You arrive at your hotel or realize at home that you're out of shampoo. In this moment of need, the thought of using shower gel as shampoo might cross your mind.

Dear Lykkers, after all, both products clean, right? Well, yes…and no.

Is It OK to Use Shower Gel as Shampoo?

The technical answer

While shower gel can technically be used to wash your hair, it’s not the best option, especially not as a regular practice. Shower gels are not formulated to clean hair as effectively as shampoos. They lack the deep-cleaning and conditioning properties necessary for hair care.

Occasional use

If you’re in a pinch, using a gentle, chemical-free shower gel is fine, but don’t expect salon-quality results. Avoid using harsh body washes, such as those with acne-fighting properties or exfoliating beads, as they can damage your hair.

Key Differences Between Shampoo and Body Wash

Shower gels vs. shampoos

Shower gels are designed to clean the body vs shampoos target hair-specific concerns.

Shower gels and shampoos serve different purposes due to their unique formulations. Shower gels are designed to cleanse the skin, but they may cause dryness and frizz when used on hair. They lack the conditioning properties that shampoos contain, which are essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated hair. Shampoos, on the other hand, are specifically formulated to cleanse and nourish the hair. They contain ingredients that help tame frizz, detangle, and smooth the hair, providing the necessary care for both cleansing and conditioning the scalp and strands.

Unique shampoo ingredients

Shampoos contain specific cleansing agents like sodium coco-sulfate, which effectively remove oils and dirt from hair and scalp. Shower gels don’t include these hair-friendly ingredients.

Conditioning benefits

Shampoos also have positively charged molecules that adhere to hair shafts, reducing frizz and detangling hair—qualities absent in shower gels.

Can You Use Shampoo as Shower Gel?

More forgiving, but not ideal

Using shampoo as body wash is possible but not recommended. Shampoos may lack the moisturizing properties that body wash offers and could irritate sensitive areas of the body.

Precautions

If you must use shampoo on your body, stick to a gentle formula and avoid sensitive areas like the genital region.

The Perfect Solution: All-in-One Soap

Meet the 3-in-1 Travel Bar

Avoid hair and skin dilemmas with an all-in-one solution. The resa 3-in-1 Travel Bar is a game changer, doubling as shampoo, body wash, and hand soap.

Why choose it?

Made with natural ingredients like antibacterial tea tree, coconut oil, and lavender

Suitable for hair, scalp, and body

Hydrates and soothes all skin types

Compact and travel-friendly

Whether you’re traveling or need a quick backup, this handy bar has you covered.

The Verdict: Can You Use Shower Gel as Shampoo?

Shower gel and shampoo are not interchangeable for regular use. While using shower gel as shampoo in emergencies is fine, it won’t deliver the cleansing or conditioning your hair needs. Similarly, shampoo as body wash is less than ideal for your skin.

To ensure convenience and care for your hair and body, consider investing in an all-in-one soap like the resa 3-in-1 Travel Bar. With it, you’ll never face this conundrum again!