24 Co-Washes for Cleansing Natural Hair Without the Suds

When I decided to lighten up on the weaves and eventually do a big chop, searching for the best natural hair co-washes felt like a job. After being told over and over and over by both experts and friends that a lather-free shampoo was the healthiest option for my new look and lifestyle, I felt pretty much obligated to see it through. Ultimately, deciding whether you want to use “normal” shampoo or a sulfate-free one depends on the person’s preference and the former shouldn’t have you running for the hills.

In the end, experts confirm that a lather helps deliver and deposit the active ingredient in a cleanser to the hair. This is why daily shampooing isn’t recommended while using a co-wash every morning usually doesn’t cause harm. It’s also worth noting that co-washes have gone through an evolution of their own in recent years, with products now including conditioners and even dry shampoo. For this reason alone, I still keep my eye out for what’s getting the best reviews despite going back and forth between co-wash and shampoo. With that being said, here are the formulas, both old and new, worth trying if you’re a co-wash convert or seasoned pro.

As I Am.

As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner

Formulated with coconut oil to rebalance your scalp’s pH and deeply hydrate the hair shaft.

$6.99 at Target

Aussie.

Aussie Miracle Curls Co-Wash

A fruit-infused and fruit-scented lightweight cleanser for in-between your heavier washes.

$4.99 at Target

Briogeo.

Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Avocado + Quinoa Co-Wash

This Sephora fave gives extra slip for easier detangling.

$32 at Sephora

Design Essentials.

Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Nourishing Co-Wash

Sweet almond and avocado oils replenish moisture and help ease the detangling process.

$12.99 at Ulta

DevaCurl.

DevaCurl No-Poo Decadence Zero-Lather Milk Cleanser

$24-$46 at Sephora

Head & Shoulders.

Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisturizing Co-Wash

$8.99 at Target

Mielle Organics.

Mielle Organics Detangling Co-Wash

$8.19 at Target

Mixed Chicks.

Mixed Chicks Conditioning Cleansing Co-Wash

$9.99 at Target

Not Your Mother’s.

Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk 3-in-1 Conditioner

$7.99 at Ulta

Ouidad.

Ouidad Curl Immersion Co-Wash

$36 at Sephora

Pantene.

Pantene Deep Hydrating Co-Wash

$9.99 at Target

SheaMoisture.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Moisture Co-Wash

$10.99 at Target

TGIN.

TGIN Quench 3-in-1 Cleansing Co-Wash Conditioner

$14.99 at Ulta

The Doux.

The Doux One Love Co-Wash

$12.99 at Target

Aunt Jackie’s.

Aunt Jackie’s Purify Me Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser

$5.99 at Naturally Curly

Cantu.

Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Co-Wash

$3.99 at Walmart

Carol’s Daughter.

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Cleansing Conditioner

$8.99 at Target

Creme of Nature.

Creme of Nature Curlicious Co-Wash

$6.97 at Walmart

Curl Co.

Curl Co. Low Wash Sulfate-Free Shampoo

$29.99 at Naturally Curly

Curl Junkie.

Curl Junkie Daily Fix Cleansing Hair Conditioner

$20 at Naturally Curly

Oyin Handmade.

Oyin Handmade Ginger-Mint Co-Wash

$11.99 at Naturally Curly

Taliah Waajid.

Taliah Waajid Conditioning Co-Wash

$9.99 at Naturally Curly

True by Made Beautiful.

True by Made Beautiful Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner

$8.99 at Made Beautiful

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