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Natural Hair Care: 10 Amazing Cleansing Conditioners for Curly Hair
By Jacqueline Samaroo
Textured hair needs to be properly hydrated and moisturized in order to be healthy and look its best. The special, mild formulas of cleansing conditioners for curly hair can help. They gently clean hair and scalp without the stripping and drying effect you get from most shampoos and some conditioners.
Here are some of the top co-washes for curly hair with a highlight of the kind of hair each one works best with, as well as a shout-out to its key ingredients.
Think your hair needs the extra loving of a deep conditioner? Check out 7 Best Deep Conditioners for Black Hair.
1. As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner
This co-wash for curly hair does more than clean your scalp and strands. It also helps with moisture retention and detangling, as well as maintaining and enhancing your natural curl pattern. It spreads easily and you can feel confident using it daily on your color-treated hair.
Best for: Color-Treated Hair
What’s in it: Coconut oil, castor oil, tangerine fruit extract
2. Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Cleansing Conditioner
No matter if you have coils, waves, kinks, or curls – they’ll LOVE this cleansing co-wash! It works its magic on all hair types but is especially good at soothing damaged hair. That’s thanks to the biotin (vitamin B7) and panthenol (provitamin B5) in its nourishing formula.
Best for: All textured hair types
What’s in it: Agave nectar, biotin, shea butter
3. Renpure Coconut Mint Cleansing Conditioner
We’re thrilled about this cleansing conditioner and how good it is at taking care of damaged curly hair. However, it’s just one example from Renpure’s amazing line of cleansing conditioners for curly hair, so you’re sure to find the right one for your curly hair needs. Plus, they all smell divine, too!
Best for: Damaged hair
What’s in it: Coconut oil, argan oil, rosemary mint
4. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash
Want to see a co-wash work overtime? Then give this coconut and hibiscus concoction from SheaMoisture a go – you won’t be disappointed! It leaves hair light and bouncy with plenty of sheen. Plus, it’s also got silk protein for sleek, non-frizzy results.
Best for: Dry, damaged, thick and curly hair
What’s in it: Coconut oil, neem oil, shea butter
5. Wen Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner
Here’s another brand of co-washes that offers you a wide range to choose from. If you’ve got fine hair, however, then this nourishing cucumber aloe cleansing conditioner is the one for you. Try it or another from their lineup and find out for yourself why it such a popular choice.
Best for: Fine hair
What’s in it: aloe leaf juice, cucumber, sweet almond oil
6. DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser
DevaCurl made cleansing conditioners a thing wayyy back in the day and if you ask many curly girls, they’ll tell you it’s still their top choice. This natural oil-rich formula infuses hair with moisture, leaving your strands soft and your curls bouncy. What’s not to love?!
Best for: Medium to thick curly hair
What’s in it: Grapeseed oil, peppermint
7. Mizani True Textures Cream Cleansing Conditioner
It doesn’t take much of this co-wash for curly hair to nourish your strands and enhance your natural curl pattern. It’s great at hydrating dry hair and helping to lock all that wonderful moisture in. The result is soft, touchable hair with no frizz in sight! No wonder it’s one of the best cleansing conditioners for curly hair.
Best for: Dry, frizzy hair
What’s in it: Coconut oil, mafura oil, olive oil
8. Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing CoWash
This co-wash favorite gets the job done regardless of hair type It’s gentle on your hair but formulated to get inside your strands where it assists with both hydrating and strengthening hair. You’ll find your curls are bouncier thanks to the flexibility and elasticity it promotes.
Best for: All hair types
What’s in it: Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe leaf juice
9. Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash
Are you always on the go? While many cleansing conditioners for curly hair are gentle on your strands, this Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash is formulated for daily use. So, go ahead and enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle – Curlsmith’s got you and your curls covered!
Best for: Daily use on very curly hair
What’s in it: Resurrection flower, avocado oil, coconut oil
10. Ouidad Curl Immersion No-Lather Coconut Cream Cleansing Conditioner
A slew of essential fatty acids and natural oils come together in this creamy, no-lather cleansing conditioner for curly hair. It’s super-hydrating and strengthening. And, you can count on it to give your natural hair growth a boost as its rosemary oil gently stimulates circulation in your scalp.
Best for: Dry, coarse hair
What’s in it: Coconut oil, Abyssinian oil, mafura butter
Now, it’s your turn! Tell us about your favorite co-wash for curly hair and share any co-washing tips you have.