Wow…I cannot believe this is even a topic of discussion but apparently there are still some of us out there claiming that washing or cowashing our hair often is bad or unnecessary for our hair. I truly thought that myth was no longer being spread but according to a post in a Natural Hair group in FB there are scores of women arguing with regular cowashers about it.
See also: 6 Ways You Are Damaging Your Hair And You Don’t Even Realize It
There were women touting we are not white and we don’t need to wash our hair everyday. Many tried to explain to them that they don’t wash it everyday but rather cowash and they STILL argued that it wasn’t necessary and actually drying the hair out! Yes, I am for real. No, I cannot make this up and yes it is very sad.
The whole water is bad for our hair has been debunked and yet we still see some ignorant statements being made in regards to it. The simple fact is that water is the best moisturizer and our hair actually craves it. We need the oil to seal the water into our hair so oiling alone will not completely moisturize the hair. Water can enter into the hair shaft and oil cannot.
“Myth: Water is Your Enemy
Your natural hair needs water! Your relaxed hair may despise water (mine did), but your natural hair absolutely needs it. Most of the people I’ve talked to or met who describe their hair as being dry are not giving their hair enough moisture. Water is the only true and consistent moisturizer, and if your hair doesn’t have it, then it’s not getting enough moisture! As naturals, we have to separate our thinking from relaxed to natural. Water is your best friend!” Naturallycurly.com
See also: Co-Washing – Natural Hair 101
I used to cowash about 3 or 4 times a week (unless I’m wearing twists then its less) and I cleanse my hair with cleansing conditioner about once a week. My hair loves the water and it is not dry. I am not white. I am a Natural. I used to cowash my hair several times a week just as many Naturals do and I make sure to seal my ends to keep the moisture in. No one is saying you have to do it but saying it is bad for our hair or saying our hair doesn’t need or want it is wrong. Why is this even a discussion anymore?
Let’s get past the false statements and fears and embrace water to keep us healthy, moisturized and on track. Unless you have hard water you really have no problems with rinses and cowashes as often as you like. If you do have hard water then try getting a water filter for your shower. Other than that….enjoy washing, cowashing, rinsing and playing in the water!
We are past this Naturals,
Sabrina
Note from Sabrina:
I no longer cowash as often only because I find I can get 2nd, 3rd or even 4th day hair with my recent routine.
Great Article!! I recently started co-washing my hair again and I co-wash 3x a week unless I leave my twist in and I can tell you I noticed a big difference 3 days into it!! I stopped co-washing thinking I didn't need it an my hair was so frizzy & dry. I will keep this in my routine!!
I recently started back and glad that I did. I like the twists but my hair craved the water so why deny my hair that simple luxury? Thanks for commenting.
This article is so true…water is definitely my hair's best friend.
Mine too. Thanks for the comment.
Oh, Sabrina!! Being in the Natural Hair group, you will get LOTS of topics like this for your blog!! 🙂 I do enjoy being around other naturals online and abroad, because it is interesting to see how others think, and it's nice to help each other out… Sure, some aren't willing to budge, but if I can just reach ONE person and share some secrets or tricks of the trade, I'm happy!
Great post, as always!
Char~
It's been a minute since a topic moved me to post about it but this was a little surprising. Yes, some are refusing to budge but at least we can get the correct info out regardless.
I too saw that topic in the group and chose not to comment since I have "white hair" and don't wash everyday I figured they just didn't have all the info they need. Water is great for you hair, be it drank or run/washed through and that applies to any type of hair.
You may be right about how they would have taken your advice since they were so stuck on trying to say that 'white' hair needed the water and 'black' hair didn't. It was slightly embarrassing how they conducted themselves in there.
This just seems too unreal. You mean the more technology and forum and natural hair groups and meetups and documentaries…the more of more that we have, there are still women who think these things? My goodness! Even with my locs, especially in the baby locs stage, the mere presence of steam from the shower made my locs swell. My scalp is so fresh, and hair so light and clean when I wash my locs. How can water be bad for our hair?
Some people need to find other hobbies.
That was why I felt the need to do this post. I was shocked at the ignorance I was subject to! I thought the whole water is bad for our hair was over but yet it appears to still be an issue for some lost souls. *sigh*
This is WONDERFUL and so true! I rinse my hair everyday. Our hair loves water. Our hair NEEDS water! I do the same with my children along with a lot of brushing. Wonderful article!
Thank you and yes my hair loves the water as well. My daughter is wearing her hair straight and has for months. She's 17 and tyring to rebel I believe. Well, I'm hoping she comes back from all that heat and remembers she needs the water.
I agree that water is good for the hair and it's necessary to clean the scalp and hair. I believe that water is good for the inside and outside of the body.
Yes, I agree with you Alice. wholeheartedly.
I hear you! My only issue w/co-washing is that it's predominantly being used as a means to clean the hair which is physically impossible and adds to product build-up, the potential of clogged follicles due to product build-up and thus the death of the follicle. My question to those who use conditioner to clean their hair is…would you use fabric softener to wash your clothes?
I agree with you 100%! Shampoo is the best cleanser for our hair and there are sulfate-free and cone-free ones available if you so choose to get that kind. They can also do a pre-oil poo to make sure the shampoo doesn't strip the hair too much of those oils we need. I still stay with the basics and use shampoo but co-wash during the week because it works best for me with my wash and go lifestyle.
P.S. Just got into a debate w/a FB group touting how to grow long hair, tonight! Their headline reads "How to Moisturize Dry Hair" and then talks about using mayonnaise. SMH.
Can we all just get along??? Can we also get real and good info???