SHOWER GEL VS SHAMPOO - REASONS WHY SHAMPOO IS THE RIGHT CHOICE EVERY TIME

In a rush? Trying to save space? The impulse to grab the nearest bottle in the shower, be it your all-in-one or a simple shower gel and use it on your hair is understandable. But when it comes to the health and appearance of your hair and scalp, that shortcut is in fact a long-term problem as using the wrong product on your hair can lead to dryness, buildup and even irritation.  In this guide, we will explore why shampoo is the right choice for your hair every time and why it's worth keeping a separate bottle in your shower routine. 

Shower Gel vs Shampoo - What Exactly is the Difference? 

The skin on your body and the surface of your scalp and hair are chemically and structurally distinct, which means that the cleansers used for each area must be different. A shower gel is best for the skin's surface, which requires a strong cleansing action. Shampoos are, however, formulated for the more specific needs of the hair structure and the protective layer of the scalp.

Here is a quick overview on how they differ.

Reasons to Choose Shampoo Over Shower Gel

Hair Needs Conditioning That Shower Gel Doesn't Deliver

The goal of a shower gel is to effectively rinse off any dirt, sweat, excess oil and pollutants accumulated on the skin, while shampoos should aim to cleanse but also deposit beneficial ingredients onto the hair.

Shower gels do not contain the specialised conditioning agents that shampoos do. This means they leave your hair unconditioned and difficult to manage, and if you have longer hair or a beard, using shower gel will result in more knots, more friction when brushing and styling, which could cause damage. 

Shampoos are formulated with ingredients that smooth the hair cuticle, reduce static, improve manageability and prevent the kind of damage that leads to split ends and a lacklustre appearance.

The pH Levels Imbalance Leads to Damage and Frizz

The most important difference between shampoo and shower gel is the pH level. Most shower gels are formulated with a pH higher than what is ideal for your hair, and when you use a higher-pH product on your hair, the slightly alkaline properties cause the hair's outer layer, the cuticle, to lift up and open. This exposes the inner structure of the hair, making it prone to moisture loss, tangling and a dry, brittle texture, causing dullness, frizz and increased breakage over time.

A shampoo is pH-balanced to maintain the natural acidity of your hair and scalp, keeping the cuticle flat, the hair strong, and your hair looking naturally healthy.

The Risk of Stripping Your Scalp's Protective Barrier

The stronger surfactants (cleansing chemicals) in many shower gels are great at cutting through the grime and excess sweat on your body.

However, using these same strong agents on your scalp is excessive, as your scalp relies on a specific amount of natural oil (sebum) to stay moisturised, protected and balanced. Shower gels will aggressively strip away too much of this oil, leading to a dry, irritated and itchy scalp. This constant irritation can even contribute to flakiness and worsen any existing dandruff issues.

Shampoos use a blend of milder cleansers that effectively remove excess oil and product buildup without completely stripping the necessary, protective barrier of your scalp.

The Essential Upgrade - Barbology London Hair & Beard Shampoo

It's time to elevate your daily routine with a formula designed precisely for these unique needs.  The Barbology Hair and Beard Shampoo offers the specialised care your facial hair and scalp need in a 2 in 1 formula. This multipurpose cleanser is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients and essential oils to ensure that your skin and facial hair is soft, manageable and free from frizz and breakage. The formula is also free from soap, parabens and colourants, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin and scalp types. Switch to Barbology London today for an innovative, simple and high-quality routine that works!