13 Best Co-Washes For Fine Hair, Expert-Approved (2024)
It's time to revitalize fine hair by stimulating hair growth for extra shine and volume.
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.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
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.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Image: Shutterstock
Women with fine hair understand the problem of an oily scalp. But, shampooing every day is no option either. Have you tried the best co-washes for fine hair available on the market yet? Co-washes or conditioner washes cleanse your scalp and hair without drying them out. Being enriched with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut, or argan oil, they act as a moisturizer for the hair.
Limp hair can make you look and feel drab. But, washing your hair daily with regular shampoos strips your hair and scalp of their natural moisture. This makes your fine hair dry and brittle, often increasing hair fall. To prevent this and to ensure that your oily scalp does not ruin your hairstyles, check out the best co-washes for fine hair that have multiple positive reviews. These carefully picked formulas have made it to our list of favorites because they cleanse the scalp and prevent the hair from becoming lifeless. Keep scrolling to find out more!
In This Article
What Is Co-Washing?
Co-washing, also called ‘No-Poo’ washing involves washing your hair by completely eliminating shampoos for good. For this, you will need a cleansing conditioner, which is different from your regular conditioner as it does not lather yet cleans your scalp thoroughly without drying it. Such co-washes are a magical potion to athletes and gym enthusiasts who need a regular hair wash to keep sweat at bay. Shampooing daily can cause hair damage while co-washes can nourish hair, improve its texture, and give you bouncier hair.
13 Best Co-Washes For Co-Washing Fine Hair Gently And Thoroughly
1. Best Conditioning: As I Am Classic Coconut CoWash
Style, flaunt, and shine as you like with the As I Am Coconut CoWash for caucasian hair that backs you up by keeping your hair well-nourished and free of damage. Coconut oil — the key ingredient of this no-sud co-wash deeply conditions the hair strands from root to tip. Other nourishing ingredients like castor oil, saw palmetto, tangerine, and phytosterols promote healthy hair growth and increase hair thickness. When you evenly spread this creamy potion on your hair scalp, it gently cleanses excess sebum, styling product residue, and other residues from the surface without disturbing the physiological balance of your scalp.For a thorough review of the hair product, have a look at this YouTuber’s video.
Pros
- Conditioning treatment
- Cleanses gently
- Adds moisture
- Makes detangling easy for textured hair
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Pleasing coconut fragrance
Cons
- Methylisothiazolinone present in the product might cause skin allergies.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 10,788 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
2. Best Softening: Pantene Gold Series Deep Hydrating Co-Wash
Is the frizz in your hair sinking your self-confidence to outshine and stand out? Try the Pantene Gold Series Deep Hydrating Co-Wash — an ultra-rich cleansing conditioner formulated by scientists and perfected by hairstylists. This affordable co-wash for fine hair is infused with argan oil that thoroughly cleanses the scalp and protects your hair’s natural oils to keep it soft and shiny. The citric acid infused in the conditioner balances the scalp’s pH level, making it effective and suitable for healthy hair growth. The fact that it is free of parabens, sulfates, and other chemicals keeps your hair safe from damage. Grab this co-wash to fight frizz and hair breakage. Check out this video on YouTube that details a reviewer’s experience with this conditioning wash.
Pros
- Deep softening
- Damage repair
- Tames frizz
- Citrus fragrance
Cons
- Does not fight dandruff or soothe irritated scalp
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 457 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
3. Best Curl Definition: Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Complete Conditioning Co-Wash
Your kinky, wavy, and, curly hair needs an extra dosage of nourishment to keep the frizz at bay. While most co-washes are very conditioning and tend to straighten your curls here is an exception! Try the Cantu Complete Conditioning Co-Wash to preserve your curls and gently nourish them. Shea butter and the other infused ingredients gently cleanse the curls and nourish them Shea butter and the other infused natural moisturizing ingredients gently cleanse the curls and nourish them from root to tip. The frizz can easily be tamed and you will have that bouncy and springy hair of your dreams. Get naturally-moisturized curls with this amazing co-wash for thin and curly hair. You can also check this video on YouTube that details a reviewer’s experience with the products to get a complete idea.
Pros
- Formulated to preserve curls
- Deeply hydrates the hair scalp
- Prevents split ends
- Makes hair softer
Cons
- The co-wash may leave the hair too oily.
Pro Tip| As I Am Classic Coconut CoWash Best Conditioning | Pantene Gold Series Deep Hydrating Co-Wash Best Softening | Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Complete Conditioning Co-Wash Best Curl Definition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Color-treated Hair,Curly Hair | Curly, Coily | Curly,Wavy |
| Dimensions | 3.6 x 3.6 x 3.4 inches | 2.52 x 2.52 x 8.54 inches | 3 x 1.88 x 9 inches |
| Weight | 1 Pounds | 15.2 Ounces. | 9.98 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 10,788 | 457 | 2,076 |
| Price | $7.97 | $11.69 | $4.97 |
4. Best Fragrance: R+Co Television Perfect Hair Conditioner
Do you get jealous when you see a celebrity’s shiny mane on the TV screen but calm yourself down because you feel it is a distant dream? Get gorgeous and dazzling hair from the comfort of your home using the R+Co Television Perfect Hair Conditioner. This is arguably the best co-wash for fine hair infused with the extracts of juniper berry that soaks and gently detoxifies impurities. The babassu seed oil and glycerin are excellent ingredients that help retain moisture and provide deep conditioning from the root to the tip of each hair strand. Your hair will have smoothness and shine, just like the way you watch it on TV. The product has not been tested on animals, which is why, multiple ethically conscious reviewers on Amazon have vouched for it.
Pros
- Warm-romantic fragrance
- Ultra-shine and dazzling effect
- Vegan
- Paraben and sulfate-free co-wash
- Weightless conditioning
Cons
- Irritates the eyes if it accidentally comes in contact.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 2,607 rave reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Color-Safe: KERACOLOR Clenditioner Conditioning Cleanser
Does your heart break when your hair color fades away quickly despite taking so much care and precautions? Well, water is the color thief you might have no idea about. The chlorine and traces of minerals oxidize and de-color your hair leaving you with dull and boring faded hair. All you need is proper nourishment from the KERACOLOR Clenditioner. Infused with Krystal Color Complex, this special co-wash product deeply nourishes your hair and neutralizes chlorine and other minerals to lock your hair color and enhance its texture. Let your hair look healthier as it dazzles and shines on using this ultimate co-wash for fine hair.
Pros
- Color perseverance
- Sud-free formula
- Cleanses and conditions
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Unpleasant odor
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,698 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
6. Best Frizz Control: Creme Of Nature Creamy Hydration Co-Wash
Do you prefer a keratin smoothening treatment over flaunting your natural curls? If frizz and tangles make you hate your hair and traditional conditioners have failed to give you the desired results, get the Of Nature Hydration Co-Wash — probably the best co-wash for wavy hair. You can use it for co-washing Caucasian hair, and all that you will be left with is well-defined smooth curls and kinks that you will simply fall in love with. The infused argan oil from Morocco hydrates your tresses and efficiently controls frizz and knots. You can use this conditioning wash on colored hair or natural one and flaunt the curly tresses in style.
Pros
- Best argan oil from Morocco
- Adds intense hydration
- Defined curls and kinks
- Natural formula
- Color-safe
- Vegan
Cons
- The conditioner can at times make your hair oily.
Pro Tip7. Best For Dry Hair: Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner
Drop the idea of shampooing and yet have shampoo-like cleansing with the Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner. This is one of those good co-washing conditioners that strikes a perfect balance by removing all the dirt and impurities without disrupting the scalp function. Infused with hemp oil, this co-wash strengthens your fragile hair. The hydrolyzed keratin locks moisture in the hair cuticle and reduces frizz to tame dry and rough hair. Organic evening primrose oil nourishes each strand to make the hair shinier and bouncier. Co-washing thin hair with this co-wash every day adds softness and luster to your hair. This product has not undergone any animal testing and is free of all cruelty practices.
Pros
- Formulated for daily use
- Reduces frizz
- Thorough cleansing
- Hydrates scalp and strands
Cons
- This co-wash is not for oily hair.
8. Best For Adding Shine: Flawless By Gabrielle Union Hydrating Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
Are you worried about cleansing conditioners stripping off natural oils from the scalp? Cleanse and condition simultaneously with the Flawless Hydrating Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner. It comes formulated with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, castor seed oil, and passionfruit seed oil. These extracts promote thorough cleansing and detangling of your hair locks. If you have your hair damaged due to sun exposure and chemicals, this can be one of the best co-wash products to nourish and get bring back the smoothness and softness. Multiple reviews online have mentioned that people experience easy detangling and great slip after using this product.
Pros
- Removes dirt and product buildup
- Enhances shine
- Detangles effortlessly
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not a co-wash for oily hair.
9. Best Cruelty-Free: R+Co Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner
Looking to treat your hair with a weightless hydrating conditioner? Chose the R+Co Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner and here is why it is considered the best co-wash for thin hair. This no-mineral and no-sulfate formula has the best nourishing ingredients chosen from the best countries across the world to give you long-lasting damage protection and weightless moisturized hair. Argan oil from Egypt nourishes and softens each frizzy strand while Japanese green tea and Indian horsetail extracts provide nourishment and make it beautifully soft. Your weak strands are repaired to shine out — thanks to the nettle leaf extract from France. Choose this co-wash for straight hair and never deal with tangles again. The product has not gone through any animal testing phase and is a safe choice for ethically conscious consumers.
Pros
- Vibrant orange and cardamom scent
- No mineral oil
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Natural shine and softness
Cons
- Not recommended for daily usage.
10. Best For Hair Growth: LuxeOrganix Refreshing Mint Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
The kiss of good health and good hair comes mainly through nature and is free of any animals byproducts and animal testing. Try the LuxeOrganix Refreshing Mint Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner that is pH-balanced to prevent your scalp from drying up and enhances moisture. The co-wash comes formulated with peppermint oil and other essential botanicals to gently cleanse and refresh the scalp to promote better hair growth. It fights frizz and dryness by locking the hairs’ natural oils and moisture. This is the best conditioner for co-washing fine hair or curly hair as it can smoothen straight hair as well as enhance curly locks.
Pros
- pH-balanced
- Color-safe
- Minty scent
- Cools the scalp while conditioning
Cons
- The hair turns spongy and oily if used frequently.
Quick Tip11. Best Moisturizing: TeaTree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Co-Wash
Shampoing every day is a no-no if you have coarse and curly hair. The best way to keep your hair clean and free of frizz is by co-washing them and the best way to co-wash is by using a good co-wash conditioner with ingredients like tea tree, lavender, and mint that cleanse and soothe the itchy scalp. The hydrating formulation of jojoba oils, pequi, and monoi extracts locks the moisture and natural oils in the hair and scalp to make your hair soft and manageable. With this creamy co-wash, you can detangle your hair effortlessly and make it look nourished and beautiful.
Pros
- Calming minty-lavender fragrance
- Suitable for coarse hair
- Moisture-lock formula
- Creamy texture
- Fights frizz and tangling
Cons
- The co-wash is not meant for straight hair.
12. Best Lightweight: Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Avocado+Quinoa Co-Wash
Cleanse, condition, detangle and nourish your hair with this amazing 4-in-1 co-washing conditioner for fine hair. The amalgamation of avocado oil for moisture, quinoa extracts for protection, green tea extracts to fight aging, and shine-enhancing bamboo extract makes this product one of the top co-wash conditioners for all hair types. You can have a chemical-free co-washing session as this co-wash is 98% naturally derived and makes your hair beautifully strong and healthy. This gentle cleansing product undergoes no animal testing, which makes it a favorite among many ethically conscious reviewers.
Pros
- No artificial dyes
- Safe for colored and relaxed hair
- Enhances shine and strength
- Fights early greying of hair
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Slightly expensive
13. Best Detangling: Oyin Handmade Ginger Mint Co-Wash
Co-washing your fine hair with nature’s best formulation is one of the most simple ways to keep it healthy. The Oyin Handmade Ginger Mint Co-Wash comes packed with all the goodness of mint and ginger, infused with sunflower oil, argan oil and other such hair refining products. You can cleanse your scalp gently and effectively with this co-wash to have deep conditioning and de-tangling action. The mint extracts refresh the scalp while ginger acts as an antioxidant and antibiotic to keep your head clean and healthy.
Pros
- Quick detangling
- Curl-refining
- Vegan
- Free of sulfates and chemicals
Cons
- Does not control frizz
These are some of the best-reviewed co-washes of 2024 for you to get healthy scalp and hair. Look out for the buying guide below to choose the best one that you can add to your hair care regimen.
How To Choose The Best Co-Washing Fine Hair Conditioner:
- Hair type
Choosing a co-wash depending on your hair type and personal preference can help preserve the natural look of your hair, enhance it, and give you the desired results. If you have curly hair and choose a co-wash designed for straight hair, you can lose your curls. You can find co-washes for fine, thin, dense, curly, and straight hair. Pick the right one that suits you. If you have a sensitive scalp, you can also opt for products that are clinically tested, safe to use, and expert recommended.
- Hair texture
Co-washes can be used for both dry and oily hair. If you have a frizzy hair texture, opt for a good moisture-locking co-wash that has ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, and more. Ingredients like these nourish the scalp and keep it moisturized. For oily scalp and hair, look for co-washes that have aloe and cider apple vinegar that cleanse your scalp and remove excess sebum while preserving the needed amount of natural oil and moisture. You can choose products that offer restorative care and have proven efficacy, if your tresses are damaged or chemically-treated.
- Ingredients
Always look for co-washes that have natural ingredients. Co-washes formulated with sunflower extracts offer UV protection and the ones with rosemary oil and geranium oil promote circulation and boost hair growth.
How To Co-Wash Fine Hair
- Step 1:Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Step 2: Take a good amount of co-wash on your hand and apply it all over your scalp and hair.
- Step 3: With your fingers, gently massage in circular motions just as you do while shampooing.
- Step 4: Rinse well with lukewarm water and you are all done.
Infographic: How To Co-Wash Fine Hair: Step-By-Step Guide
For volumizing fine, limp hair, ditch your regular shampoo and invest in the best co-washes to restore your hair’s natural shine and bounce. They moisturize your scalp and reduce hair fall. However, simply using a co-wash will not work in your hair’s favor. Applying it the right way is very important. Check out the infographic below for a comprehensive guide on co-washing your hair.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Oily scalp and fine hair are difficult to manage. Washing fine hair can often damage the hair and cause premature graying. You will need a proper conditioner to clean the dirt and maintain fine hair. Traditional shampoos strip off the scalp moisture to make the hair brittle and cause hairfall. Unlike those traditional shampoos, these co-washes contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter that penetrate the skin and help clear the dirt from the scalp’s surface and keep it oil-free. They also are loaded with special cleansing ingredients that help to cleanse the hair without weighing it down. The As I Am Classic Coconut CoWash provides deep conditioning and is gentle enough for daily use. If you want to streamline your hair care routine, the R+Co Television Perfect Hair Conditioner stands out for its versatility as a co-wash and conditioner. The Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Avocado+Quinoa Co-Wash is perfect for textured, thick, dry, and/or color-treated hair. Some of these co-washes are vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free. However, not all co-washes suit every scalp and may cause itchiness. Consider hair type, texture, and the ingredients infused in the co-washes before investing in one of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does co-washing work for fine hair?
Co-washing is considered to be good for frizzy and curly hair. However, you can co-wash your fine hair to get that extra shine and nourishment.
How often should you co-wash?
You can co-wash your hair twice or thrice a week to experience the benefits of co-washing fine hair.
Does co-washing make hair greasy?
Not really. Co-washes formulated for oily hair can keep excess oil off your hair. You just need to look for the right co-wash, one that does not leave greasy residue behind.
Do you need a special conditioner to co-wash?
Normal hair conditioners cannot be used to co-wash your hair. You need conditioners that are designed and formulated to cleanse your hair along with conditioning it.
Does co-washing totally replace shampooing?
Yes, you can completely drop shampooing as co-washes cleanse your scalp and condition it.
Does co-washing slow hair growth?
No, co-washing doesn’t slow hair growth; instead, it promotes healthy hair. However, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, the resultant itching can cause you to lose hair.
When co-washing your hair, should you use a hair mask after or before?
Use the hair mask after co-washing for the best results.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Krati Darak, is a hair care enthusiast. After thorough research and going through numerous product reviews and user feedback on multiple forums, she curated a list of the best co-washes for fine hair. The conditioner washes listed in this article help cleanse your scalp and hair without drying them out.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.