Have you ever run out of shampoo and reached for the body wash instead? Or maybe you’re tempted to use that luxurious-smelling body wash on your hair just to switch things up. Well, before you lather up with that non-hair-specific product, there are some harsh truths you need to face. Using body wash on hair can lead to dryness, frizz, and damage over time as body washes are formulated with harsh surfactants that strip the hair’s natural oils.
What Happens When You Use Body Wash on Hair?
The science behind this hair horror story lies in the ingredients.
“Surfactants are the key cleansing agents in shampoos and body washes that allow them to cut through oil and dirt,” explains trichologist Faisal. “However, the surfactants used in body washes tend to be harsher and more stripping than those found in shampoos formulated for hair.”
While shampoos contain gentle surfactants like sulfates that are balanced with conditioning agents, body washes have a higher concentration of harsh surfactants to deep clean body oil and grime. Shampoos are pH-balanced for the scalp, contain hair-strengthening proteins, and have hydrating ingredients – things body washes lack.
Potential Hair Damage from Using Body Wash
Using body wash as a shampoo substitute is like taking a bristle brush to delicate silk – it’s just too harsh! Over time, those potent surfactants can wreak havoc.
1. Dryness and Brittleness
Body washes strip too much of the hair’s natural oils and protective lipid layer. “This leads to dry, brittle strands prone to breakage,” warns Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, dermatologist. I know from experience how straw-like my hair feels after using body wash!
2. Increased Split Ends and Breakage
With that dryness comes another fun issue – more split ends and breakage. Can you imagine running a comb through those parched, frazzled strands? Ouch!
3. Color Fading for Dyed Hair
If you’ve invested in some gorgeous hair color, that body wash could make it go dull and fade fast. The harsh formula makes those luscious locks lose their vibrancy.
Short-Term Effects You Might Notice
But the damage isn’t just long-term. Even a single use of body wash on your hair can leave you with some not-so-fun short-term issues.
Limp and Lifeless Strands
Using body wash as a shampoo can weigh down your strands. You’ll be left with lackluster locks crying out for moisture and movement.
Tangled Tresses
Raise your hand if you’ve had to battle a rat’s nest after using body wash. The intense cleansing leaves hair rough, tangled, and prone to knots that are just brutal to brush out.
Scalp Irritation and Itchiness
Those harsh surfactants don’t just affect the hair – they can also irritate the scalp. Using body wash on your scalp can cause dryness, redness, and itchiness for some.
When is it Okay to Use Body Wash on Hair?
With all those scary side effects, you may be wondering if there’s ever a time body wash is acceptable for hair. The experts say in rare, occasional circumstances, it could work in a pinch.
In a Pinch for Travel
“If you’re traveling and forgot your hair care products, using a small amount of gentle body wash once could be better than not cleansing at all, just be sure to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment.” advises our in-house trichologist Faisal.
For Clarifying Build-Up
Occasionally, a gentle body wash to help remove stubborn product build-up on the hair and scalp when regular clarifying shampoo doesn’t cut it and you don’t have chelating shampoo at your disposal.
If You Have Extremely Oily Hair
Those with extremely oily hair and scalp may find that body wash helps control oil better than some shampoos. But it should still be used infrequently and followed with a rich conditioner or masque.
Tips for Using Body Wash Safely on Hair if You Absolutely Must
If you do opt to use body wash on hair on a rare occasion, follow these tips to minimize damage:
Dilute with Water
Always dilute a small amount of body wash with plenty of water before application to make it less concentrated and harsh. Think of using a quarter-sized amount for your whole head.
Use a Deep Conditioner After
Follow up any body wash use with a rich, nourishing deep conditioner or hair masque to replenish lost moisture. I’m obsessed with my hair’s buttery softness after using an intensive hair masque!
The bottom line? While using body wash on hair in desperation won’t instantly fry your strands, it’s not a good long-term habit. Protect your precious locks and stick to haircare products designed just for your tresses. Your hair will look radiant and feel softer than ever – no body wash required! Trust me, avoiding these harsh truths is a beauty secret you can’t ignore.
