The 10 Best Cleansing Conditioners for Refreshed, Hydrated Hair

Best Overall

Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner

$29 at Amazon View on Jcpenney.com View on Unwash.com

Hair Type: All | Size: 2.5, 13.5, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Per our point about co-washing being an effective option for all hair types, this formula does, in fact, work well on everything from super straight hair to kinky curls. It’s also safe for color and chemically-treated hair, and may even help your hair dry faster afterward. Rather than using sulfates or soaps, it relies on cationic cleansers that work like magnets to remove dirt, oil, and other unwanted grime. Science is so cool.

Best Budget

L'Oréal Paris EverPure Cleansing Balm

$39 at Amazon View on Bonanza.com

Hair Type: Dry | Size: 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Think of this as a deep conditioner that transforms into a cleanser. Sulfate-, paraben-, and silicone-free, it moisturizes and adds mirror-like shine while also cleaning your hair and scalp without drying either out. Oh, and did we mention it costs less than most lunches? FYI, for the best results, let it sit on the hair for three to five minutes.

Best Budget, Runner-Up

Kristin Ess Ultra Hydrating Curl Co-Wash

$9 at Amazon $9 at Target $15 at Ulta

Hair Type: Curly, natural | Size: 8.45 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Leake says this is one of his favorite drugstore buys. Great for medium to coarse curl types, it shields hair from frizz-causing humidity. Plus, we’d be remiss not to mention the super chic packaging that’s even more noteworthy given that affordable price tag.

Best Drugstore

Pantene Deep Hydrating Co-Wash

$25 at Amazon

Hair Type: Curly, coily | Size: 15.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This low-lather, extra-gentle formula is packed with argan oil to add plenty of softness and strengthen hair against potential damage. While this line was formulated for African-American and textured hair, it can be used on any thick or coarse hair type. Try replacing your standard shampoo and conditioner with this one-step option every other time you wash.

Best for Curly Hair

Ouidad Weightless Cleansing Conditioner

$26 at Amazon $27 at Ulta View on Ouidad.com

Hair Type: Frizzy | Size: 3.2, 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As we mentioned, co-washing is beloved by curly girls as a great way to help retain moisture in their hair, and this is an especially great pick. It’s a favorite of Leake's, who lauds it for not only effectively cleansing and hydrating but also containing nutrients, such as rice bran oil, that help repair and strengthen hair. To that point, this formula is also ideal for improving the elasticity of curls, which is always a good thing.

Best for Natural Hair

Mizani True Textures Cleansing Conditioner

$33 at Sephora $33 at Jcpenney.com

Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, and coily | Size: 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Whether your natural texture is wavy, a little curly, or coiled, this is a great option.

Three different oils—coconut, marula, and olive—work in tandem to add plenty of moisture, shine, and softness to your natural curl pattern, while also treating frizz. It’s a favorite of Leake’s, who points out that it’s great for everyday use as well.

Best for Straight Hair

Mixed Chicks Conditioning Cleansing Co-Wash Shampoo Alternative

$14 at Amazon View on Mixedchicks.net

Hair Type: All | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Believe it, you can use a co-wash even if you have straight hair. Try this guy, a no-lather option that relies on a trio of olive, jojoba, and castor oils. It effectively removes grime, hydrates, and helps detangle the hair (always nice for those who have straight hair that is prone to snarls) but doesn’t leave behind any residue or buildup, the last thing you want if you have straight hair.

Best for Fine Hair

WEN by Chaz Dean Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner

$41 at Amazon View on Chazdean.com $26 at QVC

Hair Type: All | Size: 32 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Wen cleansing conditioners might be some of the best-known out there, not to mention that the line offers a ton of variety. For finer textures, we’re partial to this option, the lightest formula of them all. It uses aloe to moisturize without weighing down the hair and also contains witch hazel to help clarify the scalp. A boon for those with fine hair, which also tend to be prone to having oilier scalps.

Best Foam

R+Co Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner

$34 at Amazon $34 at Target $32 at Dermstore

Hair Type: Color-treated, dry, coarse | Size: 5.75 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Generally speaking, most cleansing conditioners don’t really lather, so if you’re craving some suds, reach for this option. The foam cleanses while also delivering a laundry list of good-for-your-hair ingredients—think softening argan oil, antioxidant-rich green tea, and even a thermal polymer to ward off heat styling-induced damage. And the bonus of the foam formula? It’s super weightless which is especially ideal if you have finer hair that’s easily weighed down.

Best Scent

Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Moisturizing Cowash

$72 at Amazon $39 at Ulta View on Paulmitchell.com

Hair Type: Curly, dry, coarse | Size: 16.9, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

“Infused with tea tree oil, lavender, and peppermint, this co-wash transforms your everyday shower into a spa-like experience,” says Leake. And really, who doesn’t want that, especially on a sleepy morning? Rich and creamy, this is an especially good option for those with coarse, dry hair, as it helps lock in natural oils and fight frizz, too.