Is your hair curly, wavy, or otherwise majestic? Ever wonder why it just isn’t as soft and fluffy as before, even though you wash it on the regular? It happens more than you’d think, and the best co-wash for men can change the way you think about hair cleaning.
Co-washing (or conditioner washing) is better than classic shower gels in a number of ways. Sure, lots of shampoos smell good, but they do what they do thanks to a fairly harsh chemical formula. Co-washes are gentler, safer, and more than capable of hydrating your hair.
Besides, we all have those days when we just don’t have the kind of time to give our hair a thorough scrub. I’ve never once had what you’d call short hair, so co-wash was a big game-changer for me. With all that in mind, we compiled a list of the very finest.
Interested yet? Keep reading to find the best co-wash for you.
Key Takeaways
To find the best of the best, I scoured countless sites and read hundreds of reviews. I can confidently say that Tea Tree Moisturizing Co-Wash is my top pick when it comes to co-wash. Curly and wavy hair can be pretty outrageous to maintain, but this product keeps it clean and hydrated while thwarting off unwanted knots.
R + Co Analog Cleansing Foam is a great high-end pick if your hair is brittle or otherwise unhealthy. Then there’s Ethique Curliosity, an amazing option for more out-there haircuts with loads of curl action.
Why it’s great: When it comes to hair cosmetics, Tea Tree can’t ever steer you wrong. With its soothing hints of lavender and mint, this co-wash is a wonderful alternative to shampoo, especially during colder days when traditional washing is out of the question.
How it feels: If your flowing mane tends to get messy, you can kiss that problem goodbye. Even the most unkempt of haircuts can be tamed with this beast, especially if you have a natural wave going on. There’s really no better way to get your unwashed hair in check than by using this.
Who is this for: This product is suitable for all hair types, but especially those with coarse hair. You can get it in a pretty sizable bottle, so squirt away if you’re looking to make your hair less rigid.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Nothing to complain about here. You could argue it only comes in really small or really large sizes with no real in-between. Then again, more of this stuff is hardly a bad thing!
Scent: Lavender, mint | Item Form: Cream | Size: 2.5 oz, 16.9 oz, 33.8 oz | Hair Type: All | Product Benefits: Moisturizing, cleansing, vegan, color-safe, gluten-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free
Why it’s great: R + Co have some of the best men’s hair products out there, and their foam conditioner is a personal favorite. With its all-natural formula, this product strengthens the cuticles on your hair, and it smells amazing doing it. The scent of orange works great for guys, and that’s the hill I’m dying on.
How it feels: Besides making your hair tougher, this conditioner does wonders for smoothness too. The argan oil does the trick here – you only need a tiny squirt every few days, and before too long, your hair will be as soft as a poodle’s tail.
Who is this for: There’s no wrong customer when it comes to R + Co, but it’s especially effective for people with dyed or strawy hair.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: There’s not a lot of product in this bottle for what you’re paying, but it’s not a huge deal. The effects are consistent and practically immediate, so don’t even hesitate if you’re only going to use it occasionally.
Scent: Orange, rhubarb, cardamom, fig, guava, amber | Item Form: Foam | Size: 5.75 oz | Hair Type: All | Product Benefits: Strengthening, color-safe, UV protective, vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free
Why it’s great: For the price of a Big Mac with a side of fries, you could get your hands on the best co-wash in the budget category. As I Am’s wonder product is gentle and easy on the scalp, providing your hair with a thorough cleanse with a few flicks of the hand.
How it feels: You can get a feel for how good this conditioner is when you run a comb through your hair. Gone are the days of pulling hairballs off your head every time you try to smooth out your locks. And did I mention how soft it makes your hair feel?
Who is this for: As with any co-wash, the curlier the hair, the bigger the benefits. It’s also a great pick if you like to dye your hair.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I tend to prefer products that come in squirt bottles over cylindrical packages. You can end up wasting a lot when you have to reach in with your hand, but you can just use a single finger at a time to get around that.
Scent: Coconut | Item Form: Cream | Size: 16 oz | Hair Type: Color-treated, curly | Product Benefits: Conditioning, softening, color-safe
Why it’s great: With a no-nonsense name like Unwash, you know you’re in for some of the best co-wash on the market. The cleansing properties of this conditioner are second to none, and it’s made all the better by the subtle herbal smell.
How it feels: You know those annoying little frizz curls that pop up with thick hair? Unwash takes care of those in no time at all. Because it’s so thorough at removing dirt from your hair, you can expect it to get smoother than butter within a few days of use.
Who is this for: Unwash is about as safe for all hair types as co-wash can be. With no harsh chemicals in its formula, even people with sensitive scalps and hair can use it regularly.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The smaller bottle can be a little hard to handle – you need to give it a good squeeze sometimes. It’s smooth sailing once you do, though!
Scent: Herbal | Item Form: Cream | Size: 13.5 oz, 33.8 oz | Hair Type: All | Product Benefits: Strengthening, moisturizing, color-safe, paraben-free
Why it’s great: The reputation of Head and Shoulders speaks for itself, so it’s no surprise they’re behind some of the top co-washes for men. Besides, what you’d expect from similar products, Royal Oils is also one of the best counters to dandruff.
How it feels: This milky-smooth coconut oil co-wash smells great and feels even better. With no parabens or sulfates to irritate your scalp, your dry-washing experience is guaranteed to be safe and pleasant every time.
Who is this for: Head and Shoulders works especially well for coily hair. Once it gets absorbed, give your hair a comb and enjoy your clear-cut image.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This stuff loses some efficiency if your hair is a little wet. The best way to use it is well after your daily shower.
Scent: Coconut | Item Form: Liquid | Size: 15.2 oz | Hair Type: Curly, kinky, coily | Product Benefits: Cleansing, anti-dandruff, paraben-free, sulfate-free
Why it’s great: I know that some of you guys are curlier than most. If that’s you, the Ethique Curliosity has your name written all over it. It does an amazing job at accentuating your curls, and it’s pretty easy to ration since it’s a bar.
How it feels: That shine in your hair after using Curliosity isn’t just for looks. I’ve used this co-wash before, and there are very few products that have made my hair this soft to the touch. You can get around 120 uses out of a single block, and each one is like a soothing scalp massage that keeps you coming back for more.
Who is this for: As the name suggests, this is a great product for men with curly hair. The curlier the hair, the better the outcome. You can also get a few different variants for other hair types at a similar price.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The one downside is that there are a couple of somewhat common allergens in the formula. Give the box a good read to make sure it’s right for you.
Scent: Coconut, lemongrass | Item Form: Bar | Size: 3.88 oz | Hair Type: Curly | Product Benefits: Curl-enhancing, vegan, sulfate-free
Buying Considerations for the Best Co-washes
Co-wash isn’t the most popular cosmetic among men, so it’s natural you might have some questions. Here’s what you need to think about before making a purchase:
Ingredients
In general, it helps to know your allergies before buying any cosmetic product just to be on the safe side. Other than that, you want to look for products rich in proteins and moisturizers to keep your hair healthy, not just looking good.
Scent
This mostly comes down to personal preference. Some of the best co-wash tends to have a pretty subtle scent, and it’s usually pretty forest-y. Even if you aren’t a fan, just remember that it’s rarely so intense that it gets to be a problem.
Size
As far as liquid co-wash goes, you’ll find that most bottles are over 13 ounces. This should last you three to four months of semi-regular use. Just remember that this is not a full-on substitute for water rinsing, so don’t rely on it when you’re in the shower.
How We Chose
Selecting the best co-washes for our FashionBeans audience, our approach was both meticulous and comprehensive, ensuring that every recommendation stands up to scrutiny and meets the high standards our readers expect. Here’s how we curated our list:
Ingredient Quality and Efficacy: We prioritized co-washes formulated with high-quality, nourishing ingredients known for their beneficial effects on hair health. Our selections include products that cleanse and condition hair without stripping it of its natural oils, based on scientific research and expert recommendations in the field of trichology.
Brand Reputation and Transparency: Our list features products from reputable brands that are transparent about their formulations and sourcing practices. We value companies that are not only committed to excellence in product development but also prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
User Reviews and Feedback: Real user experiences played a crucial role in our selection process. We sifted through hundreds of customer reviews across multiple platforms to choose products that consistently receive high ratings for effectiveness, ease of use, and overall satisfaction.
Diversity in Hair Types and Needs: Recognizing the diversity among our readers’ hair types and concerns, we sought products that cater to a wide range of needs, including co-washes suitable for curly, straight, fine, and thick hair, ensuring everyone can find an option that works best for them.
Value for Money: We considered products across various price points, ensuring our recommendations offer good value by balancing quality, quantity, and price to cater to different budgets without compromising on performance.
Why Trust Us?
Andrej Paskalov, blending his expertise in psychology and marketing with a passion for men’s grooming, delivers insightful content on FashionBeans. His unique approach, informed by a deep understanding of consumer behavior and grooming practices, enables him to offer readers authoritative guides on products like co-washes.
Andrej’s work stands out for its depth of research and consideration of user experiences, ensuring his recommendations are both trustworthy and tailored to meet diverse needs. By analyzing ingredients, studying scientific research on hair care, and incorporating real user feedback, he crafts well-founded advice that guides readers toward informed grooming decisions. His commitment to providing valuable, reliable content makes him a trusted voice in the grooming domain, helping readers navigate the vast array of grooming products with confidence.
Final Verdict
That concludes our list of the best co-wash for guys. It was a tough call, but Tea Tree Moisturizing Co-Wash wins out with its ability to moisturize and detangle your hair. You can use it no matter your hair type, and it can even salvage a hairdo damaged by years of using the wrong hair products.
FAQ
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Long story short, co-wash is a kind of conditioner that lets you wash your hair without shampoo or water. The main benefit is that it tends to be paraben and sulfate-free, making it an extremely safe and convenient pick for moisturizing curly hair.
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There are lots of conditioners out there that can be used for co-washing. It mostly comes down to being able to cleanse, moisturize, and soften your hair without water. In a pinch, you could also rely on so-called low-poo or no-poo products, shampoo alternatives with less harsh chemical formulas.
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