Cleansing is a major part of any hair care routine. Like with many other aspects of life, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to hair cleansing; however, some may argue for one over the other. Today we answer the question: co-wash or shampoo?

The simple answer is both.

What is a co-wash?

As the name suggests, co-wash is a conditioner wash. What does this mean for your hair? When using a co-wash, one can be assured that the strands of their hair remain moisturized as the conditioning feature of a co-wash is designed to strip the hair of less natural oils while cleaning each strand. The overall outcome is clean, soft and silky hair after just one step. Cantu’s Shea Butter line captured cleansing and conditioning power in their Complete Conditioning Co-wash. Cantu boasts hydrating clean in the absence of sulphates, silicones and parabens all in one 10 oz. tube.

A co-wash, however, cannot be used in isolation of a shampoo. The hair naturally secretes its own oils that help maintain moisture via the hair follicles and scalp. With the continued use of just a co-wash, the strands of one’s hair become clean while oil build ups form on the scalp that ultimately trap dust and dirt.

Co-washing sounds amazing and is as it sounds but is it enough? This is where the use of a clarifying shampoo comes in.

What is a clarifying shampoo?

Clarifying shampoos are fortified to help remove build-up while also moisturizing the hair. A clarifying shampoo, when used in alternate with a co-wash, will bring that squeaky clean feeling to your scalp while not having to sacrifice the soft nourished feel on your freshly washed hair. In keeping with the trend of all natural, sulfate-free products, Aunt Jackie as part of their all-natural line feature their “Power Wash” Intense Moisture Clarifying Shampoo.

So, how does one extract the best of both worlds in just one wash routine?

Use Cantu for Natural Hair Complete Conditioning Co-wash as part of your regular wash day routine while incorporating Aunt Jackie’s Power Wash Intense Moisture Clarifying Shampoo every other wash day to leave your strands rejuvenated while having your scalp bask in buildup-free bliss.