15 Best Co-Washes For Natural African Hair
Co-washing is using a cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo to moisturize and clean your scalp and hair. As against the traditional cycle of shampoo, condition, and repeat, it is conditioner-only washing. It makes hair smooth, soft, and clean. It is mostly used for kinky hair, which needs dense nourishment without stripping it of natural oils. Co-washing retains your natural oils and hydrates the hair thoroughly. It rejuvenates your hair and helps it recover from damage or dryness. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 15 co-washes for kinky and coily hair. Check them out!
Table Of Contents
Benefits Of Using Co-Wash For African Hair
Here’s how co-washing can benefit your Afro hair:
- Reduces frizz
- Smoothes curls
- Enhances curl structure
- Softens hair
- Makes curls manageable and tamable
- Leaves the hair fresh
- Keeps the hair hydrated
- Keeps the hair clean
Let’s now check out the top 15 co-washes for kinky and coily hair.
15 Best Co-Washes For Natural African Hair
1. unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner
The unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner has a unique non-lather formula that attracts and removes dirt and surface buildup. It does not strip any natural oils from the hair and makes it frizz-free and full of bounce. The nourishing oils and organic extracts, like evening primrose oil and hydrolyzed keratin, keep your hair soft. The emulsion method effectively cleans your hair and even helps it dry faster. It also moisturizes while it cleanses, leaving your locks smooth, silky, and easy to manage.
Pros
- Reduces frizz
- Strengthens hair
- Moisturizes hair
- Softens hair
- Adds shine
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- May make the hair greasy.
- May irritate the scalp.
2. Head & Shoulders Moisturizing Co-Wash
The Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisturizing Co-wash balances and restores scalp health with regular use. It is a rich, cleansing conditioner that gently cleanses hair and relieves the scalp from dryness and itch. It also leaves the hair soft and moisturized. This shampoo is expertly designed to provide scalp relief for kinky and coily hair. The low-lather coconut oil formula moisturizes your hair and helps refresh your scalp and hair in between washes.
Pros
- Moisturizes hair
- Reduces frizz
- Softens hair
- Enhances curls
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Luxurious coconut scent
Cons
- Does not come with a pump.
- Might weigh the hair down.
- Might not suit all hair types.
3. Renpure Professional Coconut Creme Co-Wash
The Renpure Professional Coconut Creme Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner helps restore hair strength. It makes curly hair healthy, smooth, and shiny. The coconut oil protects the hair by lubricating each hair strand, while the coconut cleansers remove impurities like dirt, grime, and buildup. The hydrating keratin, amino acids, and protein repair and rejuvenate damaged hair. This co-wash doesn’t contain any sodium chloride, sulfates, dyes, harsh salts, parabens and gluten.
Pros
- Reduces frizz
- Strengthens hair
- Moisturizes hair
- Adds shine
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Sodium chloride-free
Cons
- Thin consistency
- Might make hair rough.
- Might cause allergic reactions like burning.
4. Matrix Biolage Cleansing Conditioner
The Matrix Biolage Cleansing Conditioner is made for curly hair. It is a low-lathering and fast-rinsing conditioner. This soap-free conditioner is formulated with pomegranate that preserves the curls’ natural bounce. It gently cleanses and defines your curls without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Pros
- Refreshes hair
- Hydrates hair
- Reduces frizz
- Defines curls
- Makes the hair soft and smooth
Cons
- Might make the hair stiff.
- Might make the hair greasy and scrunchy.
5. As I Am Coconut Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
The As I Am Coconut Co-Wash contains a special blend of natural ingredients that stimulate healthy hair growth from the follicular level. This cleansing conditioner removes impurities like dirt and product residue from the hair and scalp. It not only preserves moisture but also adds more moisture to keep your hair hydrated until the next cleanse. This conditioner spreads easily through the hair and can be rinsed off easily. It is safe for color-treated hair and gentle enough for daily use.
Pros
- Detangles hair
- Hydrates hair
- Adds shine
- Softens curls
- Reduces frizz
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- Unhygienic jar packaging
- Makes hair drier.
- May cause allergic reactions.
6. Devacurl No-Poo Original Cleanser
The Devacurl Original No-Poo cleanser a non-lathering formula with peppermint and grapeseed oil, which stimulate and clean the scalp and hair. It hydrates and moisturizes without stripping away the natural oils of your curls. This conditioner leaves you with bouncy and shiny curls. The scent of Turkish rose and peppermint invigorates your senses.
Pros
- Hydrates hair
- Adds shine
- Softens curls
- Reduces frizz
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Silicon-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Overwhelming smell
- May cause allergic reactions
- May cause hair shedding.
7. Pantene Gold Series Deep Hydrating Co-Wash
This ultra-rich cleansing conditioner provides your hair with a moisturized feel, softness, and manageability. The argan oil formula protects your hair’s natural oils and hydrates it deeply. The low-lather formula is not only gentle on new hair growth but also strengthens, conditions, and moisturizes fragile ends. This co-wash is specifically designed to nourish and strengthen the hair and make it manageable.
Pros
- Softens hair
- Detangles hair
- Restores strength against damage
- Reduces frizz
- Conditions hair
- Cleanses hair
- Hydrates hair
Cons
- May weigh the hair down.
8. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Moisture Co-Wash
The SheaMoisture Co-Wash is made from natural and hand-picked ingredients that gently cleanse the hair while deeply nourishing and hydrating it. The raw shea butter nourishes your hair and locks in essential oils and moisturizes your curls. The coconut oil strengthens curls and protects them from breakage. The neem oil imparts a natural shine and keeps curls smooth and frizz-free. This gentle co-wash smoothes your curls and keeps your hair tangle-free.
Pros
- Refreshed hair
- Hydrated hair
- Reduced frizz
- Curls defined
- Cleanses hair
- Softens hair
- Smoothes hair
Cons
- Thin consistency
- May leave the hair greasy and limp.
9. Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Cowash
The Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Co-Wash is a creamy, no-lather rinse. It contains lavender, mint, and tea tree that calm and cleanse the scalp and nourish dry, coarse hair, and natural curls, making them manageable. The monoi, pequi, and jojoba oils help replenish moisture, fight frizz, and add shine. This co-wash helps detangle your hair while locking in natural oils.
Pros
- Reduces frizz
- Strengthens hair
- Moisturizes hair
- Softens hair
- Adds shine
- Cleanses hair
Cons
- Thick consistency
10. Ouidad Curl Immersion Low-Lather Coconut Cleansing Conditioner
The Ouidad Curl Immersion Cleansing Conditioner is a rich, low-foaming cleanser that nourishes curls without stripping away moisture or natural oils. This co-washing conditioner is made specifically for kinky curls. It detangles, cleanses, and conditions curls. It removes impurities that dull hair (like buildup) and cleanses the hair and scalp without drying them. It intensely moisturizes the hair and scalp to help strengthen curls.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes hair
- Reduces frizz
- Enhances curls
- Reduces frizz
- Helps in styling
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Might cause hair shedding in sensitive scalps.
11. EDEN BodyWorks Natural Cleansing Cowash
The EDEN BodyWorks Natural Cleansing Co-Wash retains the hair’s natural moisture and prevents it from drying due to styling tools. It breaks down any residue and cleans the scalp and hair thoroughly, maintaining a healthy environment for hair growth. It contains coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, and avocado oil, which seep into the hair and hydrate it from within. The ingredients also seal the moisture in, keeping the hair from drying out. It helps detangle hair and makes it healthier and softer.
Pros
- Refreshes hair
- Hydrates hair
- Reduces frizz and split ends
- Defines curls
- Makes the hair soft and smooth
- Imparts shine
Cons
- Might not suit sensitive skin.
12. LuxeOrganix CoWash Cleansing Conditioner
This co-wash leaves the hair feeling soft, smooth, and manageable. It provides relief from dandruff and helps the scalp recover and heal. It washes the scalp and hair clean, removing all residue and leaves hair feeling fresh, soft, and frizz-free. This conditioner is suitable for hair that has undergone chemical or keratin hair treatments or color-treated.
Pros
- Reduces frizz
- Strengthens hair
- Moisturizes hair
- Adds shine
- Detangles kinky curls
- Maintains pH balance
Cons
- May make the hair greasy.
- Might cause allergic reactions.
13. Cantu Shea Butter Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Co-Wash
The Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Co-Wash is part dry shampoo and part conditioner. It contains apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and shea butter, which provide deep cleansing and nourishment. It absorbs any excess oil and adds natural shine without leaving behind any white powder residue.
Pros
- Moisturizes hair
- Reduces frizz
- Softens hair
- Enhances curls
- Helps in styling
Cons
- Does not work on fine oily hair.
14. Creme Of Nature Creamy Hydration Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
The Creme Of Nature Creamy Hydration Co-Wash contains a special butter blend of argan oil to revitalize curls. It helps cleanse the hair and the scalp without removing any natural moisture. The argan oil protects the hair and helps it retain moisture. This co-wash removes any product residue and keeps the hair hydrated and frizz-free. The color-safe formula retains 90% of hair color after 10 washes.
Pros
- Tames curls
- Detangles hair
- Adds shine
- Softens curls
- Reduces frizz
- Color-safe
- Lightweight
Cons
- May make the hair rough.
- May cause allergic reactions and shedding.
15. Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural Hair Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
The Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural Hair Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner is an advanced thickening tonic that makes hair two times fuller and thicker. It helps cleanse, condition, and detangle your hair without stripping it of any moisture. It cleanses the scalp and hair, removing any product buildup and residue. It is a low-lathering formula that refreshes and tames unmanageable curls and reduces frizz. The oil-rich formula instantly moisturizes natural kinky hair, making it shiny and soft.
Pros
- Makes the hair soft
- Detangles hair
- Reduced hair shedding
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- Contains silicone
- May weigh the hair down.
For best results, hair experts suggest using co-washes once or twice a week and using your regular shampoo and conditioner the other days. These best co-washes for African hair will help make kinky coily hair manageable and easy to style. Go ahead and try one to see your curls transform.
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- 13 Best Cleansing Conditioners For Co-Washing Natural Hair
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- The Best Hair Care Tips For Curly Hair
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