In good co. is a series where our co-creators share their experience + perspective in helping formulate our product launches.
It seems like self-care is the topic of discussion around just about everything these days, and with that, it’s helped many of us define what self-care uniquely looks like in our own lives. When I think of regular self-care, I usually imagine myself in the bathroom meticulously tending to one of two things: my skin or my hair. The latter is definitely the most time consuming self-care practice, but after 6 years of learning to love and care for my naturally curly hair, having different versions of my hair routine has helped it flourish like never before.
One of my favorite routines is the mid-week, lower-maintenance version where my hair isn’t quite ready for wash day but could still use a moisture boost to make it through the weekend. A product I’ve been so excited to share for this particular routine is Function of Beauty’s brand new co-wash — carefully formulated and co-created by curly girls, including yours truly! This is the first customizable co-wash that is silicone-free and includes super hydrating and nourishing ingredients like Shea Butter, Jamaican Black Castor Seed Oil, Avocado Oil and Aloe Juice.
When first beginning the co-creation and testing process of the co-wash, there were a few things I had in mind to make sure it was the most beneficial and time-saving step — the first, of course, being slip. When using a co-wash, we not only want to make sure we’re cleansing our scalp that may have some build up from products or sweat, but we’re also remoisturizing the strands that may have gotten dried out since our last wash day. To reduce the chances of breakage and to make the detangling process more seamless, having slip in our hair products is so, so important — especially for tighter curls, kinky, and coily hair.
The next priority, and one I really appreciated the Function of Beauty team had as a top priority, is that this co-wash would work well for the full spectrum of natural hair textures. Although my hair falls in the middle of that spectrum at 3c/4a, I prioritize recommending products that serve and cater to textures that have been historically underserved. This co-wash was created with every texture in mind, from the ingredients, to how they work in application across textures. I appreciated how the team intently listened to our feedback throughout the testing process and came back with a formulation that really packs a punch.
So how and when do you incorporate this product into your routine? This depends on how frequently you wash your hair and what your hair’s unique needs are. For those who wash their hair more than once a week, subbing one of your shampoo sessions for co-wash instead will help provide the moisture and refresh your hair needs without stripping it of the natural oils that help nourish your hair. If you wash your hair once a week, you can either incorporate the co-wash midweek for a 360 refresh, or you can use it in place of your shampoo the next wash week — essentially incorporating it twice a month. For those who wash their hair every couple of weeks or longer, incorporating this cowash in between wash days as needed will ensure your hair and scalp get the refresh and moisture boost they need until your next clarifying wash day.
The best part is that you can take customization even further and truly make it your own during the ordering process. This co-wash mix is truly Your’s, so whatever your focus is: ingredients, fragrance, color – you can make it your own! Whatever your unique needs are, this co-wash was made with you in mind and I’m excited for you to try it!
