Hair Care
How to Get the Hair of Your Dreams? Ditch Your ShampooAnti-shampoo advocates say the secret to glossier, healthier hair is going suds-free. Here, the best ways -- and products -- to do it |
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Benefits: The presence of a shampoo element cleanses the scalp and hair, but the overload of conditioner coats the hair shaft and keeps it from drying out, says McMichael. This writer would also like to note that cleansing conditioners remove a step from your shower routine, which is great if you're lazy, super busy or just hate showers.
Who It's Good for: With thicker, wiry textures it's hard for the natural oils in your hair to distribute throughout, resulting in dry hair, says Bova. A cleansing conditioner replenishes that moisture. Frizzy hair can also benefit, as the lingering conditioner weighs down hair. Dry, damaged and color-treated can also benefit from the added moisture of a cleansing conditioner.
Cons: McMichael says that if your hair is fine, a cleansing conditioner can weigh your hair down, making it lifeless and limp.
Tips: If you have fine hair, but still want to reap the hydrating benefits of a cleansing conditioner, Bova says to shampoo once or twice a week with a sulfate-free cleanser. Even if you don't have fine hair, you still want to consider a good old-fashioned shampoo every week or two to eliminate buildup (Bova recommends Aviva Hydracreme Shampoo, a paraben-, sulfate- and sodium chloride-free formula with botanical extracts). McMichael agrees, saying you can use cleansing conditioners every day if you so choose, or can stagger them between more traditional shampoo methods. Or, see one of the DIY versions above.
Try:
Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner: This sweet-but-fresh-smelling cleansing conditioner leaves hair manageable, and, most importantly, doesn't weigh it down.
Wen Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner: This cleansing conditioner, infused with sweet almond oil and aloe leaf juice, boasts a 5-in-1, Swiss Army knife, do-it-all formula that acts as shampoo, conditioner, detangler, deep conditioner and even a leave-in conditioner.
Herbal Essences Naked Cleansing Conditioner: This drugstore buy leaves your scalp feeling refreshed, thanks to an invigorating scent of mint and herbs. It contains peppermint oil, which helps mimic that squeaky-clean feeling without stripping your hair.
Cantu Shea Butter Complete Conditioning Co-Wash: This co-washing formula is creamy and hydrating with a blend of 15 different butters and oils. It also happens to smell exactly like a piña colada.
Shea Moisture Co-Washing Cleansing Conditioner: Like all of Shea Moisture's products, this co-wash contains hydrating shea butter that's ethically sourced from West Africa. It's also packed with everyone's favorite oil, coconut, which leaves hair soft and silky.
Ouidad Curl Co-Wash: This floral-scented co-wash is sulfate-free and contains cumin seed and castors oils to de-frizz and condition hair, along with rosemary and sage oils to make hair shine bright like a diamond.
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