Colored hair without bleach sounds too good to be true. Yet thousands of curly girls swear by one small jar every single wash day.
As I Am makes a temporary color wax called Curl Color. People search for it as “As I Am hair wax” because it behaves like a pigment packed styling wax rather than a dye.
I bought three jars, used them across six weeks, and tracked every win and every mess. Some parts impressed me. Other parts stained my pillowcase.
This review covers texture, hold, shade payoff, staining, price, and the styles that actually work. You will also see the flaws that brand pages skip.
By the end you will know if this jar belongs in your cabinet or not.
In A Nutshell:
- It is a color gel wax, not a dye. The pigment sits on the strand. There is no ammonia, no peroxide, and no bleach. Your curl pattern stays intact, which makes it a safe pick for coily and wavy hair.
- One wash removes it. Shampoo takes the color out completely. That makes it a weekend product, a costume product, or a “let me test red before I commit” product.
- The formula styles while it colors. Jamaican Black Castor Oil, glycerin, and Ceramide NP sit high on the list. As I Am claims a 60% moisture boost and 14% strength gain after one use.
- Color transfer is the biggest flaw. Damp application plus a diffuser fixes most of it. Skip the drying step and red or blue will land on your shirt, towel, and bedding.
- Vibrancy needs volume. Thick hair drinks half a jar for one look. At roughly eight dollars per 6 ounce jar, the cost per full head climbs fast.
- It cannot be flat ironed. The gel cream texture only suits twist outs, braid outs, wash and gos, and rod sets.
What Is As I Am Curl Color Hair Wax?
- Temporary Color. Results Last One Wash. No Transfer Once Gel Dries.
- Medium Hold for Perfect Curl Definition.
Last update on 2026-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
As I Am Curl Color is a temporary color gel with a soft wax feel. It comes in a squat plastic jar with a screw lid.
The brand calls it a curl enhancing color gel. Users call it a hair wax because the pigment coats the strand like makeup.
No bleach touches your hair. No lightener either. That is the whole selling point for dark hair.
Mica, iron oxides, tin oxide, and titanium dioxide create the color. These are cosmetic pigments, the same family used in eyeshadow.
The care side comes from castor seed oil, betaine, glycerin, and Ceramide NP. Ceramides help hair hold moisture and bend without snapping.
The label lists medium hold. That means real curl definition, not stiff crunch that shatters when you touch it.
As I Am was founded by Dr. Ali N. Syed, a chemist with dozens of patents in textured hair care. The lab formulates in house in the United States.
The product is vegan and cruelty free. It also skips parabens, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, gluten, and ammonia.
Size is 6 ounces for most shades. A smaller 3 ounce jar exists for a few colors.
Who is it for? Anyone curious about bold color who refuses chemical damage. It performs best on type 3 and type 4 textures.
Straight hair can use it, but the thick cream can feel heavy on fine strands.
Unboxing And First Impressions
The jar arrived in a plain box with no extras. No gloves, no brush, no applicator. That felt cheap for a color product.
The packaging itself looks fun. Bright lid, bold shade name, glossy label that matches the pigment inside.
Cracking the seal, my first thought was “this jar is small.” It looks smaller than 6 ounces because the container is wide and short.
The scent surprised me most. It smells sweet and floral, close to candy or a pink starburst.
That matters. Most temporary color waxes smell like crayons or chalk dust. This one smells like a normal styling product.
Texture reads as a soft gel cream. Not stiff like petroleum wax, not runny like a liquid dye.
I dipped a gloved finger in and the pigment loaded instantly. Bold Gold showed shimmer. Hot Red showed flat matte intensity.
The product spreads far. A fingerful covers a decent chunk of hair.
One warning from minute one. Wear gloves. The pigment grabs skin and nail beds fast, especially the red and blue shades.
I also wore an old shirt. Good call, because the first pass got messy while I found my rhythm.
Nothing about the unboxing feels premium. The formula does the talking, not the presentation.
Top 3 Alternative for As I Am Curl Color
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free.
- Damage Free Results.
Last update on 2026-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
As I Am Curl Color Rose Gold
- Medium Hold for Perfect Curl Definition
- Temporary Color; Results Last One Wash; No Transfer Once Gel Dries
Last update on 2026-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
As I Am Curl Color Cool Blue
- 1-day temporary hair makeup that washes out with shampoo - change the color of your hair as often as you change your makeup
- Hair color makeup shades designed for blondes and brunettes - look at the hair color makeup shade color descriptor
Last update on 2026-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
L’Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup
Shade Range Available In 2026
The line started with six shades. It now runs much wider.
Original shades were Hot Red, Cool Blue, Bold Gold, Emerald Green, Passion Purple, and Sassy Silver.
Later drops added Burgundy, Dark Teal, Lilac, and Jade Green. Copper and Rose Gold also joined the family.
That gives you roughly a dozen options. Enough to cover warm tones, cool tones, and metallics.
Payoff depends on your base color. Dark brown and black hair see the most from Bold Gold, Copper, and Hot Red.
Blues and greens show up on dark hair too, but you need good lighting to notice them. In dim rooms the color reads as a subtle sheen.
Bold Gold and Sassy Silver behave like the most forgiving shades. They lift the look without demanding perfect technique.
Passion Purple and Emerald Green need heavier application. Thin passes vanish into dark strands.
Light blonde hair calls for caution. As I Am warns that pale hair may hold the pigment longer than one wash. Patch test first.
Mixing shades works well. Blending gold with copper creates a warm sunlit effect.
The shades also suit partial styles. Peekaboo panels, money piece framing, ghost roots, calico spotting, and racoon tail all look intentional with this product.
My favorite use was chunky highlights, not full coverage.
How To Apply As I Am Hair Wax Correctly
Technique decides everything here. Rushing this product guarantees a stained shirt.
Start with clean hair. Wash or cowash first so the pigment sits on a fresh surface.
Spray water or a hydrating mist through the hair. Then apply a leave in conditioner.
Towel dry until hair is damp, never dripping. Wet hair thins the pigment and creates runoff.
Wait twenty to thirty minutes if your hair holds water. Truly damp hair is the single biggest fix for transfer problems.
Put gloves on. Section your hair into small parts, six or eight rather than four.
Small sections matter. Wide sections leave patchy coverage that looks accidental.
Apply from root to tip. Rake the product through, then smooth with your fingers.
For bright saturated color, keep layering until the shade looks vivid while still wet. For a soft tint, one fingerful per section is enough.
Twist, coil, or rake into your chosen style. Flexi rods and braid outs give the cleanest color placement.
Dry completely. Hooded dryer or handheld diffuser works best. Air drying works too, but budget several hours.
Never flat iron over it. The gel cream texture is not built for direct heat plates.
Sleep in a bonnet or on a satin pillowcase. That one habit protects both your style and your bedding.
Hold, Definition And Wear Time
The medium hold claim is honest. Curls clump, separate cleanly, and keep movement.
Definition is genuinely good. The pigment makes each coil visible, so your curl pattern looks sharper than usual.
The brand states the style holds for 24 hours. In practice my twist outs looked strong for three days.
Day one gave the crispest cast. Day two softened into a natural look.
By day four the color still read vibrant. Frizz crept in, but the shade itself stayed put.
Five days was my personal maximum before the style needed a refresh.
There is a gel cast. Your hair feels slightly crunchy once dry, then scrunches soft.
That cast bothers some people. If you hate any crunch, this product will annoy you.
Flake free is accurate. I saw no white dust and no powdery residue on my scalp.
The hold also survives a bun or ponytail. Hair stays flexible enough to pull back without cracking the color.
Humidity is the enemy. Sweat and rain both loosen the pigment and reactivate transfer risk.
Gym sessions are a bad match. Anything that makes you sweat will move color onto your collar.
For a weekend event, a photoshoot, or a costume, the wear time is more than enough.
The Color Transfer Problem Nobody Warns You About
This is the honest downside. Color transfer is real and it can ruin fabric.
My first attempt with Hot Red went everywhere. Shirt, towel, coat, pillowcase, all touched.
I spent the day guarding my hair instead of enjoying the color. Not the vibe.
The cause was simple. My hair was too wet and I did not dry it properly.
Round two changed the outcome. Damp hair, small sections, one hour of air drying, then a diffuser.
Transfer dropped to almost nothing after day one. Blue and gold both behaved.
As I Am states the color does not transfer once fully dried. That matches my experience, with one condition attached.
Intense shades carry more risk. Red and blue leave more behind than gold or silver.
The good news is cleanup. The pigment washed out of my pillowcase and shirt in a normal laundry cycle.
Skin stains rinse off too. Hands come clean with soap and a little scrubbing.
Still, plan around it. Wear old clothes, drape a towel, and use gloves every time.
Do not apply this product an hour before you leave the house. Give yourself drying time or accept the mess.
What As I Am Hair Wax Does Not Do Well
Every review should list the failures. Here are mine.
It does not deliver salon level vibrancy. On thick dark hair the result reads as highlights, not a full color change.
Camera performance disappoints. On video calls and phone photos, my color barely registered without strong lighting.
The jar runs out fast. One full head used half a jar. Two applications empty it.
That kills the value story for anyone with dense or long hair.
It does not work with heat styling. No flat iron, no blowout with a brush, no silk press.
If your usual style is straight hair, this product is not for you.
It does not survive sweat or rain. Active lifestyles will fight it constantly.
It does not last past one shampoo. That is by design, but some buyers expect a week or two of wear.
The gel cast is not for everyone. People chasing soft touchable texture will feel the crunch.
Fine and straight hair may find it heavy. The cream weight drags looser textures down.
Blonde hair may keep the tint longer than promised. Patch testing is not optional there.
No applicator comes in the box. You supply your own gloves and brush.
None of these flaws are dealbreakers, but they set the expectation correctly.
Pros And Cons Of As I Am Curl Color
Here is the balanced view after six weeks of use.
Pros
- Zero chemical damage. No bleach, no ammonia, no peroxide, so your curl pattern and porosity stay intact.
- Real conditioning benefits. Castor oil, glycerin, and ceramides leave hair softer than before you started.
- Strong curl definition. The medium hold clumps coils cleanly and keeps frizz down for days.
- Beautiful scent. Sweet and floral instead of the chalky smell most temporary colors carry.
- Fully washable. One shampoo removes it, so you can test a new shade every weekend.
- Wide shade range. Roughly a dozen colors including metallics, jewel tones, and pastels.
- Low price point. Around eight dollars puts it far below any salon color service.
- Clean formula. Vegan, cruelty free, and free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, and phthalates.
Cons
- Transfer risk on day one. Improper drying stains clothing, towels, and bedding, especially with red and blue.
- Heavy product usage. Thick or long hair burns through half a jar for a single full application.
- Weak camera payoff. The color needs bright natural light to show clearly on dark hair.
- No heat styling allowed. Flat irons and silk presses are off limits with this texture.
- Noticeable gel cast. Hair feels crunchy until you scrunch it out.
- Poor sweat resistance. Workouts and humid weather loosen the pigment.
- No gloves included. You need to buy your own protection.
As I Am Twist Defining Cream For Styling Support
- Country of origin is United States
- The package weight of the product is 16 ounces
Last update on 2026-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
Curl Color works better with a styling partner. The Twist Defining Cream is that partner.
This cream is a longtime bestseller from the brand. It holds thousands of reviews and sits near a 4.2 star average.
The formula uses castor oil, shea butter, and phytosterols. It hydrates while it shapes.
I used it as a base layer before color on my second attempt. The result was smoother pigment spread.
The cream smooths twists, twist outs, and coil outs. It softens frizz without stiffness.
It comes in 8 ounce and 16 ounce jars. The larger size costs less per ounce.
Texture is thick and buttery. A little goes far on damp hair.
Pairing tip: apply leave in conditioner, then a thin layer of this cream, then the Curl Color on top.
That sequence gave me better definition and less pigment sinking into dry patches.
The cream is silicone free, paraben free, and sulfate free. It matches the clean approach of the color line.
Downsides exist here too. The cream can flake if you layer it too thick.
It also weighs down fine hair. Start with less than you think you need.
For anyone building an As I Am routine, this jar is the practical companion to the color.
Price And Value In 2026
The retail price sits around seven to eight dollars for a 6 ounce jar.
Amazon often discounts it closer to seven dollars. Some beauty supply shops list it near five dollars on clearance.
That is cheap for hair color. A salon vivid color service runs well into three figures.
The math changes with hair volume. Half a jar per application means two uses per jar for thick hair.
Call it four dollars per full head look. Still reasonable.
Partial styles stretch the jar much further. Peekaboo panels or a money piece use a fraction of the product.
At that rate one jar covers six or seven looks. That is where the value shines.
Compare it to bleach plus dye plus repair treatments. The savings are obvious, and your hair stays healthy.
Compare it to cheap party waxes and the picture shifts. Generic color waxes cost similar money but skip the conditioning ingredients.
Those cheaper options also tend to look chalky and dry the hair. As I Am avoids both problems.
Buying multiple shades is tempting. I recommend starting with one.
Test your technique before you spend forty dollars on a shade collection.
Overall the price to performance ratio is strong. You are paying styling product money for a color experience.
Who Should Buy It And Who Should Skip It
Clear guidance saves money. Here is my read.
Buy it if you have type 3 or type 4 hair. Coils and curls show this pigment best and benefit from the definition.
Buy it if you are color curious. Testing burgundy for a weekend beats committing to permanent dye.
Buy it for events. Festivals, birthdays, cosplay, and photoshoots all suit a one wash color.
Buy it if you protect your hair health. Zero damage is the strongest argument in the whole review.
Buy it if you wear protective styles. Twist outs and rod sets pair beautifully with the wax.
Skip it if you straighten your hair. The texture and heat restriction make it useless for silk presses.
Skip it if you need sweat proof color. Athletes and humid climate residents will fight transfer daily.
Skip it if you have very light blonde hair. The tint may outstay its welcome.
Skip it if you hate any gel cast. The crunch is mild but present.
Skip it if you want salon intensity. This product tints and highlights, it does not transform.
Fine straight hair sits in the maybe column. Try a small section before committing to a full head.
My Final Verdict On As I Am Hair Wax
I like this product more than I expected. It solves a real problem for dark textured hair.
Rating: 4 out of 5. The formula earns high marks. The transfer risk and jar size pull it down.
The color pays off best as highlights and accent placement. Full head vibrancy needs patience and product.
The conditioning claims hold up. My hair felt soft and defined, not stripped.
The scent is a genuine pleasure. Small detail, big difference in daily use.
Technique makes or breaks the experience. Damp hair, small sections, and full drying are non negotiable.
Get those three steps right and the mess mostly disappears. Get them wrong and you will regret your outfit choice.
I would recommend it to any curly friend who wants fun without commitment. I would warn them about the pillowcase.
Would I repurchase? Yes, for Bold Gold and Copper specifically.
Would I use it for a wedding or a work event? Only with a full day of drying time first.
The bottom line is simple. As I Am Curl Color is the safest way to wear bold color on natural hair.
It is not a dye replacement. It is a weekend playground for your curls, and it does that job well.
FAQs
Is As I Am Curl Color a real hair dye?
No. It is a temporary color gel with cosmetic pigments that coat the hair surface. There is no ammonia, peroxide, or bleach involved, so it causes no chemical change to your strands.
How long does As I Am hair wax last?
It lasts until your next shampoo, usually three to seven days. Sleeping in a bonnet and avoiding sweat extends the wear time noticeably.
Does the color stain clothes and pillowcases?
It can on the first day, especially in red and blue shades. Drying your hair completely with a diffuser or hooded dryer prevents most transfer, and the pigment washes out of fabric in a normal laundry cycle.
Can I use it on straight hair?
Yes, but the gel cream texture may feel heavy. The color deposits the same way, though the styling benefit is designed for curls and coils.
Will it work on dark brown or black hair?
Yes. Bold Gold, Copper, and Hot Red show up best on dark bases. Blues, greens, and purples appear more subtle and need bright light to read clearly.
Can I flat iron my hair after applying it?
No. The brand advises against direct heat plates. Stick to twist outs, braid outs, wash and gos, flexi rods, and bantu knots.
How much product do I need for one application?
Thick hair may use half a 6 ounce jar for full coverage. Partial styles like peekaboo panels or highlights use far less.
Is it safe for blonde hair?
Use caution. Very light blonde hair can hold the pigment longer than one wash, so run a patch test before full application.
Does it damage or dry out hair?
No. The formula adds castor oil, glycerin, and ceramides, and the brand reports improved moisture and strength after one use.
Is it vegan and cruelty free?
Yes. The entire Curl Color line is vegan and cruelty free, and it excludes parabens, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, gluten, and ammonia.
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