Low-Poo vs. Co-Wash: Discover the Best Cleanser for Your Curls

Let’s be real—caring for curls is a journey, and finding the right cleanser is one of the biggest decisions along the way. You want your curls to feel fresh and clean, but harsh shampoos can leave them dry and frizzy. Enter the two gentler options: low-poo and co-wash. But which one is best for your curls?

If you’ve ever stood in the hair care aisle, scanning bottles and wondering whether to go with a low-poo shampoo or a co-wash, you’re not alone. Choosing the right cleansing method can make all the difference in how your curls look and feel. That’s why we’re breaking it all down—so you can decide with confidence and keep your curls thriving.

What is Low-Poo?

Low-poo is a sulfate-free shampoo designed to cleanse your hair without stripping away its natural oils. Traditional shampoos often contain sulfates, which create a foamy lather but can be drying. Low-poo formulas, on the other hand, use mild cleansing agents that gently remove dirt and buildup while preserving moisture.

Benefits of Low-Poo

• Cleans Without Drying Out: Low-poo shampoos cleanse effectively while keeping natural oils intact. Unlike sulfate-heavy shampoos, they gently lift dirt and buildup, making them perfect for keeping hair fresh without stripping away essential moisture.
• Supports a Healthy Scalp: A clean scalp is key to healthy hair growth! Low-poo formulas remove debris and excess sebum without disrupting your scalp’s natural oil production, preventing dryness, itchiness, or overproduction of oil that can throw your curls off balance.
• A Gentle Yet Effective Clean: If co-washing alone isn’t enough to keep your hair and scalp feeling clean, a mild low-poo provides that extra cleansing power—without the harsh sulfates or detergents that can leave curls dry, frizzy, or brittle.

Low-poo is ideal for:

• Low Porosity Hair: Since low-porosity hair has tightly packed cuticles, moisture struggles to penetrate, and buildup forms easily. A low-poo helps break through this barrier, clearing the way for hydrating ingredients to work effectively.
• Weighed-Down Curls: If your curls feel limp or greasy due to butters, oils, or styling products, a low-poo removes the residue while keeping your hair light, bouncy, and voluminous—without over-cleansing or drying out your strands.
• Occasional Deep Cleansing: If you love co-washing but sometimes need a more thorough cleanse, low-poo is the perfect in-between. It refreshes your curls, resets your scalp, and maintains hydration—making it a great addition to your routine when your hair needs a fresh start!

What is Co-Wash?

Co-washing, or "conditioner washing," is exactly what it sounds like—using a conditioner-like cleanser instead of shampoo. Unlike shampoo, co-wash doesn’t contain harsh surfactants, so it won’t strip away your natural oils. Instead, it gently lifts dirt and buildup while keeping your curls soft and moisturized.

Benefits of Co-Wash

• Locks in Moisture: Unlike shampoos, co-washes cleanse while conditioning, ensuring your curls stay hydrated. They remove dirt and sweat without stripping away essential oils, making them ideal for maintaining soft, nourished, and healthy hair.
• Tames Frizz & Defines Curls: By keeping moisture locked in, co-washing helps smooth the cuticle, reducing frizz and flyaways. This added hydration boosts curl definition, making curls more bouncy, uniform, and manageable with less effort.
• Perfect for Frequent Washing: Washing hair often with shampoo can lead to dryness and irritation. Co-washing is gentle enough for daily or frequent use, refreshing curls without causing damage, making it perfect for active lifestyles or those who love fresh hair.

Co-washing is ideal for:

High Porosity Hair: High porosity hair quickly absorbs moisture but also loses it just as fast. Co-washing helps retain hydration, preventing dryness and keeping strands soft, plump, and resilient against breakage.

Dry, Brittle Curls: If your hair feels rough or prone to breakage, co-washing provides deep hydration, restoring elasticity and making curls feel softer, healthier, and more manageable with every wash.

Those Who Wash Often: Whether you work out frequently or just love fresh curls, co-washing lets you cleanse as often as you like without stripping moisture, ensuring your curls stay hydrated and defined all week long.

Key Differences Between Low-Poo and Co-Wash

If you’re wondering how low-poo and co-wash stack up against each other, here’s a quick breakdown: Low-poo is a mild, sulfate-free shampoo that removes buildup without stripping moisture, while co-wash is a conditioner-based cleanser that keeps curls hydrated and soft. Choosing the right one depends on your hair’s needs—whether you need a deeper cleanse or extra moisture. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, benefits, and how to pick the best cleanser for your curls. Let’s dive in!

While both methods are gentle alternatives to traditional shampoo, they serve different needs. If you use a lot of styling products, low-poo might be better for preventing buildup. If your curls are always thirsty for moisture, co-washing could be your go-to.

How to Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Hair Type

Still unsure which one is right for you? Consider your hair type and needs: If You Have…

Dry or High Porosity Hair: Co-wash is your best bet—it deeply hydrates your curls, reduces frizz, and prevents them from feeling brittle. High porosity hair tends to lose moisture quickly, so co-washing helps lock in hydration and keep your curls soft and defined.

Low Porosity or Product Build-Up: A low-poo shampoo is ideal for removing excess product buildup without over-drying. Low porosity hair repels moisture, so buildup can accumulate easily. Using a mild low-poo cleanser keeps the scalp fresh while allowing moisture to penetrate.

A Mix of Needs: Alternate between both methods! Use co-wash for hydration and low-poo for occasional deep cleansing. This combination helps maintain balanced moisture while keeping the scalp clean and curls looking their best.

How to Use Each Cleanser for Best Results

No matter which method you choose, proper technique is key to keeping your curls fresh and healthy.

How to Use Low-Poo:

1. Wet your hair thoroughly.
2. Apply a small amount of low-poo shampoo to your scalp.
3. Massage gently to lift dirt and oil.
4. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with a conditioner or deep treatment.

Want to know if sulfate-free clarifying shampoos are effective? Click here to learn more.

How to Co-Wash:

1. Saturate your hair with warm water.
2. Apply co-wash to your scalp and massage gently.
3. Work the product through the lengths of your hair.
4. Rinse well and repeat if needed.
5. Follow up with a leave-in conditioner or curl cream.

To discover how co-washing can benefit your hair, check out NeoCurly’s ultimate guide to co-washing hair and explore our other helpful resources.

Pro Tips for Low-Poo and Co-Washing

Don’t forget to clarify! Even if you co-wash regularly, use a gentle clarifying shampoo every few weeks to prevent buildup. This helps maintain a fresh, clean scalp and ensures your products can work effectively. 

Massage your scalp thoroughly: Take the time to massage your scalp while cleansing to ensure a thorough cleanse. This promotes blood circulation, removes dead skin cells, and helps your scalp absorb the products better. 

Don’t skip conditioner or moisturizer: After cleansing, your curls need hydration. Whether you co-wash or use low poo, follow up with a conditioner or moisturizing product to lock in moisture and maintain healthy, defined curls.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

The truth is—there’s no single right answer! Both methods can be beneficial, and the best choice depends on your hair’s unique needs.

Oily scalp or buildup? Choose low-poo: If your scalp gets oily or you use a lot of styling products, low-poo is your best bet. It effectively cleanses buildup without stripping moisture, leaving your hair feeling fresh and light.

Frequent washes and dry curls? Go for co-wash: If your curls are thirsty for moisture and you wash often, co-washing could be your perfect match. It provides hydration and gentle cleansing, ideal for maintaining healthy, bouncy curls.

Not sure? Alternate between co-wash and low-poo! Can’t choose between low-poo vs. co-wash? Many curlies alternate based on their hair's needs. Use low-poo when you need a deeper clean, and co-wash when hydration is your top priority.

Conclusion: Healthy Curls Start with Proper Cleansing

Your curls deserve love, and choosing the right cleanser is a big part of keeping them looking and feeling their best. Whether you go for a low-poo shampoo, a co-wash, or a mix of both, the key is to listen to your hair and adjust your routine as needed.

Have you tried both cleansing methods? 🙋🏿‍♀️

We’d love to hear about your experience! ✍🏿

Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite way to keep your curls fresh. And if you’re ready to upgrade your curl routine, check out NeoCurly’s collection of gentle cleansers made just for curls!