“Is Hair Cleanser Just Shampoo? What do You think?”

When we are talking about hair cleansing, it is considered the first step in any healthy hair care routine. Well, choosing the appropriate and right hair product can be a little bit confusing as various options are available in the market.

Hair cleansers and hair shampoos are two kinds of hair products, both have the purpose of cleansing your hair, but the fact is they are not exactly the same. Normally hair cleansers are a better option for those having sensitive or dry hair as cleansers are generally milder forms of shampoo.

Shampoos are more suitable for oily hair types, designed to deeply cleanse and remove oil. Sometimes it becomes a little bit tricky to choose the right one as the question arises ‘’is hair cleanser a shampoo’’. They sound similar but the truth is they serve different needs.

Is Hair Cleanser and Shampoo Same?

 Hair cleansers and shampoos both clean hair but differ significantly in formulation and effects. Cleansers are milder, preserving natural oils and moisture, ideal for dry, damaged, or frizzy hair and sensitive scalps. Shampoos, with stronger detergents, effectively remove dirt and oil but can strip hair excessively, which may suit those with oily scalps or heavy dirt exposure but can be harsh for frequent use. 

Understanding Cleansers and Shampoos

Hair Cleanser

There is a slight difference in the formulation of hair cleansers and shampoos. Generally, hair cleansers are devoid of sulfate (sulfate-free), harsh detergents like surfactants, and other harmful chemicals. It is a blend of water and oil making them a milder version as compared to shampoo.

It has a creamy formula to cleanse your hair without stripping the natural oil from hair, so it is said to be the best solution for common hair problems.

Hair cleanser remains gentle on your scalp and hair and helps to remove dirt, grime, and product buildup. Those having dry and frizzy hair types should give a try to hair cleansers. 

 Hair Shampoo

Shampoos were originally designed to replace soap bars, actually, they are detergents in a liquid form that clean the scalp and hair by loosening and washing away dirt and dissolving oil and grease build-up.

They are typically available in viscous liquids and contain a combination of different surfactants that work together to form a rich lather. This lather helps to remove excess sebum, dirt, pollutants, and remains of hair care products from the hair follicles.

Most shampoos contain sulfates because these cleansing agents are powerful at removing insoluble dirt, making them a good option for those needing to cleanse their hair thoroughly.

However, for those with pre-existing scalp conditions like eczema or contact dermatitis, or simply sensitive skin, sulfate-free shampoos are recommended. These sulfate-free options are gentler, as they do not strip off natural oils from the hair, preserving its health and moisture.

How We Can Distinguish Between Both?

To distinguish between hair cleanser and shampoo, consider your hair type, texture, and specific hair concerns. Hair cleansers are great for dry and damaged hair that needs moisturization, while shampoos are better for those who sweat profusely or have an oily scalp and require thorough cleansing.

Let’s have some points for a better understanding between cleanser and shampoo

Whom Get Benefit?

Cleansers are more beneficial for those with dry, damaged, or fragile hair. They do not remove the natural oils from your hair, maintaining its health and luster. Cleansers are also ideal for individuals with twisty or bleached hair who regularly use hair colors and hair styling products. These cleansers provide a gentler touch that is perfect for hair that needs extra care without stripping it of moisture.

On the other hand, if you often work outdoors, are exposed to pollutants, or sweat a lot, choosing a shampoo might be beneficial. Shampoo, a strong cleansing agent, effectively helps remove oil, sweat, dirt, and product buildup from the hair and follicles, ensuring a thorough cleaning of both hair and scalp.

What is the Purpose?

The primary idea behind using a hair cleanser is to gently wash your hair without stripping off the natural oils that are present. This is crucial for those in dire need of washing their hair daily; a cleanser makes the hair soft and maintains its health.

On the other hand, using shampoo is aimed to help get your hair and scalp rid of dirt, environmental pollutants, grime, and product build up. Most shampoos are formulated with harsh chemicals that can make your hair dry, t

How they Formulated?

The formulation of a hair cleanser often includes a mild “Michelle” mix of oil and water (what do you think is water really moisturize curly hair?), giving it a creamy appearance that is gentler on the hair and doesn’t strip off the hair’s natural oils.

In contrast, the basic formulation of shampoo typically includes a variety of synthetic detergents such as anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric, and natural surfactants. These ingredients, combined with detergent, pacifiers, sequestering agents, fragrances, special additives, preservatives, conditioners, and thickeners, are designed to thoroughly clean the hair and scalp.

Is they Retain Moisture?

A hair cleanser helps retain moisture, effectively reducing dryness and frizz in your hair. It’s formulated to be gentle, preserving the natural oils that keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

In contrast, using shampoo may sometimes strip these natural oils, leading to increased dryness and a lackluster appearance. 

What is the Frequency of Usage?

Hair cleansers, being gentler, are suitable for those who live in a humid place or exercise and sweat a lot, allowing for more frequent use without stripping off natural oils and moisture.

For those with very fine hair or an extremely oily scalp, shampooing more often can help manage oil levels. Conversely, those with thick hair, tight curls, or textured hair might find that shampooing once a week is enough to keep their hair healthy without over-drying. 

Is any Possible Drawbacks?

While cleansers are milder and generally safe to use without harsh chemicals, they may still lead to side effects such as itching on the scalp if not suited to your skin. In such cases, it is advisable to speak to your doctor immediately.

On the other hand, shampoos often contain harsh detergents that can make hair rough, brittle, and frizzy when overused or if the wrong product is chosen. Additionally, the detergent can cause irritation and redness if it goes into your eyes.

So Are Hair Cleansers and Shampoos the Same?

Hair cleansers and shampoos are fundamentally designed to clean your hair, but they are not the same in terms of formulation and impact on your hair and scalp.

Hair cleansers are milder and are crafted to wash your hair gently without stripping off the natural oils which are crucial for maintaining healthy hair. This gentler approach helps manage hair that is dry, damaged, or naturally frizzy, making it ideal for those with sensitive scalps or those who do not get excessively dirty in their daily routines.

Cleansers provide a cleaning solution that maintains the essential moisture balance, often eliminating the need for additional conditioning products.

On the other hand, shampoos typically contain harsher detergents (sulphates) designed to remove all traces of dirt, oil, and product build-up. This aggressive cleaning can sometimes strip too much, leading to a cycle of overproduction of oils by the scalp.

Shampoos are better suited for those who have very oily scalps or get their hair dirty quickly and need a thorough clean. However, for daily or very frequent use, especially in less demanding conditions, a hair cleanser might be the more suitable option, helping to keep the hair clean and healthy without the harsh effects associated with some shampoos.

Hair Cleanser or Shampoo – Which Is Better?

Choosing between a hair cleanser and shampoo often depends on your hair type, texture, and specific hair concerns. While hair cleansers are great for those with dry, damaged, or chemically-treated hair, providing necessary moisturization without harsh effects, they may not be sufficient for those with oily scalps or heavy product buildup.

In contrast, shampoos provide more thorough cleansing but can strip away essential oils, especially when used frequently or on delicate, frizzy hair. The choice is highly subjective and should be tailored to your personal hair quality, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

FAQs

Is a Hair Cleanser the Same as Shampoo?

While hair cleansers perform the same job as shampoo, they are typically milder, don’t contain sulfates, and don’t strip as much necessary oil from the hair and scalp. This makes them a gentler alternative, especially beneficial for maintaining the natural health of your hair.

How do you use hair cleanser?

To use a hair cleanser, take two to three pumps of the product onto your palms and apply it evenly across your scalp and hair.

Is the Ordinary Hair Cleanser a Shampoo?

The Ordinary Sulphate 4% Cleanser functions as both a shampoo-come-body-wash, utilizing a mild formula that works with the hair and skin’s natural barriers to free build-up while retaining natural moisture.

Can shampoo be used as a cleanser?

No shampoo can not be used as a hair cleanser as shampoo contains a harsh chemical that strips off natural oils from the scalp so it is not recommended to use it as cleanser