The no-shampoo method is also referred to as co-washing or conditioner washing. Sometimes it’s even called the curly girl method (CG) form Curly Girl: The Handbook, a book written by Lorraine Massey and Deborah Chiel which helps people embrace their natural hair texture. With that objective in mind, Massey described a new and revolutionary routine to get healthy, well-behaved waves, curls and coils. Although the very best way to do this routine is after reading the book, we understand that many people just can’t wait another day because their hair is begging for help. Here are the basic guidelines of the routine to help you get started.
Why No Shampoo? Curly hair tends to be more porous than straight hair, which makes rinsing out all traces of shampoo virtually impossible, which then causes frizz. Many conditioners also contain mild surfactants which, paired with a little manual friction, can lift off dirt, debris and excess oil from our scalp and hair. To make a shampoo-free routine work, you should eliminate the use of most silicones (‘cones for short) from your hair care routine since most can only be removed with harsh shampoos. Washing with a conditioner while using them would cause them to quickly build up on the hair, which results in dull, matted hair and poor curl definition. It is very important to choose a good conditioner if you’re going no shampoo. Here is what you should look for on the label:
– Emollients: soften, smooth the hair and give it shine. There are hundreds of them, including such natural emollients as vegetable oils and nut butters. Widely used emollients include glycerides and liposomes.
– Proteins: temporarily “repair” the hair and/or protect it. Occasionally proteins will build up on some people’s hair, especially on healthier hair. In this case, alternate with a protein-free conditioner. Examples of proteins include silk, soy, wheat, keratin, or individual amino acids (components of proteins).
– Humectants: absorb water and hold in moisture. They are absolutely crucial in a conditioner for curly hair. Panthenol, vegetable glycerin, sorbitol, and honey are just a few humectants to look for on the label. Moisturizers soften and control curly hair. Amino acids and aloe vera are two great moisturizers.
How To Co-Wash:
1. After wetting your hair thoroughly, pour a dime-sized amount of conditioner in your hand. Use the pads of your fingertips, apply to one spot of your scalp and massage well, just as you would with shampoo.
2. Repeat until you’ve scrubbed all over.
3. Rinse all the conditioner off with plenty of warm water, still gently massaging with your fingertips so the friction will dissolve any residue.
4. Pour more conditioner into your hand, rub your palms together and apply over the length as you normally did in the past.
5. Detangle with your fingers or a very wide-toothed comb. For extra moisturizing, clip your hair up and continue with your shower. When you’re done, set the water as cool as is comfortable to you, rinse for just a second or two, and gently squeeze the excess water off.
How To Style Curls:
1. Choose a silicone-free gel, and one that’s clear, to allow the natural shine to come through.
2. Don’t ever brush your hair. Detangle when your hair is soaking wet. Use a wide-tooth comb, or just your fingers. Never rub your hair with a towel. Instead, gently blot the water using scrunching motions.
3. Gently apply product, preferably by scrunching.
4. Air-dry your hair or diffuse partially to avoid frizz. Don’t touch your hair while it’s drying.
How To No-Poo:
Massey concedes that some people may have to continue using shampoo (hopefully a lot less often than before) because of an oily scalp. This is usually more common in those with wavy hair. To avoid drying the hair, here’s the CG way to use shampoo:
1. Wet hair under a gentle shower.
2. Take a tablespoon of conditioner, and using your fingers, lightly coat your hair from the ends to the mid-shaft. This hair has been around longer than the hair at the roots and needs more lubrication. The conditioner protects the hair by not allowing shampoo to penetrate and dehydrate the shaft.
3. If you’re using shampoo, squeeze a half teaspoon (no more) onto your fingertips and apply it gently to the scalp and roots only. Don’t use your nails. Start at the forehead and work around the scalp, then rinse thoroughly.
4. Add a half teaspoon of conditioner to your hair and work it through with your fingers. Then rinse quickly, for just a few seconds. Now you’re ready to blot-dry your hair.
How To Clarify:
Sometimes residue from gels and oils may not rinse off with water and conditioner, resulting in a little buildup. You might notice right away that your hair feels “gunky,” but other times, your hair just stops responding to the routine. It may begin to tangle easily or curls loose definition and shine. Washing with a clarifying shampoo will refresh them and usually bring the bounce back. Whether you’ve got coils, waves, or serious texture, curly-haired babes know their mane requires some special treatment. Luckily, the ladies from Naturally Curly are more than qualified to guide you through the curl lexicon (pineappling? 4B?) and school you in the best treatments to get the most spring for your buck. ( Source: Refinery29.com )