Aveda Be Curly Advanced Co-Wash: Cleanse Curls Without Stripping Moisture

5 days ago
2 min read

Curly and coily hair doesn’t need to be shampooed every wash day. In fact, overwashing strips the natural oils that keep curls hydrated, defined, and healthy. Aveda Be Curly Advanced Co-Wash gives you a way to cleanse and condition in one step—gently removing buildup without disrupting your hair’s moisture balance.

At Belt Salon, we educate our curly-haired clients on the difference between shampoo days and co-wash days. This product is a game-changer for anyone who washes their curls more than once a week and wants to keep them hydrated between deeper cleanses.

What Is Co-Washing?

Co-washing means using a conditioner-based cleanser instead of a traditional shampoo. It gently lifts dirt, sweat, and light product buildup while depositing moisture at the same time. The result is clean hair that still feels soft and hydrated—not stripped and squeaky.

Aveda’s co-wash formula is designed specifically for curls, coils, and waves. It has just enough cleansing power to remove what you don’t want without touching the natural oils your curls depend on for definition and shine.

How to Use the Co-Wash

Apply a generous amount to wet hair and work it through with your fingers, focusing on the scalp. Massage gently to lift dirt and oil, then distribute through the lengths of your hair. Rinse thoroughly. No separate conditioner is needed on co-wash days, though you can follow with a leave-in or styling product.

Use the co-wash on days between your regular shampoo washes. For example, if you shampoo with Be Curly Advanced Shampoo once a week, use the co-wash on one or two mid-week wash days to refresh without stripping.

Who Should Co-Wash

Co-washing is especially beneficial for Type 3 and Type 4 curl patterns, which tend to be drier and more fragile. If your curls feel crunchy, look dull, or lose definition after shampooing, you’re likely overwashing—and the co-wash is your solution.

It’s also ideal for anyone who works out frequently or lives an active lifestyle around Bradenton, Palmetto, or Lakewood Ranch and needs to cleanse sweat from their hair without doing a full shampoo each time.

Aveda Be Curly Advanced Co-Wash product results showing 85 percent increase in hydration and instant frizz reduction for curly hair

Frequently Asked Questions

Does co-washing actually get hair clean?

Yes, for light to moderate buildup. Co-wash formulas contain gentle surfactants that remove sweat, dirt, and light product residue. However, you should still use a regular shampoo once a week or every two weeks to do a deeper cleanse, especially if you use heavy styling products.

Can co-washing cause buildup?

If you only co-wash and never shampoo, you may eventually get buildup. The key is alternating between co-wash days and shampoo days. Most curly-haired clients do well with one shampoo day and one to two co-wash days per week.

Can I use this co-wash on wavy hair?

Yes. While it’s formulated for curls and coils, it works beautifully on wavy hair too. If you have fine wavy hair, use a lighter amount to avoid weighing down your waves.