Can you just use conditioner if you run out of shampoo?

Author: Alvena Sawayn  |  Last update: Saturday, October 4, 2025

Co-washing (or conditioner-only washing) is an alternative cleansing method where you ditch the shampoo and use a conditioner or co-wash in its place. It's a game-changer among the natural hair community, and curls especially will love this more hydrating way of washing.

Is it okay to just use conditioner and no shampoo?

You may benefit from co-washing, or using only a cleansing conditioner and no shampoo. This method might be gentler for your scalp, especially if you have dry hair. You may notice that it does not save time, but co-washing may clean your hair and keep it soft.

Is it okay to wash hair with conditioner only?

Yes, it's okay to wash your hair with only conditioner, a method often referred to as ``co-washing'' (conditioner washing). This technique is particularly popular among people with curly or dry hair, as it helps retain moisture without stripping natural oils that shampoo can remove.

What can I use if I don't have shampoo?

  • Conditioner : If you have a moisturizing conditioner, you can use it to wash your hair.
  • Baking Soda : Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water to create a paste.
  • Baby Shampoo : If you have baby shampoo on hand, it's gentle and can be a good substitute.
  • Castile Soap
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Oatmeal
  • Aloe Vera

Can you use leave-in conditioner if you don't shampoo?

Yes, you can use a leave-in conditioner as a rinse-out conditioner, though it may not be the most effective choice. Leave-in conditioners are typically formulated to be lightweight and to provide moisture and protection throughout the day without rinsing.

Hair Expert Debunks 15 Hair Myths

Is it OK to just use leave-in conditioner?

Leave-in conditioner is not a substitute for your normal rinse-out conditioner. You need both products to achieve your healthiest, shiniest, softest hair. Leave-in conditioner and wash-out conditioner work as a team to hydrate your strands, reduce friction and seal the hair's cuticle for beautiful glossy shine!

Can I wash my hair with just water?

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.

How can I make my hair look good without shampoo?

You can freshen your hair without shampooing by using dry shampoo, air-drying hair balms, or a lightweight hair water mist. Dry shampoo is especially effective at soaking up oil, while a hair balm or mist will help revive any curls or waves, making your hair look refreshed and styled without the need for a full wash.

What did people use before shampoo?

Before the advent of modern shampoos, people used a variety of natural ingredients and traditional methods to cleanse and care for their hair, including:
  • Herbs and plant extracts.
  • Natural soaps and oils.
  • Egg and milk mixtures.
  • Ash and clay.
  • Honey and vinegar rinses.

Can you wash hair with dish soap?

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.

What is the no poo method?

The no-poo (or “no shampoo”) method is a hair-cleansing technique that removes shampoo from the equation, says Yadav. Instead of using shampoo, followers of the practice use alternatives such as apple cider vinegar, a cleansing conditioner, or just plain water.

What is the curly girl method?

Here's how to do the Curly Girl Method step-by-step.
  • Step 0: Reset Wash. First up, do a reset cleanse to remove product build-up from your strands. ...
  • Step 1: Cleanse. Wash your hair with a co-wash conditioner or a sulfate-free, low-poo shampoo. ...
  • Step 2: Condition & Detangle. ...
  • Step 3: Style. ...
  • Step 4: Plop. ...
  • Step 5: Repeat.

Does conditioner get rid of greasy hair?

Conditioner helps protect the structure of hair while also working to repel oil. Just choose a lightweight conditioner and apply at the tips, working upward.

Can I wash my hair with only conditioner?

Co-washing is a term for washing your hair with conditioner only. Ditching the 'poo may seem unconventional but it's actually the perfect solution for dry hair. The natural hair movement has made this beauty routine more popular as word got around that curly and coily locks are more prone to dryness and breakage.

Do you really need shampoo?

For most people, there is no medical need to shampoo at all, as rinsing with water can remove dirt and dandruff. However, some health conditions can benefit from regular shampooing. People with parasitic infections of the scalp, particularly lice, may need to use special shampoos to get rid of the bugs.

What are the results of water only washing hair?

"With more natural oils lubricating the hair [from water-only washing], the hair shafts glide over each other, leading to less tangles." Skipping shampoo also allows for the hair's sebum to distribute throughout, and this may make hair appear more shiny and less frizzy.

How did people wash their hair 300 years ago?

According to mediaeval history, folks in the middle ages typically presumed baths to be an unhealthy practice and rarely preferred it. However, they used a mixture of burnt barley bread, salt, and bear fat to help their hair grow, and elm bark, willow root, red root, and goat milk tea to wash their hair.

What can I use on my hair if I don't have shampoo?

I started trying some of the most popular natural remedies online, such as water and vinegar and baking soda. A combination that allowed me to keep my hair shiny and was light on my roots. The baking soda gives a gentle exfoliation to the scalp and helps with any excess of sebum.

Is it okay to wet your hair every day but not wash it?

Product Buildup: Without proper cleansing, daily wetting can cause styling products and environmental pollutants to accumulate on the hair and scalp, leading to a dull and lifeless appearance.

Which is the best homemade hair conditioner?

The Best 5 Natural Conditioners for all Hair Types
  1. Banana. Banana is an incredible moisturising ingredient suitable for treating dry, damaged hair prone to frizziness. ...
  2. Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  3. Yogurt. ...
  4. Aloe Vera. ...
  5. Classic Coconut.

What happens if you don't use shampoo and only conditioner?

Reduced Stripping of Natural Oils: Shampoos, even gentle ones, can strip your hair of its natural oils. By using only a conditioner, you're skipping this potentially harsh step and retaining more of your hair's natural moisture.

What is the no shampoo method?

Hair washing without commercial shampoo, sometimes called no poo, includes water-only hair washing or hair washing with non-commercial products, such as baking soda and vinegar. Advocates argue that commercial shampoo is an unnecessary expense and may contain harmful ingredients.

Should you wash hair in cold water?

Hot water facilitates the cleaning process and easily strips oils and dirt from your hair. Cold water doesn't have the same impact and is much less effective for getting your hair clean. But! Cold water is good for your hair if you have a dry or itchy scalp.

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