12 Best Cleansing Conditioners for Every Type of Hair

A great color protector, Unwash was a favorite for boosting strands' silkiness in our Lab tests. Consumer testers gave high scores overall for ease of use, smell, color protection and the fact that it didn't irritate the scalp. One tester writes, "My hair was in better shape, with more body and shine." 

Though we haven't tested this co-wash in our Labs, As I Am is a favorite drugstore brand known for making products that deliver intense hydration in hopes to keep curls and coils in tact. According to the brand, the light conditioning cream helps removes residue while promoting hair growth and retaining moisture. It's also said to work on color-treated hair. 

The lightweight Joico foam came out on top for cleansing curls without weighing them down. Many testers commented on how easy it was to use: "It reduced my shower time by about five minutes," one reported. Our Lab experts noticed that this curl co-wash received high scores for making strands less frizzy and defining spirals with no greasy feel.

In our Lab tests, Kérastase was the most softening and detangling in the curl category. One reviewer says, "My curls look the best they ever have," and our beauty experts found that it was the best in the panel at making hair more manageable than shampoo did. Take note that the product can make your hair feel greasy since the formula is so rich. 

Shea, avocado oil, quinoa extracts, and aloe work as the main ingredients to soften and moisturize your hair. The brand says you can use up to eight pumps during your co-wash, but just keep in mind that a little goes a long way, especially since the formula is formulated for those with a more textured hair type. 

Over 1,000 Amazon reviewers recommend Renpure as a less expensive option from other competing formualtions. It features nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, argan, and manuka honey. Just note that according to reviewers, the consistency is a little on the thinner side and not as moisturizing as thicker creams, so it's better suited for fine hair.

Another foam formula, this Joico co-wash for dry hair lived up to its claims, rating highly among testers for strengthening and moisturizing parched, fragile strands. Our Lab experts found that it amassed points for effective conditioning, smoothing, hydrating and making hair feel stronger yet clean.

Nexxus claims that its Color Assure formula can extend color vibrancy for longer while thoroughly cleaning and moisturizing your hair. The brand suggests using it as a single-step alternative to your regular shampoo and conditioner. 

Amazon reviewers with medium-textured hair to natural hair alike rave about this product. This special Gold Series formula from Pantene is infused with argan oil to help maintain softness and protection against damage. 

One of our editors swears by this IGK conditioning cleansing oil, that's infused with coconut oil. "It cuts down detangling time in half, helps with frizz and leaves my hair smelling delicious," she says. The brand says it can be used on any hair types, but especially those with unruly hair or dry scalps.

Amazon reviewers with a type 3 curl pattern especially love this hair milk. It helps to deeply moisturize dry ends and quickly detangle coils, curls, and everything in between. The no-lather conditioner uses agave nectar, shea butter and vitamin B5 to make your hair smooth to the point for easy finger-combing, while keeping your texture defined. 

For something lighter, Amazon reviewers say this Amika cream conditioner is great for use in between regular washes. One reviewer says she loves using it every morning on her thick, wavy hair because it isn't drying and cleans her ends in just one step.