How Do Hair Cleansers and Shampoos Differ?

You may have heard the buzz about hair cleanser on social media, but is it a new holy grail or just overly hyped? After all, there are so many products with similar names, it can get a bit confusing whether hair cleansers are a hair care product worth picking up. What’s a necessity, and what’s simply a new marketing tactic? Well, if you’re curious about hair cleanser and how it differs from shampoo, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’re sharing the truth about hair cleanser, what it does, and what makes it stand apart from the shampoo in your shower. Plus, we’ll also dive into the differences between hair cleanser and cleansing conditioner. Ready for your latest hair care lesson? Let’s get to it!

WHAT IS A HAIR CLEANSER?

You’re probably wondering, what is a hair cleanser in the first place? Well, this hair care product is an alternative to shampoo. The goal is essentially the same: to clean your strands and leave you with a healthy-looking, beautiful mane. That said, there are some key differences that set hair cleanser and shampoo apart, which we’ll detail below.

HAIR CLEANSER VS. SHAMPOO: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

While the end goal of hair cleansers and shampoo are the same, the major difference is their formula. Hair cleansers generally have a gentler, sulfate-free formula that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. This is particularly ideal for those with color-treated strands, dry hair, or damaged hair.

HAIR CLEANSER VS. CLEANSING CONDITIONER: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

So, what about cleansing conditioner? While the names might be similar, the products stand on their own. The primary purpose of hair cleanser is to provide a gentler option for washing your hair, whereas cleansing conditioner (aka co-wash) takes care of cleansing, conditioning, and detangling all in one (we know—it almost seems too good to be true)! If you want to add a co-wash to your hair care regimen, look no further than the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Cleansing Balm.

WHO SHOULD USE A HAIR CLEANSER?

We touched on this above, but let’s talk a bit more about who should consider using a hair cleanser in place of their shampoo. Hair cleansers are great for those who have fragile hair that could use a little extra moisture since they don’t strip the hair of its natural oils. This means those with fine, curly, and bleached strands, in particular, can benefit from using a hair cleanser as a shampoo alternative.

SHOULD YOU USE A HAIR CLEANSER DAILY?

While hair cleansers essentially have the same goal as shampoo, their gentle formulas aren’t quite as effective at getting hair completely clean. So, when it comes to hair cleanser and shampoo, you shouldn’t be swapping one for the other completely. Rather than using a hair cleanser daily, consider using one every other wash, alternating with traditional shampoo, to ensure your strands are thoroughly cleansed without over-stripping your mane.

When you do reach for regular shampoo, you can still opt for moisturizing, sulfate-free formulas. We love the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.

HOW TO USE A HAIR CLEANSER

If you want to add a hair cleanser to your hair care routine, follow the steps below.

STEP #1. LATHER UP

Hop in the shower and wet your hair with lukewarm water. Then, apply a small amount of hair cleanser to your strands, working it throughout your mane in circular motions just as you would shampoo. Rinse thoroughly.

STEP #2. CONDITION

Next, you’ll want to reach for conditioner formulated for your hair type. Apply it from your mid-lengths to ends, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse.

STEP #3. DETANGLE

After hopping out of the shower, you want to continue to be gentle with your strands. Since your hair is in its most fragile state when wet, use a hair detangler and wide-tooth comb to get any knots out. Try the L’Oréal Kids Burst of Sweet Pear Tangle Tamer for All Hair Types for a bit of nostalgia. Then, go about your styling routine. Bonus points if you let your hair air dry!

Next up: Want to fill yourself in on other hair products you may not be familiar with? Check out our articles, What Is Hair Primer? and What Is Toning Shampoo?