Recently, more and more women are abandoning expensive hair washing products. But the fact is that they contain many aggressive chemicals that cause various diseases of the scalp and lead to Modern shampoos, which are praised in advertising as a panacea for all problems, often do not have the desired effect. Therefore, many women are looking for a safe replacement for them. And more and more often they ask the question: is it possible to wash your hair with laundry soap? And there is still no clear answer to it. To understand why, you need to figure out whether such a replacement is needed for modern shampoos?
Harm to hair cosmetics
Almost all shampoos currently on sale contain large amounts of sulfates. They are added so that they foam better and dissolve dirt and grease. This is convenient for both producers and consumers: they are inexpensive and easy to use. But such products cause great harm to the hair and scalp. Sulfates have the ability to penetrate the blood and accumulate in the body, causing cancer and other diseases. After using shampoos, hair can become either too oily, or dry and split, begin to fall out and dandruff appears. But in addition to sulfates, most modern detergents add many preservatives, fragrances and dyes. And the natural plant extracts promised in advertising most often turn out to be synthetic. Therefore, allergic reactions, itching and dandruff appear more and more often after using shampoos. And people who are faced with such problems wonder whether it is possible to wash their hair with laundry soap?
The secret of our grandmothers' healthy hair
Proponents of giving up shampoos argue that 20-30 years ago there was not a wide variety of hair care products, and our grandmothers did not complain about such problems and had luxurious hair. And they washed their hair mostly with laundry soap. Of course, healthy nutrition and the environmental situation of that time were also very important. Women hardly used hair dryers, styling products or chemical dyes. But washing your hair with laundry soap also greatly influenced the fact that your hair was healthy and beautiful. To understand why this unattractive detergent was preferred, you need to know what effect it has.
Composition and types of laundry soap
Now we will only talk about the product that is manufactured in accordance with GOST. This bar of soap is usually sold unwrapped and has an unpleasant odor and an unattractive brown color. It does not contain any chemical additives. This laundry soap consists of lauric, palmic and stearic. They occupy from 60 to 72% of its composition, as evidenced by the numbers on the bar itself. They are obtained from natural raw materials of animal origin. In addition, such soap contains a large amount of alkali, which explains its excellent cleansing properties. But it is precisely this quality that is used as an argument by those who say that washing your hair with laundry soap is harmful. But still, this remedy still has many supporters. How can this be explained?
Useful qualities of laundry soap
In fact, this detergent has a number of undoubted advantages:
It has high antibacterial properties, helps in wound healing;
Due to the presence of alkali, laundry soap perfectly washes away any dirt and bleaches the fabric;
The ability to kill viruses allows it to be used to prevent influenza and other diseases;
A soap solution relieves swelling, inflammation and treats minor burns;
Helps with fungal diseases, acne and abscesses;
Using laundry soap to wash your body helps get rid of all skin problems and protects against viral diseases.
Why is it useful to wash your hair with laundry soap?
Due to the presence of a large amount of fat, this soap has a good effect on dry hair. Fatty acids tightly envelop each hair, moisturizing and nourishing them.
It perfectly cleanses any dirt and is even used to lighten poorly colored hair.
Washing your hair with laundry soap will help get rid of hair loss.
To do this, you only need to use it to wash your hair twice a week. Dark soap works best.
After using this natural product, your hair becomes strong and voluminous, easy to style and stops falling out.
It is very effective to wash your hair with laundry soap against dandruff. The procedure should be carried out a couple of times a week, and after rinsing with plain water, it is advisable to rinse your hair with a decoction of string, oregano or burdock.
Expert opinion about laundry soap for hair
Trichologists and cosmetologists are clearly against the use of this product for washing hair. The main argument they use is the presence of a large amount of caustic alkali in laundry soap. They say that it dries out the hair greatly and can lead to dandruff. The level of acid-base balance in it exceeds all permissible standards. Experts believe that if you wash your hair with laundry soap, your hair will become dull and lifeless, it will fall out, dandruff will appear and your skin will itch. If you use this product for a long time, you can completely destroy your hair. The alkali will destroy their protective shell, and they will take on an unkempt appearance, bristling and falling out. From the outside, the head will appear dirty, and a grayish coating will remain on the comb after running it through the hair. But there are many people who use laundry soap to wash their hair for a long time and do not observe such effects. On the contrary, they say that their hair has become healthier. How is it really: is washing your hair with laundry soap beneficial or harmful?
Reviews from people who have tried this product
Among women who have used it at least once, there are two opposing opinions:
1. Those who have suffered from dandruff, hair loss and dryness for a long time consider this remedy a salvation. The following reviews are not uncommon: “I’ve been washing my hair with laundry soap for a long time and I’m not going to use shampoos.” They note that the hair has become strong and healthy, has stopped becoming electrified and falling out, and dandruff and itching have disappeared.
2. There is also an opposite opinion.
Some people, having tried to wash their hair with laundry soap once, write in panic that their hair has become like tow, it is gray and lifeless. It is very difficult to wash off, so the head looks unkempt and dirty, and a gray coating remains on the comb.
Who to believe?
First of all, you need to take into account that people are all different, and what is good for one may be poison for another. It is not advisable to use this soap if your hair is weakened by perm, coloring or styling products. If your hair and scalp are too dry, it can dry them out even more. Another explanation for this phenomenon is that the hair needs to get used to the new product. And positive effects appear only after 3-4 times of using laundry soap. Usually, after the first wash, the hair looks worse and is restored only after a month of use. In addition, for this product to truly benefit your hair, it must be used correctly. After all, those who answer positively to the question whether it is possible to wash your hair with laundry soap do not reveal all the secrets of its use. And in order not to harm your hair, you need to follow several rules.
How to properly wash your hair with laundry soap
1. For washing, you need to take dark soap, on which numbers are stamped indicating the percentage of fat content, it is better if it is 72%. Only it is natural and manufactured according to GOST. Under no circumstances use modern types of laundry soap with additives, bleached or scented, on your head and body.
2. In order not to harm your hair, you need to wash your hair not with soap itself, but with a soap solution. The easiest way to get it is to grate the block on a fine grater and then beat it into a foam. You can also dip a bar of soap in water and lather it for about ten minutes. To wash your hair, use a cloudy yellowish solution with a lot of foam.
3. Lather pre-wet hair well with this solution. It is undesirable to rub the skin intensively, so as not to provoke increased secretion of fat. If you want to get rid of dandruff and other problems, then you need to hold the soap foam on your hair for 5-10 minutes.
4. Laundry soap requires thorough rinsing. Moreover, you need to wash it off first with clean, cool water, and then with acidified water. It is not advisable to use hot water, as it does not wash away the soap solution well. And acidified rinsing water is needed in order to neutralize the effect of alkali.
5. How to prepare rinse water? To do this, you can take a solution of vinegar, preferably apple cider vinegar, or squeeze lemon juice into warm water. To understand whether the acid will harm your hair, you need to try the solution on your tongue - it should be slightly sour. You can also rinse your hair with herbal decoctions: burdock, oregano, chamomile or string.
Each person must find the answer to the question whether it is possible to wash his hair with laundry soap. Whether this will be beneficial or harmful depends only on the condition of the hair.
Have you ever wondered: how much shampoo to apply? How often should you wash your hair? Will the products harm your hair? We asked a trichologist about all this, who dispelled some myths and told us how to properly care for your hair.
dermato-cosmetologist, trainer and leading specialist in hardware rejuvenation techniques, chief physician of the aesthetic medicine clinic L’art de la vie
Don't let your hair get dirty
The head should be washed as the skin becomes dirty. As confirmed by studies conducted by trichologists and dermatologists in different countries, the scalp and hair suffer much more from impurities that accumulate at the base of the hair and are not removed from the head in time. Sebaceous secretions, dust, dirt create a breeding ground for the development of bacteria, do not allow the skin to breathe, hair roots do not receive enough nutrients - all this disrupts the normal functioning of the scalp and slows down hair growth.
Don't be afraid of shampoos
Shampoos that indicate that they are allowed to be used every day are the most neutral, delicate, hypoallergenic and have a non-aggressive composition. Accordingly, they can really be used daily.
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Maintain washing frequency
The frequency of hair washing should be selected individually, taking into account hair type and water quality. If you have an oily hair type, then during a break of 3-4 days, abundant sebaceous secretions will accumulate, which can lead to minor inflammation.
Apply shampoo correctly
The amount of shampoo depends fundamentally on the length of the hair. It is not recommended to pour the product directly onto the head. Firstly, it will be difficult to control its quantity; secondly, an overly concentrated product will reach a limited area. Therefore, you first need to foam the shampoo in your palms, and only then distribute it through your hair.
The correct algorithm for washing your hair
Before you start washing your hair, you need to comb your hair to thoroughly wash it. You need to wash your hair from ear to ear, along the so-called conditional lines, and then move to the back of the head. Movements should be massaging and made with the pads of the fingers, but in no case with nails, so as not to scratch the skin. It is recommended to massage while washing your hair; it is beneficial for the hair roots.
How much shampoo to apply
It all depends on the frequency of washing and the product used. If you have to wash your hair every day, then double soaping is not necessary. For those who wash their hair 2 times a week, it is better to apply shampoo twice. The second time, it is recommended to reduce the amount of shampoo by half.
Water temperature
Many people make a grave mistake and wash their hair with too hot water, which leaches the hair and activates the sebaceous glands. The optimal water temperature for washing hair is 40−50 degrees. It is this temperature regime that promotes good dissolution of sebum, easy removal of dirt, and also improves blood circulation.
Finish washing your hair with cold water
It is advisable to complete the washing procedure with a cool or cold shower, which stimulates blood supply to the scalp and makes the hair shiny.
Mask after washing your hair
The frequency of using masks depends on the condition of the hair, the desired effect, as well as the composition of the nutrient. If your hair is severely damaged and needs extra care, apply the mask every other day. After 8-10 sessions, the result will be clearly visible, and you will be able to use this cosmetic product much less often.
If you plan to apply a mask to your hair for preventive purposes, do it no more than 1-2 times a week. This frequency is considered optimal.
Don't forget the balm
The balm is applied to the hair after washing with shampoo. The balm not only stabilizes the pH level of the hair, but also gives it shine and makes it silkier, since it contains easily reflective elements. The balm also smoothes the outer layer, or cuticle, of the hair, which opens when alkali comes into contact with it - that is, hard water, shampoo, dye or permanent solution.
The balm CAN be applied along the entire length of the hair (some believe that it is needed only for the ends), including the roots, but do not rub it into the scalp. Leave for 5-7 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. When applied to the scalp, there is a possibility that the balm will weigh down the hair and deprive it of root volume.
What to do when you've already washed your hair
Depending on your hair type, it may be necessary to use hair oil or protective spray.
Following the instructions on the label, apply a drop of oil to dry or damp hair, depending on how your hair reacts to the oil. Use a very small amount of oil so that your hair does not look greasy or wet.
You need to know that the effect of essential oils on damaged hair is more effective when it is wet. Therefore, if you usually use oil on dry hair, wet it with water and then apply the oil to achieve the desired effect.
Always use thermal protection
As for the protective spray, it must be used if the hair needs constant styling with a hairdryer or other devices. Hair is vulnerable to heat, as it consists of a solid protein, keratin. When exposed to temperatures, the smoothed scales of the cuticle (the upper protective layer of the hair) rise, opening the cortex. The keratin softens and the water evaporates. When hot styling, especially on damp hair, the moisture evaporates and the grease is broken down. Hair breaks, becomes dull and brittle.
It is important to note that thermal protective sprays usually contain natural proteins, vitamins E and B5, as well as extracts of medicinal plants. Thanks to these components, the hair is not only neutralized from thermal effects, but also acquires additional volume, which makes the hairstyle even more impressive.
The most common (and saddest - considering the time and money spent) problem that we encounter after dyeing is not irritated scalp or split ends, but a dull, dull color. Creative partner of L’Oréal Professionnel Alexey Nagorsky told me how to care for dyed hair so that after 10 days you don’t have to regret going to the salon. We asked him the 5 most important questions regarding color protection and received comprehensive answers.
Why does paint wash out so quickly?
Dyeing is a chemical process when the natural pigment in the hair structure is replaced by an artificial one. Dye cannot remain on the hair indefinitely: it is constantly exposed to too strong mechanical stress, which is why the artificial particles gradually “fall off”, leaving it without pigment.
The base on which the dye is applied and the condition of the hair are the primary things to pay attention to before dyeing.
The dye holds the worst on porous and/or damaged hair, since its scales are open and there is simply nowhere for the pigment to linger. On healthy (and even more so pristinely free from chemical experiments) hair, it will last longer ( read also: “Princesses also have hair problems (we learn from their mistakes)”). The preservation of color also depends on the complementarity of the natural shade and the shade of the paint. If your hair is dark brown, and you dyed it chocolate, then with proper care you can maintain the color until the next scheduled coloring (3-4 weeks). With drastic changes ─ moving from a dark base to a light one and vice versa ─ maintaining the result is much more difficult.
Does the life of a color depend on the cost of the paint?
Yes, but maybe not in the way you thought. Dyes for home use are actually more durable than professional dyes. Salon dyes, even very persistent ones, contain less pigment than ordinary “home” dyes: it means that the hairdresser-stylist collects the color from several shades of dye, rather than dyeing the hair along the entire length and depth with one color. Generally speaking, golden and brown shades last best on hair, while red, red and cold blonde have a lower level of durability.
Definitely not. Products for colored hair really preserve color: they contain water-soluble silicones that envelop the hair and prevent the pigment from leaving it quickly. It is good to use sulfate-free shampoos, which gently cleanse the hair while minimally washing out the artificial pigment.
Well, the most important rule is to use a range to maintain hair of the same brand as the dye (it doesn’t matter what kind of dye it was - professional or homemade). Manufacturers, when creating products, monitor the recipe and combination of components in the dye and additional line. You cannot maintain professional coloring at a good level with shampoos and masks from the mass market ─ you will quickly be disappointed and, as a result, will blame the stylist.
What care products should those who regularly dye their hair have at home?
Shampoo for colored hair - use with every wash;
Mask – 1-2 times a week;
Conditioner or any rinse-off treatment - every time you wash your hair (but not on the day of using the mask);
Leave-in care - after every hair wash;
Thermal protection – before blow-drying and using stylers.
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Kerastase, Blond Absolu, Ultra-Violet mask, nourishing purple mask, neutralizing yellow undertones
L"Oreal Elseve, laminating shampoo
Kerastase, Chromatique milk, created to protect colored or highlighted hair
It is ideal when this must-have is supplemented with special tint products: their pigments fill the voids formed after the color is washed out with a similar dye and help to last relatively painlessly for up to 1.5 months after dyeing.
How to properly care for colored hair?
Subsequent care after dyeing is of great importance for preserving the color. All hair restoration products reduce the level of durability of the dye, so there is no need to restore your hair immediately after “fresh” dyeing (even if they require it, you need to wait a little). For all types of coloring, nourishing and moisturizing lines are suitable, but do not restore hair quality.
Washing your hair is an essential part of your daily routine, but many of us do it incorrectly. Do you know how much shampoo to apply, what conditioner to use, what frequency of washing is optimal for your hair? Professional trichologists dispel existing myths, explaining exactly what kind of care our curls need. Let's look at how to wash your hair properly.
No matter how paradoxical it may sound, washing your hair is, first of all, aimed not at maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the strands, but at maintaining their health. It is in vain to believe that the less often you resort to this procedure, the more beautiful and healthy your curls will be. Since not only the strands, but also the scalp itself needs regular cleansing and care.
Every day, the epidermis layer secretes about 2 grams of sebum, if we add to this figure the plaque from the use of sprays, mousses and hairsprays, then we will get a very impressive plaque on the head. You should not ignore external factors - pollutants and dust settle on your skin and curls every day.
The result is “fatigue” of the hair, its limp appearance, split ends, and thinning strands. Without proper care, curls look lifeless and sluggish, they become unruly, and increased hair loss begins. All this can be avoided if you know how to wash your hair correctly.
6 golden rules for effective hair care
Deciding on the frequency
It is necessary to wash your curls as often as the condition of your hair requires. If you wash your curls too often, you risk washing off even the minimum amount of lipids from your skin, which is necessary to nourish your curls. This can also lead to the formation of a magnifying glass. The excessively chemical composition of shampoos is also alarming and makes you think.
If you resort to using the procedure too rarely, then you risk clogging the pores of the scalp, “thanks to” which the balanced nutrition of the curls will be disrupted, which will lead to the development of various problems.
- hair type;
- time of year;
- necessary nutrition of the epidermis of the head;
- condition of curls and their length;
- type and composition of shampoos, use of additional care and styling products.
Drawing conclusions
Emphasis on shampoo
Photo: Washing hair with shampoo How to properly wash your hair with shampoo? Proper care depends on your hair type. Therefore, tirichologists recommend choosing shampoo based on this. Modern care products are divided into the following types: for oily, dry, normal strands, anti-magnification products, shampoos for strengthening strands, for colored curls.
As a rule, manufacturers indicate the purpose of the shampoo on its packaging, so there are no problems with choosing the right care product. It is recommended to make purchases in trusted places (pharmacies, large sales offices). Otherwise, you risk purchasing a fake that will clearly not improve the appearance of your curls or their health.
An important aspect is the composition of the chosen product. The fewer chemical elements it contains, the better and safer the shampoo is. It is not recommended to choose universal products that are both shampoo and conditioner at the same time. Since the effects of these products cannot be combined, otherwise the curls and scalp will not receive either high-quality cleansing or proper hydration.
Trichologists advise changing shampoo regularly. No matter how good the product is, the epidermis of the head gets used to it, and the former effect becomes impossible. You can try other brands every now and then for a couple of weeks, after which you can go back to your favorite skincare line.
Photo: Washing your hair with shampoo Shampoo analogues
A more natural and useful care product can be considered homemade shampoos. To create it you need the following components:
- eggs;
- lemon juice;
- olive oil;
- warm water.
Mix the above ingredients until smooth. We use the resulting mixture as shampoo - apply to hair and rinse after a couple of minutes.
Some ladies prefer to care for their curls with soap. To do this, you should choose household and children's models. Although they also have a high alkali content.
Photo: Washing hair with soap Adherents of this method are confident that this method of washing makes the curls softer, more manageable and silky. Use soap that has been previously grated and mixed with warm water. Thus, we obtain a soap solution. Rinse off the soapy shampoo very carefully, otherwise the curls may stick together and become covered with a greasy coating. The optimal end to the soap washing procedure is to rinse the strands with water and lemon juice.
Additional care
Proper care of strands is impossible to imagine without the use of balms and conditioners. They help smooth out the scales of curls, normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and make curls softer and more manageable. The following tools should also be used:
- rinse aids;
- cream;
- sprays;
- masks.
All of them are used after washing your hair. Some types do not need to be washed off. They are applied to dried strands.
Water – does it affect the health of curls?
Many girls desperately monitor the quality of shampoos, conditioners and styling products, but completely forget about the water with which we wash our curls. Tap water is extremely dangerous because it contains high concentrations of chlorine.
Trichologists recommend choosing boiled, bottled or filtered water, which has a soft composition and has a beneficial effect on the external condition of the strands. If you do use tap water, add herbal decoctions or a small amount of soda to it.
These components neutralize some harmful substances. Pay attention to the temperature of the water used. The best option is a temperature of 40-50 degrees. If you have oily skin type, you can choose cooler water.
Photo: Washing hair with water How to wash your hair correctly - an effective technique:
- prepare the necessary care products and a couple of towels for the procedure;
- Before washing, comb your strands well, this will allow you to cleanse your hair more efficiently and remove dead scales;
- set the correct water pressure at the recommended temperature;
- wet your hair evenly over the entire length;
- squeeze out the shampoo and rub it in your palms;
- Apply the product to the roots, smoothly distributing it over the entire length, use massage movements;
- regular shampoo should be washed off immediately; if the product is specialized for “restoration”, then leave the shampoo on the strands for several minutes;
- Rinse off the product well, giving it a few minutes;
- repeat the washing procedure - this will help eliminate contamination completely, and will also have a beneficial effect on the appearance of your hair;
- When using a balm, apply the product to already washed columns, wait the specified time and rinse.
When washing your hair, you can use additional techniques that will improve blood circulation in the epidermis. The most common option is a massage in the form of stroking (carried out with the fingertips). No less effective are the techniques of rubbing (circular movements with your fingertips), pulling (grab thin strands between your fingers and gently pull them up), and tapping (lightly tapping your fingers on the scalp).
Actions after washing your hair
It is necessary to comb the strands, but doing this on wet curls is strictly prohibited. Under the weight of water, they easily fall out and break. For combing, choose smooth combs rather than combs. The best option is a wooden comb, which bends easily and does not scratch the epidermis of the head.
Natural bristle brushes are an acceptable option. Their use is recommended for increased hair loss. Please note that combs can also collect oil and dirt, transferring them to the curls after washing. Therefore, clean them from time to time with an alcohol solution.
Long strands should be combed from the ends, gradually moving to the roots. If you have short hair, the pattern of movement of the comb will be reversed - from roots to ends. If during washing the curls become too tangled, then you first need to divide them into small strands and start combing from the periphery to the center.
Next comes the issue of drying your hair. Let the strands dry naturally or use terry towels to speed up the process. To do this, take a high-quality towel, pre-heated on radiators. Wrap it around your curls, tilting your head down, and start rubbing. The towel will absorb excess moisture and allow your hair to dry much faster.
A hairdryer should only be used in emergency cases, as thermal exposure damages the strands; they become dry and easily damaged. The best option is to use a hairdryer on a cold setting. You should also use various oils and sprays that will protect your hair from exposure to temperatures.
How to train your hair to wash less often:
- use shampoos for dry curls;
- try to touch your curls less, as you leave lipid deposits and dust on their surface;
- comb your hair regularly, especially before bed;
- thoroughly rinse off shampoo and other care products;
- use high-quality products, preferably with a professional twist;
- in your free time, collect your strands in a ponytail - this way less dust and dirt gets on them;
- Keep the use of restraints to a minimum.
