This is a modified cross post from pg 14 of my Medusa journal.... because I've received questions about C-COW-C as they relate to cones.
C-COW-C works with OR without cones.
C-COW-C: the definitive version
C-COW-C (C - CO+W - C, C-"cow"-C)
(can be pronounced in any of the above ways)
This fusion method is basically a combination CO, CWC, and Dilution-a-la-Dave (diluting shampoo in plain water). The grease goes away, but the moisture can stay!
The method begins with the basic CWC, but it is modified by the addition of conditioner to your shampoo. Cutting shampoo this way added moisture and you get the best of both worlds (the CO and the CWC), since oftentimes people can only go one way or the other. C-COW-C is a middle ground.
This method works best for the following kinds of people: Those who itch from CO but would like a gentler method of cleansing anyway
Those who get too greasy from CO and have a difficult adjustment period
[may help] Those with dry scalp, but who still have dead skin buildup that can be removed only by a detergent (?).
You will need the same stuff you'd use for a CWC:1. The same C-onditioner you'd normally use for CO or CWC (e.g. any of the V05 regulars, any Suave Naturals, White Rain) note that these contain
no cones.
2. your regular shampoo (W-ash)
3. a plastic squeeze bottle, ~24 oz or less
4. seamless rake comb, if you use one
5. your favorite final C-onditioner, whether it is cones or no-cones.
(1) The first C: Wet scalp and entire length. Work the light conditioner into your ends or into the "bottom half" of your hair.
(2) Make your COW thingytail: In a squeezie bottle, add 1 dose (a dose is your regular amount of shampoo) of shampoo and 1-2 heaping tbsp of the same light conditioner. Add 8-14 oz of water and shake well. This isn't scientific by any means. Some people could end up preferring less water, if they use less shampoo. As long as you end up with a nice cappuccino froth. Just today (02/16/2005) I made two separate COW thingytails, each one being about 6 oz. Each thingytail contained 1 tsp of C and a nickel-sized dollop of shampoo.
(3) Apply your COW thingytail: Squeeze contents onto wet scalp, massaging the scalp lightly as you would with a CO wash. Finger comb only in this step, even though there is conditioner involved.
(4) Rinse very VERY well.
(5) Apply your regular conditioner normally; generally from the ears down. Comb, rinse, etc.. as usual.
With this method, I get a "clean" feeling that still has the bounce of CO or CWC. This method does differ from CWC in practice, since the shampoo is made more gentle by the addition of light conditioner.
There hasn't been enough documentation of this method. If anyone has anything to add, I'll be happy to edit this entry.
Hugs and blessings,
Anais