As it stands I already have a really long and involved shower routine, so anything I can do to cut a step out is worth serious consideration. Imagine being able to cut out shampooing! Currently I wash my hair every other day since I color it and that was hard to concede to since until a few years ago I washed it every day! Getting me to wash it once a week is never going to happen and dry shampoo makes my scalp itch (yes, all of them). So when I first heard about cleansing conditioners I was intrigued.
Now I have replaced my shampoo with cleansing conditioners and there is no turning back (besides, I am saving so much money with an all-in-one product). Unlike traditional shampoos, these mostly low to no-lather conditioners contain little to no detergents and chemicals (most are Sulfate, Phthalate and Paraben-free) which make them ideal for women with dry, brittle, damaged, curly and color-treated hair. In fact, there are even formulas for fine hair. My hair is left super-moisturized and conditioned, yet not weighed down ans I even use less product for styling which is an added bonus. My shower is literally littered with them so I now consider myself an authority. Notice I did not pick any in jars since twisting those lids on and off drive me insane (unless it’s for a monthly deep conditioning treatment) and waste valuable shower time, so until they provide a pump version or at least a tip-cap, no thanks.
Considering giving cleansing conditioners a try? Here are our top 10 picks:
1. L’Oreal Paris EverCreme Conditioning Cleanser, $6.99
This formula is ideal for repairing severely parched hair as it contains Omega-3 and 6, leaving hair super soft and shiny without weighdown. Be sure to use several pumps and leave it on a few minutes to bring hair back to a healthy and hydrated state.
2. WEN by Chaz Dean Fig Cleansing Conditioner, $32
You have no doubt seen at least part a WEN infomercial, but this stuff really works. It’s a five-in-one conditioning cleanser designed to improve your hair’s health, reduce frizz, and retain color. This formula replaces shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler, and leave-in conditioner. The lightweight, low-lather formula is ideal for all hair types. Herbal extracts like aloe leaf juice, fig, and sweet almond oil help your locks retain moisture, while protecting them from future damage…and it smells divine.
3. Matrix Biolage Cleansing Conditioner For Medium Hair, $35
Matrix makes a few other versions (even for fine hair) so if this one isn’t ideal for you, look for another. This soap-free, low-lather, non-stripping cleansing conditioner with acai provides thorough cleansing and targeted conditioning to restore shine and bounce without the frizz.
4. Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Cleansing Conditioner, $9.99
This wallet-friendly non-lathering cleansing conditioner is ideal for naturally curly hair it contains vitamin E, extra virgin olive oil and keratin protein. It won’t strip hair and is extremely gentle…and not tested on animals.
5. SheaMoisture Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser, Coconut & Hibiscus, $11.99
This detergent-free product removes impurities without stripping hair of natural oils. The lightweight moisturizers (coconut oil, silk protein and naeem oil) soften and control frizz in one easy step which will to help you achieve a good cleaning that results in softer and shinier locks. Tested on family, not animals.
6. DevaCurl No-Poo Conditioning Cleanser, $20
This was the first no-lather product I ever tried and that was about 8 years ago. So I consider Deva one of the pioneers in this category. Recommended for curly hair, this no-later cleansing conditioner is made with hops, wheat and grapeseed oil. This sulfate-free, highly moisturizing cleanser stimulates, hydrates and cleans the scalp and hair to reveal the healthiest, bounciest natural curls.
7. Herbal Essences Naked Cleansing Conditioner, $6.99
I find myself reaching for this one a lot honestly and it couldn’t be more budget friendly! This low-lather cleansing conditioner has the scent of herbal mint fusion. I need about 4-5 pumps on my hair and use it like shampoo making sure to clean my scalp, then I leave it in for a few minutes while I do other things (like shave my legs). When I rinse my hair feels clean, yet conditioned. My hair is as soft as can be and I only need a little styling product to head out the door. I especially appreciate it has no icky chemicals so it’s safe for my color-treated hair.
8. Renpure Solutions Ren Cleansing Conditioner, Sweet Pomegranate, $9.99
Most damage to hair occurs during shampooing (striping and breakage), rubbing your hair causes the damaged areas to crack and tear. This cleansing conditioner literally feels like it melts into your hair. Coconut oil gently removes surface impurities while restoring natural oils and Keratin hydrates as it’s loaded with amino acids and protein to repair damage and restore strength. Shea butter conditions damaged areas leaving you with soft, healthy and manageable hair. Again, this product is free of gross chemicals and is not tested on animals.
9. Carols Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing and Conditioning Cleansing Conditioner, $12
This gunk-free cleansing conditioner is a fan fave and for good reason. It deeply moisturizes, improves softness and prevents frizz. This formula is recommended for those with thick, coarse, mixed-texture and curly tresses. Since we all want hair full of shine, it’s made with Agave Nectar to detangle, deeply moisturize and condition, plus Pro-vitamin B5 and Biotin to strengthen hair.
10. Pantene Cleansing Conditioner, Color Preserve, $7.99
Consider this cleansing conditioner you’ve not been shampooing in hopes of extending the life of your color. Use this instead to get hair squeaky clean without damaging your color. Massage thoroughly and leave in for a few minutes for longer and/or courser hair. Its gentle, low-lather formula cleans like a shampoo and contains sweet almond oil.
– Lauren Dimet Waters
Some samples provided for review, some purchased myself.
Image Layout: Tequila Perrin
