The Co-Wash Comb Out

It was time to wash my hair. I was pressed for time and was trying to think of ways to cut some time off of my two hour wash and comb out. I hoped to save my head and hair some stress in the process. Since, I stopped using shampoo a long time ago and that helped a lot.

I usually untangled my hair, co-wash it (loose), spend ten - fifteen minutes making sure I get it clean and rinse the roots well. Then I hand part it into sections and start my real deal comb out. All together the process can take anywhere from an hour to two depending on how I was wearing my hair.

The Solution

Last Friday it hit me. Do the co-wash and comb out at the same time. Here is what I did.

First I wet my hair really well and then shook off the excess water. After draping a towel around my neck, I started finger parting my hair into thick rows and banding it off with tangle free rubber bands.

Next, starting from the back I put a generous amount of conditioner on the bottom section worked it through from root to tip. Once it was completely through I started combing it out from tip to root. The conditioner completely softened all of my tangles ( I had been wearing it in a twist out for a few days). The comb slid right through.

I didn't stop there. I separated that row in to smaller sections combed though it with a smaller tooth comb to ensure that it was tangle free and then tightly braided each section.

I did this to my whole head. When I was done I had a head full of combed out conditioned braids. When the last braid was done I turned on the shower and rinsed out the conditioner. Five minutes later I am towel drying my freshly washed tangle free, ready to be styled braids. Total time: 45 minutes.

Pros and Cons

Pros

I was able to get to my scalp really well because the water didn't have to travel through a helmet of hair.
I used less water. This could be helpful you if you live in California.
My hair was super soft at the end.
I only comb out a tiny bit of hair.
It took substantially less time than my other process.
My hair was ready to be styled when done.

Cons

It took a good bit of conditioner but I was using inexpensive stuff, so it was no big deal.
It was a bit messy. Combing conditioner through your own hair can cause it to fly. I don't think it would have been as messy, if was standing in the shower.

Products used:

Suave Clarifying Conditioner
Three Combs in One (I don't know the real name :)
Ouchless Rubber Bands

All in all, I think I have found my prefered way to wash my hair. What do you think? Would this work for you? If not, what are some of the ways that you have found to speed up your washing/ styling process?