Facebook fans: You spoke and I listened! This is the first in a series of simple, low-effort beauty tips. It might sound odd to recommend washing with conditioner only (no shampoo), and I’m not claiming to be a beauty expert. But I know what works for me, and if it makes me feel good, maybe it will help some of you too. If this series isn’t for you, feel free to become a Facebook fan and tell me so.
I have to admit something before I get into the tip: I never imagined I’d be sharing beauty advice. I’m a stay-at-home mom of five boys. I ask them to brush their hair and they run like I’ve pulled out a hot poker instead of a hairbrush. Wiping a pudding-smeared face with a washcloth sometimes earns a reaction like I’ve used acid. Suggesting a shirt change? “NothankyoumomI’mcomfy.” So I’m pretty much on my own when it comes to personal care, and trends feel out of reach.
Here’s the confession: I haven’t used shampoo in two and a half years. Yes — that’s my tip: no shampoo. Before you recoil, there’s more to it than simply skipping shampoo.
After my youngest was born nine years ago, I felt perpetually rumpled. Five children in eight years left me hormonal, out of shape, losing hair, and with spotty skin. The hair I still had was dry and cottony, and my scalp itched constantly. I tried expensive salon products, natural brands, and specialty treatments, all expensive and ineffective. My bathroom closet ended up overflowing with products that didn’t help.
Desperate, I turned to the internet and found an idea called “No Poo” — giving up shampoo entirely. I tried the baking-soda-and-vinegar method first. It worked for a while but left hair sticky and smelling odd. I also tried Wen, but it was expensive and wasn’t worth the cost for my long hair.
Then I discovered the “co-only” or conditioner-only method. The concept is simple: wash your hair using conditioner instead of shampoo. The key is using a silicone-free conditioner so hair isn’t weighed down. The good news: many affordable conditioners, like Suave Naturals, are silicone-free. Co-washing usually means massaging a generous amount of conditioner into hair and scalp, leaving it on while you finish the rest of your shower (often under a shower cap), then rinsing.
I tried conditioner-only washing in October 2010. Expecting greasy, itchy disappointment, I was surprised: my hair felt silky, my scalp stopped itching, and my hair behaved. It looked and smelled nice with minimal effort. My hairdresser even complimented my hair and started recommending the method to clients. I’ve been co-washing for over four years now.
Important update: My hairdresser has recommended this method to many clients, who reported positive results.
Giving up shampoo didn’t just improve my hair; it cleared up my skin problems. Acne and pimples I’d been blaming on products or hormones improved almost overnight. What I learned is that shampoos can strip natural protective oils from hair, scalp, and even the face when shampoo runs down the neck. Replacing harsh shampoo with conditioner allowed natural oils to balance, eliminating the need for many products I’d previously used.
This approach may not work for everyone. Some people experience an adjustment period of a week or a month where hair and skin are oilier before settling. I didn’t have a transition period, though I’ve never been someone who washes hair daily — usually two to three times a week suits me unless I’ve been sweating heavily or the kids have used my hair as a napkin.
If you’re frustrated with your hair or tired of spending on products, co-washing is worth a try. Here’s how I do it:
How to Conditioner-Only Wash Hair:
- Wet your hair thoroughly in the shower and massage your scalp to loosen dirt and oils.
- Apply a palmful of silicone-free conditioner to your scalp and massage it in.
- Apply another palmful to the rest of your hair, repeating until fully saturated. For long, thick hair you may need several palmfuls.
- Pile your hair on top of your head or use a cheap shower cap to keep the conditioner from rinsing away.
- Finish the rest of your shower — wash your body, shave, etc.
- Add a splash of water, scrub your scalp again, then rinse thoroughly.
- Dry and style as usual. I usually blow-dry my bangs and let the rest air or dry naturally.
- Repeat two to three times a week. That frequency works for me unless you have heavy daily workouts or other reasons to wash more often.
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Use this for Conditioner Only Washing (No Shampoo):
- Suave Naturals Coconut Conditioner — an affordable, silicone-free option that works well for co-washing.
I know this sounds a little out there, but it’s been a game changer for me. Would you try it? If you’re curious but wary, ask to sniff my hair first — it doesn’t smell like a fryer, I promise.
Update: This post was originally published February 15, 2013. I’m still co-washing and wanted to refresh this post for new readers. The many comments from people who have seen real improvements have been encouraging.