Shampoo vs co-wash: what’s the difference and which is best technique for you?

There are so many haircare solutions out there that it can get a little confusing, particularly when it comes to the great shampoo vs co-wash debate. 

Using the right solution for your hair is critical to soft, natural-feeling hair that looks its best. Whether you're just starting out with the curly girl method or you're looking for a formula that works for your specific hair type, you may have tried numerous buys that only seemed to end in disappointment.

If you’re looking to start using a co-wash formula but aren’t sure about the differences between this haircare step and regular old shampoo, we’ve broken down the difference and rounded up a few of our favorite buys.

What is the co-wash technique?

Co-washes are essentially cleansing conditioners that both gently clean and moisturize the hair at the same time. They contain mild surfactants to lift dirt and oil from the hair, making them gentler on the hair than traditional shampoos, particularly those containing sulfates—read our guide on what sulfates do to hair for a more in-depth explanation.

They are particularly good for curly hair types, which are naturally drier and need more moisture, and often don’t need thorough washing as often as straight hair. 

Co-washes can be used regularly in your routine, but won’t offer the same deep cleaning that a regular shampoo will. Some people like to use regular conditioner to "co-wash", but it's important to note that this won't offer the cleansing benefits of a specifically formulated co-wash product. 

Shampoo vs co-wash: which one do you need? 

Shampoo, on the other hand, is a proper cleaning formula and will deeply clean to remove product build-up. Sulfate free or "low poo shampoos" are more gentle than other formulas, while clarifying shampoos are deep cleaning formulas that help to give your hair and scalp a sort of reset.

Even if you prefer the results of co-washing most of the time, it's good to have a deep clean every so often to keep your hair healthy and bouncy, perfect for those curly hairstyles. A good rule of thumb is to alternate co-washing with your shampoo washes, but every head of hair is different and so it may take some trial and error to establish the best haircare routine for you.

Want to give a co-wash a go? We've rounded up a few of our favorite co-wash formulas below for you to choose from. 

Kristin Ess Cleansing Co-wash 

RRP: $14/£13

This thick co-wash is seriously moisturising without weighing curly hair down and is great for damaged hair, too. It's sulfate-free and safe for colored hair.

• View on Ulta in the US
• View on Feel Unique in the UK

$25 at myimperfectlife.com

Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash

RRP: $25/£21

This moisturizing and cleansing formula is packed with nourishing ingredients like avocado, coconut oil and shea butter and promises to never strip hair, so you don't have to worry about how to repair damaged hair afterwards.

• View on Ulta in the US
• View on Feel Unique in the UK

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Co-wash

RRP: $32/£30

A protein-free co-wash that promises to cleanse with a good amount of slip, this is specifically formulated to help enhance your curl pattern. 

• View on Ulta in the US
• View on Feel Unique in the UK

How do you know if shampoo vs co-wash is the best solution for your hair? In short, it’s best to just try it out between your regular washes to see how your hair fares, following your usual routines—whether that's a simple sleek look or cute braided hairstyles.

But the benefits of co-washing are loved by many and so it’s likely you’ll get a great result from interspersing your regular shampoo with a moisturizing formula.