Can Body Wash Be Used As Shampoo? (You Could, But…)

We all know that body wash can be used as a shampoo or to wash hair in a pinch, but is it really the best option for our hair? In this article, I’ll explore the pros and cons of using body wash as shampoo, and help you decide whether it’s right for you.

There are many products on the market that serve more than one purpose. The body wash is one product that can be used for both cleansing the body and washing the hair.

Can Body Wash Really be Used as Shampoo?

If you run out of shampoo, you could use body wash as a shampoo to wash your hair. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before using body wash on your hair. It may imbalance the pH level of your scalp/hair, it might not be as effective at cleansing your hair as shampoo, body washes can be harsh and strip the hair of its natural oils.

What Happens If You Use a Body Wash As Shampoo?

Here is a quick guide to help you understand whether body wash can be used as shampoo or not.

The main difference between shampoo and body wash is that shampoo is designed to cleanse your hair and scalp of dirt, oil, and sweat, and treat damage from color treatment and frizziness while body wash is meant for cleansing your body and its ingredients are not designed to wash hair. However, both products contain surfactants, which are ingredients that help to remove dirt and oil from the surface.

The drawbacks of using body wash as shampoo:

• First, the body wash can be quite drying for your hair and prone to dandruff by the imbalanced pH level of your scalp/hair (which is around 3.6 to 5.5) since it is not designed for washing your hair. This can lead to frizziness and flyaways, especially if you have dry or damaged hair. The majority of the shampoos have a pH within the range of 6-7 and the average pH level of body wash/soap is between 9 to 10.
• Second, body wash does not usually contain conditioners or other hair-care ingredients that are beneficial for your hair. This means that it might not be as effective at cleansing your hair as shampoo. Because body wash is made for less harsh cleaning so it will not work as shampoo. This can lead to buildup and greasy hair. Additionally, body wash is not formulated to treat scalp conditions like dandruff or dryness, which shampoo is designed to do.
• Finally, some body washes can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage and your scalp may become itchy.

Keep in mind that everyone’s hair is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. If you do decide to use body wash as shampoo, don’t make it a practice, and be sure to see how your scalp and strands react.

Also Read: Your Shampoo is Not Suitable for Your Hair (8 Signs)

Can You Use Shower Gel as Shampoo to wash your hair?

We all know that shower gel and shampoo are both designed to cleanse our body and hair. So, it stands to reason that you can use shower gel as shampoo, right? Well, not exactly. Here’s why:

Shower gels typically contain more harsh cleansing agents than shampoos. This means that they can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.

Shampoo, on the other hand, is specifically formulated with conditioning agents to cleanse your hair without stripping away its natural moisture. So, if you want to keep your hair healthy and hydrated, stick to shampoo.

What is a pH Level and How Does it Affect Your Skin and Hair?

pH levels are a measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) a substance is. The lower the pH, the more acidic the substance is. The higher the pH, the more basic the substance is. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 (water) is neutral. Our skin has a pH value of between 4.7 and 5.75. Body wash/shower gel and shampoo can have different pH levels depending on their ingredients. Some body washes have a high pH, which can make them more drying to your hair. A low-pH body wash or soap has no cleansing power, no lather or bubbles, and a high-pH body wash or soap may result in skin peeling.

Best Body Washes To Use As Shampoo

Despite what some people believe, you can actually use body wash as shampoo. In fact, the body wash can be a great alternative to shampoo for those with sensitive skin or scalp.

That being said, there are some body washes on the market that are specifically designed for also use on the hair. These hair-specific body washes usually contain more cleansing agents than regular body washes, making them a good option for those looking for an alternative to shampoo.

Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash can be used as shampoo: This creamy body wash contains NutriumMoisture technology, which helps lock in moisture for softer, smoother skin. It also contains mild cleansers that won’t strip away natural oils from the hair or skin.

OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Creamy Body Wash: This moisturizing body wash is infused with argan oil, which is known for its hydrating properties. It also contains gentle cleansing agents that leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed.

7 Body Washes That Can Be Used As Shampoo

1. CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
2. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet AP+ Body Wash
3. Dove DermaSeries Dry Skin Relief Gentle Body Wash
4. Cetaphil Gentle Body Wash
5. Eucerin Gentle Hydrating Body Wash
6. Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash
7. Vanicream Gentle Body Wash

Body washes that contain glycerin or hyaluronic acid are good options for those with dry scalp, as they can help to hydrate and seal in moisture. For those with oily scalp, look for a body wash that contains Tea Tree oil or salicylic acid, as these ingredients can help to control sebum production and prevent acne.

Tips For Using Body Wash As Shampoo

The shower gel or body wash can be used as shampoo, but it may not work as well as purpose-made shampoo. The body wash may not lather as much as shampoo and it could leave your hair feeling dry.

How do you test for good shampoo?

When it comes to finding a good shampoo, there are a few things you can do to test it out before you commit to using it long-term.

1. First, take a look at the ingredients list. A good shampoo will have natural ingredients that are gentle on your hair and scalp. Avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, hexachlorophene, phthalates, or strong artificial fragrances.
2. Pay attention to the scent of the shampoo and how long it lingers on your hair. You also want to make sure that the shampoo lathers well and doesn’t leave your hair feeling dry or stripped after you rinse it out.
3. Finally, pay attention to how your hair feels after using the shampoo.

The pros and cons of using body wash as shampoo

While body wash and shampoo may seem like they serve the same purpose, there are some important differences to keep in mind.

The main differences between body wash and shampoo are their ingredients, pH levels, and application method. The body wash is typically made with more moisturizing ingredients than shampoo, has a higher pH level, and is applied directly to wet skin. The shampoo is usually made with ingredients that are harsher on the scalp, have a lower pH level, and is applied to wet hair.

When it comes to getting clean, there are a few different schools of thought. Some people prefer to use body wash for everything from their face to their feet, while others like to keep things separate. There’s no right or wrong way to do things, but there are a few pros and cons to using body wash as shampoo that you should consider before making the switch.

While you can technically use body wash as shampoo, it’s not going to be as effective as using a product that’s specifically designed for your hair. Body wash may not clean your hair as thoroughly as shampoo, and it can even strip away some of the natural oils that keep your hair healthy.

Pros

One of the biggest benefits of using body wash as shampoo is that it can save you time in the shower. If you’re short on time or just want to streamline your shower routine, using one product for your whole body can be a huge time-saver. If you are traveling or otherwise unable to bring along multiple products, using body wash as shampoo can save time and space. Plus, if you like to use a body wash that has a scent, it can make your hair smell nice and clean. Another pro is that some body washes are usually moisturizing than shampoos and are designed to be hydrating for the skin, so they are often filled with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and oils.

Body washes are also usually more affordable than shampoos. They also tend to be more gentle on the scalp, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin. And since they’re already in our showers, they’re very convenient to use!

Cons

Your hair is much more delicate than the skin, so using a product designed for your body can be drying or irritating for your scalp and hair. Body washes are often packed with harsh ingredients, like sulfates and parabens. These ingredients are not only drying but can actually damage your hair when used for washing your hair regularly. So when using body wash as a shampoo, choose one without sulfates and parabens in it.

The body wash is usually designed to be used on the entire body, which means it may not be as effective at cleansing the hair as a dedicated shampoo. Many shampoos contain ingredients that help to nourish and condition the hair, while body wash does not typically contain these same ingredients.

Shampoo Alternatives To Use That Will Not Damage Your Hair

1. conditioner: Using conditioner is a gentler alternative If you’re looking for an alternative to shampoo that won’t damage your hair. If you’re looking for an alternative to shampoo that won’t damage your hair, the best choice for you is probably a cleansing conditioner. They’re also great for people with sensitive skin or scalp conditions. It is gentler and less likely to strip the hair of natural oils, it can also be used to add moisture and shine to the hair, and to protect it from heat damage. They are essentially low-poo or no-poo products that cleanse and condition your hair in one step. This can be a godsend for people with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, as traditional shampoos can strip away natural oils and further damage already fragile strands.
2. baking soda or vinegar: You can try using baking soda or vinegar for washing your hair. Some people swear by vinegar as a shampoo alternative, claiming that it cleans their hair without being harsh. It also has mild astringent properties which help to create a clean scalp environment. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, then consider mixing in a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Rosemary or tea tree oil both work well as an alternative to peppermint, which is commonly used to mask the scent. Apple cider vinegar works best for hair. If you’re going to use apple cider vinegar for hair, you’ll need to dilute it a little. Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water, and then apply it to your scalp and hair. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water. If you’ve got oily hair, then you may want to give vinegar a try.
3. Castile soap: Castile soap is a natural, gentle alternative to harsh shampoos made with chemicals. It is made from olive oil and other natural ingredients, and it is safe for all hair types. Unlike chemical shampoos, Castile soap does not strip the hair of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and breakage. When used as a shampoo, Castile soap leaves the hair clean, soft, and healthy-looking.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to massage your scalp and rinse thoroughly and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you run out of shampoo, you can use body wash to wash your hair in a pinch but it is not the ideal product. The shampoo is specifically designed to cleanse the scalp and hair, while the body wash is designed for cleansing the body. Body wash may not cleanse the scalp as thoroughly as shampoo and can strip the natural oils from the hair. If you find yourself without shampoo, go ahead and use body wash but make sure to follow up with a conditioner to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. Also, don’t make it a regular routine.