
A co wash may be mild and gentle but it does cleanse nonetheless. It may not completely strip oils and moisture but it has enough surfactants to cleanse the scalp and hair of dirt, debris and styling product build up. Hair is left clean and moisturized but not moisturized enough. It will become dry if not fed more moisture.
Don’t forget, deep conditioners should always follow a wash in every Natural’s weekly (or so) routine. Especially in the case of natural Black hair as it is the driest of all hair types. In cases of an every day wash, you can opt out of a deep conditioning routine and use a regular conditioner but remember to follow it up with a leave-in conditioner as well.
Oils, butters and styling.
Oils and butters are used to seal in all the moisture and goodness in our hair. When it comes to co washing, especially if it is an every day co wash, opt for lighter oils to avoid accumulated build-up and to lessen the co wash’s load of cleansing. A co wash is a great cleanser but works best with a little help.
Avoid products that are too heavy and contain petroleum because it is going to be VERY difficult to cleanse them out. We have a rule, “don’t wash your hair if it hasn’t dried from your last wash yet.”
Protective styling.
Styling is as versatile as every Natural. Not only are styles beautiful, they also serve as a great way to hide your hair from manipulation and damage. If your hair doesn’t need cleansing after every workout, choose a style that can last for as long as possible. It can last a couple of weeks to a month depending on your hair style and your preference. Protective styles are a big help for hair growth and retaining length.
If you are constantly cleansing your hair, like after exercising or swimming, choose a style that can be taken down easily without straining the shafts. Simple cornrows, two strand twists and even wigs are great because you stay protected but still have access your hair when you need to.
Check out 8 Bulletproof Hairstyles For Your Next Gym Session
The Guru’s Lesson: The “Squeak” Test
Sis, here is a secret from the lab: your hair should never ‘squeak’ when you wash it. That ‘squeaky clean’ sound is actually the sound of a hair shaft that has been stripped of its essential 18-MEA lipid layer.
In the University, we aim for Supple Strength. After a Co-Wash, your hair should feel ‘slippery’ and hydrated, even while wet. If you feel that ‘squeak,’ you’ve gone too far. Use your Co-Wash to maintain the slip, and save the deep-clean ‘reset’ for when your hair truly feels heavy or coated.
Yes, provided you are using a plant-based, silicone-free formula like EBAN. Because we use mechanical friction rather than chemical stripping, you can refresh your scalp as often as you move your body.
Listen to your curls. If your hair starts to feel ‘mushy’ or if your products aren’t absorbing like they used to, you have Product Fatigue. This is the signal that you need the ionic power of EBAN Cleanse to strip away the buildup and start fresh.
The Victory Lap: The Quick Clean Duo
Freedom is having a routine that supports your life, not one that dictates it. EBAN stands for Adaptive Defense. By mastering the rhythm of the Co-Wash and the Shampoo, you ensure your hair stays as healthy as your heart. The Quick Clean Duo is your partner in this rhythm—providing the tactical reset you need to keep moving unapologetically.
Use the code ‘FIRSTTIME’ for a 20% discount. Be sure to let us know your results!
EBAN’s “Complete Guide” Series
Follow our “Complete Guide to Co Washing with Natural Hair” series as we demystify co washing, explore it’s magical possibilities and help you take advantage of this hidden gem in your beautiful and healthy hair journey. We’ll also be featuring other hair care routines and information in order to help you receive the benefits of exercise AND the benefits of healthy hair. Our mission at EBAN is to help you live your Loudest and Most Unapologetic Life!
