If your hair acts like it has filed a formal complaint every time you shampoo, a cleansing conditioner may be the peace treaty your shower routine needs. Also called co-wash, conditioning cleanser, shampooing conditioner, or shampoo alternative, this category sits between shampoo and conditioner. It is designed to cleanse the scalp and hair while leaving more moisture behind than a traditional sudsy shampoo.
The best cleansing conditioners are especially useful for curly, coily, dry, color-treated, frizz-prone, or overprocessed hair. They can help hair feel softer, reduce the “freshly shampooed fluff ball” effect, and make detangling less like a small personal battle. But they are not all the same. Some are rich and buttery for curls. Some are lightweight enough for waves. Some are low-lather rinses for people who want cleaner roots without the squeaky, straw-like aftermath.
Below, you will find 12 cleansing conditioners and shampooing conditioners worth trying, plus practical advice on how to choose one, how to use it correctly, and what real-life co-washing actually feels like after the novelty wears off.
What Is a Cleansing Conditioner?
A cleansing conditioner is a rinse-out hair cleanser that uses mild cleansing agents and conditioning ingredients in one formula. Unlike a regular conditioner, it is made to be massaged into the scalp to help loosen sweat, light buildup, oils, and styling residue. Unlike a traditional shampoo, it usually produces little to no foam and focuses on keeping the hair’s natural moisture barrier intact.
Think of it this way: shampoo is the friend who deep-cleans your kitchen at 6 a.m. with opera music playing. Cleansing conditioner is the friend who tidies up, lights a candle, and somehow leaves the place calmer than before. Both can be useful. You just need the right one for the right day.
Who Should Try Shampooing Conditioners?
Cleansing conditioners tend to work best for people whose hair gets dry, tangled, frizzy, or puffy after normal shampooing. They are often popular with curly hair, natural hair, thick hair, color-treated hair, and hair that has been bleached, heat-styled, relaxed, or otherwise asked to survive modern life.
They may not be ideal as your only cleanser if you have a very oily scalp, heavy product buildup, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or scalp irritation. In those cases, a dermatologist or trichologist can help you choose a scalp-safe cleansing routine. Even if you love co-washing, most people still benefit from using a clarifying or traditional shampoo occasionally to reset the scalp.
How to Choose the Best Cleansing Conditioner
For fine hair
Choose lightweight formulas, foam cleansing conditioners, or ACV-based rinses. Avoid very heavy oils and butters unless your ends are extremely dry.
For curly and coily hair
Look for slip, moisture, and curl-friendly ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, aloe, castor oil, argan oil, avocado oil, or botanical extracts. A good co-wash should help you detangle while keeping curl definition intact.
For color-treated hair
Choose sulfate-free, low-lather, or color-safe formulas. Cleansing conditioners can be helpful because they often cleanse without aggressively stripping color.
For dry or damaged hair
Go richer. Creamy, non-foaming formulas can help reduce roughness and leave hair feeling smoother after rinsing.
12 Best Cleansing Conditioners and Shampooing Conditioners To Try
1. Hairstory New Wash Original
Best for: Anyone curious about replacing traditional shampoo with a true cleansing cream.
Hairstory New Wash Original is one of the most talked-about shampoo alternatives because it fully commits to the no-lather lifestyle. It is a detergent-free cleansing cream made to cleanse and condition in one step while leaving the hair’s natural oils more balanced. It is especially appealing for people who find that regular shampoo makes their hair feel too fluffy, dry, or hard to style.
The formula is a strong choice for dry, color-treated, gray, or generally temperamental hair. It does require patience: you need to massage it thoroughly into the scalp and rinse longer than you think. If you treat it like a quick conditioner, it may not feel clean enough. If you use it correctly, it can leave hair soft, swingy, and less rebellious.
2. Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner
Best for: A classic all-hair-types cleansing conditioner.
Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner is designed as a non-lather shampoo alternative that removes daily dirt and buildup while helping hair stay soft and shiny. It is often a smart first step for people who want to try co-washing without going straight into a very heavy curl cream texture.
This formula is especially nice for dry, frizzy, curly, or color-treated hair. It has that “clean but not squeaky” finish many cleansing-conditioner fans love. If your hair usually looks best on day two, Unwash may help you get that lived-in softness on wash day instead of waiting 24 hours and negotiating with a ponytail.
3. Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash
Best for: Waves, curls, and coils that need moisture and slip.
Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash is a co-wash built for textured hair. It is a conditioner-based cleanser with gentle cleansing ingredients that help remove light buildup while keeping curls moisturized and easier to detangle.
This is a strong option if your curls lose shape after harsh shampooing or if wash day turns into a knot-removal marathon. It gives enough slip to help fingers or a wide-tooth comb glide through the hair. For very oily scalps or heavy styling-product users, alternate it with a regular shampoo or clarifying wash so the scalp still gets a deeper clean.
4. As I Am Coconut CoWash
Best for: Curly, coily, and natural hair on a budget.
As I Am Coconut CoWash has earned a loyal following because it is affordable, widely loved, and made specifically for textured hair. The formula features ingredients such as coconut oil, castor oil, tangerine, and saw palmetto, and it is designed to gently remove sebum and product residue while preserving curls and coils.
It has a creamy, no-suds texture and works well between shampoo days. Many people with natural hair appreciate the moisture, slip, and softness it provides. It is especially useful when your scalp needs refreshing but your ends are already waving a tiny white flag of dryness.
5. Oribe Eternal Curls Cleansing Crème
Best for: Luxury curl care and thick, moisture-hungry hair.
Oribe Eternal Curls Cleansing Crème is the fancy robe of cleansing conditioners. It is a non-foaming conditioning cleanser made for curly, coily, or thick hair that needs moisture, frizz control, and a polished finish. The formula includes purifying oils, citrus fruit extracts, and water-mint essence to help clean strands and energize the scalp.
It is not the cheapest option, but it makes sense for someone who wants a salon-level co-wash experience. It is especially attractive for color-treated curls or thick hair that tends to feel dry after traditional shampoo. Use it when you want your curls to look expensive, even if your dry shampoo collection says otherwise.
6. R+Co Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner
Best for: People who want a lighter cleansing conditioner with a foam texture.
R+Co Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner is different from many cream co-washes because it comes in a foam format. It is designed for softening, conditioning, frizz reduction, nourishment, and shine. It is also positioned as suitable for all hair types, including color-treated, underhydrated, or coarse hair.
This is a good pick if you are nervous that a traditional co-wash will weigh your hair down. The foam texture feels lighter and more familiar, while still offering conditioning benefits. It is particularly helpful for medium textures, dry lengths, and anyone who wants a one-step wash that does not make roots feel coated.
7. Mizani True Textures Cream Cleansing Conditioner
Best for: Textured curls that need softness, shine, and definition.
Mizani True Textures Cream Cleansing Conditioner is made for curly hair and focuses on cleansing, repair, moisture, and shine. The formula is described as moisturizing and rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which makes it a solid option for curls that need a gentle wash without losing softness.
It works well for textured hair routines where hydration and manageability matter as much as cleansing. If your curls look great after conditioner but chaotic after shampoo, this type of cream cleanser can help bridge the gap.
8. Bumble and bumble Curl 3-in-1 Conditioner
Best for: Minimalists who want one product for rinse-out, leave-in, and co-wash use.
Bumble and bumble Curl 3-in-1 Conditioner is a multitasking conditioner for curly hair that can be used three ways: as a rinse-out conditioner, leave-in conditioner, or co-wash. It is made to moisturize, detangle, soften, add shine, and reduce frizz.
This is an especially practical option for travel, gym bags, or anyone whose shower shelf already looks like a small beauty warehouse. As a co-wash, it is best for curls and waves that need a moisturizing refresh rather than a heavy-duty cleanse.
9. DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser
Best for: Dry, medium-to-coarse curls that dislike lather.
DevaCurl No-Poo Original is a zero-lather conditioning cleanser made for dry, medium-to-coarse curls. It aims to cleanse while adding moisture, shine, and curl body. The non-lathering feel may take a few uses to get used to, especially if you grew up believing foam equals cleanliness.
The key is scalp massage. Work it into wet roots with your fingertips, then pull it through the lengths before rinsing well. Used properly, it can help curls feel hydrated rather than stripped.
10. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
Best for: A low-lather scalp refresh and color-safe shine.
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse is not a traditional creamy co-wash, but it belongs in the shampoo-alternative conversation. It is designed as a gentle substitute for shampoo that cleanses without stripping essential oils or hair color. The formula includes apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, lavender extract, and argan oil to help cleanse, condition, and add shine.
This is a good choice for people who want cleaner roots and a fresher scalp but do not love heavy creams. It can also be useful after workouts or between full wash days. If your scalp is sensitive, patch test first and avoid using any acidic rinse too aggressively.
11. Keracolor Clenditioner Cleansing Conditioner
Best for: Color-treated hair and people who want shine without suds.
Keracolor Clenditioner is a two-in-one non-lather conditioning cleanser that helps cleanse and condition while supporting color vibrancy. It is especially popular among people who want to reduce fading from frequent shampooing.
The clear version works as a general cleansing conditioner, while the color-depositing versions are a different category and should be chosen carefully based on your hair color goals. For everyday cleansing, the clear formula is the simplest option. It can help hair feel smoother, softer, and less aggressively washed.
12. Noughty 1 Hit Wonder Co-Wash
Best for: Fragile, overworked, or dry hair at an accessible price.
Noughty 1 Hit Wonder Co-Wash is a non-foaming cleansing conditioner made to cleanse and condition in one step. It is aimed at fragile or overworked hair and uses ingredients such as sweet almond and castor oils to help remove impurities without drying or stripping the hair.
This is a friendly entry point if you want a co-wash that does not feel intimidating or wildly expensive. It is best for people who want softness, less frizz, and a gentler wash day. Very fine or oily hair may still need a lighter cleanser in rotation.
How to Use a Cleansing Conditioner Correctly
The biggest mistake people make with cleansing conditioners is using them like regular conditioner. A co-wash is not just for your ends. It needs to touch the scalp, and it needs help from your hands.
- Wet your hair completely. Cleansing conditioners spread best on soaking-wet hair.
- Use enough product. You may need more than you would use with shampoo, especially for thick curls.
- Massage the scalp for at least one minute. Use your fingertips, not nails. The friction helps lift oil and buildup.
- Work through the lengths. Finger-detangle or use a wide-tooth comb if your hair allows it.
- Rinse thoroughly. Rinse longer than usual. Leftover product can make hair feel heavy.
- Clarify occasionally. Use a deeper cleanser when your roots feel coated, itchy, flat, or dull.
How Often Should You Co-Wash?
It depends on your scalp, texture, lifestyle, and styling products. Curly and coily hair may do well with co-washing once or twice a week between shampoo days. Wavy hair may prefer co-washing once a week or only when the ends feel dry. Fine hair may like a lightweight cleansing conditioner occasionally but not as a total shampoo replacement.
If you use heavy gels, oils, edge control, silicone serums, dry shampoo, or hairspray, you will probably need a clarifying shampoo sometimes. Cleansing conditioners are great, but they are not magical plumbing snakes for product buildup.
Common Cleansing Conditioner Mistakes
Using regular conditioner as a co-wash
A regular conditioner may soften hair, but it may not contain enough cleansing ingredients to remove sweat, sebum, and buildup from the scalp.
Not rinsing well enough
If your hair feels waxy or limp after co-washing, the problem may not be the product. It may be the rinse. Spend extra time rinsing the scalp and crown.
Skipping scalp care
Co-washing is not an excuse to gently pat your hair and hope for the best. Massage matters. A clean-feeling scalp starts with actual scalp contact.
Never clarifying
Even the best cleansing conditioner can leave buildup over time, especially when layered with styling products. A clarifying shampoo every few weeks can keep your routine balanced.
Real-Life Experience: What It Feels Like to Switch to Cleansing Conditioners
The first time you use a cleansing conditioner, your brain may panic a little. There is no dramatic mountain of bubbles. There is no squeaky-clean sound effect. You may stand there wondering whether anything is happening at all. That is normal. Co-washing feels different because it works differently.
In the first few uses, the biggest change is usually texture. Hair often feels softer while wet and easier to detangle. Curls may clump better. Waves may look less frizzy. Dry ends may stop feeling like decorative straw. For many people, the best part is that hair feels more like “day-two hair” immediately after washing: smoother, less puffy, and easier to style.
The scalp, however, may need time to adjust. If you are used to strong shampoo, a cleansing conditioner can feel too gentle at first. Some people notice their roots feel heavier during the transition. Others realize they were using too little product or not massaging long enough. The technique matters almost as much as the formula. You need water, product, fingertip massage, and a serious rinse. This is not a splash-and-dash situation.
For curly hair, the experience can be excellent. A good co-wash can make detangling easier and reduce the dryness that often shows up after traditional shampoo. If you wear wash-and-go styles, twist-outs, braid-outs, or natural curls, cleansing conditioners can help preserve softness between deeper wash days. The hair may feel more flexible, less crunchy, and less likely to expand into a weather balloon at the first sign of humidity.
For fine hair, the experience is more product-dependent. Lightweight options such as R+Co Analog or dpHUE ACV Hair Rinse may feel fresher than dense creams. Fine hair usually needs less product and more rinsing. If your roots go flat quickly, use co-wash as an occasional moisture reset rather than your only cleanser.
For color-treated hair, cleansing conditioners can be a practical way to reduce harsh washing. Hair color often looks better when the hair cuticle feels smooth and hydrated. A gentle, color-safe cleansing conditioner can help maintain shine while avoiding the stripped feeling some shampoos leave behind. Still, if you use lots of styling products, do not skip clarifying forever. Color-treated hair can be dry and built up at the same time, because apparently hair enjoys keeping us humble.
The most useful lesson from long-term co-washing is that it does not have to be all or nothing. You can co-wash on Wednesday, shampoo on Sunday, clarify once a month, and use a scalp treatment when needed. The best routine is the one your hair and scalp actually like. Cleansing conditioners are not a personality test. They are tools. Use them when your hair needs softness, slip, and a gentler cleanse.
Final Thoughts: Which Cleansing Conditioner Should You Try First?
If you want a cult-favorite curl co-wash, start with As I Am Coconut CoWash or Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash. If you want an all-hair-types shampoo alternative, try Hairstory New Wash Original or Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner. If you prefer a lighter feel, R+Co Analog or dpHUE ACV Hair Rinse may be more comfortable. If your hair is thick, curly, or luxury-loving, Oribe Eternal Curls Cleansing Crème is a beautiful splurge.
The right cleansing conditioner should leave your hair feeling clean enough, soft enough, and easier to style. It should not make your scalp itchy, your roots greasy, or your hair feel coated. When in doubt, rotate: co-wash for moisture, shampoo for deeper cleansing, clarify when buildup appears, and let your hair vote with how it looks and feels.
