Washing our hair is not something we give a lot of thought to, but you want to know if it's good to mix the shampoo with conditioner? It seems like we make it a 2-step process, but can we do it at the same time? We've done some research to find those answers for you in this post.
Mixing your shampoo with conditioner is okay but not great. The two products serve different functions and though mixing the two may save time, you may not get your hair as clean or as moisturized as you'd like.
Let's take a look at this answer in a bit more depth, then talk about some other ways to wash hair. We'll also talk about the best shampoos for different types of hair. So just keep reading!
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Why Is It A Bad Idea To Mix Shampoo And Conditioner?
The shampoo is formulated to rid your hair of filth and any excess build-up on the hair shaft. It involves the use of some sort of astringent or cleanser and is made to rid your hair of foreign bodies.
Conditioner is made to smooth and hydrate your hair shaft and lock in the moisture through the use of humectants.
Though you can use the two together to save on time, you won't get the full benefit of either. Your hair won't get as clean as if you used shampoo alone. And it won't get as hydrated as if you'd thoroughly washed the shampoo out, then added conditioner and let it soak in.
Can You Just Wash Your Hair With Water?
The method of hair washing known as WO, or water only, is a legitimate technique for keeping your hair healthy. The theory behind it is by skipping the use of heavy shampoos that strip your hair of oil, your scalp will reach a healthy balance. You can phase out your shampoo by beginning to warm water wash your hair every other day. Eventually, you can work up to going 7-10 days between warm water rinses and scalp massages.
If you get sweaty or feel like your hair needs a rinse in between, simply use cold water. This will keep the oils needed for a healthy scalp and healthy hair.
Can You Skip Shampoo And Just Condition?
There's actually a name for this, too. It's called co-washing and basically, it means to use conditioner only and skip the shampoo. This method originated for curly-haired folks as a way to lock in moisture and rid your hair of frizz. It doesn't clean your hair though, and eventually, the conditioner will build up and you'll need to wash it out with a clarifying shampoo.
How Often Should You Shampoo My Hair?
If you feel like your hair is healthy and your natural oils are sufficient, then it's really up to you how often you shampoo your hair. Daily shampooing can be harsh if you use the wrong shampoo though. Look for something hydrating and sulfate-free to keep your hair and scalp healthy. You might also consider using a dry shampoo in between washings.
For dry hair, you want to minimize how often you shampoo. Try 2-3 times per week instead of daily. This will help keep more of your scalp's natural oils in your hair. The same goes for if you're a brunette. For some reason, shampooing darker hair too frequently can lead to a subtle loss of pigment over time.
Is It Okay To Mix Different Brands Of Shampoo And Conditioner?
One way to think about your shampoo and conditioner is your own perfect cocktail for your hair. That being said, it's perfectly fine to mix it up. For example, you might choose a cleansing shampoo but a smoothing conditioner. The brands don't have to be the same.
It can also be personal taste. You might love the shampoo smell of one product and the conditioner smell of the other. Or maybe you've run out of shampoo in a matched set but have a bottle of something else left over. There's no harm in mixing and matching.
The only time you might choose to match is when you're dealing with dandruff or an itchy scalp. You don't want to interfere with any ingredients that are being used for those conditions.
What Is A Good Shampoo With Conditioner For Dry Hair?
For dry hair, you want to choose a shampoo that both hydrates and maintains your hair's original oils. Dryness causes frizzing and breakage and is a major complaint of many people about their hair. It's why finding the perfect shampoo and conditioner combination is so important.
R+Co Television Perfect Hair And Conditioner
This duo has made a number of top products for dry hair lists. It's free of sulfates, parabens, and petroleum products and loaded with juniper berry, glycerin, and babassu seed oil for the ultimate in hydration. It's great for anyone who wants all the qualities of beautiful, healthy, camera-ready hair.
Click here for the shampoo on Amazon.
Click here for the conditioner on Amazon.
Verb Ghost Shampoo and Conditioner
Verb Ghost Shampoo and Conditioner is great for low-porosity hair. If your hair feels pretty dry shortly after you wash it, chances are you have low-porosity hair. Through its use of the ingredient, moringa oil, Ghost Verb delivers a wallop of hydrating and smoothing oil to your hair helping it to be luxurious and soft without being dry.
Click here for this set on Amazon.
Living Proof Restore Shampoo And Conditioner
Living Proof Restore shampoo and conditioner is formulated to fight against frizz that so often accompanies dry hair. It's free of silicones, phthalates, and parabens. It's powered by a patented Healthy Hair Molecule that works with conditioning agents and a mild amino acid-derived surfactant that cleanses hair.
Click here for the shampoo on Amazon.
Click here for the conditioner on Amazon.
What Is A Good Shampoo With Conditioner For Oily Hair?
Oily hair means you have an excess of sebum on your scalp. For your hair, this means that it can look weighed down and limp, or just downright dirty if you don't use the proper shampoo and conditioner. We've researched and found some good products for oily hair.
Deva Low-Poo Mild Lather Cleanser
This ultra-gentle cleanser has a mix of castor oil, chamomile, and hop extracts to strip away excess oil and buildup.
Click here for this product on Amazon.
Pure Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo And Conditioner
This organic shampoo and conditioner duo consists of natural ingredients. They are free of sulfate, paraben, silicones, salt, added color, or any other harmful artificial ingredient. The apple cider vinegar removes filth from hair and the sweet almond oil restores shine.
Click here for this set on Amazon.
What Is A Good Shampoo With Conditioner For Curly Hair?
For curly hair, you want a shampoo that's not going to weigh down your hair. It's important that it's free of sulfates, silicone, and, most importantly, alcohol. Many curly hair types choose to co-wash their hair and only wash with shampoo every few days. This helps keep curls popping and dryness in check.
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Shampoo and Conditioner
This product is the ultimate in frizz control while not weighing down the natural curl. This brand has been making products exclusively for curly hair for over 30 years.
Click here for this four-part travel set on Amazon.
Jessicurl Aloeba Daily
If you want a great lightweight conditioner for daily use that you can leave in and use without shampoo, this is the product for you. Jessicurl makes a lot of curly hair products, but we like this one because it works for fine hair as well as thicker hair.
Click here for this product on Amazon.
Find Your Perfect Shampoo And Conditioner
The main thing to think about when shopping for shampoo and conditioner is your hair. Whether dry or oily, straight or naturally curly, there is a great product out there for you. Don't be afraid to try a few and see what works best.
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