Alternative hair washing techniques

I thought it would be a good idea to create a post with all the various alternative hair washing techniques, so here it is.

CO method- Washing your hair with Conditioner Only. This method relies on the cetearyl alcohol contained in most conditioners (cetearyl alcohol is, I think, used to help watery elements mix with oilier elements) acting as a mild surfactant. It involves wetting the hair thoroughly, massaging a generous amount (one or two good palmfuls, although this varies) into the roots, then letting it sit. Sitting time varies somewhat, some people rinse it straight out but others let it sit in the hair for half an hour or me, returning to rinse later. I let the conditioner sit while I wash my body/face/brush teeth etc, as I just don't have time to let it set in that long. Thorough rinsing, using the right conditioner and gentle massage are also important parts of this technique.

WO method- Water Only method. This method involves using water only to wash your hair, with the goal of coating the entire length of your hair in it's natural sebum. Some people employ various techniques such as egg washing, boar bristle brushes or massage to distribute sebum, others are serious hard core water only, using variations in water temperature to regulate or remove sebum. This method can involve a long period of transition and should be thoroughly researching by those wishing to try it.

CWC method- CWC stands for Condition, Wash, Condition. Conditioner is placed on the ends of hair to protect it from the drying effects of shampoo. Shampoo is then used to wash the scalp before a second application of conditioner to the ends of hair. I've found this a fantastic method, and think everyone can benefit from this. Fantastic starting point!

No Poo method- I haven't done much research on this method. It can mean a lot of things, some people think it means water only but it can also mean washing with bi carbonate of soda or other alternatives.

C-COW-C method, otherwise known as a 'moo' wash- This hybrid wash involves putting conditioner on the ends, before using a mixture of conditioner and a small amount of diluted shampoo to wash the scalp, then conditioning ends again. I mix the 'cow' part of the wash in a small travel squeeze bottle, and apply. I like to make a mixture with a tiny bit of shampoo, a healthy dose of conditioner, and a pump or two of oil. This is an excellently gentle method for cleansing the scalp, that leaves me feeling clean.

Indian Herb washes- Traditional Ayurvedic haircare involves using herbs to cleanse the hair and scalp, and to balance the skin, mind and body. Some of the commonly used herbs are Shikakai, Aritha (soapnuts), Neem, Brahmi, and Amla. Herbs can be used as a paste or as a tea to cleanse the hair. This technique also utilises heavy oilings, usually with coconut oil, and scalp massage. I'm still learning about this one.


There's no right or wrong way to wash your hair, but some of these techniques work better than shampoo for various hair types, or sensitive skin, or simply those looking to avoid the drying affects of shampoo.