13 Best Co-Washes For Natural Hair According To A Hairstylist (2024)
Switch to these gentle co-washes to keep your kinky hair oil- and dirt-free.
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.Jill is also a highly sought-after educator, renowned for her direct, meticulous, and modern approach to hair, makeup, and styling for fashion shoots and advertising campaigns.
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Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
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Shampooing your hair every day is not the only solution if your scalp becomes oily and uncomfortable too frequently. You need the best co-wash for natural hair to keep your scalp squeaky clean. Co-washing, also known as conditioner-only washing, involves washing your hair using only a conditioner. Co-washing has become popular, especially with those who have curly and wavy hair. If you are someone with type 4 hair, you probably know this method already.
Curly hair might turn dry and brittle too frequently, so co-washing will be the best remedy. It helps in scalp care, tames frizzy hair, adds curl definition, and retains moisture while being gentle on textured hair. Here, we have listed the best co-wash conditioners that are laden with special cleansing ingredients to remove buildup, so you can try if you want to moisturize your hair without making it greasy. Scroll down!
In This Article
13 Best Cleansing Conditioners For Co-Washing Natural Hair – 2024
1. Best For High Porosity Hair:Curl Junkie Daily Fix Cleansing Hair Conditioner
This is a concentrated and creamy cleansing conditioner that is extremely lightweight. It gently cleanses your hair and scalp and removes dirt, impurities, oil, waxes, silicones, and mineral deposits left on your scalp by styling products and hard water. It preps your hair without over-drying it. This product is good for even color-treated hair.
Pros
- Contains 97% natural and naturally derived ingredients
- Doesn’t weigh the hair down
- Works well on high porosity hair
Cons
- May not work for all hair types/hair textures.
- The fragrance may be overpowering for some users.
"This cleansing conditioner is excellent for my fine, curly hair. It cleans without stripping the essential oils from my hair. A little goes a long way with it, making it worth my investment last."
2. Best For Detangling:Renpure Coconut Creme Cowash – Best Hydrating Co-Wash For Natural Hair
This organic co-wash contains coconut oil that lubricates your hair and protects it from damage. The co-washing conditioner gently removes all impurities. The formula is infused with keratin, amino acids, and protein that help in hair repair, restore strength, and make your hair smooth and shiny. It also contains shea butter that has proven efficacy in conditioning the damaged areas and providing protective lipids to your hair. Made with organic ingredients, it does not contain parabens, sulfates, or harsh salts.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- No sodium chloride
- No harsh salts
- Makes hair soft and bouncy
- Prevents tangles
- Keeps hair super soft
Cons
- The pump might malfunction.
3. Best For Frizz Control:Aunt Jackies Flaxseed Recipes Purify Me – Best Cleansing Conditioner For All Hair Types
This is an ultra-rich, triple-action conditioner that helps replenish moisture and remove dust, build-up, and impurities from your hair. It contains flaxseed, which is a source of omega fatty acids. It helps prevent hair thinning and shedding. This gentle cleansing conditioner also contains nourishing ingredients like avocado and coconut oils that help improve overall hair health and scalp health. It is gentle enough to be used daily and is suitable for all types and textures of hair. Before buying, have a look at this video highlighting a tester’s experience with the product for more details.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Also suits type 4 hair
- Non-sticky
- Prevents frizz
Cons
- Thick
"This co-wash moisturizes my curls and offers a decent definition. It leaves my hair shiny and bouncy without any damage to the dehydrated strands. I use it thrice a week to keep my hair clean. I also like its fragrance which does not cause a headache."
Curl Junkie Daily Fix Cleansing Hair Conditioner Best For High Porosity Hair | Renpure Coconut Creme Cowash – Best Hydrating Co-Wash For Natural Hair Best For Detangling | Aunt Jackies Flaxseed Recipes Purify Me – Best Cleansing Conditioner For All Hair Types Best For Frizz Control | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly | - | All hair types,Dry |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.5 x 6 inches | 3 x 3 x 8 inches | 3 x 3 x 8.25 inches |
| Weight | 14.4 Ounces | 16 Ounces | 8 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 33 | 2,889 | 911 |
| Price | $29.99 | $9.0 | $8.99 |
4. Best For Color-Treated Hair:As I Am Coconut Cowash
This is a lightweight and no-foam co-washing conditioning cream. It gently removes all dirt, build-up, and residue from your hair and scalp and helps maintain your natural curls/coils. It is formulated with a perfect blend of natural ingredients that work at the follicular level to keep your hair healthy and hair growth. It keeps the hair moisturized and maintains moisture until your next wash. Check out this video to explore a reviewer’s experience with the conditioner to know more about it.
Pros
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Gentle for everyday use
- Spreads easily
- Detangles the hair
- Deep conditioning
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- The container packaging causes product wastage.
"This Coconut CoWash is so good, I keep comin back to it. It is super gentle and does not have any harsh sulfates and silicones. It repairs hair damage and even adds hydration. It helps extend the time between washes."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 1,536 great reviews on Amazon.
5. Best For Deep Moisturization:Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Cleansing Conditioner
This daily cleansing conditioner is meant for curls, coils, kinks, and waves. It is a no-lather cleansing conditioner that washes away all impurities, deeply moisturizes your hair, and creates a healthy environment for hair growth. It detangles your hair and defines your natural curls, so it is easy for you to run your fingers through them. Suitable for relaxed hair, it is made with agave nectar that moisturizes and conditions hair from root to tip and contains pro-vitamin B5 and biotin that helps in hair strengthening.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- No artificial color
- Prevents frizz
Cons
- None
"I love using this cleansing conditioner in my daily my routine. It is quite effective for my curly hair. It adds good amount of moisture and does not dry out even with daily use. It has a creamy texture that spreads easily and rinses off well."
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 4,094 rave reviews on Amazon.
6. Best For Low Porosity Hair:EDEN BodyWorks Natural Cleansing Cowash – Best Co-Wash For 4C Hair
If you are looking for a suds-free co-wash for natural hair, you can try this product. It is a silky conditioning cream that helps remove residue from your hair and scalp and keep it fresh in between regular washes. This cleansing conditioner for curly hair texture contains nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera extracts, and avocado oil that work together to keep your hair hydrated and lock in moisture to prevent dryness. Multiple reviewers agree that the product removes residue and product build-up from the scalp while moisturizing it.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- No artificial dyes
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for transitioning hair
- Suits 4C low-porosity hair
- Detangles hair easily
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 4,277 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
7. Best Paraben-Free Formula:Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Quinoa Co-Wash
This cleansing conditioner is for textured, dry, thick, and/or color or chemical treated hair. This co-wash is a 4-in-1 formula that cleanses and conditions your hair effectively. It helps detangle the hair, making it easy to comb, and deeply nourishes it. This ultra-hydrating cleanser contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and quinoa extracts that help remove impurities without stripping the natural oils. It also contains aloe vera extracts that improve manageability and make your hair healthy. This conditioner does not contain any harmful chemicals and preservatives.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- DEA-free
- No artificial dyes
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Less quantity for the price.
8. Best For Gentle Cleanse:Creme of Nature Cleansing Conditioner For Natural Hair
This is a lightweight co-washing conditioner for natural hair. It has a color-safe formula that is infused with argan oil. It gently cleanses your hair and removes dirt and product residue from your scalp and hair. The argan oil hydrates your natural hair and keeps it frizz-free and defines your curls, coils, kinks, and waves. This product does not contain any parabens and sulfates (both SLS and SLES).
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Some users may not like the fragrance.
Remember9. Best Sulfate-Free Formula:Alikay Naturals Cowash Me Cleansing Conditioner – Best Clean Co-Wash For Natural Hair
The co-wash cleansing conditioner has a sulfate-free formula and is gentle enough for daily use. It does not strip the natural oils of your hair. The formula contains botanical ingredients like jojoba oil and peppermint oil that hydrate the hair, protect it, and make it soft while ensuring your scalp feels clean and refreshed. It has a pleasant fresh peach scent, so you can be sure that your hair will keep smelling good.
Pros
- Contains botanical extracts
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Contains silk amino proteins
- Contains food-grade preservative
- No harmful chemicals
Cons
- None
10. Best For Scalp Nourishment:Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Cowash
This shine-enhancing, creamy, and no-lather cleansing conditioner. It gently cleanses the scalp and keeps it nourished. It makes dry, coarse, and natural hair more manageable. This product helps replenish the hair moisture with its blend of pequi, monoi, and jojoba oils. It controls frizz, detangles the hair, and adds shine to it. Moreover, it has an extremely soothing lavender-mint fragrance that invigorates your senses and helps relax your mind and spirit.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- Expensive
11. Best Lightweight Formula:Taliah Waajid Shea-Coco 2-in-1 Conditioning Co-Wash
This co-wash conditioner is perfect for 3C and 4C hair types. It gently cleanses and detangles your hair without making it excessively dry. It is so gentle that you can also use it as a leave-in conditioner after you have shampooed your hair. It is enriched with nourishing oils, like sesame and coconut oils, and shea butter that help eliminate frizz and make your hair soft to touch.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
12. Best For Scalp Buildup: LuxeOrganix Cleansing Conditioner Co Wash
This keratin-infused LuxeOrganix Cleansing Conditioner is perfect for curly hair and color-safe. Your hair will feel softer, smoother, and easy to maintain after using it. Additionally, this softening cleanser also enhances your mood as it has a minty fresh scent and helps tame hair that is prone to tangling. It removes excess buildup, doesn’t leave any residue behind nor contains any harmful chemicals. It is safe to use, efficient and works quickly without stripping your hair or drying out your scalp.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Prevents frizz
- Detangles hair easily
- Pleasant fragrance
- No harmful chemicals
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- May weigh down thin hair
13. Best Dye-Free Formula:Aussie Miracle Curls Co-Wash
This product is enriched with coconut and Australian jojoba oil. If your hair is curly and kinky, this product is the best choice for the in-between days before you wash your hair. It nourishes your hair from root to tip and cleanses your scalp and hair thoroughly to keep you feeling refreshed even when you do not shampoo your hair. It keeps your hair smooth and bouncy and is extremely gentle on your kinks and coils.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Pleasant fragrance
- Dye-free
- Doesn’t weigh down hair
- Prevents frizz
- Makes hair smooth and soft
Cons
- None
Whatever your hair type, you must know how to choose the best co-wash product for the perfect result. Below are some guidelines for you to follow while buying the best cleansing conditioners for co-washing your tresses.
Things To Consider While Buying The Best Cleansing Conditioner For Co-Washing Natural Hair
- Hair Porosity
Porosity of the hair refers to how much water your hair can repel or absorb. If you have low porosity hair, you require a lightweight cleansing conditioner. A heavy product will weigh the hair down with build up. High porosity hair will require a conditioner enriched with proteins, natural oils and butter that will keep them nourished.
- Ingredients
Whether you have dry or normal hair, you need a rich conditioning formula infused with moisturizers like shea butter and natural oils like olive oil, castor oil, coconut oil. If your hair is oily, look for more lightweight oils like almond and argan oil which will not weigh the hair down.
Pick a natural product which is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and devoid of parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and petroleum. These chemical ingredients are bad for hair health.
- Detangler
If you have type 4 hair, you know how tangled your hair can get! Pick a detangling condition with lubricating ingredients like coconut oil that free-up your curls, while amino acids, keratin, and protein restore strength in the brittle strands.
- Other Benefits
Natural hair is prone to frizz and flyaways. Pick a co-wash that moisturizes the hair and keeps it smooth and in control. Formulas with nourishing ingredients like coconut and avocado oil condition the hair and balance the oil and natural moisture level to reduce frizz.
If you suffer from hair loss and split ends, look for flaxseed in the formula. Flaxseed is rich in omega fatty acids that have proven efficacy in preventing hair shedding and thinning. Shea butter offers lipids that condition the damaged areas.
Co-washing your hair can be beneficial in the long run if you use the right product and do it the right way. Here are a few tips to follow to co-wash curly and coily hair.
How To Co-Wash Your Curls: Best Practices
When you are not using shampoo for cleaning your hair, you need to adjust your methods of rinsing and cleaning. Here is how you can properly co-wash your hair:
- Wet Your Hair Properly: Soak each strand of your hair to the point that water drips from each of them. Water helps to loosen the dirt and debris from your hair and makes it easy to clean. It also helps spread the product evenly.
- Take A Good Amount Of The Product: You will need a dollop of the cleansing conditioner to coat each strand of your hair from root to tip. If your hair is dense, you may need more of the conditioner, but make sure it is enough to cover your hair.
- Massage The Conditioner Thoroughly: Massage it well on the scalp and your hair. This helps break down oil and dirt. Leave it for 3-5 minutes and let your hair soak it. After that, wash your hair with water and rinse as usual.
- Use A Clarifying Shampoo Once In Two Weeks: Product build-up is inevitable, and you need to shampoo once in a while to avoid it. Usually, shampooing once or twice in a month is fine. If you feel your hair is weighed down, you can shampoo and co-wash alternatively.
Remember, if you are co-washing for the first time, your hair and your scalp need time to adjust to this new washing routine. You might experience greasiness and no difference in the beginning. However, after a month of following this new natural haircare routine, you may start noticing results.
Infographic: Benefits Of Cleansing Conditioners For Co-Washing Natural Hair
Cleansing conditioners contain mild, nourishing ingredients that gently remove product buildup, leaving you with soft, clean, and healthy hair. They are huge time-savers, cleansing and conditioning in one step. These conditioners offer manageable locks, enhanced natural curls, and a frizz-free look. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the benefits of co-washes for natural hair.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you want to keep your curls well-defined and bouncy, you need to ditch your drying shampoos and start co-washing. This cleansing technique gives you good hair days and helps you to keep them free of frizz and locks in its natural moisture. The products mentioned in this article are made of naturally derived ingredients and are mostly free of chemicals. Many are free of animal testing as well. Their gentle, non-sticky formulas leave your hair feeling soft and bouncy with every wash. For color-treated and high-porosity hair, opt for the Curl Junkie Daily Fix Cleansing Hair Conditioner. The Aunt Jackies Flaxseed Recipes Purify Me – Best Cleansing Conditioner For All Hair Types is sulfate and paraben-free, and effective in combating frizz for all hair types. Choose the hydrating EDEN BodyWorks Natural Cleansing Cowash – Best Co-Wash For 4C Hair as it is perfect for low-porosity locks. However, some of these best co-washes and cleansing conditioners may have an overwhelming fragrance and it is better to avoid such formulas. Choose a dermatologist-tested formula if you have a sensitive scalp or other scalp issues, it’s best to conduct a patch test prior to incorporating a conditioner into your hair care routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I co-wash with any conditioner?
AnsYes, you can. However, a cleansing conditioner has a better formula and is specially meant for co-washing. You will get better results with cleansing conditioners.wer
Will co-washing make the hair greasy?
It depends on your hair type. If you have curly hair and your scalp is not used to co-washing, it might become greasy initially or leave you with an irritated scalp. However, with time, your scalp will adjust to it and produce less oil.
How often should I co-wash?
Whenever you normally shampoo your hair, instead of shampooing, just co-wash it.
When to use co-wash?
Use a co-wash if you have dry, coarse, and damaged hair. It cleanses the dirt from your hair and moisturizes it from the roots. Skip using two different hair cleansing products and opt for a co-wash and save your time.
Does co-washing cause hair loss?
No. Co-washing does not cause hair loss. However, if you do not rinse the hair properly after using a co-wash, the accumulated product may dry out the strands and cause hair loss.
Is co-washing better than shampoo?
Co-washing cleanses and moisturizes the scalp, while regular shampoo only removes the dirt. Therefore, co-washing is better than shampooing.
Is co-washing good for 4c hair?
Yes. 4c hair gets dry and brittle as it traps more product, dirt, and oil inside the locks. Therefore, co-washing is highly effective in cleansing product buildup, smoothening rough curls, and adding moisture.
Is co-washing good for low-porosity hair?
No. Low-porous hair has closed pores. Therefore, co-washing causes more product buildup and turns the hair dry and brittle. Instead, wash your low-porous hair with a clarifying shampoo to open the flat pores, then use a deep conditioner.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a haircare enthusiast. She is driven by her keen interest in finding and reviewing the best hair care products. She has prepared this list of the best co-wash conditioners after thoroughly checking numerous online reviews and closely examining the product specifications of multiple products from different brands. The products shortlisted here help tame frizzy hair, retain moisture, and leave natural hair non-greasy and manageable.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
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Read full bio of Eshna Das
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