Check out the best co wash products for low porosity hair. These co washes are suitable for all types of 4c hair too such as dry hair, thin hair, and relaxed hair.
I’m sure a lot of people have heard of co-washing and have never got down to trying it for their own reasons.
Well, this article is not to convince you to try it, but it will definitely help you get some of your answers as to why you should, if you’ve really wanted to!
I’ve definitely tried co-washing often and liked the way my low porosity hair felt afterwards.
But that being said, I still do like to spare my hair of the co-washing and use a shampoo from time to time just to clarify all the buildup.
My low porosity hair often made my hair feel dry as shampooing it, stripped its moisture away. Well, that’s how I got down to trying various co-wash products to suit my hair type.
So here’s my review on the top five product picks of mine.
| Best Co Wash Products | Best for Hair Type | Top Ingredients |
| Cantu Shea Butter Co-Wash | Wavy, curly hair | Natural shea butter, essential oils |
| Alikay Naturals Cowash Me Cleansing Conditioner | Oily, dry, normal hair | Jojoba oil, peppermint oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, bay essential oil, olive oil |
| Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Co-Wash | Dry, normal, colour-treated, curly hair | Flaxseed, avocado, coconut, apple cider vinegar |
| TRESemmé Expert Selection Conditioner | Dry, normal, curly hair | Coconut milk, aloe vera |
| Jane Carter Solution Curl Co-Wash | Curly, coily hair | Jojoba oil, restorative botanicals |
Let’s look at the comparison between the top co washes at a glance!
| Top Co Washes For Natural Low Porosity Hair | Cantu Shea Butter Co-Wash | Alikay Naturals Cowash Me Cleansing Conditioner | Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Co-Wash | TRESemmé Expert Selection Conditioner | Jane Carter Solution Curl Co-Wash |
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| Price | Expensive | Very Affordable | Affordable | Very Affordable | Very Expensive |
| Hair Cleansing Properties | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Moisturizing Properties | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Ingredients Quality | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Sulfate-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable For Dry Hair | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
I don’t usually drop my tips and tricks on Twitter cause i leave that shit for the gram but fellas listen up! Stop washing your hair and beard every other day with shampoo and find a decent co wash. You’re stripping your hair of its natural oils. pic.twitter.com/4bHBPBlAC3
— THE K1ng (@K1ngdev_) September 14, 2020
How did I test the best co wash products for low porosity hair?
The reason I like testing and reviewing the co washing products I try, on certain parameters, is because it will help the reader get a more specific idea about the product they are planning to buy.
Here are the three parameters I have chosen to review these co-wash products:
Cleansing power:
Since co-washing involves washing your hair with just a conditioner, I decided that this parameter is essential to know how well the product can do the job of cleansing the hair without using a shampoo.
Fragrance:
I’m someone who is very particular about the type of scent the product has because that’s finally how my hair will smell once it dries. Strong fragrances do not appeal to me and that’s why I chose this parameter.
Gentleness on hair and scalp:
Most products contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicones etc, that can damage the hair and scalp. Therefore, I’ve chosen this parameter to give the reader a fair idea about how harsh the product is on the hair and scalp.
Top Co Wash Products for Low Porosity Hair 2023
How to choose the best Co Wash Products for Low Porosity Hair?
Choosing the best co-wash products for low porosity hair requires considering specific factors that cater to this hair type’s unique needs. Here are some tips to help you find the right co-wash products for low porosity hair:
- Look for Lightweight Formulas: Opt for co-wash products with lightweight formulas that won’t weigh down your low porosity hair. Heavy products can create buildup and make your hair appear greasy.
- Avoid Sulfates and Silicones: Choose co-wash products that are free from sulfates and silicones. Sulfates can be harsh and strip natural oils from your hair, while silicones can create buildup on low porosity hair.
- Moisture-Rich Ingredients: Seek co-wash products with moisture-rich ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or coconut oil. These ingredients can help hydrate and nourish low porosity hair effectively.
- Consider Protein Balancing: Low porosity hair can be sensitive to protein overload, so look for co-wash products that provide a balance of moisture and protein. Avoid products with too much protein, as they may make your hair feel stiff and dry.
- pH-Balanced Formulas: Opt for co-wash products with pH-balanced formulas. Low porosity hair tends to have a more closed cuticle structure, and using products with a balanced pH can help maintain hair health.
- Check for Humectants: Humectants like honey or glycerin can attract moisture to your hair, which is beneficial for low porosity hair that struggles with moisture absorption.
- Read Reviews and Product Labels: Read reviews from people with low porosity hair who have used the co-wash products you are considering. Additionally, pay attention to product labels to ensure they align with the needs of your hair type.
- Try Sample Sizes: If possible, try sample sizes of co-wash products before committing to full-size bottles. This way, you can test the product’s effectiveness on your low porosity hair without investing in a large quantity.
Remember that everyone’s hair is unique, so what works for one person with low porosity hair may not work for another. Experimenting with different co-wash products will help you discover what works best for your specific hair needs and preferences.
Cantu Shea Butter Co-Wash
Fragrance: Shea butter
Hair type: Wavy, curly hair
My low porosity hair is relatively curly and I found it getting quite dry. That’s when I tried co-washing and this was the very first product I used.
And I have to say it definitely did justice to the whole “co-washing” technique, because it worked pretty well on my hair type.
What I liked about this product is that it is free from sulfates and parabens, which is something I always look for in products because harsh chemicals can worsen already dry, low porosity hair.
It made my hair and scalp feel cleaner and reduced scalp buildup considerably, while also making my hair feel sufficiently moisturized.
Another thing I liked about this product is that it smelled really nice and not too much.
The only thing I would have felt that could have been better was the consistency, which was thin, but yes, that can be considered negligible in an overall perspective.
Pros:
- Works well on hair that is curly and dry as it’s super moisturizing
- It contains no sulfates or parabens so it’s gentle on sensitive skin
- Reduces scalp buildup as it has clarifying surfactants in the ingredients
- Smells very good and has a mild fragrance that doesn’t irritate
Cons:
- Thin in consistency, so you might end up using more of the product than necessary.
My Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 4.3/5
- Fragrance: 4.5/5
- Gentleness on hair and scalp: 4.5/5
Alikay Naturals Cowash Me Cleansing Conditioner
Fragrance: Coconut
Hair type: Oily, dry, normal hair
I would definitely recommend the Alikay Cowash for a first try as it perfectly suited my low porosity dry hair.
Since this product is sulfate –free, it was very gentle on the scalp.
It also didn’t strip my hair off all its moisture, but in fact made my hair feel way more moisturized than it was earlier, before I started co-washing. My scalp too started feeling cleaner.
This product contains a lot of different types of oils that blend perfectly to produce the best results. For those who wish to use it on a daily basis, I would definitely recommend this product.
What I also noticed is my hair damage reduced considerably and my hair felt more hydrated than before.
The only thing I didn’t like about this product is that the coconut scent is very overpowering and strong, even though I generally like the smell of coconut.
Pros:
- Works well on dry hair as it contains shea butter and coconut oil
- Cleanses the scalp well as it contains coconut-based surfactants
- Gentle on the scalp as it contains no sulfates and instead has natural cleansers
Cons:
- Strong scent of coconut that might not be to everyone’s preference
My Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 4.3/5
- Fragrance: 3.5/5
- Gentleness on hair and scalp: 4.2/5
Related: What Is Co-Washing
Related: Best Oils For Low Porosity Hair
Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Co-Wash
Fragrance: Not-defined blended fragrance
Hair type: Dry, normal, colour-treated, curly hair
In the past, my hair always felt under-moisturized, dry and brittle and I had my fair share of hair damage because of it.
Once I started using this product, I can definitely say my hair texture has improved and my hair feels much softer, with reduced hair damage and considerably moisturized as well.
While I used this product for co-washing my hair, I also was able to use it while I styled my hair. So this was definitely something I loved about this product and now my curls look absolutely flawless.
What I also love about this product is that it works well even on my color-treated hair.
And it is also gentle on my hair and scalp without stripping away any moisture as it contains no sulfates or parabens.
The only thing I didn’t like was that this product smelt like a perfume which was very strong and overpowering.
Pros:
- Keeps hair well moisturized thanks to the flaxeed oil-based formula
- Gentle on even sensitive, irritated scalp as it contains no sulfates and parabens.
- Perfect for use on hair that is color-treated as it doesn’t contain SLES or SLS
Cons:
- Strong smell of a blend of the product’s ingredients that can trigger sensitivities.
My Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 4.3/5
- Fragrance: 3.8/5
- Gentleness on hair and scalp: 4.3/5
TRESemmé Expert Selection Conditioner
Fragrance: Tropical with a blend of vanilla and sandalwood.
Hair type: Dry, normal, curly hair
This one is one of my top picks among the five products I have reviewed in this article, because everything about this product is what appealed to me.
It was not harsh on my hair as it contained no parabens or silicones. So my already dry hair didn’t lose any more moisture, but in fact it made my hair feel more hydrated than before.
My hair used to always be frizzy and after using this product, my frizziness reduced considerably, which is something I loved.
Another thing I loved about this product is its scent, which was absolutely perfect and lovely! It smelt tropical with the perfect blend of vanilla and sandalwood.
This product definitely cleansed my hair well and made it feel well nourished after each wash.
Pros:
- Nourishes the hair thanks to the coconut oil-based formula
- Reduces hair frizziness as it contains smoothening ingredients like aloe vera
- Gentle on the scalp as it contains no silicones or parabens.
- Vanilla fragrance is mild but very pleasant
Cons:
- Contains added perfume that might not suit certain sensitive scalp types.
My Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 4.3/5
- Fragrance: 4.5/5
- Gentleness on hair and scalp: 4.3/5
Jane Carter Solution Curl Co-Wash
Fragrance: Not-defined blended fragrance
Hair type: Curly, coily hair
While this product is relatively expensive as compared to other co-wash products, I have to say it is totally worth the price! This would be one among the picks of my all-time favorite products.
My hair used to often feel under-nourished and dry, but after using this product, my hair felt much softer and also smoother, in turn making my detangling process much easier than before.
Well, I’m sure anyone with curly hair simply hates the whole detangling process of their hair.
It made my hair feel well-moisturized as well and cleansed it well without stripping away excess moisture, because it contains no sulfates.
My hair definitely felt very manageable after using this product.
The product didn’t smell like any particular fragrance and it was just a blend of the ingredients, so that’s something that didn’t really appeal to me.
Pros:
- Works well to nourish and hydrate the hair as it contains jojoba oils
- Gentle on the scalp and color-treated hair as it contains no sulfates a
- Helps detangle the hair easily as it has a high slip texture
Cons:
- More expensive than other co-washes in this list but the formula seems similar or even worse than stuff like Cantu or Alikay
My Ratings:
- Cleansing power: 4.3/5
- Fragrance: 4/5
- Gentleness on hair and scalp: 4.3/5
FAQs about the best Co-Washing Products For Low-Porosity Hair
What is co-washing?
The process of co-washing involves washing the hair with just a conditioner without the use of a shampoo.
Therefore, it is also known as “conditioner-washing”. When you would usually shampoo your hair, you would use it on both your scalp and hair as part of the cleansing process.
And the conditioner would only be used on your hair afterwards and left on for a few minutes and then rinsed off.
However, while co-washing, the conditioner will be used in place of the shampoo and therefore will have to be used on the scalp as well.
How does co-washing benefit you?
One of the main reasons people choose to co-wash and skip the shampoo is to help the hair retain its moisture and not succumb to hair dryness. Also natural black hair needs more hydration than other hair types. So a co-wash is better for these hair types than a regular shampoo.
Is co-washing as effective as shampooing?
Well, shampooing helps get rid of sweat and grime, sebum, product buildup etc, while a co-wash can skip it. So in a nutshell, no. It’s not as effective as washing your hair with a shampoo.
The final takeaway
So guys, I hope this review came in handy for you in choosing the co-wash product you want to buy.
Another general tip you could use in the selection of your co-wash product is to look for hydrating ingredients like emollients, moisturizers, proteins and humectants.
Well, I hope you enjoyed the read and made the right choice!
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you