“If you were to use a body wash in your hair, it wouldn't break up the oil [and dirt] as well,” says Katta. “It'll leave that residue behind.” That means you could end up with flat, listless hair, as all those oils you'd normally remove will continue to weigh it down.
While you can use body wash as a shampoo once (or vice versa) in a while, it is not advised to do so regularly. Using a body wash on your hair could affect the pH level of your scalp, while a shampoo could change the pH level of the skin. This leaves your scalp or skin prone to damage, dryness, and other issues.
The Castile Bar Soap also works excellently for washing hair.
There are very similar ingredients between shampoo and body wash and can certainly be used in a pinch.
Is it safe to use body wash as shampoo? In a pinch, using body wash as shampoo is usually safe, but I wouldn't make it a regular thing. It can leave your hair feeling either dry and brittle or a little greasy. For the best results, it's always better to stick with products made specifically for your hair.
Natural alternatives include: co-washing, baking soda and apple cider vinegar rinses, water-only washing, natural oil cleansers, herbal shampoo bars, and rice water rinses. Consider using naturally-derived, vegan, and cruelty-free shampoos if you prefer to stick with traditional shampooing.
Sadly, using body wash to shampoo your hair isn't something we would recommend, for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, shampoo and body wash are two entirely different products, formulated with different jobs in mind.
The hair, on the other hand, has a pH level between 4.5-5.5. The acid environment of the scalp and hair prevents any bacterial or fungal growth. However, if you wash your hair with soap, the soap's alkalinity will destroy the natural keratin of the hair. As a result, your hair will become dry and brittle.
Can you use Dawn dish soap as a shampoo? Yes, it's clarifying, but it should be considered a last resort and should be done so sparingly. It can also strip color from your hair.
Some products, like Dove Men+Care Body and Face Wash, are designed for dual use. However, if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, it's best to use a face wash specifically formulated for facial skin to avoid irritation.
Mix one cup of warm water with one to two tablespoons of baking soda. Pour the mixture over your head and carefully knead it into your roots. Keep the mix in your hair for about four minutes then rinse off with water.
“If you were to use a body wash in your hair, it wouldn't break up the oil [and dirt] as well,” says Katta. “It'll leave that residue behind.” That means you could end up with flat, listless hair, as all those oils you'd normally remove will continue to weigh it down.
For oily hair, choose a bar soap that contains tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil. These oils have antifungal and antibacterial properties that help control excess oil production on the scalp. For dry hair, look for a bar soap that contains shea butter, coconut oil or avocado oil.
Despite the rave reviews of some vloggers, most hair professionals do not recommend the water only hair washing method. “Sebum is naturally quite waxy (and smelly), and water alone may not be able to remove the buildup which can be problematic for people with scalp conditions or a predisposition to scalp conditions.
Yes, using body wash or a bar soap on your hair can make it dry. Body washes often contain stronger surfactants meant for skin cleansing, which can strip your hair of its natural oils and lead to dryness and potential damage.
While it is possible to wash your hair with hand soap in an emergency situation or as a temporary solution, it is not ideal for regular use.
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But before you give it a try, some warnings: Although it didn't happen to me, forgoing cleansing can cause some side effects like dandruff, an overly-sensitive scalp, and even hair loss (things that are reversible and often related to the hair's need to regain balance after giving up shampoo).