Best Co-Washes for Natural Hair

Quick comparison

1. As I Am Coconut CoWash: best overall

As I Am describes this as a “light no-suds conditioning cream” that “gently removes the optimal amount of scalp sebum, residue, or product buildup leftover from styling products.” It’s built on coconut oil and castor oil, with tangerine extract, and fragrance is on the ingredient list. The 32 oz version’s page calls it “gentle enough for daily use” and “safe for color-treated hair.” Directions are simple. Coat every strand, massage your scalp with your fingertips “just as you would with a regular shampoo,” then rinse thoroughly.

As I Am is also direct about the limits. Its FAQ says the CoWash “can replace shampoo on co-wash days,” but “a co-wash is not a full shampoo replacement.” The maker pairs frequent co-washing with periodic clarifying using its Curl Clarity Shampoo. For coily and 4C hair, As I Am says co-washing usually happens “2 to 3 times a week, and sometimes more.”

Skip it if: you’d rather not keep a separate clarifying shampoo on hand. As I Am’s own routine pairs the CoWash with one.

Search Amazon for As I Am Coconut CoWash 16 oz

2. Cantu Shea Butter Complete Conditioning Co-Wash: best butter-rich option

Cantu says this co-wash “gently cleanses curls and scalp removing heavy product buildup while a unique blend of natural butters and oils infuse moisture.” Its label lists shea butter, mango seed butter and oil, and coconut, avocado, almond, jojoba, olive, carrot seed and grapeseed oils. The tube is 10 oz and labeled for natural curls, coils and waves.

Cantu’s directions: wet your hair completely, apply “a generous amount to the root and work toward ends,” massage your scalp to remove buildup, and rinse with cool water. The maker’s free-from list is the longest here. It says the co-wash has no mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, gluten, paraffin or propylene.

Skip it if: you want a published ingredient list on the maker’s website. Cantu’s page doesn’t post one. The full list is on the tube.

Search Amazon for Cantu Shea Butter Complete Conditioning Co-Wash

3. Bounce Curl Hydra Drench Cleansing Conditioner: best protein-free

Bounce Curl says this “is a co-wash that gently cleanses and conditions hair.” It labels the formula “Level 3 Extra Moisture” and “Protein Free (for daily use),” and says it’s “specially designed for exceptionally parched hair.” The maker lists medium and coarse textures and wavy, curly and coily patterns. Aloe juice is the first ingredient, followed by glycerin. Bounce Curl says the scent is “100% Natural” and the formula is color-safe and vegan.

The label on Bounce Curl’s product photo reads 8 fl oz. Bounce Curl doesn’t publish directions on the product page.

Skip it if: your hair is fine. Bounce Curl lists medium and coarse textures only.

4. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Creamy Hydration Co-Wash: best for color-treated hair

Creme of Nature calls this “a light-weight, color-safe formula infused with Argan Oil from Morocco, that gently cleanses and removes product residue.” It’s labeled sulfate-free and “ideal for cleansing all curl types.” This is the only co-wash here with a set sit time. Apply it from roots to ends and “leave on for 3–5 minutes,” then rinse thoroughly. Creme of Nature says it’s “ideal for daily cleansing and refreshing.”

The ingredient list includes hydrolyzed keratin, panthenol, argan oil and fragrance. It comes in a 12 oz bottle.

Skip it if: you avoid protein. Keratin is on the list.

Search Amazon for Creme of Nature Argan Oil Creamy Hydration Co-Wash

5. Aunt Jackie’s Purify Me Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser: best for protective styling

Aunt Jackie’s calls Purify Me a “sulfate-free, co-wash cleanser” that “replenishes moisture, softens, and thoroughly removes build up and impurities.” The maker says it’s “gentle enough to use daily, and when protective styling.” The formula includes flaxseed, avocado and coconut oils, shea butter and hydrolyzed collagen.

Its directions read like a shampoo’s. Work it into hair and scalp without “vigorously” shampooing, rake your fingers through from roots to ends if your hair is thick, coarse and prone to tangles, rinse, “then repeat.” It comes in a 12 oz bottle.

Skip it if: you want a single-pass, no-lather wash. Aunt Jackie’s directions call for two rounds.

Search Amazon for Aunt Jackie’s Purify Me Co-Wash Cleanser

How to choose a co-wash

1. Decide how often you’ll use it. The American Academy of Dermatology’s hair-care tips for Black hair say to wash once a week or every other week, which “will help prevent build-up of hair care products.” As I Am says coily and 4C hair is often co-washed 2 to 3 times a week. Bounce Curl, Creme of Nature and Aunt Jackie’s all say their co-washes suit daily use.
2. Check for protein. Bounce Curl labels its formula protein-free, and As I Am lists none. Creme of Nature lists keratin and Aunt Jackie’s lists collagen.
3. Plan a clarifying wash. As I Am pairs co-washing with periodic clarifying. Our gentle shampoos for protective styles cover that step.
4. Condition anyway. The AAD says to “use conditioner every time you wash your hair” and to coat the ends. A co-wash already conditions, but dry ends may still want a rinse-out. Our conditioners for 4C hair cover that step.
5. Don’t use a co-wash for flakes. For dandruff, the AAD suggests a dandruff shampoo instead. Our guide to itchy, flaky scalp under braids covers what to look for. If the flaking doesn’t go away or gets severe, or you notice thinning, the AAD says to see a board-certified dermatologist.

FAQ

Can a co-wash replace shampoo?

Not completely, according to As I Am. Its pages say its Coconut CoWash can replace shampoo on co-wash days, but that a co-wash is not a full shampoo replacement, and it pairs co-washing with periodic clarifying. The AAD’s tips for Black hair say to wash once a week or every other week to help prevent product build-up.

How often should you co-wash 4C hair?

As I Am says coily and 4C hair is usually co-washed 2 to 3 times a week, and sometimes more. Bounce Curl, Creme of Nature and Aunt Jackie’s each describe their co-wash as suited to daily use. Cut back if your scalp starts to feel coated or heavy, and plan a clarifying wash.

Will a co-wash help dandruff or an itchy scalp?

These are co-washes, not dandruff shampoos. For dandruff, the AAD suggests a dandruff shampoo with an ingredient such as zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole or coal tar, used about once a week on coily hair if tolerated.

Sources

• As I Am: Coconut CoWash, 16 oz
• As I Am: Coconut CoWash, 32 oz
• Cantu: Complete Conditioning Co-Wash (and the front and back label images on that page)
• Bounce Curl: Hydra Drench Cleansing Conditioner
• Creme of Nature: Argan Oil from Morocco Creamy Hydration Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
• Aunt Jackie’s: Purify Me Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser
• American Academy of Dermatology: Black hair: Tips for everyday care
• American Academy of Dermatology: How to treat dandruff

Maker and AAD pages checked October 9, 2026.