#manetain

Co-wash, or the practice of cleansing your hair with conditioner only, is slowly gaining ground among those with curly or extremely dry hair predominantly. The method involves skipping shampoo and rinsing your hair – and your scalp – with a good silicone-free conditioner or a co-wash that’s specifically designed to do this.

Advantages of a co-wash

There are three reasons why you should use a co-wash.

It helps maintain moisture. Regular shampoo works by over-stripping the hair of its natural oils. Co-washing helps reduce dry and frizzy curls. This is especially good in the monsoons. The scalp's natural oils have the chance to condition the scalp and hair. Using a co-wash helps that instead of removing oil from it. It can be used as a leave-in as well, to style and protect your hair.

How many times in a week can one use a co-wash

Hi, Curlies! How is your CG journey coming along? And, now that you’ve found the path to achieving gorgeous, natural curls, we’ve jotted down a few pointers for you to maintain and handle your precious curls during the course of your daily lives!

1. Sleeping with curls:

You’ve slayed the day and your curls stayed intact! But it’s time to hit the sack and you’re wondering how to preserve them without having to wake up to a head full of frizz. Worry not, we’re here to help.

Here is a list of quick tips to keep your curls in place overnight:

The Pineapple – This method is as delightful as the fruit itself and even works as a curly hairdo! Simply flip your dry hair over and secure it into a very high yet loose ponytail with a satin or fabric scrunchie to avoid breakage. If your hair is too short to gather into one ponytail, simply make multiple pineapples by segmenting your hair. After a night of good rest, simply undo the ponytail and refresh with a spray of water or curl refresher to prep them for the day ahead.

Satin to the rescue – If you’re uncomfortable with tying up your curls and prefer letting them down, simply swap your cotton pillowcase for a satin or silk one. You could also use a satin bonnet or scarf to ‘contain’ your curls to wake up to bouncy curls sans unwanted frizz. Check out brands like Hairlove and Manetain for satin and silk products that help you on the CG journey.

T-shirt turban – If you don’t have a silk bonnet at hand, simply DIY with a T-shirt. Gather your curls upwards, place the tee at the nape of your neck and pin over your forehead. Tie the sleeves into a loose knot to nest your curls for the night.

Braid Up – Braiding your hair before bed is a good way to keep your hair intact. Opt for a double or single French braid, but you could also try mini braids by parting your hair into 6-8 sections and braiding them individually. Too lazy to braid? Simply section your hair and further section into two and twist and secure with a fabric scrunchie. Undo the braids when you wake for a lovely natural curl pattern. (P. S. If you’re a wavie, braiding gives you tighter curls and for curlies with kinkier curls, braids elongate the curl pattern)

Plop It – Another common night time routine for curlies is plopping. Apply a styling curl cream or mousse and flip hair onto a microfibre towel or tee laid down. Tie a knot behind your head to secure your curls in place.