So, Can You Use Body Wash as Shampoo?
The short answer is yes you can use body wash as shampoo! Though, before you do so it would be better to become well-acquainted with some basic facts and differences between a body wash and shampoo so that you know what exactly you are using on your hair.
there are certain differences between the composition and ingredients of the two based on the use they are created for.
Body wash can be harsh on your hair and can make it dry which could cause damage.
So it is important to know the differences between the two and we will also tell you how you can minimize or prevent damage to your hair if you consider using body wash on your hair.
Different pH Levels
pH level basically determines how acidic a given solution or product is.
Shampoo has a pH level between 4 to 6 which is quite acidic in nature, used for the purpose of removing stubborn dirt, grease from your scalp and hair cuticles.
A body wash has a pH level between 5 to 6.5 since our skin is more sensitive than our scalp or hair. Due to this very reason, the acidic components in a body wash are lesser than that of shampoo.
Our skins and scalp come with a natural pH level that needs to be maintained. If you use a body wash on your scalp and hair and shampoo on your skin, your hair and skin might get adversely affected and irritated leading to an imbalance in the chemical and pH balance of your skin, hair, and scalp.
Different Composition of Ingredients
Our skin and hair(and scalp) are quite different from each other and require different approaches for cleaning and keeping them healthy
most body washes contain glycerin which helps in retaining the softness of the skin and helps the skin in avoiding getting too dry.
This particular component is absent in shampoo when you wonder if you can use body wash as shampoo.
Our hair needs more intense care and because of this very reason shampoo consists of many chemicals and components like silicone to keep the hair shiny and glossy.
These kinds of components are not present in a body wash as the purpose is not similar to the ones required for the maintenance of the hair and scalp.
Intensity of Cleansing
Both body wash and shampoo in spite of being cleansing products differ in their actions as a cleaning products.
Body Wash is usually used to just cleanse the skin from dust particles whereas a shampoo is much stronger in its purpose and aims at removing oil, dirt, grease and deeply cleanse your scalp and hair of these things.
A body wash might not be able to fully remove the dirt from your hair to the best of its capacity like a shampoo can and it might make your scalp dry.
How to use bodywash on hair
If you do decide to go ahead and use body wash as a shampoo it is best to keep a few things in mind in order to save your scalp and hair from any kind of damage. Even if you do decide to go ahead with a body wash as a shampoo it is important to stay aware of the following tips and tricks to save yourself from any future hair damage.
Use Hair mask
If you are washing your hair with a body wash, make sure to lather your hair in oil before washing your hair and leave the oil in your hair for at least 15 minutes.
The oil will help the scalp from getting stripped off its natural oil because of the oil-removing property of body wash. This will ensure that the balance of your hair’s oil is retained without turning your hair too dry.
Using an oil hair mask is a great way to nourish your hair and should be used before washing your hair.
Use Conditioner
If you are using a body wash on your hair then using a good hair conditioner becomes very important as the body wash could strip out oil from your scalp leaving your hair dry and frizzy.
Using a conditioner after washing your hair will help as the conditioner will provide silicone to the hair and strengthen the shine of the hair strands.
the bottom line:
If you were wondering whether you can use body wash as shampoo then the answer is you can in fact use body wash as shampoo though you must beware of various precautions and be prepared for some of the side effects of using body wash as a shampoo.
Stay well-informed before using body wash as a shampoo and you are good to go!
