Anyone with even dry hair knows that over-shampooing can sometimes make matters worse. But conditioning on its own isn't effective at cleaning the hair. That's where ultra-gentle cleansing conditioners enter the picture.
"Cleansing conditioners are a godsend for anyone whose hair is naturally dry or for hair that craves moisture," says celebrity colorist Mark DeBolt, co-founder of Mark Ryan Salon. They aren't for all hair types, though: "These cleansers are particularly great for naturally curly hair. Someone with fine, straight hair might need to proceed with caution—however, it can be a good product to work into the routine. For example, someone who doesn’t have naturally dry hair and likes to shampoo often could benefit from every other shampoo being with something more gentle, like a cleansing conditioner."
Depending on your hair, cleansing conditioners may be best used as part of a scalp-care rotation. "One should be on the lookout for scalp itchiness or irritation. Conditioning wash products can lead to build up on the scalp, so it is still important to periodically use a clarifying shampoo," recommends DeBolt.
Read on for 12 of the best cleansing conditioners to try, plus more expert intel from DeBolt.
If you have dry hair, shampooing can sometimes make matters worse. But conditioning on its own isn't effective at cleaning the hair. That's where ultra-gentle cleansing conditioners enter the picture. Read on for 12 of the best cleansing conditioners to try, plus more expert intel from DeBolt.
