How to Wash an Afro Hairdo With Conditioner

Co-washing an Afro hairdo retains moisture and manageability.

Afro hair tends to be curly, thick and extremely dry by nature. Because many shampoos can strip hair of natural oils and moisture, cleansing hair with a conditioner is a viable option to maintain moisture in an Afro hairdo. Also known as co-washing, cleansing the hair with conditioner instead of shampoo removes dirt and other debris without negatively affecting the critical moisture that the hair needs.

Any brand of conditioner works for co-washing, but consider using a deep conditioner to penetrate the hair and promote its manageability.

Things You'll Need

• Conditioner or deep conditioner
• Wide-tooth comb (optional)
• Leave-in conditioner (optional)
• Towel

Instructions

1. Saturate your hair thoroughly with warm water in a shower or sink. Rinse your hair for about two minutes to wash away dirt and other debris from the surface.

2. Place a quarter-sized amount of conditioner or deep conditioner on the palm of your hand. Work the conditioner through your hair from roots to ends, adding more conditioner or deep conditioner if necessary to cover the hair thoroughly.

3. Massage your scalp with your fingers for one to two minutes. Comb the conditioner through your hair with a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles if desired.

4. Rinse most of the conditioner or deep conditioner from your hair with warm or cool water. If you rinse out all of the conditioner, you may need to apply a leave-in conditioner to maintain moisture in your hair. Dry your hair with a towel, and style it as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a conditioner rich in humectants and natural oils.

• Don't buy the most expensive conditioner you find. Many less expensive conditioners achieve the same results.

References

• Nappturality: 10 Ingredients to Avoid Putting on Your Hair
• Long Healthy Hair Advisor: Conditioner Washing, the New Way to Shampoo