Should We All Stop Shampooing Our Hair Now?

Theyre Not Half-and-Half Hybrids

Cleansing conditioners are a far cry from the ineffective 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner cocktails from the 90s. Instead, think of them as the haircare version of cleansing oilsthey moisturize and remove dirt with natural oils and emollients that pull out impurities.

They Cleanse Without Bubbles

As much as we love the foamy suds of our favorite shampoos, the detergents commonly used to create them can lead to rough, dehydrated ends. Because cleansing conditioners cut out these harmful ingredients, they dont lathermeaning they clean hair without sacrificing softness, even if you cant see it happening.

Theyre Not Just for Curly Girls

Hydrating cleansing conditioners are a home run for coarse, curly, and frizz-prone textures, but co-washing can also be great for damaged, fragile hair thats been bleached, chemically treated, or repeatedly heat-styled. The formulas help smooth the cuticlewhich becomes porous when hair needs TLCand can help prevent split ends, breakage, and dryness.

Theyre Safe for Your Scalp

If youve been programmed to apply conditioner only to your ends, its time to step outside your comfort zone. With cleansing formulas, youll want to work a generous amount into your roots (yes, the roots!) before making your way down to your ends, letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing everything out. This allows enough time to completely saturate damaged hair and work its magic.

Ready to skip shampoo? Check out Rachels review of three cleansing conditioners to find your perfect match: