Why would I ever want to co-wash my hair? I dread wash day as it is because of the tangles and matted hair. Why would I purposely put water on my hair more often than I need to?
The above is exactly what I was saying before I tried co-washing, the act of using conditioner as a shampoo substitute. For the last few weeks I've been slowly falling in love with this method. 
The results on my hair have been wonderful and I thought I might try to win some of you over if you haven't tried it.
Yeh, yeh but how do you co-wash?
Personally, I just wet my hair in the shower, apply a glob of cheap conditioner, massage into my hair like shampoo and then rinse. 
The purpose is not to replace shampoo forever. Your hair will still require a proper cleanse every week or two to avoid product buildup. I've been co-washing my hair twice a week in addition to my weekly wash and deep condition.

OK, what's so good about it?

I've found four noticeable benefits since I've been co-washing:
1. Aids with manageability

Co-washing is a detangler's dream! Once I've applied the conditioner, I like to finger detangle in the shower. Once towel tried, my hair behaves, not tangling or matting up. 
2. Keeps hair moisturised

Our hair loves water. What better way to moisturise it than to put water on it? Coupled with my daily bunning and reduction of heat, I've noticed an increase in the elasticity of my hair and therefore less breakage.
3. Helps soften new growth
If you follow my blog, you'll know that I'm transitioning (again) back to my natural texture. New growth can often get dry, rough or crunchy, and co-washing (along with my S-curl) helps to soften and loosen my roots.  
4. Great for refreshing hair 
I co-wash after exercise to refresh my hair without using stripping shampoos. Because I'm also quite heavy handed with my product during the week, the water on its own helps to remove the gunky feeling that occurs after a few days. 
Once my hair is partly dry, I bun and tie a scarf around my head to flatten my roots.
I know co-washing is nothing new on the healthy hair scene, but if you were anything like me and shunned if before you tried it, I strongly encourage you to give it a go!
Do you co-wash? 
What were your results?

If you've been paying any attention in healthy hair school (or the forums), you'll know about the importance of including protein in our regimes. When balanced properly with moisture, protein helps our hair stay strong in order to fight against breakage.
For the last few weeks I've been showering my hair with moisture, spraying it every day with my thirst-quenching S-curl and co-washing regularly. I was loving the effects of super soft and moisturised hair, but recently started to notice dreaded breakage! 
Luckily, I've been monitoring the needs of my hair regularly so I was able to quickly pinpoint when the breakage started and act fast to prevent it further. Instead of the long strands of shed hair I had been getting used to, I was seeing short strands of breakage, which were just a few centimetres in length . 
Coupled with soft, mushy hair I knew I was experiencing a moisture overload! I never understood what 'mushy' hair meant until now because believe it or not, this is the first time I've experienced it on my journey.
Acting quickly, I reached for my bottle of Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor, a protein treatment used to fortify the hair. I mixed it with my usual deep conditioner, and after rinsing, I noticed the effects immediately.
My hair felt stronger - and admittedly rougher - but that's what to expect after a dose of protein. To restore the proper protein/moisture balance, I followed with a quick rinse of a moisture conditioner. 
Reunited with strong but soft hair, this experience has taught me to: 1. Always listen to the needs of my hair 2. Incorporate protein into my regime to avoid this situation again, even if it's in small doses.
While my hair was moisture deprived a few weeks ago, it's not any more. I've learned that it's important to frequently re-asses my regime in order to provide to the requirements of my hair at the time.
Have you ever experienced a moisture or protein overload?
How did you know, and how did you combat it?
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