If you’ve spent any time in the natural or curly hair world, you’ve probably heard the term co-wash thrown around in product reviews, TikToks, or stylist chairs. But what actually is co-washing—and why do so many curly-haired people swear by it?

Let’s break it down in simple terms and walk through how to co-wash properly, using one of the most loved products in the category: As I Am Coconut CoWash.

What Is Co-Washing?

Co-washing is short for “conditioner washing”. Instead of using a traditional shampoo to cleanse your hair and scalp, you use a cleansing conditioner—also called a co-wash.

Traditional shampoos often contain strong surfactants (cleansers) that can strip natural oils.
Co-washes use gentler, conditioning ingredients to cleanse without leaving your hair feeling dry, tight, or squeaky.

For curly, coily, and kinky hair—which naturally tends to be drier—co-washing can be a game-changer. It helps you:

Clean your scalp and hair
Maintain moisture
Keep your curls soft, defined, and less frizzy

Why Co-Washing Works So Well for Curls

Curly hair isn’t just “straight hair but bendy.” The spiral structure makes it harder for your scalp’s natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. That’s why curls often feel drier and need more TLC.

When you use a harsh shampoo too often, you can:

Strip away what little natural oil is there
Increase frizz
Cause breakage
Fade color faster

Co-washing with something like As I Am Coconut CoWash strikes the balance between clean and conditioned:

It helps remove product buildup, sweat, and light oils.
It leaves your curls feeling hydrated and soft, not rough or stiff.
It’s ideal for frequent washers, gym-goers, swimmers, and anyone whose hair hates frequent shampooing.

Not All Co-Washes Are Created Equal

Here’s where a lot of people get disappointed with co-washing: they grab the cheapest “cleansing conditioner” they can find and expect miracles.

You’ve probably seen these:

Those super cheap, generic co-washes in the drugstore that feel like watered-down conditioner.
Heavy, lotion-like co-washes that leave your scalp feeling coated but not truly clean.
“Cleansing conditioners” that are basically a regular conditioner with a new label and no real cleansing power.

Common issues with these budget co-washes:

They don’t rinse clean, leaving the scalp feeling waxy or itchy.
They don’t give enough slip, so detangling is still a fight.
They don’t actually remove buildup from gels, creams, and oils—you just end up layering moisture on top of old product.

So yes, you can technically “co-wash” with a cheap product—but the results often look and feel like it: fuzzy definition, weighed-down roots, and a scalp that doesn’t quite feel fresh.

This is why so many curlyheads eventually “break up” with random bargain co-washes and switch to a true cleansing conditioner like As I Am Coconut CoWash.

Spotlight: As I Am Coconut CoWash

If you’re going to try co-washing, your product choice really matters. Not every rinse-out conditioner is designed to cleanse. That’s where As I Am Coconut CoWash stands out.

What makes As I Am Coconut CoWash special?

Made specifically for curls & coils It’s formulated with textured hair in mind—especially Type 3 and Type 4 curls and coils.
Gently but effectively cleanses It’s designed to remove product, dirt, and light buildup without leaving your scalp feeling stripped or squeaky.
Hydration you can feel immediately After rinsing, hair usually feels soft, supple, and easier to manage—not tangled and rough.
Serious slip for detangling The formula has that “slip” curlies love, so your fingers or wide-tooth comb can glide through your hair while it’s in, making wash day less of a battle.
Built around textured-hair needs As I Am as a brand is focused on curly and coily hair, so the Coconut CoWash fits naturally into routines that prioritize moisture, definition, and scalp comfort.

If you’re new to co-washing and overwhelmed by product options, starting with As I Am Coconut CoWash is a smart way to avoid the trial-and-error phase with random cheap formulas that don’t deliver.

Who Should Co-Wash?

Co-washing is especially helpful for:

Curly, coily, and kinky hair types (3A–4C)
Color-treated hair that gets dry or dull from frequent shampooing
People who wash often (gym every day, hot climates, etc.)
Anyone whose curls feel dry, frizzy, or “stripped” after shampoo

You might especially benefit from co-washing if:

Your curls feel rough and puffy after washing
Your hair breaks easily when you detangle
You rely on moisturizing and styling products to keep curls defined

Who Might Need to Be Careful With Co-Washing?

Co-washing isn’t “one size fits all.” Some people may need to tweak how they use it:

Very oily scalps If your scalp gets oily quickly, co-wash might need to be alternated with a gentle shampoo.
Heavy product users If you use a lot of heavy gels, butters, or spray products, you may need the occasional clarifying shampoo to fully reset your scalp and hair.
Flaky or irritated scalps Some scalps need medicated or targeted shampoos from time to time. You can still co-wash, but you probably shouldn’t only co-wash.

A simple approach:

Use As I Am Coconut CoWash regularly, but every 1–4 weeks (depending on your hair and routine), use a gentle or clarifying shampoo to remove any deep buildup.

How to Co-Wash Step by Step (Using As I Am Coconut CoWash)

Ready to try it? Here’s a simple co-wash routine using As I Am Coconut CoWash.

1. Soak Your Hair Thoroughly

Get your hair absolutely drenched in warm (not hot) water.

Warm water helps loosen dirt and product buildup.
Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp while the water runs through your hair.

2. Apply a Generous Amount of CoWash

Co-washing is not a “tiny dime-sized” situation. Curly and coily hair usually needs more product.

Scoop or pump out a generous amount of As I Am Coconut CoWash.
Start at the scalp and roots.
Work the product in with your fingertips, massaging your scalp as if it were shampoo.

Focus on:

Hairline (edges)
Nape area
Crown (where buildup loves to hide)

3. Work It Through the Length of Your Hair

Once your scalp is fully covered:

Smooth the remaining co-wash down the lengths of your hair.
Gently finger-detangle as you go.
You can also use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush while the co-wash is in to minimize breakage.

As I Am Coconut CoWash has good slip, so detangling should feel noticeably easier than on shampoo-only wash days.

4. Let It Sit for a Few Minutes (Optional but Helpful)

Give your hair a mini spa moment:

Let the co-wash sit for 3–5 minutes.
This gives it time to condition and soften the hair a bit more.

You can clip your hair up or twist it into sections while you shower.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse your hair well with warm water:

Use your fingertips to massage your scalp as you rinse, ensuring no product remains trapped.
Let the water run down the lengths and gently squeeze your curls to help the co-wash rinse out.

You’re aiming for hair that feels clean but still soft and conditioned.

6. Follow With Your Usual Routine

After rinsing out As I Am Coconut CoWash, you can follow with:

A regular rinse-out conditioner (if your hair needs extra moisture)
A leave-in conditioner
Curl cream, gel, or mousse
Oils or serums on your ends, if needed

As I Am also makes leave-ins and stylers that pair well with the Coconut CoWash if you want to keep your whole routine in the same “curl language.”

How Often Should You Co-Wash?

The right frequency depends on your scalp, lifestyle, and curl type, but here are some general guidelines:

Every 3–7 days Common range for many curly and coily heads using As I Am Coconut CoWash regularly.
After sweaty workouts If you work out often, a quick co-wash session can refresh your scalp and curls without the dryness you might get from daily shampoo.
In between shampoo days Use co-wash for your “in-between” cleanses, and use a gentle or clarifying shampoo every 1–4 weeks to deeply cleanse.

A sample schedule:

Week 1: Co-wash midweek with As I Am Coconut CoWash, shampoo on the weekend
Week 2: Co-wash twice (no shampoo)
Week 3: Co-wash once, gentle shampoo once

Adjust based on how your scalp feels. If it feels itchy, tight, or waxy, you may need a deeper cleanse more often.

Common Co-Wash Myths (And the Truth)

Myth 1: “Co-washing doesn’t really clean your hair.”

Reality: A properly formulated co-wash like As I Am Coconut CoWash is designed to cleanse. It may not strip as aggressively as a clarifying shampoo, but that’s the whole point—it cleans without over-drying.

Myth 2: “You can only co-wash if you have super tight coils.”

Reality: Many hair types—from wavy to coily—benefit from co-washing. The key is how often you do it and how much buildup your routine creates.

Myth 3: “If you co-wash, you can never use shampoo again.”

Reality: You absolutely can use both. Many people use co-wash as their main cleanser and bring in a gentle or clarifying shampoo when needed.

Budget-Friendly Co-Wash Options (Suave, TRESemmé, etc.)

If you’re just starting your co-wash journey and don’t want to commit to a full textured-hair line yet, there are some cheaper options people experiment with.

A lot of curlies test the waters using:

Suave Essentials conditioners (like the Tropical Coconut line)
TRESemmé conditioners, especially the Botanique or Moisture ranges

These aren’t true “cleansing conditioners,” but some people use them as DIY co-washes because:

They’re very affordable
Easy to find in almost any drugstore or supermarket
They have enough slip to help with quick detangling in the shower

That said, they do have some trade-offs:

They’re not specifically designed to cleanse the scalp the way a dedicated co-wash does
Depending on your hair and products, they may not remove buildup as effectively
Formulas can feel either too light (hair doesn’t feel fully nourished) or too coating (scalp doesn’t feel truly fresh)

So if you’re curious, you can start with a cheap conditioner like Suave or TRESemmé as a “test run” to see if you even like the concept of co-washing.

But once you know co-washing works for your curls, upgrading to a product that’s actually formulated for textured hair—like As I Am Coconut CoWash—usually gives you:

Better balance between cleansing and moisture
A cleaner scalp feel
More consistent curl definition over time

In other words:

Suave and TRESemmé can be experiment products.

As I Am Coconut CoWash is the long-term routine product.

Final Thoughts: Is Co-Washing Right for You?

If your curls often feel:

Dry
Frizzy
Tangled
Over-stripped after shampoo days

then co-washing is worth testing in your routine.

Instead of rolling the dice on random cheap co-washes that just sit on your hair, start with a formula that was actually designed for curls from the ground up: As I Am Coconut CoWash.

It’s a simple swap that can make wash day softer, smoother, and way more curl-friendly—without sacrificing a clean, comfortable scalp.

What Is Co-Wash? The Curly Girl’s Guide