Caring for curly hair is no easy task, but co-washing is one technique that makes it easier. Washing frizzy hair together can prevent dryness, breakage, and other problems caused by excess shampooing. It’s easy to do, especially if you have the right hair care products in your arsenal.
“If people with curly hair find themselves in situations where they have to wash their hair more often due to workouts or other lifestyle factors, it can dry out. This is where co-washing comes in,” says curly hair. says natural hair expert Quia.
Instead of removing dirt and buildup with cleansing agents, a manual co-wash breaks down product buildup and dirt on the scalp without stripping the hair of the oils that curls especially need. It’s not meant to replace shampoo entirely, but if you have curls, know that wash days are about once a week, depending on your particular hair.
Co-washing itself is easy, but buying the right co-washing product for your particular hair type can be confusing because it’s not always called co-washing. Technically short for “conditioner wash,” which itself means washing the hair with conditioner, co-wash products are called cleansing conditioners, co-washes, or simply conditioners used as co-washes by the curl community. There are cases.
Sure, it all sounds pretty complicated, but if you have curly or coiled hair, don’t let that deter you from trying a co-wash as there are so many options. Finding a co-wash is as easy as identifying your hair’s basic needs. Look for a moisturizing co-wash. If your hair is prone to damage, it’s worth trying a strong joint wash. After all, while the options may seem endless, simultaneous washing is easy. Benefits include bouncy, lustrous, and more hydrated curls as well as less build-up on the scalp.
These 17 cleansing conditioners are designed to keep your curls hydrated* and clean between shampooing sessions. Not only are they the best-loved co-washes for curly hair, but they all get the job done for less than $35, according to Amazon reviews.
We only feature products that have been independently selected by Elite Daily’s editorial team. However, if you purchase products through links in this article, we may receive a portion of the proceeds.
This cleansing conditioner from beloved carl brand Carol’s Daughter is currently one of the highest rated co-cleansing products on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.4 based on over 3.5K reviews. “This is so amazing. A little bit goes a long way and gives amazing curls and great shine.” “I use this as a co-wash between shampoos when my hair is dirty and needs a refresh. My curls are bouncy, weightless, shiny and hydrated,” shared another.
With a 4.5 star rating based on nearly 1.5K reviews, this cleansing co-wash from Eden BodyWorks is well-known. It’s great to see users flocking to Amazon and writing reviews that are basically love letters. The slip was immaculate. I used this to detangle and wash my hair. I feel like my life has changed. ”
“I have thick, coarse, curly hair and this is a dream come true,” shared another happy customer. It has the cleansing power I need without stripping my hair (more than most other co-washes I’ve tried).
This cleansing conditioner has an average rating of 4.6 stars based on over 10,000 reviews. A heavy hitter in the world of cowash, it is definitely highly rated. “I effectively removed a ton of leave-in conditioner, hairspray and gel from the day before, my scalp was moisturized and refreshed, but not at all sticky, and it smelled and felt great,” said one fan. “It doesn’t weigh my hair down, it makes it soooo soft, it smells really nice and my curls look great. If you want nice curls and healthy hair I highly recommend getting your hands on this,” shared another.
With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on over 3,000 reviews, this hydrating co-wash from Pantene is a great option, especially if you’re on a tight budget. The biggest fans, in addition to people with curly hair, are those with chemically or thermally damaged hair. The only product so far (in my long quest) that has left my damaged, fine hair feeling soft and moisturized all day long. Works great.
“This product is a three minute miracle on steroids,” shared another happy customer. “I used to have matte hair and this co-wash softened my hair in seconds.” , I loosened up.”
4. Co-wash with argan oil
Another ultra-affordable co-cleansing product with great reviews, this moisturizing cleansing conditioner comes from natural hair brand creme of nature. With over 1,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. “I have tried about 13 different cleansing conditioners (including Wen) and this is by far the best. I have very oily roots and dry and damaged ends. This joint The wash leaves my roots squeaky clean and my ends silky soft,” wrote one reviewer.
5. Co-wash for natural hair
This co-wash from Gabrielle Union’s brand Flawless is especially loved by customers with coiled natural hair, especially 4c curls, and has an average rating of 4.3 stars based on nearly 1,000 reviews. “My hair and scalp are like this,” shared one reviewer. I am very satisfied,” another wrote.
This cleansing conditioner isn’t as well known as the big name brands, but it’s still a favorite with those used to washing their curly hair together. “It’s so hard to find a good cleansing conditioner these days,” added one reviewer. It really keeps frizz down and I almost always have a good hair day when I use it. “
From Ethique, champions of sustainable body care products, this firm co-wash bar can be used as a co-wash, conditioner, or leave-in. With over 7,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, it’s a solid green option and totally pun intended. “I’m not much of a reviewer, but I felt obligated to publicly praise this product. After trying Ethique, I don’t feel the need to buy another conditioner.” A big fan writes: “I only co-wash [and] Follow the curly girl way. This stuff is easy to use and cleans my hair well,” wrote another.
Users familiar with Co-Wash were amazed at the effectiveness of this cleansing conditioner foam. I use minimal amounts and my hair is past my shoulders.It’s honestly the best thing that happened to me in 2020.” One of our satisfied customers wrote:
Aunt Jackie’s is a drugstore brand that is especially popular with curlers. This co-wash has an average 4.5-star rating based on nearly 1,000 reviews, with rave reviews from people who know a he or her two thing about hair co-washes. “This is my favorite co-wash and I’ve tried many from the low cost ones to the salon ones. As I Am, Not Your Mother’s, Carol’s Daughter and the ridiculously expensive salon ones. All Aunt Jackie. They will do it.[s]D. one reviewer.
Another wrote, “This co-wash is a pleasant change from regular shampoo in the sense that it is less irritating to the hair and scalp. MeIf you hesitate to change, don’t… so did I. If you’re looking for something new, give it a try. I personally love it! “
This 3-in-1 from TGIN works as a co-wash, conditioner, and detangling agent, but all the top reviews especially love it as a co-wash. “I shampoo once a week, but I use this in between washes once or twice a week to refresh after a particularly sweaty workout. Works great!” shared customers. “My hair has never felt so bouncy, plump, and super soft in a long time. I’ve used it between washes and it’s perfect for me,” says another. It was written by
11. Co-wash for tight curls
People with very curly hair (think 3b to 4c) appreciate the moisturizing and cleansing power of this co-wash with a twist. “Moisturizing and cleansing all in one! [and] Cleansing conditioners usually do one or the other, but this one does both for me.I have curly, slightly thin 3c/4a hair [and] I use it when I have curly or straight hair. It doesn’t take much to do the job,” wrote one fan. Another sharer wrote, “The product is IT and this is my new go-to co-wash.
12. Co-washing of treated hair
This Mint Fresh Cleansing Conditioner scores 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 6.7K reviews. Fans of this product appreciate the price and the fact that it works on highly processed, chemically damaged hair. “I have recovered from a frizzy mess,” wrote one customer. I feel like I did, but it sells other qualities just as effectively,” shared another.
Miss Jessie’s is a very popular brand for curly hair lovers like me. The first sulfate-free shampoo I used was Miss Jessie’s and it worked incredibly well, with Amazon shoppers saying the same thing about this co-wash. It’s the best conditioning co-wash I’ve ever had, leaves hair soft and clean but doesn’t strip it of oil.It smells really great,” wrote one satisfied customer.
14. Co-washing frizzy hair
KMS is known for creating innovative products, and this cleansing conditioner definitely fits the bill. “Rinses us beautifully. My hair is bouncy, soft and smooth, no frizz at all!” wrote a happy customer. “This is a great product! No flyaways or hair loss.
“This product is great,” they wrote. “My stylist persuaded me to try this product as I used to wash with sweat and sebum every day. My hair is clean, soft and in good condition.I have been using it for several years now and will continue to use it.”
15. Simultaneous washing of thick and frizzy hair
Weidard is known as a curl expert brand, and for good reason. Their products are the bomb and this co-wash is no exception. “Finally a product that is true to my hair type. My hair is so soft and light,” shared another.
People with curly hair need to use a lot of products. This Shea Butter Conditioning Co-Wash from Cantu comes in a pack of 3 for under $20 and is a steal if you’re like me and co-wash your mane with chest-length curls several times a week. For my hair, I love this co-wash, I used to use Curlsmith’s co-wash, but it was too expensive, so I switched to this Cantu co-wash and loved it.”
Quia recommends washing with coconut, olive, and marula oil, especially if your hair is dry. Serious fans are all included. “It’s the only cleansing product I use on curly hair,” shared one customer. Remove things.
Expert Quote:
Quia, curly, textured hair stylist, color care expert
