Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
Can You Use Shampoo As Body Wash? Can you use hair conditioner as a moisturizer? Find out now.
We all have those days when we’re just too tired to walk to the store to pick up a new bottle of body wash, but you don’t have to leave your home and break a sweat to get squeaky clean.
Believe it or not, you already have all you need to shower: shampoo! That’s right, shampoo can be used for more than just those shining luscious locks, it can also be used as an alternative body wash in a pinch.
Let’s dig a little deeper and explore how shampoo can be effortlessly turned from hair-care to body-care, and if it’s a good idea health-wise.
Related: Why Does My Hair Feel Squeaky After Shampooing?
Related: Do Shampoos Expire
Can You Use Shampoo As Body Wash
Is it bad to use shampoo on your body as a shower gel?
Using shampoo to wash your body may sound like a great solution when you’re out of shower gel, but it’s important to know the implications before you reach for that bottle. While using shampoo is better than not showering at all, shampoo is meant for the scalp and the body is far more sensitive.
Shampoo contains various ingredients, including sodium laureth sulfate, which is an irritant. This ingredient is meant to strip dirt and oil from hair and scalp, but it’s too abrasive for use on the skin.
In addition to irritating and drying out the skin, shampoo can cause breakouts and rashes in more sensitive areas.
Using shampoo as body wash may also leave behind a residue containing conditioners and irritants.
This residue may clog pores and make skin problems worse. Not only that, but the specific ingredients intended to add shine and nourishment to hair can leave your skin feeling greasy and clogged if used as body wash.
Shampoos also have fragrances that can be too strong for the skin, causing itching and rashes.
While it may be tempting to grab the shampoo bottle when you’re in a pinch, it’s best to keep it as far away from your body as possible. It’s best to stick to mild, gentle body wash specifically designed for the body.
Can shampoo be used as a bubble bath in the tub?
The idea of using shampoo as a bubble bath has been around since the early days of haircare products – after all, it makes sense to wonder if the sudsy cleanser that you use to wash your hair and scalp can also make those same bubbles in the tub.
But the truth is that the ingredients in most shampoos are simply not designed to create the same luxurious, soft bubbles you’ll find in a high-quality bubble bath product.
Shampoos are generally much harsher than other soaps on the skin, due to the surfactants and detergents used to strip away oils, dirt and other impurities.
These can strip essential moisture and natural oils away from skin, leaving it feeling dry and tight. Bubble bath is made with gentler cleansing agents to keep your skin feeling hydrated and soft.
So while some people may have had success trying to create bubbles in their tub by using shampoo, the consequences to your skin are simply not worth it.
A far better option is to purchase a mild bubble bath or body wash specifically formulated to damage your skin. Not only will your skin thank you in the long run, but you’ll also be left with a tub full of stunningly vibrant bubbles that are sure to boost your bath experience.
Shampoo Vs body wash formulas – Why they are not the same
Shampoo and body wash are two seemingly similar products, but in reality, their formulas vary greatly.
When it comes to the science of skincare, shampoo and body wash serve two distinct purposes. Understanding the major differences between shampoo and body wash formulas can help you use them both to their fullest potential for a better bathing experience.
Shampoo is formulated with a surfactant (most commonly sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate), a chemical which binds to oil and dirt and washes them away. These surfactants can be harsh and abrasive, so they may irritate sensitive skin.
Shampoo formulas are often enriched with additional cleansing agents to help remove stubborn grease and oil from the scalp.
On the other hand, body wash is crafted to be milder and gentler on the skin. Most body wash formulations are soap-free and rely on synthetic detergents to provide cleaning power without being too abrasive.
Most include emollients to help keep skin hydrated and preserve the skin’s natural oils, as well as other skin enriching ingredients like moisturizers, conditioners, and vitamins for added nourishment and protection.
The differences between shampoo and body wash formulas point to their respective purposes.
Shampoo is designed to remove dirt and grime from the scalp while body wash serves as a gentler cleanser, ideal for helping wash away sweat and dirt from the rest of the body while nourishing and moisturizing the skin.
Knowing these details can help you choose the right product for your needs when it comes to body and hair care.
Can I moisturize my skin using hair conditioner?
Yes, you can definitely moisturize your skin using hair conditioner! Conditioner is actually very similar to body wash in its ability to clean, hydrate, and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Hair conditioner contains the same nourishing ingredients as body wash, including glycerin, oils, and fats that help to retain moisture and promote skin healing. However, unlike body wash, there is typically less lather in conditioner which may make it less effective in cleaning the skin.
Hair conditioners are especially great if you need a little extra hydration on certain areas of your body like your elbows or heels. It also acts as a wonderful substitute for shaving cream!
When using hair conditioner on your skin, be sure to use a light touch as you don’t want to be too harsh and remove your skin’s natural oils.
Also, make sure you rinse the conditioner off thoroughly so your skin is not left greasy. Applying lotion after a hair conditioner wash will help keep your skin moisturized.
Overall, using hair conditioner as a body wash can be a great way to clean and moisturize your skin.
Just be sure to use it sparingly and take extra care not to be too harsh when applying it. With regular use of a good hair conditioner and body lotion, you can have healthy, soft, and well-nourished skin.
What happens if I use shower gel on my hair?
Using shower gel on your hair can be a risky move. Depending on the type of shower gel and the type of your hair, the results can range from a minor annoyance to a major disaster.
If you have exceptionally dry, brittle hair, using shower gel on it can strip it of its natural oils and leave it feeling rough and damaged. On the other hand, if you use an extremely rich shower gel or have oily hair, it can leave your hair feeling greasy and heavy, or even clump together.
Shower gel often contains some irritants that can cause a bad reaction on your scalp, such as sulfates, which can cause it to feel itchy or overly dry.
If you do choose to use it on your hair, it’s best to use only a very small amount, or use a shampoo or conditioner before or after to help protect your scalp and hair.
Another thing to consider is that shower gel won’t provide the same nourishing and moisturizing benefits that shampoo can offer.
It won’t protect your hair from the elements like a good shampoo, and it won’t lock in the moisture like a leave-in conditioner. So, if you’re looking for a moisturizing and nourishing option, it’s best to stick to shampoo and conditioner.
Overall, using shower gel on your hair isn’t a great idea if you want to protect it from damage and keep it healthy. There are plenty of shampoos and conditioners available to suit your particular needs, so it’s best to stick to those.
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding between shampoo and body wash, it really comes down to preference. Both serve the same purpose of cleansing the body and can be used interchangeably.
However, if you’re trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle and reduce the amount of chemicals you’re exposed to, body wash is usually the better option.
It typically contains fewer harsh chemicals, and is usually designed specifically for the body. So when it comes to cleaning, the choice really is yours!
Also Read:
Can I Use Mascara On Hair To Cover Greys
Beer To Wash Hair Pros and Cons
How Often Should I Change My Shampoo
Is It Better To Put Shampoo On Dry Hair
To Summarize
