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Stylist Loves
Embrace your curls with these 12 cleansing conditioners and co-washes
By Darcy Brown
2 years ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
4 min read
Ever heard of cleansing conditioners, also known as co-washes? These one-step formulas streamline your routine and cleanse your hair and scalp without stripping away moisture. Here are our top picks.
Calling all those blessed with curls and coils: cleansing conditioners and co-washes might just be the shortcut to your best hair yet. These one-and-done hair wash solutions thoroughly cleanse the hair and scalp like shampoo and nourish your strands like conditioner.
They promise not to strip away natural oils and moisture, which helps to accentuate your natural curl structure and improve overall texture. And other hair types can join in on the co-washing party too. The method boasts impressive benefits for dehydrated and frizzy strands or those whose scalps tend to get dry.
If you haven’t yet explored co-washing, take this as your sign to give it a try. Start with our top picks of the best formulas out there.
As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner
This shine-boosting treatment is made with coils and curls in mind. It offers a deep cleanse to the scalp and hair while boosting moisture with a nurturing blend of castor, tangerine and coconut oils. Strands are left detangled and more manageable.
Shop As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner at Lookfantastic, £10.95
Hair by Sam McKnight Curl Cleanse Cleansing Conditioner
This all-in-one formula feels like a creamy shampoo with the same richness as your favourite conditioner. It uses jackfruit extract to reduce frizz and redefines your hair’s natural shape with a smooth finish. A weightless finish makes it an excellent choice for finer hair types too.
Shop Hair by Sam McKnight Curl Cleanse Cleansing Conditioner at Cult Beauty, £34
Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Wash: Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser
Afro, cornrows, twisted braids, or closely shaved, Bread Beauty Supply knows how to care for your hair. This cleansing co-wash treats your curls to a blend of botanical oils and plant extracts. It forms a light foam that offers a gentle cleanse from your crown to your lengths. Argon oil delivers the nourishment your curls crave.
Shop Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Wash: Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser at Cult Beauty. £18
Davines Love Curl Cleansing Cream
If you’re facing persistent dryness, then this intensely moisturising formula is just what you need. Rich in proteins, magnesium, copper and phosphorus, it boosts elasticity and volume while eliminating any frizz. A hydrating cleanse restores a silky soft swish.
Shop Davines Love Curl Cleansing Cream at Cult Beauty, £32.50
Aveda Be Curly Co-Wash
Your best hair starts at the scalp, and this sulphate-free blend offers a deep cleanse without any shampoo. Its low-lather formula is enriched with babassu oil and defines your curls while eliminating frizz. You can expect a much-needed moisture boost for up to three days.
Holy Curls Curl Conditioner
Holy Curls was formed to proved with the mantra that those with curls and afro hair don’t have to fit in, when they were born to stand out. This cleansing conditioner puts your curls in the spotlight. Its nutrient-rich and smells like citrus heaven. Curls are kept slick and soft thanks to baobab oil and cupuaçu butter.
Arkive All Together Now Co Cleanse
Your hair, but better, is achieved with this one-step approach to hair washing. It enhances your hair’s natural shape and restores a glossy shine. An ultra-gentle formula and a conditioner-like consistency treat both scalp and lengths to a thorough cleanse.
Noughty 1 Hit Wonder Cleansing Co-Wash Conditioner
Give over-worked hair a break with this non-foaming blend. It is packed with almond and caster oils and nourishes the hair from the scalp down. Plus, an ultra-cleansing formula removes dirt, impurities and excess oil for a never-greasy finish.
Shop Noughty 1 Hit Wonder Cleansing Co-Wash Conditioner at Boots, £7.99
Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash
Care for your curls with a nurturing blend that feeds them with the ingredients they will love. Moisture-locking flower extract and smoothing avocado leaves hair shiny, hydrated and more manageable, all while superfood andiroba maintains hair’s health to support growth.
Shop Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash at Lookfantastic, £22
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Conditioner
This moisturising shampoo offers a total hair-to-mind reset. It cleanses your locks whilst boosting hydration and shine. Plus, a moment of mindfulness is gifted to your senses with a lavender scent to relax and mint to invigorate.
Shop Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Conditioner at Sephora, £21.65
Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Cleansing Conditioner
Formulated to reveal your natural hair’s beauty, this nourishing cleansing conditioner purifies both the scalp and hair whilst adding intense shine. A delicious blend of agave syrup and cocoa butter nourishes the hair whilst shea butter helps detangle and soften your curls to make them more manageable.
Shop Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Cleansing Conditioner at Superdrug, £11.99
Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Complete Conditioning Co-Wash
Shea butter has earned its place as the number one ingredient for nurturing your hair. It nourishes your strands while locking in moisture. This cleansing formula blends the hair hero with 14 other butters and oils to restore your curls to their best, bouncy selves.
Shop Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Complete Conditioning Co-Wash at Sephora, £6.99
Images: Stylist Loves; courtesy of brands
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