In the summer months, when hair is more prone sun exposure, sweat, chlorine and salt water, it can be the highlight of the day to jump in the shower to rinse your hair in a fruity-smelling shampoo and silky smooth conditioner.

But, in recent years, some women have become champions of the 'no-shampoo' movement which involves 'co-washing' – otherwise known as 'conditioner washing' – using a cleansing conditioner to wash hair, leaving it feeling softer, easier to manage and healthier.

What Is Co-Washing?

We originally talked about it back in 2014:

'Washing your hair without shampoo? Surely that's like Ant without Dec. Mac without Cheese. Gin without tonic?' I hear you cry.

We all know that frequent washing and using harsh sulphates, detergents, or some of the chemicals frequently found in shampoo can strip the hair of its natural oils.

However, the 'no shampoo method' involves using conditioner free from silicones, such as dimethicone, which leaves the hair and scalp feeling clean and extra moisturised – not heavy and oily, as commonly thought.

how to co wash your hair
Ivan Lattuada//LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT

But, although co-washing has been around for a while and has accrued a loyal fan base, recent reports could throw a spanner in the works.

A federal judge in Los Angeles gave a preliminary approval for a £21.1 million settlement for a law suit against Gwyneth Paltrow and Alyssa Milano's celebrity hair stylist Chaz Dean's product range, Wen (and its distributor Guthy-Renker). The case comes after 200 women across 40 states in the US launched legal action, alleging the stylist's cleansing conditioner had resulted in side effects including hair loss, hair breakage, rashes and scalp irritation.

Wet hair | ELLE UKpinterest
Getty Images

As a result, if approved by a US district judge, those who have reportedly suffered side effects from Wen products could be in line to receive up to £16,000 in damages.

Attorney Amy Davis told CBS: 'From what we understand about the product and how it causes hair loss is it contains virtually no cleanser. It's like using lotion to wash your hair. So instead of removing the product when you rinse it off, it just becomes impacted in your hair follicle.'

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Is Co-Washing Bad For Your Hair?

Well, maybe not.

According to dermatologists working on the court case, they can't quite make out why exactly the women suffered such horrific side effects. Specifically, dermatologists have taken issue with the idea that the product affected the hair 'follicle.'

Dermatologist Debra Jaliman told Xovain: 'Since hair grows from the hair follicle—which is under the skin—and not from the surface, I couldn't really make sense of this lawsuit.'

Besides, if the product was found to contain 'virtually no cleanser', the worst side effect would result in oily hair – not hair loss or breakage – according to Mary Gail Mercurio, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Rochester Medical Centre.

I know what you're thinking. 'Well, Wen's products must have some weird depilatory ingredient that is making women's hair fall out?'

how to co wash your hair
. //LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT

Not according to the experts.

'If there were a specific depilatory ingredient in these products, it would affect more women,' says Dr. Mercurio.

'There are many causes of hair loss. It's possible that some of these women are sustaining hair loss from a separate issue,' she added.

It seems that choosing to 'poo or not 'poo (shampoo, get your minds out of the gutter) is a completely individual choice, just as it is for how often you wash your hair. 'It really depends on scalp's oil production, which differs from person to person,' says Mercurio.

So, if you want to try out co-washing, there doesn't seem to be any problem currently with doing so but, as with all beauty and health experiments, monitor how you feel and keep tabs on any negative side effects.

how to co wash your hair
Ivan Lattuada//LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT

How Often Should You Co-Wash?

It's not time to ditch your shampoo just yet. Co-washing is all about getting a hair routine in place.

Imbue Creative Director and Brand Ambassador, Michelle Sultan recommends 'co-washing at least once or twice between normal wash days, co-washing can be used to refresh curls that have gone a little limp or when you don’t have time to do full wash.'

The long-term results of incorporating this technique into your routine is avoiding dried-out ends and leaving hair looking healthier and silky smooth.

What is co-washing?pinterest
Getty Images

Does Co-Washing Make Hair Greasy?

Co-washing is most beneficial to those blessed with curls, to help keep hair more moisturised and less prone to breakage. Especially as a lot of shampoos contain chemicals that can damage curly and textured hair.

'This method is most suitable for hair types that are type 3 or 4 (within the universal curl guide). I feel that straighter or less wavy hair would be left feeling greasy or to heavy leaving it limp and less able to style', believes Sultan.

If you're constantly trying to hydrate ends and lock in moisture this could be a game-changer but for those that don't have hydration at the top of their priority list it might be one to give a miss.

Can You Use Any Conditioner For A Co-Wash?

If you've already found your ride or die conditioner there's no reason why you shouldn't use that as part of your co-washing routine but as a general rule, there are a few ingredients to look out for.

'Always go for a conditioner that is suitable for your hair type, they should be free of silicones and parabens and any nasty damaging chemicals! Look for products that are heavy in the moisture content and dedicated to moisturising your hair', says Sultan.

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