I Tried OGX's Coconut Milk Shampoo and It Loaded My Hair With Moisture

When you see a shampoo that claims to add strength, elasticity, and hydration, resulting in balanced, healthy hair, it’s hard to turn a cold shoulder. No matter what type of hair care routine we have or type of hair we’re perpetually learning to tame, these are valid concerns to us all. No one wants breakage or dry, brittle ends, am I right? So when it came time to test the OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo, it was an obvious yes for me. With healthy, balanced hair in sight, I was eager to take this shampoo for a test spin. Read on for my honest review.

About My Hair: Short and drab

I’ve recently cut my hair shorter, and it’s been a big adjustment. My natural waves aren’t supported in this cut, so I’ve found myself heat styling on a regular basis to smooth and tame my chop from getting too poofy-looking as it naturally dries. I typically wash every three days and have been enjoying using Hask’s Tea Tree Oil and Rosemary shampoo to reset my scalp between product trials. I’ve also been trying to keep my hair off my neck much more than usual this summer, so low ponytails have been in frequent rotation. 

I always worry about my hair’s elasticity when I wear it up every day, and of course heat styling each day isn't good either. I’ve been trying to find the right products and routine to keep my new cut looking fresh and healthy, and I just haven’t found my groove yet.

The Feel & Scent: Vacation mode

Go figure that this shampoo has a milky feel to it, considering it contains milk protein. It has a silky, slightly creamy consistency that lathers easily. I didn’t notice any weight to it while applying, nor was there any residue post-shower.

I’m a sucker for tropical scents—coconut in particular. Anything that has me daydreaming of warmer days on the sand next to crystal blue waters is sure to leave me feeling refreshed. With subtle hints of peach and shea butter, it’s a gentle scent. It’s an aroma that, for me, creates a part of the experience and basically puts me in vacation mode. Even if you don’t usually like the smell of coconut, this smell falls on the softer side and doesn’t linger heavily after rinsing.

Weight: Second-day blues

While this shampoo did not feel heavy to the touch or add any weight in its immediate application, it did leave my hair feeling quite greasy and heavy on the second day. My roots looked really oily. The feeling wasn’t comfortable, and I found myself resetting my strands with my other shampoo between trial uses.

The Ingredients: Inspired by nature

The most prominent ingredients in this formula are milk protein, coconut oil, and egg white protein. Hair products with protein tend to be geared toward strengthening hair, and along with oils work together to create a product that is both hydrating and strengthening, for improved elasticity, softness, and shine. These natural ingredients have a lot of perks. 

While this nourishing formula is sulfate- and paraben-free, it also contains PEGs and formaldehyde-releasing agents and does not meet Byrdie’s Clean standards.

The Results: Strong, hydrated strands

I definitely felt my hair get stronger after the first few uses, almost to the extent that it felt thicker. My ends felt just as full and healthy as my roots, but my entire head of hair was also super soft. What I loved most about this shampoo was how it really locked in the moisture of my strands and reduced the puffiness I so often work to avoid by heat styling. 

My natural waves were weighed down a bit, but I actually really loved the way they air dried—a first for me at my new length. The downside? That same weight that made my waves more tame and manageable also left my roots feeling greasier. I have pretty coarse hair too, so I can’t imagine what this would do to finer hair types. That being said, it feels like some stroke of bad luck. I had tried another moisturizing shampoo in the weeks before, so perhaps the back-to-back moisture treatments were too much for my scalp.

The Value: Unbeatable

It doesn’t cost a fortune to find a good moisturizing shampoo, and this product is proof. The OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo costs between $6 and $10 at most major retailers. There are few things in my beauty repertoire that are so affordable, so the price point is certainly a perk. You can get a similar product for up to $40 or $50, depending on the brand. But if you’re looking for something simple and affordable, the cost of this shampoo is unbeatable.  

Similar Products: You've got options

L’Oreal Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo ($8): This sulfate-free shampoo focuses on enhancing color and preventing it from stripping with each wash, while infusing moisture and shine into the hair. It’s priced comparably to OGX’s option.