The most significant differences between the two are that traditional shampoos are formulated with SLS, or other detergents of that nature. These surfactants are made to remove product, product build up and natural oils from the hair. They are good for clarifying the hair, but cause the hair to feel very dry due to the deep clean.

Cleansing conditioners provide the best of both worlds. They are generally created with mild and gentle ingredients, making them able to clean the hair and scalp, remove minimal product and product build up without stripping the hair of all of natural oils. Hair is left feeling much cleaner and still moisturized.

Traditional shampoos should not be totally abandoned by everyone. People with very oily hair and issues with buildup should definitely consider continuing to use shampoo on an as-needed basis. You can use cleansing conditioners in between shampoos to prevent drying out your hair. "As-needed" will be completely unique to your hair and your lifestyle. Whether it's fine, thick, you work out daily, or wear your hair in stretched styles, will all play roles in how often you choose to wash.

If your hair lacks moisture, feels dehydrated or if you suffer from scalp issues, such as psoriasis and dermatitis, you should consider cleansing conditioners. For those with health issues, it is important to see a physician. Come up with a plan of action that will greatly improve the overall health of your hair and scalp without interfering with your healthcare. It is very important to keep a journal of your results with each product and regimen change. This will help you to assess your progress along the way and make changes accordingly.

Use shampoo if:

Your hair or scalp are dry, flaky or itchy

You notice heavy build up or your hair feels product heavy

Your favorite leave-in or styling products are not performing as expected

You use non-water soluble silicone based products

Use a cleansing conditioner if:

Your hair feels dry

You forget to moisturize in between washes

Your buildup is light

You only use water soluble leave in products

You're in a rush and don't have time for a full cleansing

Co-washing can be done daily or every few days, depending on your lifestyle. If you are very active, do cleanse your hair more often. Cleansing conditioners are well balanced for regular use. Otherwise, co-washing once or twice a week is normal. Reduce shampooing to be done once weekly or biweekly.