If you’re not familiar with co-wash, it’s short for “conditioner” wash and it’s commonly used for curly, kinky, and coily strands. The twists, curls, and coils render the hair strands more delicate than naturally straight or wavy hair. Frequent shampooing strips curly, kinky, and coily hair of their natural oils, therefore it’s necessary to add moisture back into the hair more often than it is to cleanse it. Here’s what I am using in between shampoos to keep my strands hydrated and refreshed. Learn to make this DIY co-wash recipe today!
What you need
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Coconut milk
- Moisturizes hair without weighing it down
- Super hydrating for the hair, also contains essential minerals our body needs
- Canned (full-fat) coconut milk is thicker than the carton varieties, so use that if you can
Castile soap
- All-natural, plant-based, and non-toxic
- Gentle, yet effective
Marshmallow root
- Is high in plant protein and vitamins
- Conditions and hydrates the hair
- The slippery mucilage makes detangling easy
- Soothes dry and itchy scalp
- Promotes hair growth
Slippery elm bark
- Herb derived from the inner part of the elm bark
- As the name suggests, contains a slippery mucilage that makes detangling easy
- Commonly used for digestive health, is also high in nutrients
Lavender essential oil
- Promotes hair growth and a healthy scalp
- Has conditioning properties
Rosemary essential oil
- Stimulates cell renewal, has healing properties
- Nourishes the scalp and promotes hair growth
- Increases hair thickness
Fine mesh strainer
- Once the marshmallow root steeps in the coconut milk, we will need a strainer to separate the liquid from the solids
- Alternatively, you could use cheese cloth or a nut milk bag
How to make
- Add contents of a can of coconut milk to a saucepan and heat on medium-high heat
- Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of Marshmallow root and stir to combine
- Allow mixture to come to a boil, stirring often
- Once boiling, remove from the heat and allow to cool
- After the mixture has cooled, strain the liquid into your container
- Add 1/4 cup of Liquid castile soap followed by 1 tbsp of Olive oil
- Next, add 5 drops each of Lavender and Rosemary essential oils
- Close it up and shake to combine
- All done!
How to use
- Shake well before each use
- Apply to damp hair in the shower
- Smooth through hair strands
- Rinse well and follow it up with this deep conditioner or this leave-in conditioner
Did you make this recipe?
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