Featuring our favorite picks from Unwash, Kristin Ess, and Pantene.
If washing your curly and natural hair leaves it dry, you may want to get on board with co-washing. This process uses a cleansing conditioner, rather than traditional shampoo, for a gentler and more hydrating effect on textured hair. In short, a cleansing conditioner does the job of both a shampoo and conditioner simultaneously, removing excess dirt and oil while also smoothing and softening your hair. Cleansing conditioners also don’t contain sulfates, the detergents found in some shampoos, so you can rest assured you aren’t adding anything harsh and stripping to your haircare regime.
So if you’re on the hunt for the best cleansing conditioners, we’ve found the best available with help from our experts: Bradley Leake, a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist and colorist; Mia Emilio, a master hairstylist at Devachan NYC; and Jamyla Bennu, the founder of haircare line, Oyin Handmade. Read on for the picks that got the Byrdie stamp of approval.
Best Overall
Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner
Hair Type: All | Size: 2.5, 13.5, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Per our point about co-washing being an effective option for all hair types, this formula does, in fact, work well on everything from super straight hair to kinky curls. It’s also safe for color and chemically-treated hair, and may even help your hair dry faster afterward. Rather than using sulfates or soaps, it relies on cationic cleansers that work like magnets to remove dirt, oil, and other unwanted grime. Science is so cool.
Best Budget
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Cleansing Balm
Hair Type: Dry | Size: 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Think of this as a deep conditioner that transforms into a cleanser. Sulfate-, paraben-, and silicone-free, it moisturizes and adds mirror-like shine while also cleaning your hair and scalp without drying either out. Oh, and did we mention it costs less than most lunches? FYI, for the best results, let it sit on the hair for three to five minutes.
Best Budget, Runner-Up
Kristin Ess Ultra Hydrating Curl Co-Wash
Hair Type: Curly, natural | Size: 8.45 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Leake says this is one of his favorite drugstore buys. Great for medium to coarse curl types, it shields hair from frizz-causing humidity. Plus, we’d be remiss not to mention the super chic packaging that’s even more noteworthy given that affordable price tag.
Best Drugstore
Pantene Deep Hydrating Co-Wash
Hair Type: Curly, coily | Size: 15.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This low-lather, extra-gentle formula is packed with argan oil to add plenty of softness and strengthen hair against potential damage. While this line was formulated for African-American and textured hair, it can be used on any thick or coarse hair type. Try replacing your standard shampoo and conditioner with this one-step option every other time you wash.
Best for Curly Hair
Ouidad Weightless Cleansing Conditioner
Hair Type: Frizzy | Size: 3.2, 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As we mentioned, co-washing is beloved by curly girls as a great way to help retain moisture in their hair, and this is an especially great pick. It’s a favorite of Leake’s, who lauds it for not only effectively cleansing and hydrating but also containing nutrients, such as rice bran oil, that help repair and strengthen hair. To that point, this formula is also ideal for improving the elasticity of curls, which is always a good thing.
Best for Natural Hair
Mizani True Textures Cleansing Conditioner
Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, and coily | Size: 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Whether your natural texture is wavy, a little curly, or coiled, this is a great option.
Three different oils—coconut, marula, and olive—work in tandem to add plenty of moisture, shine, and softness to your natural curl pattern, while also treating frizz. It’s a favorite of Leake’s, who points out that it’s great for everyday use as well.
Best for Straight Hair
Mixed Chicks Conditioning Cleansing Co-Wash Shampoo Alternative
Hair Type: All | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Believe it, you can use a co-wash even if you have straight hair. Try this guy, a no-lather option that relies on a trio of olive, jojoba, and castor oils. It effectively removes grime, hydrates, and helps detangle the hair (always nice for those who have straight hair that is prone to snarls) but doesn’t leave behind any residue or buildup, the last thing you want if you have straight hair.
Best for Fine Hair
WEN by Chaz Dean Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner
Hair Type: All | Size: 32 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Wen cleansing conditioners might be some of the best-known out there, not to mention that the line offers a ton of variety. For finer textures, we’re partial to this option, the lightest formula of them all. It uses aloe to moisturize without weighing down the hair and also contains witch hazel to help clarify the scalp. A boon for those with fine hair, which also tend to be prone to having oilier scalps.
Best Foam
R+Co Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner
Hair Type: Color-treated, dry, coarse | Size: 5.75 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Generally speaking, most cleansing conditioners don’t really lather, so if you’re craving some suds, reach for this option. The foam cleanses while also delivering a laundry list of good-for-your-hair ingredients—think softening argan oil, antioxidant-rich green tea, and even a thermal polymer to ward off heat styling-induced damage. And the bonus of the foam formula? It’s super weightless which is especially ideal if you have finer hair that’s easily weighed down.
Best Scent
Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Moisturizing Cowash
Hair Type: Curly, dry, coarse | Size: 16.9, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
“Infused with tea tree oil, lavender, and peppermint, this co-wash transforms your everyday shower into a spa-like experience,” says Leake. And really, who doesn’t want that, especially on a sleepy morning? Rich and creamy, this is an especially good option for those with coarse, dry hair, as it helps lock in natural oils and fight frizz, too.
What to Look for in a Cleansing Conditioner
- Sulfate-Free: This one should be a given, but it’s always a good idea to triple-check and make sure your cleansing conditioner doesn’t contain any potentially drying or stripping sulfates.
- Argan Oil: Leake is quick to note that exactly what type of cleansing conditioner you choose, and the particular ingredients you should seek out, are very much dependent on your unique hair type. If you have curly hair, look for argan oil: “It’s moisturizing and won’t weigh down curls, just detangle and soften them, and even if your hair is fine or thin it won’t leave it greasy,” he says.
- Coconut Oil: Per the previous point, this thicker and richer oil is better suited for those with thick, coarse textures, who don’t have to worry about their hair looking flat or being weighed down, says Leake.
FAQ
- How does a co-wash, or cleansing conditioner, work?“Cleansing conditioners have special cleansing ingredients that gently cleanse and remove product buildup, leaving you with a soft and clean feeling,” Bennu tells Byrdie. “It’s also a huge time-saver because you’re cleansing and conditioning in one step.” According to Bennu, these formulas are designed to cleanse your hair without any lather, as they don’t contain parabens and sulfates.
- How do I co-wash my hair?In the shower, apply the first round of conditioner, then scrub your scalp. “The friction and scrubbing motion is what’s removing dirt and grime from your scalp,” says Emilio. “Without friction, you’re not cleaning anything.” Rinse your hair completely, then apply a second layer, working from your ends all the way to your mid-lengths. “This is to detangle, but also to condition your strands,” Emilio says. “This round of conditioner does not need to be applied to your scalp.” Rinse until all product is removed from your hair, then repeat as needed.
- Can I use a regular conditioner to co-wash my hair?While cleansing conditioners and traditional conditioners may seem similar, they’re not completely interchangeable. A cleansing conditioner can replace a traditional conditioner in your routine, but not vice-versa. Traditional conditioners lack the cleansing ingredients and may result in product buildup, scalp irritation, or a general greasy feeling.