Naturally curly, coily, and wavy hair is like a delicate flower that is both beautiful and needs loving attention. As the weather has become cooler, many realize the importance of moisture retention by combatting the dry heat from indoors and the arctic blasts from outdoors. It is a challenge when you add wearing cotton and wool that whisk away the moisture in your hair on contact.
During this time of the year, many use cleansing conditioners to stave off the harsh results of some shampoos. Co-washing or conditioner washing cleans the hair with a botanical conditioner that tends to be gentler on textured hair. Many curlies following the Curly Girl Method (CG method) by Lorraine Massey use this method and have found it quite effective at reducing frizz and retaining moisture.
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I am not here to give shampoos a bad name, as cleansing is necessary for a healthy hair regimen. Shampoos are used for cleansing our hair, but many have harsh surfactants like sodium laurel sulfate or a blend of several surfactants, and they tend to rob the moisture from our tresses. I personally only use cleansing conditioners year-round, with a couple of exceptions for coloring my hair and a clarifying shampoo whenever necessary. Many others do the same, but this is a great time to see how your hair responds to them, even if you do not.
Now that the weather is required, we take extra care to keep our moisture intact. If you are considering it, we have a list of the top ten that are sure to please.
1. As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner
One of the 2013 Best of the Best 2013 and my personal favorite, this cleansing conditioner is made with water, coconut, tangerine, fatty alcohol, cetrimonium chloride (emulsifier), and castor oil. This cleansing conditioner spreads easily, gently removes product buildup, and makes detangling a breeze. Great for color-treated hair and will retain your hair’s precious moisture.
2. tph Hustle & Co
Taraji P. Henson is bringing a conditioning wash that can be used for curly and coily textures. It’s infused with olive oil, sage extract, and shea butter for a refreshing cleanse that can soften and boost hair’s manageability. Whether you want to extend your wash day and use this after shampooing or by itself for additional hydration, you’ll love the moisture in this product.
3. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser
A highly favored hair care line came out with its sulfate-free conditioning cleanser with water, coconut oil, shea butter, mango seed butter, olive fruit oil, and wheat germ oil. You can remove all the impurities without stripping the hair of its necessary natural oils, reduce frizz, and leave your hair bouncy and light.
4. Aunt Jackie’s Coconut Creme Recipes Coco Wash Coconut Milk Conditioning Cleanser
Aunt Jackie’s conditioning cleanser will leave your hair clean and free of impurities, while feeling touchably softer. Blended with other essential ingredients including Avocado and Shea Butter, Aunt Jackie’s Coco Wash is excellent therapy for all hair types and textures, Gentle enough to use daily.
5. OUIDAD Coil Infusion™ Drink Up Cleansing Conditioner
Ouidad created a formula specially designed for coils needing moisture, slipping, and looking to reduce breakage. This multitasking formula can be used as a conditioner or a co-wash and can help strengthen hair and reduce breakage.
6. Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing CoWash
Water, aloe vera leaf juice, fatty alcohol, shea butter, and coconut oil create this sulfate-free, no suds gentle cleanser. Remove residue and buildup for a healthier hair environment. Here is a conditioner that penetrates the hair shaft to improve hair’s strength, flexibility, and hydration.
7. Flawless by Gabrielle Union – Hydrating Co-Wash Cleansing Hair Conditioner
Gabrielle Union released a co-wash cleansing conditioner that can help remove dirt and product build-up with Coconut, Castor Seed, Passionfruit seed, and Rice Oils. Ingredients like coconut oil, castor seed oil, passionfruit seed oil, rice oil complex, shea butter, and marshmallow extract blend to detangle, hydrate, and condition hair.
8. Herbal Essences Naked Cleansing Conditioner
Water, fatty alcohols, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine (replacement for silicones and adds slip), rosemary leaf extract, and peppermint oil make up this cleanser that will renew your senses with an herbal mint fusion. It is a low-lathering conditioner that brings nourishment and smoothness while gently cleaning and giving you touchable soft hair.
9. Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
Water, fatty alcohol, glycerin, and agave tequilana stem extract combine to make a sulfate-free gentle cleanser to wash away the impurities without giving you a tangled mess of curls and coils. Fight frizz and tangles with this incredible moisturizing cleansing conditioner.
10. The Doux One Love CoWash
Your curls, coils, and waves will thank you for this co-wash that can help detangle, cleanse, and condition hair in one wash. The Doux brings us a scalp cleanser and deep conditioning treatment that uses hydrating ingredients like jojoba and grapeseed oil to reduce friction and provide heat protection.
Which cleansing conditioner or co-wash do you plan to use this season? Let us know in the comments.
