15 Best Drugstore Conditioners For Co-Washing (2023,) Cosmetologist Picks
Ditch your shampoos and keep your tresses squeaky clean with affordable conditioners.
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and loves to make her clients feel amazing and welcomed.
Read full bio of Lindsay Loo
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.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
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
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.
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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For all those not well versed with the concept of co-washing, let me tell you. Co-washing is a routine where you ditch your traditional shampoo and use a conditioner instead. Some of the best drugstore conditioners for co-washes strip your hair away of all its dirt and retain moisture in your hair. To buy one for yourself, scroll down to take a look at our list of drugstore conditioners for healthy and shiny hair!
In This Article
What Is Co-Washing?
Co-wash, also known as “conditioner-only wash,” is when you use only a conditioner to cleanse your hair and scalp. Co-washing helps soften and hydrate the hair without stripping its natural oils. Co-washes do not lather much and are gentle on the scalp.
To know more about the best conditioners and other facts about co-washing, keep scrolling!
15 Best Drugstore Conditioners For Co-Washing
1. Best For Color-Treated Hair:As I Am Classic Coconut Cowash
The As I Am Classic Coconut Cowash gently cleanses the hair and scalp without stripping the moisture. It is enriched with castor oil, tangerine, and coconut oil that eliminate product buildup and impurities, promoting healthy hair growth. This conditioner hydrates and detangles your curly hair texture, making it more manageable. This video featuring a tester’s experience of using the product will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Pros
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Suitable for daily use
- Gentle formula
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 10,788 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
2. Best For Damaged Hair:Renpure Coconut Creme Cowash
This Coconut Creme Cowash by Renpure lubricates your hair and protects it from damage. The gentle formula is infused with keratin, amino acids, and proteins that repair damaged hair and restore its strength. Shea butter and protective lipids help condition the hair, while coconut oil hydrates the hair and imparts shine to it. It restores moisture balance, strengthens hair strands, and improves overall hair health. Watch this video featuring a tester’s experience of using the product for a detailed review.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Gluten-free
- No harsh salts
- Sodium chloride-free
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
3. Best Anti-Breakage:Cantu Complete Conditioning Co-Wash
This co-wash helps restore the natural beauty of your hair while removing product buildup and impurities. It contains shea butter and oils that moisture the hair and reduce hair breakage. The gentle formula helps detangle the hair without tugging or pulling and improves hair elasticity. The product is not tested on animals, which makes it an ideal option for ethically conscious hair care enthusiasts. Here’s a video featuring a reviewer’s experience with the product to help you know more about it.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- None
| As I Am Classic Coconut Cowash Best For Color-Treated Hair | Renpure Coconut Creme Cowash Best For Damaged Hair | Cantu Complete Conditioning Co-Wash Best Anti-Breakage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Color-treated Hair,Curly Hair | - | Curly,Wavy |
| Dimensions | 3.6 x 3.6 x 3.4 inches | 3 x 3 x 8 inches | 3 x 1.88 x 9 inches |
| Weight | 1 Pounds | 16 Ounces | 9.98 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 10,788 | 2,889 | 2,076 |
| Price | $7.97 | $9.0 | $4.97 |
4. Best Hydrating:Creme Of Nature Creamy Hydration Co-Wash
This co-wash is formulated with argan oil that helps hydrate your tresses. It gently cleanses your hair and removes product residue. This co-wash helps in frizz control and adds shine to your hair. The product has proven efficacy and claims to retain 90% of hair color after 10 washes.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Creamy formula
- Color-safe
- Sulfate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
Pro Tip5. Best Frizz-Controlling:Palmer’s Olive Oil Cleansing Conditioner Co-Wash
The Palmer’s Olive Oil Cleansing Conditioner Co-Wash contains extra virgin olive oil, vitamin E, keratin protein, and natural herbal extracts that soften and detangle the hair. The gentle formula hydrates dry hair and controls frizz. This co-wash reduces dryness and itchiness, repairs damaged hair, and soothes and calms the scalp. The extra virgin olive oil protects your hair from free radical damage, while keratin helps strengthen and repair damaged hair. Jamaican black castor oil relieves dry, itchy scalp and protects the hair from styling damage. Thus, it can promote scalp health and improve overall hair health.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Dye-free
- Gentle formula
Cons
- Greasy
"This conditioner helps detangle my knotty hair and leaves it looking smooth. It hydrates my strands and leaves them looking clean and bouncy. It strengthens my hair and protects it against radical damage. The best thing about this product is that it never leaves residues."
6. Best For Curly Hair:SheaMoisture Curl Moisture Co-Wash
The SheaMoisture Curl Moisture Co-Wash removes impurities from your scalp and hair without stripping the natural oils. It contains raw shea butter, coconut oil, and neem oil. The coconut oil reduces hair breakage, while the neem oil controls frizz and adds shine to your hair, and enhances natural curl pattern definition.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- No synthetic colors and fragrances
- Paraffin-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Suitable for curly hair types
Cons
- None
"My hair looks soft and refreshed after I wash it with this product. It exfoliates my scalp and promotes healthy hair growth. The formula defines my curls and leaves them manageable. It also smells revitalizing."
Remember7. Best For Chemically-Treated Hair:LuxeOrganixCoWash Cleansing Conditioner
The LuxeOrganixCoWash Cleansing Conditioner contains mint that helps soothe your scalp. It does not strip the natural oils of your hair and make it dry. This co-wash has a refreshing scent that uplifts your mood and is suitable for chemically-treated hair, colored hair, and hair extensions. The best thing about this curly hair product is that it is not tested on animals, which makes it an ideal option for those seeking cruelty-free cowashes. Many reviewers love it for its lightweight formula that makes the hair effortlessly bouncy and soft.
Pros
- pH-balanced
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sodium chloride-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- No harsh salts
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- None
8. Best Moisturizing:Flawless By Gabrielle Union Hydrating Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
The Flawless By Gabrielle Union Hydrating Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner removes dirt and product buildup from your hair and scalp. This hydrating formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, castor seed oil, passionfruit seed oil, rice oil complex, acai palm oil, shea butter, and marshmallow extract. These ingredients are super moisturizing and help nourish, detangle, and moisture your hair.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- None
9. Best For Coily Hair:MopTop Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
The MopTop Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner contains aloe extracts and sea botanicals that hydrate the hair, add shine, and make it manageable. Honey moisturizes the hair and balances its natural oils. The goodness of these ingredients improves hair manageability, minimizes hair breakage, and provides long-lasting hydration. This co-wash is infused with lemon, orange, and grapefruit essential oils that impart an invigorating fragrance to your hair. It prevents product buildup and does not weigh your hair down.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Pleasant fragrance
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dye-free
- Phthalate-free
- Color-safe
- Suitable for wavy, curly, and coily hair types
Cons
- Runny consistency
- Not vegan
10. Best Child-Safe Formula: Alikay Naturals Cowash Me Cleansing Conditioner
The Alkay Natural Cowash Me Cleansing Conditioner combines the two-step shampooing and conditioning regimen in one product. It is made with all-natural ingredients, is gentle on hair, doesn’t dry hair out, and suits all hair types. It is infused with tea tree oil that breaks down the buildup in your scalp and prevents bacterial damage. It also contains nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil that moisturizes your follicles, treats hair damage, and stimulates blood circulation,and apricot kernel oil that softens your hair and seals the natural moisture. This potent co-wash is also suitable for men and even children.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Unisex
- Gentle
- Paraben-free
- Paraffin-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Strong fragrance
11. Best Hair Detangling:Mixed Chicks Conditioning Cleansing Co-Wash
This co-wash conditioner is enriched with active botanicals that hydrate your hair while removing dirt and impurities. It helps detangle your hair and adds natural bounce. This co-wash is infused with nourishing ingredients like the natural goodness of coconut, castor, jojoba, wheat germ, and olive oils that nourish your hair and scalp. It may also help improve elasticity and adds volume and body to the hair.
Coconut oil conditions and softens your hair and imparts luster. Castor seed oil minimizes dandruff and scalp irritation. Jojoba seed oil promotes hair growth and enhances shine, and wheat germ oil strengthens the hair and controls moisture loss. Olive fruit oil restores moisture to your hair and scalp and makes your hair soft and shiny.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Suitable for all hair textures
- Ideal for curly and straight hair
- Safe for chemically treated hair
Cons
- Might weigh the hair down.
"I love how soft and defined my curls look after I use this conditioner. It removes the impurities from my hair follicles and leaves my scalp feeling refreshed. It does not lather up well, but it does what it claims. The formula smoothes my hair and hydrates it. I love the healthy shine I get after I apply this product."
12. Best For Detangling: Camille Rose Caramel Cowash Cleansing Conditioner
Made with the enriching goodness of coconut oil, soybean, argan, and safflower seed oil, this Camille Rose Caramel Cowash is a gift for dry and frizzy hair. This co-wash is infused with pure caramel that softens your hair and helps in detangling knots. It also contains witch hazel that soothes and calms your strands and reduces breakage and split ends. The witch hazel also tames excess frizz. This co-wash is suitable for all hair types and is truly a treat to your hair.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- 100% Natural
- Helps in detangling
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
"This co-wash deep cleans my hair without leaving it feeling dry. It tames my frizzy strands and leaves my hair looking voluminous. With the consistent use of this product, I have noticed fewer split ends and a slight hair growth. The formula leaves my hair tangle-free."
13. Best For Humidity Control: Kristin Ess Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
If your hair lacks natural moisture and becomes frizzy due to humidity, this Kristin Ess Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner is the best choice for you. This conditioner is a treat for frizzy, damaged hair. It reverses the effect of humidity and cleanses your hair, reviving the health of your gorgeous curls! Perfect for all hair types, this cleansing co-wash is gentle on the scalp and does not strip your hair of natural oils.
Pros
- Gentle
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Color-safe
- Eliminates frizz
- Keratin safe
Cons
- None
14. Best For 4C Hair:Taliah Waajid Shea-Coco 2-In-1 Conditioning Co-Wash
This co-wash helps detangle your hair without making it dry. It is enriched with sesame oil, coconut oil, and shea butter that eliminate frizz and soften your hair. It has no harsh ingredients. You can also use this conditioning wash product as a leave-in conditioner.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Lightweight
- Suitable for 3C and 4C hair types
Cons
- None
15. Best For Intensive Cleansing: Aunt Jackie’s Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser
The Aunt Jackie’s Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser is the holy grail product for all hair textures and types. It provides thorough cleansing benefits with deep hydration. The conditioner penetrates deep into your hair shaft and hair follicles, offering an intensive cleanse for chronically dry hair. Enriched with avocado and coconut carrier oils, the cleanser helps prevent hair thinning and shedding. With the goodness of omega fatty acids derived from flax seeds, the conditioner provides a triple-action remedy as it removes build-up, replenishes moisture, and softens the hair.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Value for money
- Prevents hair thinning and breakage
Cons
- None
Now that you are aware of the best cleansing conditioners to buy, follow these steps to co-wash your hair the correct way.
How To Co-Wash Your Hair
1. Saturate Your Hair With Water
The hair strands should be dripping wet. Washing your hair with water loosens the debris, making it easy to rinse all the dirt. It also helps distribute the co-wash conditioner evenly throughout your scalp and hair length.
2. Take The Required Amount Of Conditioner
No dime-sized and quarter-sized dollops! Take enough conditioner to coat your hair from the roots to the tips. Do not forget that you are cleansing your hair and not just conditioning it.
3. Massage Your Hair With The Conditioner
Rub the conditioner on your palms and apply it to your hair from the roots to the tips for extra hydration. Massage your hair gently and ensure that the hair product is evenly distributed on your scalp. Let it get absorbed for at least 3-5 minutes.
4. Rinse And Towel Dry Your Hair
Rinse your hair thoroughly with water and towel dry it. You can apply a hair serum if needed.
5. Use A Clarifying Shampoo
Whether you use a regular shampoo or co-wash, you need to clarify your hair. Using a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month will remove any product buildup without drying your hair.
Co-washing helps prevent hair breakage and makes your hair silky smooth. Scroll down to know more about the benefits of co-washing.
Benefits Of Co-Washing
- Co-washing is an excellent conditioning treatment for your hair. It cleanses the hair and scalp without stripping the natural oils.
- It makes the hairstyling process easy. Co-washing adds an extra layer of moisture to your hair and helps you ace any hairstyle like a pro.
- This gentle cleansing process does not irritate and dry out your scalp.
- It reduces hair shedding and breakage.
- It helps detangle your hair and prevents knots.
- Co-washing adds definition to your natural curls.
The Bottom Line
Lindsay Loo, an expert cosmetologist says, “Co-washing is a great option when it comes to the health of certain hair textures but if you notice product build-up, incorporate an occasional clarifying shampoo.” Co-washing helps to hydrate your scalp and hair and prevents frizzy hair. Conditioner washing prevents the stripping of oils. As I Am Classic Coconut Cowash is a go-to product for eliminating product buildup and to encourage growth. If you are looking for a natural, deeply moisturized and revitalized hair, the Renpure Coconut Creme Cowash is an apt pick. You can also try the Cantu Complete Conditioning Co-Wash for its sulfate-free formula, which is suitable for regular use. The co-wash listed in our article is free from nasty chemicals. Some professional-grade co-wash eliminates the split ends, prevents damage, and softens and smoothens your hair. However, stay away from the products that weigh down your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you co-wash and condition with the same conditioner?
No. Co-washing conditioners contain mild surfactants that cleanse the scalp and moisturize the hair. In contrast, a regular conditioner does nothing to cleanse the hair. So, use different products for co-washing and conditioning.
Is co-wash better than shampoo?
Yes. Co-wash conditioners contain gentle surfactant-like ingredients that cleanse the scalp without stripping its natural moisture. They nourish the tresses while washing impurities and dirt. In contrast, shampoo cleanses the scalp and does little to moisturize the hair.
How often should I co-wash?
Co-wash your hair once or twice weekly. However, co-wash more if you have thick, coarse hair and indulge in heat styling.
Is it okay to co-wash natural hair every day?
No. Skip co-washing natural hair daily to prevent buildup. It may turn the hair brittle. If you have an oily scalp, start by co-washing daily and gradually limit it to twice weekly.
Can you use a drugstore deep conditioner as a co-wash?
No. Deep conditioners contain a high concentration of harsh surfactants that cause product buildup. Therefore, skip co-washing with these products to prevent the hair from weighing down.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal is a certified skin care coach whose well-researched articles help her readers identify authentic skin and hair care products. Here, she has compiled a list of the best drugstore conditioners for co-washing. Shiboli has described the important features of each product and included a buying guide to help you select a product that lets you clean and moisturize your hair without using shampoo.
Read full bio of Lindsay Loo
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
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