Removes sweat and light buildup without stripping, adds slip for easier detangling, and preserves curl softness between shampoos.
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If your hair is curly, coily, or very dry and you wash often, As I Am Coconut CoWash is worth buying. It cleans more thoroughly than many bargain co-washes while still leaving good slip, so it suits type 3 to 4 hair, color-treated hair, and anyone trying to avoid a stripped feel. Cheaper options like Cantu Complete Conditioning Co-Wash and Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing CoWash can work, but they usually do not feel as balanced on the scalp or as soft through the lengths.
Overview
As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner is a conditioner-based cleanser from As I Am, a brand known for curly and coily hair care. Its core promise is simple: lift away sweat, light buildup, and everyday grime without the squeaky, stripped feeling some shampoos leave behind. It is meant for people who need gentle cleansing and lasting moisture in the same step.
Key Specs
| Product type | Cleansing conditioner / co-wash |
|---|---|
| Standard size | 16 oz jar |
| Texture | Thick cream |
| Cleansing feel | Low-foam, massage-and-rinse formula |
| Best for | Curly, coily, dry, or color-treated hair |
| Scent | Light sweet coconut |
| Use pattern | Between shampoos or as a frequent gentle cleanser |
| Packaging | Wide-mouth jar |
Who It’s For
This is best for type 3 and type 4 hair, dry or easily tangled strands, and anyone who washes often and hates that tight feeling after shampooing. It also makes sense for color-treated hair and protective-style wearers who want a softer wash between fuller cleanse days. If your scalp gets oily quickly, your hair is very fine, or you use lots of heavy silicone serums, grease, or dry shampoo, this is probably not enough as your only cleanser.
Performance & Feel
The texture is dense and creamy, much closer to a rich conditioner than a shampoo. There is little to no lather, so the first wash can feel underwhelming if you are expecting foam. The best results come from applying it to very wet hair, working in sections, and spending real time massaging the scalp. Add more water as you go and it loosens residue much better than many co-washes do.
Where this product does well is balance. It gives solid slip for detangling, but it does not leave the same waxy afterfeel that some budget co-washes can leave behind. Hair usually feels softer right away, and curls keep more bounce than they often do after a stronger shampoo. If your ends stay dry no matter what, that softer finish is a real strength.
It is also one of the better options for frequent washers. After a sweaty day, a refresh, or a light styling routine, it removes enough residue to make hair feel clean without roughing up the cuticle. That is the main appeal here. You get a comfortable scalp and more manageable hair in one wash.
Still, it has limits. This is not a clarifying product, and it does not pretend to be one. If you layer on thick butters, heavy oils, edge control, dry shampoo, or products that leave stubborn buildup, this will eventually stop feeling effective. Hair can start to feel a little flat or filmy if you rely on it too long without a regular shampoo somewhere in the routine. For most people, it works best between deeper cleans rather than as a full replacement forever.
The scalp feel is best on normal to dry scalps. On very oily scalps, it can leave a touch too much behind. The scent is soft and sweet, noticeable in the shower but not strong once hair dries. One practical downside is the jar. The formula is easy to scoop, but jars are less tidy than a bottle, especially if you wash in sections and do not want water getting into the product.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Cleans more thoroughly than many co-washes while still being gentle.
- Pro: Leaves strong slip, which helps with detangling and reduces roughness after washing.
- Pro: Works especially well for curly, coily, dry, and color-treated hair that needs frequent cleansing.
- Pro: Pleasant scent and soft finish without a harsh shampoo feel.
- Con: Not strong enough to replace clarifying shampoo if you use heavy stylers or get buildup easily.
- Con: Can feel a bit coating on very fine, low-density, or fast-oily hair.
- Con: Jar packaging is less convenient than a pump or squeeze bottle.
How It Compares
| Product | Key Difference | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
| As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner | Rich co-wash that balances scalp cleansing and moisture better than most cream cleansers. | View on Amazon |
| Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing CoWash | Lighter formula that feels less coating on loose curls but offers less slip for detangling. | View on Amazon |
| Cantu Complete Conditioning Co-Wash | Heavier cream that suits very dry hair but can leave more residue on low-porosity strands. | View on Amazon |
| Hairstory New Wash Original | More scalp-focused cleanser that rinses cleaner across more hair types, with less of the rich conditioning feel. | View on Amazon |
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
As I Am Coconut CoWash is a good buy if your priority is gentle cleansing with real moisture left behind. It is especially solid for curls and coils that are washed often, but it is not the best fit for very fine hair or oily scalps. Used in the right routine, it earns its spot, just keep a stronger shampoo nearby for buildup days.
See also
If dryness is your main issue, start with our guide to the best conditioner for dry scalp.
- Pattern Beauty Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner review
- Olaplex No.4 & No.5 shampoo and conditioner review
- Best conditioner picks for fine hair
- Our Olaplex No.7 bonding oil review
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Does As I Am Coconut CoWash actually clean the scalp?
Yes, within the limits of a co-wash. It removes sweat, light residue, and everyday grime well when you apply it to soaking wet hair and massage thoroughly. It is not the right tool for heavy buildup, lots of oil, or a full clarifying wash.
Is this good for low-porosity hair?
It can be, but low-porosity hair is where technique matters most. Use a smaller amount, add plenty of water, and rinse very well. If your hair gets weighed down easily, alternate it with a lighter shampoo instead of using it every wash day.
Can As I Am Coconut CoWash replace shampoo completely?
For some very dry curls and coils, it may work as the main cleanser for a while. For most people, a regular shampoo still belongs in the routine for occasional deeper cleaning. That is especially true if you use stylers with heavy oils, waxes, or silicones.
How often should you use it?
That depends on your scalp and styling habits. If your hair is dry and you wash often, it works well as a frequent gentle cleanser between fuller shampoo sessions. If your scalp gets oily quickly, weekly or every-other-wash use is usually the safer balance.
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