Provided is a hair cleansing composition containing (A) an amphipathic amide lipid, (B) an anionic surfactant and (C) an organic or inorganic acid, or a salt thereof, and having a pH of from 1 to 4.5 when diluted with water to 20 times the weight. The hair cleansing composition of the present invention has advantages including protecting hair from physical or chemical stimulation and preventing split ends or breakage of hair without impairing the cleansing ability and feeling upon use, imparting hair with a pleasant feeling to the touch and moisture retention properties such as natural smoothness, moist feeling, and suppleness which healthy hair inherently possesses, and has excellent stability.