How often you wash your hair [1] is ultimately a personal choice, but one thing we know for sure is that washing your hair too frequently with shampoo (specifically those with stripping ingredients and certain surfactants) can result in more harm than good, like dry hair that's more prone to damage and breakage. To combat this while still being able to cleanse your hair and rid your scalp of dirt and product buildup, a good alternative to turn to is cowashing.
An abbreviation for "conditioner-only washing," cowashing [2] is a process that's pretty self-explanatory. Conditioners don't technically cleanse the hair, though now that cowashing has become more popularised, you can find tons of conditioners that have special cleansing benefits. Read ahead to check out a few of our favourite ones.
As I Am Coconut Cleansing Conditioner
As I Am Coconut Cleansing Conditioner [3] (£12) is what you should have in your stash of hair-care products if you're looking for a product that'll give you a gentle cleanse while also helping you retain tons of moisture.
Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
"I first got into Palmer's hair line by a very happy accident. I ordered a purple shampoo on Amazon, and it accidentally sent me Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner [4] (£18). It transformed my hair with the first wash and got me sold on co-washing." — Kara Kia [5], assistant editor.
Dizziak Hydration Wash
Think of Dizziak Hydration Wash [6] (£20) as the perfect product to use if you want to cleanse your scalp and remove product buildup without the harshness of a shampoo. It's an incredibly rich, sulphate- and silicone-free formula (the foaming agent is derived from coconut instead synthetic chemicals) that features aloe vera, babassu and argan oils, as well as amino-rich quinoa protein that strengthen the hair and provide it with moisture from the inside out. And yes, it features the brand's signature fresh, slightly fruity, slightly zesty scent.
Cantu Natural Complete Conditioning Co-Wash
Cantu Natural Complete Conditioning Co-Wash [7] (£7) is infused with over 15 different oils and butters — including shea butter and castor oil — to provide your hair with optimal moisture and lock it in for days. (The unbeatable drugstore price is a bonus.)
Ouidad Curl Immersion Low Lather Coconut Cleansing Conditioner
Ouidad Curl Immersion Low Lather Coconut Cleansing Conditioner [8] (£36) is a cleanser for curls that need to be handled with care. It features a low-lather, sulphate-free formula that cleanses and moisturises kinky, curly, and even colour-treated hair.
Camille Rose Caramel Cowash Cleansing Conditioner
Rosemary oil, which is commonly used as a natural hair-growth treatment, is a standout ingredient in Camille Rose Caramel Cowash Cleansing Conditioner [9] (£22). It cleanses the hair without being too harsh and stripping while preventing hair loss thanks to the addition of witch hazel.
Kérastase Discipline Cleansing Conditioner
Kérastase Discipline Cleansing Conditioner [10] (£30) gently cleanses the scalp while detangling and making your hair feel smoother overall. The added curl definition it provides also makes it well worth the price.
Noughty 1 Hit Wonder Cleansing Conditioner
Great at keeping frizz at bay, the Noughty 1 Hit Wonder Cleansing Conditioner [11] (£7) features shea butter as well as sweet almond and castor oils — both potent hydrators individually but together, what make this formula ridiculously moisturising. The under £10 price tag is also much appreciated.
Aveda Be Curly Co-Wash
Infused with organic babassu oil that helps soothe dry, flaky scalps, Aveda Be Curly Co-Wash [12] (£23) simultaneously detangles, cleanse, and hydrates curls and coils — and keeping them moisturised for days after using it.