January 2013
Some years ago, I became curious about what a cleansing conditioner was and how these types of non-foaming shampoos worked. Inspired by the ubiquitous Wen infomercial, I began experimenting with this option of hair care. Having had fairly long hair for the majority of my life, I often had been on the lookout for the perfect shampoo. Several came and went over the years, temporarily holding a top-shelf spot in my shower. During junior high school, it was Finesse. I loved the smell and would use much more conditioner than shampoo, combing it through my hair. As an adult, I fell in love with the very inexpensive, and smelling good enough to eat, but richest, thickest and creamiest, shampoo I have ever come across: Queen Helene's Rum & Egg Shampoo (Phyto makes a more expensive version, Phytorhum, that is not quite the same). I stopped using that much conditioner, if at all, and started using hair serums and occasionally a deep conditioning treatment. My thirsty locks bathed in SexyHair's Pumpkin Rehydrating Shampoo. My last favorite traditional shampoo was Alterna's Caviar Shampoo. Then came Wen... I started with the classic Sweet Almond Mint and found a lasting love: a cleansing conditioner was what I had been looking for all along. Although finding Wen to be, in general, a wonderful and breakthrough product, I kept experimenting with all possible cleansing conditioners, as I found ordering Wen to be complicated and expensive. Last year, I did enjoy Wen again with a limited edition formula that I couldn't resist: Summer Mango Coconut.
 |
| Renpure Solutions |
 |
| Hair One |
 |
| Ouidad Curl Co-Wash |
| DevaCurl No-Poo |
www.lisarachelhair.com
www.us.herbalessences.com (0% & Rose)
www.pantene.com *Favorite shampoo of men for their ladies (3 formulas)
www.justnaturalskincare.com
The crème de la clean!
*I am in the process of trying out each brand at least once (not necessarily each scent/formula from each brand, as I have not noticed a difference so far) and I have tried the majority of what is listed above. Some I like better than others and would buy again. Here is my opinion on each:
- Wen: This is the brand that I first learned of, introducing me to the concept of a cleansing conditioner. It is the standard in which to be measured by and I can see why, I really like it. It can be a little pricey and/or complicated to obtain though. I started with the original formula, 'Sweet Almond Mint'. I have also tried some of the seasonal formulas, such as 'Summer Mango Coconut' and 'Fall Ginger Pumpkin' (I am looking forward to trying 'Spring Gardenia Green Tea'... Thinking about 'Fig'). The scents can be a bit strong. I have also tried their luxury blend, 'SixThirteen'. It was indeed very nice, but even more expensive. Other than the price, I would use any of them again.
- Hair One: This to me, is the next best thing to Wen. It is easier to buy (at Sally Beauty Supply) and has a much better price. I started with their classic formula, Olive Oil, which was great. I believe I have tried most, if not all of their line, but haven't like the other scents (especially the one that smells like powerful men's cologne). They have added a scent similar to Wen's original, 'Sweet Almond Oil'... Very nice. This is my go-to brand.
- Salon Grafix: Another runner-up. Good scents, good price and easy to buy (Ulta).
- Macademia Flawless: Too expensive, but a nice product.
- As I Am: Lovely. Seems pretty natural.
- Renpure: Good, does the job, but not one of my top choices.
- L'Oréal EverCrème/EverCurl: Should not be labeled as a cleansing conditioner. It's a bit of a hybrid, sometimes foaming (though a very rich lather) and even though it smells nice, it seems too chemical for me. Both formulas fit the above descriptives.
- Carol's Daughter: Lack-luster.
*More to come...
Tips on how to use Serums & Deep Conditioners
Update: 2015
I was going to include reviews and descriptions of each of the various cleansing conditioners that I tried, but now there are just so many, that it's hard to keep up (plus, I just cannot get the photo links to align properly). I am glad to see that there are more and more options available, though my favorite is Wen. Many come close and some are just not good at all. I will try to simplify & just point out which is which...