Have you ever had a bottle of shampoo that was almost so empty that it wouldn’t be enough for one last wash? Or maybe you have two shampoos with different effects and want to mix them.
Whatever the case, you’ll need to know if it’s okay to mix different shampoos together.
You can mix different shampoos together. The chemicals in most shampoos are very similar, so mixing them shouldn’t cause any health issues. However, to ensure the mixing doesn’t cause any hair issues, examine the mixture closely before applying it to check for irregularities.
If you’d like to learn more about the effects of mixing two different shampoos together, you can have on your hair.
Table of Contents
Should You Mix Different Shampoos Together?
According to Allure, mixing shampoo together isn’t like other types of products that could really have a bad reaction when mixed with one another.
Mixing two products together won’t provide any extra benefits, but it might be a way to benefit both products simultaneously.
Although many shampoos have the same components, things can be different since many types are available on the market.
Since you are mixing chemicals and putting them on top of your head, it’s better to be safe and avoid a bad reaction, which could lead to a dry scalp or even damage it.
Every shampoo is different; therefore, the reaction will depend on the types of shampoo that are being mixed together. Some might actually not clash well with each other at all.
So, as a safety precaution, before you attempt to put a mixture on your head, it’s better to test it first.
To do this, make sure you test mixing it beforehand in a small plate or a cup to see how the products react with each other.
Look for any sign that might tell you something’s wrong. Examples include clumping or a change in color. If something looks off, don’t risk it and don’t use it.
Also, keep in mind that products have expiration dates, and mixing a product that’s nearly expired with a new product won’t renew its expiration date.
If it’s close to expiring, it’s better not to mess with it and possibly ruin a perfectly good hair product by combining the two.
Below will discuss a few ways to avoid having to mix shampoo together.
Alternatives To Mixing Different Shampoos
If you prefer to avoid shampoo mixing, here are some suggestions on getting the last drops from a bottle and some 2-in-1 shampoo recommendations, which are the most common reasons people mix shampoos.
Getting The Last Few Drops
One way to get rid of the shampoo at the bottom of the bottle is to mix it with some water, and it’ll be diluted enough to the point that you won’t have to make such a big effort trying to squeeze it out.
This way, you can avoid any possible mixture of chemicals, and you avoid wasting those last few drops of shampoo using it one last time.
Just don’t do this if you’re planning to keep that bottle around for another time, as adding water to a hair product can cause bacteria to form.
Two-in-One Products
People are so different that no matter how hard companies try, it’s still too hard to make a product that is adequate for everyone. Every person will have a different hair type, and some products will work, and some won’t.
It’s not uncommon to wish that you could have your two favorite hair products mixed into one. Thankfully, there are a few options on the market that might be perfect for you.
The most common are shampoos made for dandruff or hair loss mixed with other properties that will give it other benefits. Regardless, here are some two-in-one products that might be of interest to you:
Head and Shoulders Instant Oil Control Dandruff Shampoo
If you’re looking for a shampoo that can do two things at once, the Head and Shoulders Instant Oil Control Dandruff Shampoo are great for those that have oily hair and want to deal with a dry and itchy scalp as well. It also contains pyrithione zinc, which can effectively get rid of dandruff.
Maple Holistics Degrease Moisture Control Shampoo
Maple Holistics Degrease Moisture Control Shampoo is made with natural products. Its formula doesn’t contain sulfate or paraben, so it is perfect for those with a more sensitive scalp and color-treated hair.
This product is suitable for oily hair, and it’ll help you deal with hair loss and provides dandruff treatment as well. It could actually be considered a three-in-one product.
Biotin Shampoo Set for Hair Growth and Volume
Biotin Shampoo Set for Hair Growth and Volume is a great option if you’re looking for a hair loss shampoo that will prevent dandruff and thinning hair by promoting hair thickening. It targets roots and deals with dandruff and sensitive scalps.
Dove Men+Care, Dermacare Two-in-One Shampoo & Conditioner
Dove Men+Care, Dermacare Two-in-One Shampoo & Conditioner is a great product for men who are looking for a fortifying anti-dandruff shampoo that works as a conditioner as well. It provides defense against dandruff by strengthening the scalp’s natural barrier.
Hair Products That You Shouldn’t Mix
The shampoo is mostly okay to mix together, but you definitely should definitely not mix together a few products.
According to the cosmetic chemists that write for The Beauty Brains, there are some products that, when mixed together, can lead to dangerous results.
Either because they lack compatibility or they will react badly with the other product.
You should never mix any of these products with each other: relaxers, perms, permanent hair colors, semi-permanent hair colors, and bleach.
But how about shampoo and conditioner? Is it okay to mix those?
Mixing shampoo and conditioner won’t give you a bad reaction. However, it is not recommended due to the fact that they aren’t made to be combined. This is because the shampoo is made to wash out dirt and oil from your hair.
Whereas a conditioner is made to replace the oil, leaving your hair soft and moisturized. They will essentially cancel each other out and lose their purpose.
If you’re considering mixing shampoo and condition together, you’re better off using the two-in-one formula, which is a weaker shampoo with conditioning elements.
There are certain products that are mostly made out of the water, and others that are primarily oily substances with barely any water in them. These types most likely won’t mix.
So, make sure you check the ingredients list on your products’ container to know if they’ll work well combined.
Conclusion
Generally, it is okay to mix two different shampoos together, but it’s important to keep in mind that some might react badly with each other, so it’s always better to be safe and test two small samples together before applying it on your head.
There are also alternatives, such as adding water to a nearly finished bottle and buying two-in-one products, this, of course, if you prefer to avoid mixing shampoos.
Here’s a quick recap of the post:
- Mixing a shampoo and conditioner often causes separation, which means they won’t blend together very well.
- Consider getting a premade 2-in-1 (conditioner and shampoo) from the store.
- If you’re trying to get the most out of your shampoo, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up.
- Never try to mix hair dyes or other chemical-packed haircare products since it can alter the performance.
