How to Cleanse Your Scalp the Right Way- Natural Hair Care!

There are two camps of cleansers in the curly world: those who shampoo and those who cowash (washing hair with a conditioner).

No matter your method, it is extremely important to cleanse the scalp properly because over time, hair follicles acquire dirt caused by climatic debris and hair product build-up.

Neglecting to properly cleanse hair follicles can result in hair loss, redness, dryness, and an itching scalp.

Here are a few frequently asked questions – and their answers – for co-washers and shampoo-ers, and a few of our favorite cleansing products!

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Co-Washing Tips:

• Depending on the texture, porosity, and thickness of your hair, it is not always necessary to condition wash your hair daily.
• Stay away from silicones in products. They’re more difficult to wash out of hair since they’re not water soluble. Beware of any ingredient on a bottle ending in ‘cone’.
• Check that your conditioner contains emollients, protein, and humectants. Emollients add shine to dull hair, protein repairs fragile curls, and humectants lock moisture into hair.
• Be sure to stimulate the scalp to loosen dirt from the hair follicles.
• People who have skin conditions like dermatitis shouldn’t rely on cowashing, because this could actually backfire and make the condition worse.

Popular cowashes:
As I Am Cowash
III Sisters of Nature Cleansing Co-Wash
Jessicurl Cleansing Cream

Shampoo Tips:

Since wavy, curly, and coily tresses tend to dry easier than straight hair, try using a gentle shampoo.
For those with oily hair, shampooing might be a better option than cowashing, since they are strong enough to remove excess oil build-up.

Most shampoos have a low pH that many cleansing conditioners simply do not. This means that without shampoo, the hair cuticle may not be raised enough to properly release dirt from the scalp.
Clarifying sulfate-free shampoos do exist. Luckily nowadays, they aren’t difficult to find. Especially necessary for an itchy scalp (this usually means it is unclean).

Popular Shampoos:
Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo
Sheamoisture Coconut & Hibiscus
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle
Blended Beauty Soy Cream Shampoo
As I Am Curl Clarity