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Home · Hair

12 Coveted Co-washing Cleansers Worth Swapping Your Shampoo For

Your curls will thank you later.
12 Coveted Co-washing Cleansers Worth Swapping Your Shampoo For
By Jailynn Taylor · Updated May 31, 2022

Shampooing versus co-washing, what’s the better option? Well, it depends on your hair type and hair needs. Co-washing might be a better option if you often suffer from dehydrated hair or knotting after your shampoo and conditioning routine. 

So what exactly is co-washing? Originally co-washing was a way for curly girls to cleanse their hair without the harsh stripping components of traditional sulfate shampoos. Instead, they would opt for a lightweight conditioner and focus on massaging away build-up at the scalp. The only issue with using a traditional conditioner as opposed to a co-wash is that conditioners don’t have sodium lauryl or, preferably, sodium laureth sulfate, which are ingredients typically found in shampoos that cleanse the hair and remove build-up. This can cause the interlude between wash periods not to last as long. That’s where co-washing products come in.

Co-washing cleansers are formulated with similar ingredients to a shampoo that removes impurities and prioritizes a creamy consistency with emollients that won’t dry hair out. Co-washing can minimize frizzing, excessive tangling and strengthen strands. It’s a great option for in-between washing when you aren’t looking to do a deep clarifying wash. It is recommended you use a clarifying shampoo as needed for too much build-up, but co-washing is a great week-by-week stand-in. But just like searching for a good shampoo and conditioner duo, it can take a bit of experimenting to find the right co-wash for your coils. No worries, we did all the heavy lifting for you.

Ahead, we’ve curated a list of 12 co-washing cleansers worth testing!

01
Taliah Waajid Creamy Curly Co-Wash
Comprised of all-natural ingredients such as aloe vera and coconut this creamy co-wash will leave your strands clean and hydrated. Available at Taliah Waajid
11 Shop Now
02
Aunt Jackie’s Purify Me Frizz-Fighting Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser
No more dry tresses, build-up, or excessive shedding. This is hair therapy in a bottle. Available at Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils
10.95 Shop Now
03
Ouidad Coil Infusion™ Drink Up Cleansing Conditioner
Ouidad’s Drink Up Cleansing conditioner removes impurities while also conditioning. The results make for a luxe wash day. Available at Sayn Beauty
12-36 Shop Now
04
Matrix Total Results A Curl Can Dream Co-wash
With manuka honey extract as the main ingredient, this co-wash is the perfect gentle cleanser for in-between wash days when your curls need a pick me up. Available at Ulta
20 Shop Now
05
As I Am Coconut Cowash
This no-suds conditioning cream removes residue while maintaining moisture. A go-to co-wash for touchable tresses. Available at As I Am
16.99 Shop Now
06
Camille Rose Caramel Wash Cowash
Indulge in this pure caramel extract cleansing co-wash that will melt into your strands. Available at Camille Rose
14 Shop Now
07
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Nourishing Co-Wash
Design Essentials lightweight Almond & Avocado Nourishing Co-Wash works just as good as it smells. Available at Design Essentials
13.99 Shop Now
08
Function of Beauty Custom Co-Wash
A rich cleansing conditioner that is customized to your specific hair’s needs. Available at Function of Beauty
19.99 -29.99 Shop Now
09
Miss Jessie’s Co-Wash Natural Hair Cleanser
Miss Jessie’s clarifying co-wash will eliminate build-up and residue while detangling, leaving your hair clean and smooth. Available at Miss Jessie's
11 Shop Now
10
Jane Carter Solution Curl Drench Cleansing Co-Wash
Give your hair some TLC with this nourishing co-wash that promises not to strip your hair of its natural oils. Available at Amazon
18.59 Shop Now
11
Aussie Paraben-Free Miracle Curls Co-Wash w/ Coconut & Jojoba Oil For Curly Hair
Not ready for wash day? Meet in the middle with this in-between co-wash, perfect for a light cleanse and a curl refresh. Available at Walmart
4.97 Shop Now
12
Mielle Organics Detangling Co-Wash
Breathe new life into your hair with this organic, non-stripping conditioning wash. Available at Mielle Organics
11.99 Shop Now

TOPICS:  Co-Wash Conditioners curly hair hair Shampoos
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