2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner Vs Separate [Which is Better and Why]
Imagine getting out of the shower every day with clean and soft hair without spending more than five minutes. Imagine skipping an entire step from your hair care routine yet showing off beautiful and hydrated locks.
With 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, this is not an imagination anymore. 2 in 1 shampoo took the market by storm when they were first introduced in the 1980s.
We still find ourselves reaching out to the 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner bottles instead of picking regular shampoo with separate conditioners.
2 in 1 shampoo and conditioners are easy on our pockets, saves time and make extra space on our shelves. But can a 2 in 1 shampoo truly replace a regular shampoo?
Are you planning to give 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner a try? Then we are here with a detailed guide to inform you everything you need to know about 2 in 1 shampoo vs. separate.
2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner Vs Separate [Key Differences]
Regular shampoo and 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner utilize basically the same formula to clean dirt and sweat from scalp and hair. However, 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner uses an additional special technology for conditioning that sets it apart.
A 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner consists of two main ingredients to provide the benefits of both shampoo and conditioner.
It’s a silicone and a suspending agent. The ingredient used for conditioning is usually a silicone called Dimethicone. A suspending agent called Glycol distearate is used to “hold” the silicone. It prevents the silicones from separating out of the formula until it is not mixed with water.
Without a suspending agent, the silicone will just fall apart and get accumulated at the bottom of the shampoo bottle.
The suspending agent is responsible for keeping the silicone mixed in the shampoo bottle and separate only when you put the shampoo on your wet hair. The silicones separate when it comes in contact with water and leaves your hair conditioned and nourished.
As mentioned, the formulas of both the shampoos are similar. The only differentiating factor is a conditioning agent in the 2 in 1s. Both the shampoos work well to give you clean hair and scalp.
As we all know, different shampoos show different results on different hair types. Some regular shampoos cleanse so thoroughly that they strip your hair away from the natural oils and shine. This leaves your hair brittle, dry and more prone to hair fall.
Some hair types are unable to withstand the cleansing procedure even if the regular shampoo is mild. As a result, hair gets dehydrated and loses its moisture.
The added conditioning agent of a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner moisturizes and cleanses your hair simultaneously. It doesn’t strip off your scalp’s natural oils. It protects your hair from dryness and gives you shiny and manageable hair.
Is it better to use 2 in 1 Shampoo Conditioner or Separate?
There are a lot of things to consider before choosing the one between 2 in 1 shampoo conditioner and separate. A 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner must be your ideal choice over separate if you fall into any of the below-mentioned categories.
1. You want to keep your hair smooth and hydrated
Regular shampoos make your hair dry with all the extra cleansing. A 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner makes your hair softer than it was before shampooing. It keeps your locks nourished and maintains a healthy mane.
2. You want to save some extra bucks
Undoubtedly, a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner is a budget-friendly option. It saves the expenses required to buy two separate bottles of regular shampoo and conditioner.
The best part is that most of the 2 in 1 shampoo comes in the same price range as regular shampoos.
3. You are always on the go
Do you always find yourself running out of time? Are you planning for a vacation or packing for a business trip? Then a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner is your ideal choice as it saves the extra time required for completing the two steps of shampooing and then conditioning.
It also makes some extra space on shelves and your gym bag when you are about to hit the gym.
With this shampoo, there is no need to carry two separate bottles of shampoo and conditioner anymore. You can finally say goodbye to the long minutes you spend in the gym shower.
However, there’s one downside you need to consider before choosing between 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner vs. separate –
Drawbacks of 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
The continuous use of a 2 in 1 shampoo can result in product build-up on your scalp and hair. The silicone used in such shampoos is primarily Dimethicone. It is heavy and causes product build-up. This can weigh down your hair and make your scalp itchy.
Product build-up can be avoided by being mindful of the shampoo ingredients list. You can find plenty of 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner that are devoid of Dimethicone.
Another way to prevent build-up is to use a silicone-free clarifying shampoo once in a while. Use this shampoo once a month or whenever you feel product build-up on your scalp and hair.
How often should you use 2 in 1 Shampoo Conditioner?
As mentioned, overusing 2 in 1 shampoo conditioners can result in product build-up. Yes, using a silicone free clarifying shampoo and a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner which doesn’t have Dimethicone in the ingredients list can save you from the mess.
But it’s still advised to limit the days when you use 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner. Make it a point of using the shampoo every alternative day instead of using it daily.
You can limit the days even further if you have thin and curly hair. In this case, don’t use the shampoo more than twice a week.
Can you use a 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner every day?
Product build-up makes your hair look dull and lifeless. It mainly happens due to the silicones present in your hair gels and serums and not due to the silicones present in a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner.
Yet, using such shampoos every day can add up to the product build-up and worsen the situation. This shampoo is best for those whose hair doesn’t require much maintenance.
It is still not advised to use this shampoo every day as it is the same with all the other types of shampoos. Shampooing your hair every day can do more harm than good by making your hair brittle and weak.
Top 3 Recommended 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioners
1. Aveeno Scalp Soothing Fresh Greens Blend 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner
This 2 in 1 blend shampoo has oat as its first ingredient and is also infused with rosemary, peppermint and cucumber to clarify, smoothen and thicken your hair.
Its formula is meant to soothe your scalp and add moisture to your hair shafts which is the perfect formula for thick and healthy hair.
The best thing about this shampoo is that it is free of sulfates and parabens. It is also free of dyes which make it a perfect fit for color-treated hair.
The 2 in 1 formula is a farm-to-shower inspired product. It is extremely soothing due to its cooling freshness and mild refreshing fragrance.
The blend of peppermint and cucumber gives you a refreshing shampoo experience every time you use the product.
The shampoo suits all hair types. The ingredient list is impressive and promises to soothe and strengthen your hair from roots to tips. This paraben-free shampoo also works as a volumizing shampoo giving you beautiful and voluminous hair.
2. Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner
Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean is an all-in -one shampoo plus conditioner formula meant to suit every hair type. This drugstore shampoo from Pantene gently nourishes and moisturizes your hair with its Pro-V Vitamin B-5 complex.
The Pro-V Vitamin B-5 complex formula makes hair stronger by fighting against protein loss. The ingredient transforms your hair from dull and weak to healthy and shiny.
The best thing about this budget friendly shampoo is that it cares and nurtures even curly and coily hair types. These hair types need extra care and hydration.
This shampoo makes it easier to have manageable and shiny hair without worrying much about dryness and hair breakage.
The shampoo is obviously easier on your pockets. You get a value pack containing two bottles of 25.4 ounces of this shampoo plus conditioner which goes a long way and saves some extra space on your shelves.
3. Cremo Barber Grade Juniper & Eucalyptus 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
Get your hands on this shampoo if you want to skip a step from your hair care routine without skipping perfectly clean and smooth hair with a sophisticated scent.
The best thing about this shampoo is its various ranges of different scents. It’s best for those who like their well-nourished hair to have some luxurious fragrance.
The shampoo has some refreshing uncommon scents like sage and citrus, juniper and eucalyptus, bourbon and oak, blue cedar and cypress, bourbon vanilla and fresh citrus.
This 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner makes washing your hair simple and refreshing. It requires you just a single step to get beautiful, clean, moisturized and scented hair.
The 32-ounce bottle looks attractive and is a must-have to add beauty to any shower. The quantity also ensures it’s going to last a long time.
Final Words:
A 2 in 1 shampoo is the best choice for those who want to cleanse and condition their hair in a go. It also suits well to dry hair types and enriches the hair with shine and nourishment.
However, those who want to be in control of how much conditioner goes in their hair can choose to select a regular shampoo and conditioner separately.
You can also add extra conditioner to your hair after washing it with 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner. A 2-in-shampoo is the most convenient option if you are traveling or want to save some time from a day.
