2 in 1 vs. Separate

People often ask me, "What's wrong with using 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner? It's half the price of buying shampoo and conditioner separately, and it takes half the time in the shower."

My reply: "You're only getting half the effect, and your hair is only half as soft as it could be."

When you wash your hair, this is what's supposed to happen:

1. The shampoo cleans all the oil/residue/product out of your hair, leaving it clear and bare.

2. The conditioner is then put in and left for a few minutes to soak into the hair, adding moisture and revitalizing it.

But if you use a 2 in 1, you're only getting step 1. The conditioner never has a chance to work because it never touches the clean, bare hair and is instead rinsed out with the shampoo.

Shampooing and conditioning is like putting on moisturizing lotion after washing your hands. You don't want your moisturizer in your soap because then you just end up rinsing it off.

Now for some product placement:

Shampoo and conditioner can range in price from $5 to $60, and probably higher. This is where I tell you that $5 shampoos and conditioners are all you really need. My personal favourite is Pantene's texturizing line:

At $5 a bottle (less on sale), this stuff is a fantastic value. Better yet, it actually gives your hair more texture by adding some volume as well as strong body that increases the hair's ability to hold its shape. Highly recommended for all hair types and lengths.