Say goodbye to dry, frizzy hair; we’ve entered the era of co-washing! Co-washing, aka conditioner washing, is a method that only involves rinsing hair and cleansing the scalp with conditioners. The technique involves applying a cleansing conditioner to your mane that works to cleanse, nourish, detangle, balance, and refresh your mane — essentially doing the work of a full-length wash day routine.
It’s common to hear about co-washing being linked to folks with naturally coarse and curly hair, although all hair types can benefit. Textured hair types typically deal with dryness and frizz. Cleansing conditioners come in handy to impart moisture to your tresses while removing impurities from your hair. If you’re ready to switch things up on the hair front, we’re here to help. Here are five of the best co-washes for textured hair.
1. Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Cleansing Cowash ($10.99, EdenBodyWorks.com)
Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Cleansing Cowash is sulfate-free and contains no suds. The gentle cleansing conditioner cream eliminates residue and buildup between regular washes while also promoting a healthy hair environment for growth. The conditioner contains no harsh sulfates, mineral oils, and dyes.
2. Alikay Co-Wash Me Cleansing Conditioner ($14.99, Alikaynaturals.com)
Alikay Naturals’ Co-wash Me Cleansing Conditioner is an award-winning 2-in-1 conditioner that works for all hair types. The sulfate-free product is gentle and can be used daily without removing the hair’s natural oils. The conditioner contains jojoba and peppermint oil blends that soften and hydrate hair, along with refreshing the scalp. It’s also formulated with a fresh peach perfume with hints of berry that makes your mane smell as good as it feels.
3. tgin Quench 3-in-1 Cleansing Co-Wash Conditioner and Detangler ($15.99, tginatural.com)
The tgin Quench 3-in-1 Co-Wash Conditioner & Detangler contains shea butter and sweet almond oil. This lightweight formula boasts the perfect combination of hydration and antioxidants, which improves manageability and tackles frizz. It also transforms dry, brittle hair into soft and silky strands. The formula effectively eliminates product buildup and melts knots and tangles.
4. Aunt Jackie’s Purify Me-Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser ($10.95, AuntJackiescurlsandcoils.com)
Aunt Jackie’s Purify Me Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser is an excellent treatment for all hair types and textures. It features a sulfate-free, creamy, triple-action solution. It replenishes moisture, softens, and effectively removes buildup. This product contains flaxseed, which is known for preventing hair thinning and loss. It also contains avocado and coconut oils, which improve overall hair health. This co-wash is gentle enough for daily use and suitable for protective styling.
5. Mielle Organics Detangling Co-Wash ($11.99, MielleOrganics.com)
Mielle Organics Detangling Co-Wash ranks as one of the top products on the market. Not only does this co-wash remove impurities without destroying the hair’s natural oils, but it also promotes longer, stronger, and healthier hair. It gently cleanses and nourishes the hair, resulting in less breakage and tangles. This product is suitable for coily, curly, straight, and wavy hair types.
FYI: If it’s specifically advertised as a cleansing conditioner or co-wash, it’s more likely to have gentle, surfactant-like ingredients that help break down oils and leave your hair feeling cleaner. Remember, any conditioner you use should be suitable for your hair type.
What products do you think are the best co-washes for textured hair? Let’s talk in the comment section below.
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