Six months with a kovosh: my rating of 10 cleansing conditioners for curly hair

Conventional shampoos are frequently too strong for people with curly hair, leaving their hair unmanageable and dry. This is where "cowashes," or cleansing conditioners, are useful. These can be a game-changer for keeping curls healthy because they are made to gently clean while supplying much-needed moisture.

I’ve compiled my opinions on ten well-liked cowashes after experimenting with various ones for six months. Do they all live up to the hype, though, even though they all claim to cleanse and hydrate?

I’ll discuss my own experiences with each product in this post, rating them according to their overall effectiveness, ingredients, and performance. Whether you’re a novice at cowashing or searching for a new favorite product, this guide may be able to assist you in discovering the ideal fit.

Brand	Rating
DevaCurl No-Poo Original	9/10
Ouidad Curl Immersion	8.5/10
As I Am Coconut CoWash	9/10
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind	7.5/10
Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea CoWash	8/10
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash	8/10
Carol"s Daughter Hair Milk Cleansing Conditioner	7/10
Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic	8.5/10
Mielle Organics Detangling Co-Wash	8/10
Renpure Vanilla Mint Cleansing Conditioner	7.5/10

For whom the method of washing with conditioner may be suitable

For people whose hair is curly. They are by nature drier, and overly cleansing shampoos have the potential to remove the natural lubricant and care that the skin’s sebaceous glands had previously acquired.

For those whose hair is dry, damaged, or dead. All that was said in the preceding paragraph is accurate. Why not treat your hair to some cleansing conditioner?

For whom this method is contraindicated (as is commonly believed)

For girls who have greasy hair. Such skin typically requires thorough cleaning and perhaps a little drying. Conversely, conditioner nourishes and moisturizes.

For girls with volumeless, straight, thin hair that isn’t thick either. For the same reason as before: a cleansing conditioner can have a big impact on the root zone’s freshness and make you want to wash your hair right away after using it.

My hair

I’ll break down my rating for your hair so you can "try on" it more easily:

• Very porous hair (according to the water test, it sinks as soon as it hits the surface of the water), requiring constant strong care
• Prone to dryness, especially the ends
• Scalp prone to oiliness and sensitive
• Hair curls from the very roots, often fluffs up

This is the myth that I dismantled. Although my oily scalp isn’t so oily that you could fry potatoes on it in a matter of hours, it still looks pretty dirty by the morning or by lunchtime the next day and needs to be washed.

And here’s the paradox: every shampoo that thoroughly cleaned the hair the first time around did not cause the next wash to begin sooner.

Naturally, the type of scalp determines which shampoo is best, but if I use an oily scalp shampoo, I’ll end up with tow curls instead of curls.

The saying that all Heirmanaks know, "The shampoo you use determines how your subsequent care will work," struck me unintentionally just this summer. It had escaped my attention until now. However, after using Kovosh for a while, I eventually realized the significance of this statement when I used a sulfate shampoo.

A picture of the root zone, for clarification. I’m not the only one who notices the difference, am I? The elastic shiny waves disappeared. There are traces of them, of course, but they are smoother, and the hair appears drier and less glossy. Although I did not take a picture of the length, it is evident from this one that the length’s condition is also different.

Furthermore, it is unnecessary to comment on how differently the same mask, balm, and spray for length worked on such a "shampoo base" in both situations.

That’s the reason I decided to cleanse myself using conditioner, and I’m glad I did. It helps my hair take on more life and natural curls.

Speaking now of girls with thin hair. Come on, gorgeous CGM and kovosh users, tell me who among you has thin hair. I am aware of at least a few people in the community who effectively use this technique to wash their hair and scalp. and also possess extremely thin hair.

Thus, one may also challenge this myth.

Enough with the theoretical analysis; let’s get to the actual work!

Additional evaluation factor

To assess and notably demonstrate the impact of the shampoo, you must apply the same aftercare, such as using the same mask or balm, styling your hair in the same manner, etc. Mine is not "clean" because I haven’t carried out any such experimentation. For this reason, I will only be posting a picture of the basal zone and not the length beyond this or that hand.

1. TIGI Bed Head Calma Sutra Cleansing Conditioner

For the most part, this conditioner is the brand’s sole care offering. The remaining portion is style. Additionally, the brand’s creators believe that they will take care of washing as well as providing shampoo and conditioner—and, in the case of the fortunate, even a mask.

Capacity: 375 milliliters Price range: 1000–1600 rubles

The cream-gel has a thick and uneven consistency. White in color.

Sweet and sour with a fruity aroma. It smells like carambola, in my opinion. There is no foaming.

This wash was used exactly twice by me. Why? View the film "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" if you haven’t already. particularly the scene where the lead character, Laureline, wears a jellyfish on her head to help her remember and identify certain things.

Thus, the perceptions were comparable. Something that envelops and grabs the scalp instantly. There is no sense of purification or cleanliness. Basically, it feels like you would if you tried washing your hair with silicone conditioner after applying it to your scalp.

You appear to be doing all the same gestures and actions, but you don’t feel like you’re washing your head. Simply apply silicone to your head.

I questioned why, having previously used shampoos containing silicones, I had not experienced such a reaction. The same Elseve, and the same orange Angel Professional.

And the key factor is that they contain surfactants, which have the purpose of cleaning. Here, surfactants are absent. Behentrimonium chloride + glycerin + cetearyl alcohol. All of the composition’s major ingredients are listed here, along with silicones.

Silicones (amodimethicone, dimethicone) are present. Rinsing off oil and herbal masks requires three washes (poorly felt rinsing, no tactile feeling of cleansing).

Disadvantages

No sense of the roots’ freshness after washing On the second day, you wish to wash your hair in the morning. Following drying, the volume vanishes and the hair appears to be half as large.

Pros

Quickly untangles even the most difficult tangles. outstanding conditioning Feeling of hair being incredibly slick and smooth after being cleaned with water; hair gets thicker and more tactile Very little static hair and a pleasant, subtle scent gentle impact on ends and lengths

In summary, I am unable to categorize it as a cleansing conditioner. To me, it’s merely a silicone conditioner for hair that contains very little beneficial ingredients (just babassu and Brazil nut oil). Evaluation: 2

2. Trepadora Нibiscus pink cleansing clay-wash

One of two washcloths (the second one is with goji berries and mint) from a premium vegan brand from England. Judging by the large number of completely positive reviews, the washcloth should be wonderful.

100, 200, or 500 milliliters Expense: R1200-3500 Use period: three weeks

Very thick whipped cream is the consistency. Pink in color.

Scent: hibiscus, dust, and sticks of Indian incense. There is no foaming.

Utilized for nearly three weeks straight. This product caused my scalp to scratch and itch, something I have never experienced with other products. I had to give it up right away.

After examining the causes, I came to the conclusion that the kovosh’s composition contained clay. The lipid layer on the scalp gradually peeled off and off until it was completely dried out. As such, it should only be used occasionally and not continuously.

I have to admit, though, that the product did a good job of cleaning the scalp. The root zone appeared to be organic.

No silicones are present. Oil removal and herbal masks: five stars.

Advantages

The bentonite in the composition allows for a thorough cleansing of the scalp and hair. Extremely practical dispenser and packaging extended shelf life of two years The composition’s clay content has no bearing on the length’s state.

Disadvantages

Because it’s thick, it can be challenging to apply and distribute across the scalp. Its thickness requires you to squeeze out a lot. Unusual, compulsive smell When used frequently, the overdrying caused the scalp to itch.

Conclusion: I can’t say that this is a great cowash and suggest it, even though the composition consists mostly of natural ingredients (of 49, only roughly 9 aren’t extracts or oils). Yes, I gave it a try, but it didn’t pique my interest, so I don’t want to do it again. I do not feel the same immense happiness that reviewers do. Three out of five

3. Joico Curl Cleansing Sulfate-Free Co-wash

One of two cleaning products designed especially for curly hair from the Joico line. In the long run, I believe this to be among the most reasonably priced and respectable professional cowashes.

300 milliliters in volume Cost: R1100–R2300. Use period: two months

Consistency: the thick, unevenly layered cream-gel. White in color.

Aroma: pricey salon, slightly sour and sweet. There is no foaming.

The hair is extremely smooth to the touch throughout the entire length, even though the curls in the root zone are formed averagely. But, I should point out that despite having a nourishing effect, it leaves the hair feeling slightly heavier than other kovoshes.

Includes silicones, such as amodimethicone and dimethicone/bis-isobutyl peg-14 copolymer. Removes herbal and oil masks: 5.

Advantages

Spreads easily over the scalp and has a light, creamy consistency. cleansers in addition to standard shampoo After usage, the length feels silky to the touch and presents itself nicely. incredibly chic and lovely packaging

Disadvantages

Includes silicones The jar is beautiful, but it has fallen off the shelf several times because the bottom is unstable.

In conclusion, this is a great conditioner that has silicones in it. Who was it that said the list of conditioners should not include any silicone conditioners at all? It’s a myth. Though I’m still not sure how Joico technicians intend to rid your hair of silicones if neither your brush nor your shampoo have sulfates in them. Nevertheless, I still advise using this tool on curly hair. Four plus

4. DevaCurl No-poo Original

Among the most widely used products for curly hair washing. It’s difficult for me to even begin to comprehend the quantity of cubic kilos of this wash that are manufactured and purchased.

80, 355, 946 milliliters Price range: 680-3000 rubles Duration: One and a half months

Light, water-based cream in consistency. White in color.

Strong aroma of essential oils of rosemary, mint, and lemon balm. There is no foaming.

I think this washer may be among the best I’ve ever used. It is very gentle on the scalp and length and washes really well. Even after continuous use, it didn’t irritate anyone. This one wash has already left the length moisturized. The fact that this brush cools the scalp is a pleasant bonus, particularly during the summer when it can be very hot.

No silicones are present. Eliminating herbal masks and oil: 5.

Advantages

Because essential oils are present, the scalp is pleasantly cooled. Washes gently but thoroughly aids in curl structure The only brush that makes root zone curls elastic and springy

Disadvantages

Strong, sharp smell that, to my nose, somewhat reminded me of the aroma of household chemicals In Russia, difficult to purchase

In summary, it is currently among the best for taking care of my curly hair. I don’t have anything nearly as good to replace the nearly ideal product I currently own. Score: 5

I’ve tested and ranked ten different products after using only kovosh, or cleansing conditioners, for six months on my curly hair. From moisture retention to frizz control, each has special advantages and disadvantages that you should consider. My personal experience with them will help you choose the one that will work best for your curls.

5. As I Am Coconut CoWash

Not as well-known as DevaCurl, but still deserving of careful consideration. The low price and large volume of the product bribed me. Additionally, the design is so captivatingly chocolate.

454 g of volume 550–860 rubles in price Use period: two months

Light cream with a mobile consistency. Creamy with a hint of pink in color.

Aroma
Foaming

I urge all girls with curly hair to try this kovosh. It does the job well and is reasonably priced.

It cleans quite effectively and even gives the idea that it’s a shampoo because… a tiny bit of foam forms. Despite using Kovosh for the past six months, no one has canceled my previous life, which is why I truly enjoy this. And I continue to think that I made the right decision if there is foam.)

The length starts to unravel a little during washing, and the hair smoothes and becomes slick. It forms so much foam that it is easily "stretched" to a length and, if required, completely cleaned.

Neither the length becomes too light nor too heavy. Everything in moderation. This balance is ideal for my hair.

The root zone resembles the hair of a curly African after using the kovosh. Curls curl in a way that never occurred to me before, and with pleasure.

No silicones are present. Eliminating herbal masks and oil: 5.

Advantages

Currently the greatest kovosh in terms of quantity, cost, and ease of purchase economical because of the foam’s quick emulsification possesses a fantastic ability to reinforce and repair the curl structure. softens and manages hair doesn’t need armor-piercing masks following

Disadvantages

The scent could eventually grow monotonous and wearisome.

Conclusion: now, in terms of the ratio of different parameters, I would say that this conditioner is ideal for me. But I admit honestly, its aroma intrusive. Using it from time to time is good. But for regular use, I would prefer something with a more neutral smell. Rating: 5

6. Kerastase Discipline Curl Ideal Cleansing Conditioner

Even before I became aware of the curly method, this brand was one of my favorites. Although I was eager to try this cleansing conditioner, I decided to purchase multiple samples just to be sure. This proved to be a wise decision.

Volume: 15–500 milliliters Price range: 130-3700 rubles Lifespan: three times

Texture: light cream. White in color.

Aroma: flowery with a hint of masculinity. Low foaming.

I could only use three of the six samples. Moreover, the sample has 15 milliliters. Because the product is a koosh, which means you need more of it to rinse and nourish skin and hair roots, I’m not sure how I’ll manage to use less of it.

It is a pleasure to use and is very easily distributed. There isn’t even a hint of foam produced by the conditioner.

My hair is very smooth and slippery after washing. Instead of shampoo, it seems like I used conditioner. Is this effect something I like? To the extent – unquestionably. Not so much on the scalp.

But at the very end, the saddest thing was there to greet me. The root zone had already given away, after drying, that I hadn’t gone to the restroom or washed my hair.

On the first day, I started to scratch around lunchtime. By nightfall, I couldn’t resist the urge to wash my hair, so I did, using the same scoop. Maybe I didn’t wash it thoroughly after all? But no, the same thing happened after the second wash. Without a doubt, this is not my product.

No silicones are present. Rinsing oil and herbal masks: 3 (this scoop makes it hard to feel how clean the roots are).

Advantages

Elegant and appealing packaging (as with all Kerastase products) Outstanding conditioning duration Despite this, the product smells good.

Disadvantages

Inadequate capacity to clean scalp itchiness following use excessively high price

In conclusion, I’m delighted I purchased the samples. Maybe this is the exact situation where I am content using the product’s smaller version. You won’t want to purchase the full size, for sure. Three out of five

7. Moisturizing hair conditioner TRESemme Botanique Detox with coconut and aloe extracts

I caved in. The deluge of reviews for this conditioner convinced me to buy it, even though it seems like everyone else has it.

400 milliliters in volume Price range: 180–350 rubles Use period: one month

Texture: light cream. White in color.

Coconuty, cloying aroma. There is no foaming.

I made extensive use of this conditioner because it was readily available. I can tell right away that it emulsifies on the hair because of how well it is applied and distributed. It doesn’t give off a cinematic vibe. When combined with the fragrance, it makes the whole washing process enjoyable.

However, my scalp felt constricted after my hair dried. I cleaned my scalp excessively, as if I had used it to wash my hair four or five times. Up until the next wash, the constriction remained for the full two days. This leads me to believe that this conditioner either overcleanses or irritates delicate scalps.

Using it leaves hair incredibly soft. I tried using it without a mask, but my hair became very dry and straight. That is, this will be a true find for hair with low porosity. Waves form in the root zone.

No silicones are present. Rinsing oil off and applying herbal masks: 4 (this further dries the scalp after applying herbal drying masks).

Advantages

Ratio of cost to volume The exquisite scent of coconut candies Simple distribution and application

Disadvantages

I felt like I was using the wrong shampoo because there wasn’t enough moisture for the length of the hair. scalp tightness and dryness Hair that is weightless and nearly uncontrollable The lightness prevents the hair in the root zone from curling.

In conclusion, I probably won’t buy this conditioner again, but I will probably finish this package. Nevertheless, I need to add more moisture to my porous hair, and the excessive cleansing is irritating to my sensitive scalp. It’s going to be my length conditioner. Evaluation: 4

8. Cantu for Natural Hair Complete Conditioning Co-Wash

Possibly the most reasonably priced co-wash I’ve ever used, designed especially to clean curly hair (and not gimmicky, like TRESemme).

283 g in volume 340 rubles was the cost. Month-long shelf life.

Cream with a liquid, pliable consistency. White in color.

Pineapple candies scent There is no foaming.

In terms of explaining its impact, I pondered. Because I am at a loss for words when it comes to it. Do you ever find yourself using a product without realizing what it does? However, it works very hard and very hard!

When the product is applied to the roots of your hair and mixed with water, it becomes a light, creamy liquid that glides over your scalp. Applying it, even to the back of your head, is not difficult. This usually causes me issues because. My wet hair is nearly sticking to my head as I bend forward over the bathtub to wash my head. I have to tilt my head upward slightly (much like the hair on the crown, which simply hangs there, giving you plenty of room to work with your hands and access to the scalp).

Additionally, whipping the ladle is simple—just a few hand motions and you’ll feel as though your hair is clean. And this scent of exquisite, unmatched pineapple?

Hair is elastic and soft. Cantu’s manipulations have left the root zone content, resulting in curls that are well-hydrated and separated. but not nearly as much as As I Am or DevaCurl.

I did not wash my hair more or less frequently with Kovosh, nor does it extend the freshness of my hair.

No silicones are present. Eliminating herbal masks and oil: 5.

Advantages

Incredibly affordable Wonderfully complex composition hydrates even porous hair visibly. The enchanting scent of pineapples

Disadvantages:

In Russia, difficult to purchase elevated consumption

In conclusion, purchase this kovosh if you have extra cash to spend and want to try something totally different. When it runs out, you realize that it was carrying a heavy load even though you didn’t really notice it at first. And how much joy and happiness tropical aromatherapy will bring to you, Mmm Score: 4

9. Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream

The cleansing cream is positioned by the brand for extremely dry hair. The company also sells Gentle Lather Shampoo, which is for people with less dry hair.

Volume: 59 – 4.5 l Price range: 340–10,500 rubles One month is the shelf life.

Cream with a liquid consistency. Pink sand color.

Three choices for aroma — odorless; scents like vanilla and citrus peels; citrus lavender; fantasy island Average foaming.

This kovosh turned out to be a shampoo instead of a kovosh at all. This shampoo is too soft for me. It was unable to handle the typical scenario of removing oil and herbal masks. I was only able to totally rid my hair of them after the third lathering.

However, in spite of its softness, it cleans, washes hair and skin, and never dries out. Even so, compared to another shampoo of a similar kind, less mask is consumed after using this one.

I should also mention that there is no tightness or tingling in my sensitive scalp, which makes it feel comfortable. After using certain shampoos, the skin appears to require more sebum secretion in order to return the proper balance of lipids. Furthermore, the skin is not stripped by this product.

For thin, delicate, and extremely dry hair, I believe this cream will be a blessing. And if I were longer, maybe I would value it more.

The hair is smooth and wonderfully curled in the root zone, but it lacks super elasticity and density, and it can break when repeatedly pressed on the curl.

No silicones are present. Oil and herb mask removal: 4 (washes off only on third try).

Advantages

Economical consumption Strangely delicious scent Extremely delicate and kind treatment a sensation of total comfort after shampooing the scalp

Disadvantages

Not easily purchased in the Russian Federation Has trouble adjusting to oil and herbal masks

In conclusion, this cleansing cream can be a lifesaver for owners of long, dry, damaged hair. Though gentle, the shampoo base effectively gets rid of impurities. Additionally, this is the only cowash with a shampoo-like consistency, so people hoping to achieve the typical foam when washing will be more than happy with this. Four plus

10. Yves Rocher Low ShamPoo Delicate Cleansing Cream

I think that a few years ago, I learned about kovosh for the first time, maybe. Since I was already familiar with the brand, I naturally wanted to give it a try. It’s in the shape of a decant,

However, this is how it appears in the original.

200 milliliters in volume Expense: 300–420 rubles Time of use: one month.

Cream with a medium thickness. White with a hint of cream color. Herbal with hints of flowers in aroma Low foaming.

I waited for the right moment to use this kovosh for almost a year after receiving it in a decant. The hazy herbal scent did not appeal to me. However, once I started using it, I realized how much I enjoyed it—it doesn’t get monotonous or evoke negative feelings.

The scalp can be made more hydrated by the conditioner. For this reason, after using Yves Rocher, I no longer experience the slight tightness I usually do. Instead, I just make a herbal mask and wash it off.

In contrast to the effect on the scalp, I do not observe mega-hydration on the hair; instead, the root zone forms curls.

No silicones are present. Eliminating herbal masks and oil: 5.

Advantages

Accessible produces a tiny but noticeable foam that is perfect for transferring to the conditioner-washing method. It has a subtle herbal scent.

Disadvantages

I looked at the Yves Rocher boutique’s packaging and noticed that it would be challenging to squeeze out the remaining product.

In conclusion, this cleansing cream may be a lifesaver for those with long, dry, damaged hair. The soft shampoo base effectively eliminates dirt. Furthermore, this is the only kovosh that resembles shampoo in consistency, so anyone who values getting the typical foam when washing will be happy with this. However, I didn’t find it to be my favorite because there are other methods that have a far stronger impact. Four plus

Having used Kokosh cleansing conditioners for six months, I have a clear understanding of the products that are most effective for curly hair. The benefits that each product offers are different, so choosing the right one can have a big impact on how your curls feel and look.

While some conditioners excelled at gently cleansing the scalp, others stood out for their ability to deeply hydrate hair without making it feel weighed down. Nevertheless, a few products fell short of my expectations and left my curls feeling less hydrated and defined.

Overall, the experience has reaffirmed how crucial trial and error is when it comes to taking care of curly hair. Although what works for one person might not work for another, kovosh can help your curls thrive if you use the right product. It all comes down to selecting the ideal fit for your particular hair requirements.

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