Best Cleansing Conditioner for Curly Hair of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 31, 2026

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Cleansing conditioners for curly hair are specially formulated to provide a gentle yet effective cleansing experience that doesn't strip the hair of its natural oils. These products are designed to cleanse, condition, and detangle the hair all in one step, making them a convenient option for those with curly hair. They work by using a combination of natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter to nourish and hydrate the hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and manageable. Cleansing conditioners for curly hair are a great way to simplify your hair care routine while still achieving healthy, beautiful curls.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Ouidad Curl Shaper Double Duty Cleansing Conditioner Cover #TOP 1
Ouidad Curl Shaper Double Duty Cleansing Conditioner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kristin Ess Hair Frizz Management Cleansing Co-Wash Cover #TOP 2
Kristin Ess Hair Frizz Management Cleansing Co-Wash
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Ouidad Mini Curl Shaper Cleansing Conditioner Cover #TOP 3
Ouidad Mini Curl Shaper Cleansing Conditioner
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Cleansing Conditioner for Curly Hair

#TOP 1

Ouidad Curl Shaper Double Duty Cleansing Conditioner

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Ouidad Curl Shaper Double Duty Cleansing Conditioner Cover
Ouidad Curl Shaper Double Duty Weightless Cleansing Conditioner, 16 Fl Oz, 94116

Ouidad Curl Shaper Double Duty Weightless Cleansing Conditioner is a conditioner made in the United States with a weight of 1.0 lb. It comes in an item package dimension of 2.5" L x 2.5" W x 9.12" H. The conditioner contains Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, and other ingredients that are useful for your hair.

What We Like
Moisturizes and softens hair
Enhances curls and reduces frizz
Pleasant scent
Lightweight and creamy texture
Effective co-wash and conditioner
#TOP 2

Kristin Ess Hair Frizz Management Cleansing Co-Wash

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Kristin Ess Hair Frizz Management Cleansing Co-Wash Cover
Kristin Ess Hair Frizz Management Cleansing Conditioner for Curly Hair, 8.45 fl oz (Pack of 1)

Kristin Ess Hair Frizz Management Cleansing Co-Wash is a great product for curly girls, frizzy hair, humidity control and damage. It is sulfate free, color safe and keratin safe. Natural oils remain intact to moisturize and restore. Customers love the product for its ability to keep their hair clean and soft, and for its frizz control. However, it can be difficult to work through the hair in the shower.

What We Like
Gentle cleansing
Hydrates curls
Light pleasant scent
Soft manageable hair
Non-greasy shine
#TOP 3

Ouidad Mini Curl Shaper Cleansing Conditioner

Ouidad Mini Curl Shaper Cleansing Conditioner Cover
Ouidad Mini Curl Shaper Double Duty Cleansing Conditioner for Loose Curls and Waves - Sulfate Free - Travel Size 3.4oz

The Ouidad Curl Shaper Conditioner is designed to gently cleanse your curls without stripping them of their natural oils, thanks to its creamy, lather-free formula. This means you can remove buildup while keeping your curls hydrated and healthy. It works as a versatile product, allowing you to use it daily as a cleansing conditioner or as a co-wash, making your hair care routine simple and effective. Plus, it helps detangle your curls while adding lightweight moisture, so your waves stay soft and easy to manage every day.

What We Like
Gentle cleansing formula
Daily cleansing or co-wash
Detangles and moisturizes
Weightless hydration
#TOP 4

Matrix A Curl Can Dream Co-Wash Conditioner

MATRIX
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Matrix A Curl Can Dream Co-Wash Conditioner Cover
Matrix A Curl Can Dream Co-Wash - Gentle Cleansing Conditioner, For Curly and Coily Hair - Revives Curls Between Washes and Enhances Curl Definition, With Manuka Honey Extract, 10.1 Fl Oz

Matrix Curl Can Dream is a gentle cleansing conditioner designed to refresh and define your curls and coils. It works as a deep hydrating mask that helps maintain your natural curl pattern, keeping your hair looking its best between washes. Infused with Manuka Honey Extract, this conditioner soothes sensitive scalp skin, offering a calming effect while you care for your hair. Additionally, it keeps your curls moisturized without leaving any flaky residue or crunchy feel, ensuring your hair stays soft and touchable. This product is a convenient way to revive your curls while enhancing their natural shape and shine.

What We Like
Deep hydration
Soothes sensitive skin
Defines curls and coils
Moisturizes without flaking
#TOP 5

Aunt Jackie's Coconut Crème Coco Wash Cleanser

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Aunt Jackie's Coconut Crème Coco Wash Cleanser Cover
Aunt Jackie's Coconut Crème Recipes Coco Wash Hair Conditioning Cleanser, Cleans, Conditions and Softens Dry Brittle Curly Hair, 12 oz

Aunt Jackie's Coco Wash is a 12-ounce conditioning cleanser designed to gently clean and nourish your hair. This product helps remove buildup from your scalp without stripping away natural oils, making it perfect for dry, brittle hair. It deeply conditions as it cleans, leaving your curls feeling soft and manageable. Enriched with coconut milk and apple cider vinegar, it supports healthy hair by adding moisture and balancing the scalp. If you have natural curls, coils, or waves, this sulfate-free co-wash offers a convenient way to keep your hair clean and conditioned in one step.

What We Like
Gentle cleansing
Deep conditioning
Sulfate-free formula
Coconut milk nourishment
Apple cider vinegar balance
#TOP 6

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner

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SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner Cover
SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Conditioner Coconut & Hibiscus, for Thick, Curly Hair to Moisturize & Soften, 13 oz

SheaMoisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner is a lightweight hair care product that restores and smoothes dry hair cuticles without weighing your hair down. This moisturizing shine conditioner ensures you have no more knots, snarls or tangles – just soft, shining, easy to style hair wash after wash! Blended with Fair Trade Shea Butter, this conditioner provides nourishing hydration for beautiful, healthy looking curls. Great for natural hair.

What We Like
Deep moisture for curly hair
Light, pleasant scent
Softens and smooths hair
Thick, rich texture
Great for detangling

Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Cowash

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Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Cowash Cover
Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Cowash, Cleansing Conditioner, For Coarse, Curly + Dry Hair, 16.9 fl. oz.

Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Cowash is a creamy, non-lathering formula that gently cleanses the scalp while helping to replenish essential moisture with monoi, pequi and jojoba oils. It helps detangle, fight frizz and add shine while locking in natural oils leaving hair soft and manageable. It is vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for all hair types.

What We Like
Refreshing scent
Moisturizing formula
Gentle cleansing
Easy-to-use pump
Good for frequent use
#TOP 8

tgin Quench 3-in-1 Co-Wash Conditioner and Detangler

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tgin Quench 3-in-1 Co-Wash Conditioner and Detangler Cover
tgin Quench 3-in-1 Co-Wash Conditioner & Detangler – Cowash for Curly Hair That Cleanses & Softens – Lightweight Curly Hair products with Shea Butter & Almond Oil – tgin Conditioner (13 oz)

tgin Quench 3-in-1 Co-Wash Conditioner and Detangler is a lightweight formula that moisturizes dry hair and improves manageability. It combines cleansing agents with moisturizing agents, preventing split ends and reducing breakage. Sweet almond oil and pure African shea butter cleanse dirty hair and restore moisture to dry strands. The product is easy to use and fits into a busy lifestyle. tgin is a women-owned and black-owned company that does not use sulfates, parabens, petrolatum, lanolin, or artificial colors, and does not test on animals.

What We Like
Moisturizes dry hair and improves manageability
Combines cleansing agents with moisturizing agents, preventing split ends and reducing breakage
Cleans dirty hair and restores moisture to dry strands
Easy to use and fits into a busy lifestyle
Women-owned and black-owned company that does not use sulfates, parabens, petrolatum, lanolin, or artificial colors, and does not test on animals
#TOP 9

As I Am Leave-in and Coconut Cowash Conditioner

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As I Am Leave-in and Coconut Cowash Conditioner Cover
As I Am Leave-in Conditioner 8 Ounce and Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner 16 Ounce

As I Am Leave-in and Coconut Cowash Conditioner is a powerful duo for deep-down hydrating and cleansing. The Coconut Cowash gently cleanses your hair and scalp, making detangling a breeze. The Leave-In Conditioner helps strengthen your hair and seals the cuticle layer, making it easier to maintain your curls and coils.

What We Like
Deep-down hydrating and cleansing
Gently cleanses hair and scalp, making detangling a breeze
Helps strengthen hair and seals the cuticle layer
#TOP 10

Curl Rhythm Hydrating Cleansing Cowash Conditioner

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Curl Rhythm Hydrating Cleansing Cowash Conditioner Cover
Curl Rhythm Hydrating Cleansing Cowash Conditioner for Curly Hair - Detangle, Frizz Free Shine & Co-wash with Shea Butter, Coconut & Marula For Wavy Kinky Coily Hair - Sulfate Free - 10 Fl Oz (3 Pack)

The Curl Rhythm Co-wash Conditioner is a gentle cream cleanser designed to detangle your hair while removing dirt and product buildup without stripping away natural oils. This makes it ideal for daily use or between shampoos, helping you maintain clean, soft hair without dryness. Its low-foam formula smooths your hair effectively, leaving it full of volume and life. Enriched with Baobab, Shea, Coconut, and Marula oils, it deeply moisturizes and revives dry or damaged hair, giving each strand nourishment and shine. Plus, it’s safe for color-treated hair, as it contains no silicones, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, helping preserve your hair’s color and health.

What We Like
Gentle cleansing formula
Low-lather smoothing action
Moisturizing natural oils
Safe for color-treated hair
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is cleansing conditioner good for curly hair?

"Co-washing can be beneficial as it helps keep curly hair hydrated, even during the cleaning stage," he says. "Using conditioner to cleanse also gives an initial hit of hydration before you've even started the conditioning process."

2. What is a conditioning cleanser?

Co-washing is short for“conditioning washing” or “conditioner-only washing.” This no-shampoo method is also referred to as cleansing conditioning or “no-poo” shampooing. It's done with shampoo-free formulas that cleanse, balance and refresh your hair without stripping or depleting its natural oils and nutrients.

3. Is cleansing conditioner and CoWash the same?

CoWash Conditioners (Co-washing Conditioners) or Cleansing Conditioners are marketed as all-in-one cleansers that hydrate and condition the hair in one step. They are typical non-sudsy and sulfate-free products (although most, if not, all conditioners are sulfate-free) that leave your hair soft and frizz-free.

Editor's Notes

During our cleansing conditioner for curly hair research, we found 48 cleansing conditioner for curly hair products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 161,560 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cleansing conditioner for curly hair list. We found that most customers choose cleansing conditioner for curly hair with an average price of $14.64.

The cleansing conditioner for curly hair are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cleansing conditioner for curly hair, including Ouidad, Kristin Ess, MATRIX, Aunt Jackie's, SheaMoisture. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.