In the evolving world of personal grooming, the search for the perfect haircare product is ceaseless. The era of conventional shampoos and conditioners seems to be witnessing a substantial paradigm shift, with innovative solutions like New Wash coming to the fore.
This breakthrough product, however, has its share of supporters and detractors. Let’s delve into what New Wash is, its pros and cons, and 10 other alternatives you might consider.
The Pros and Cons of Using New Wash
Pros
- Gentler on hair and scalp without harsh detergents
- Intended to retain moisture and allow hair to remain in better condition
- Easier, faster routines by consolidating shampoo + conditioner into one step
- Less risk of skin irritation or reactions compared to shampoos
- More natural botanical ingredients rather than synthetic chemicals
- Lower environmental impact with recyclable packaging
- Travel-friendly bottles that reduce luggage space needed
Potential Cons
- May not sufficiently cleanse oily or product-heavy hair
- Fewer suds compared to the satisfying lather shampoo creates
- Possible transition phase as hair adapts to gentler cleansing
- Higher initial cost per ounce compared to drugstore shampoos
- Bottle packaging may still end up as waste if not recycled
- Exclusive online purchasing, no in-store options to feel/smell product
The ideal user of New Wash enjoys the idea of a simplified routine using more natural ingredients. However, those with very oily hair or who enjoy abundant lather may find it less satisfying. Consulting reviews can help determine if it meets your hair needs and preferences.
10 Alternatives To New Wash Shampoo
If you’re intrigued by the idea of a shampoo alternative but aren’t sold on New Wash, here are 10 other options you might consider:
Aveda Sap Moss Shampoo and Conditioner
Pros:
- Hydrating: The Sap Moss range is designed to infuse your hair with intense hydration without adding extra weight.
- Breakage Reduction: Promises to reduce hair breakage by up to 81%.
Cons:
- Cost: Like New Wash, Aveda’s products tend to be on the pricier side.
- Scent: Some users might find the natural, earthy scent a bit overpowering.
Cult & King Balm
Pros:
- Versatility: This product is a multi-tasker. It can serve as a conditioner, styling product, or even a shave cream.
- Natural Ingredients: It boasts a composition of organic and natural components like aloe vera, shea butter, and essential oils.
Cons:
- Size and Cost: The balm is a bit pricey, and the product size is relatively small, making it less cost-effective for some consumers.
- Requires Trial and Error: Finding the right amount of balm for your hair might take some experimentation.
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
Pros:
- Strengthening: Infused with Jamaican Black Castor Oil, this shampoo is ideal for strengthening weak or damaged hair.
- Natural Ingredients: It’s formulated with certified organic shea butter and other natural ingredients to nourish and condition hair and scalp.
Cons:
- May Weigh Down Fine Hair: Some users with fine hair have reported that this shampoo can weigh down their hair.
- Scent: The smell is relatively strong, which might not appeal to everyone.
Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo
Pros:
- Hydration: The organic pumpkin seed and argan oils in this shampoo provide deep hydration, particularly for dry, damaged or curly hair.
- Affordability: This product is more budget-friendly compared to New Wash and some other alternatives.
Cons:
- Availability: Acure products can be difficult to find in physical stores.
- May Not Suit All Hair Types: While it’s excellent for dry hair, it might not suit other hair types as well.
DevaCurl No-Poo Decadence
Pros:
- Zero Lather Formula: This product is a zero-lather, ultra-moisturizing milk cleanser providing strength, nourishment, and protection for your curls.
- Specialized for Curly Hair: It is specifically designed for curly hair, giving your curls the extra love they need.
Cons:
- Potential Hair and Scalp Issues: There have been some reports of hair and scalp problems associated with DevaCurl products, although these are not universal experiences.
- Price: Similar to New Wash, DevaCurl products are on the pricier side.
Here are 5 more alternatives in short:
- Hairstory New Wash (Deep)
An alternative within the Hairstory brand, New Wash Deep works better for those with greasy hair. It effectively removes excess oil while preserving your hair’s natural integrity.
- R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo
This shampoo offers a blend of juniper berry, glycerin, and babassu seed oil to balance your scalp’s condition and smoothen your hair, leaving it shiny and soft.
- Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Shampoo
The Living Proof PhD Shampoo promises to keep your hair cleaner for longer. It improves hair health over time, giving you smooth, voluminous, and shiny hair with regular use.
- Ouai Detox Shampoo
Ideal for those exposed to hard water, chlorine, or heavy styling products. This detox shampoo uses apple cider vinegar and hair-strengthening keratin to revive and detoxify your hair.
Factors To Consider When Switching To Shampoo Alternatives
Transitioning away from traditional shampoos requires some forethought. Here are key considerations:
Your Hair Type
- Fine, oily hair often relies more heavily on stronger detergents to get truly clean and may fare worse with gentler shampoo alternatives.
- Dry, damaged hair appreciates the more moisturizing formulations of many shampoo alternatives.
- Coily or curly hair retains more oils naturally so can often transition well to lower-lather alternatives.
Your Current Hair Care Routine
- If you use lots of heavy silicones, oils or styling products, your hair may require stronger clarifying surfactants to avoid buildup.
- Those who color or chemically treat their hair need to ensure any alternative cleanses enough to remove applied products but not overly strip color.
- People who wash daily may find shampoo alternatives require adjusting wash frequency.
Your Scalp Health
- If you have a sensitive or irritated scalp, eliminating sulfates could provide relief.
- Some ingredients like sodium cocoyl isethionate are still coconut-derived, risking reactions for those with severe allergies.
- Dandruff sufferers report mixed results, with some alternatives not cleansing sufficiently to control flaking.
Your Expectations
- Redefining what “clean” hair feels like is key – rich foam and squeakiness is replaced with more moisture and clumping.
- A 2-4 week transition phase is common as your scalp adjusts to reduce over-oil production.
- Most report needing to wash less frequently overall compared to shampooing.
Making Your Own Shampoo Alternative Recipes
Want to DIY your shampoo substitute? Here are some popular recipes to try:
Simple Baking Soda Shampoo
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1-2 cups warm water
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional)
Mix baking soda with enough warm water to form a thin, pourable liquid. Add several drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance if desired. Pour slowly over wet hair, scrubbing into scalp. Rinse thoroughly.
Moisturizing ACV Rinse
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 5 drops lavender oil (optional)
Dilute apple cider vinegar with water. You may also add a few drops of lavender or other oil for scent. Slowly pour over scalp after shampooing. Do not rinse out.
Cleansing Shampoo Bar
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp coconut or olive oil
- 2 tsp liquid silk or honey
Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour into molds and refrigerate overnight to set. Use wet bar directly on wet hair and scalp. Rinse well.
Is The New Wash Shampoo Worth It?
New Wash, a product of Hairstory, pitches itself as a revolutionary shampoo alternative. Rather than the traditional approach of using detergents to clean your hair, it adopts a gentler, more natural method.
Its formula is free of harsh surfactants and instead, uses essential oils and naturally-derived saturated cleansers to cleanse and moisturize hair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, New Wash is not a conditioner. It’s a shampoo alternative that cleanses and conditions your hair in one step.
Not precisely. While New Wash can remove product buildup like a clarifying shampoo, its primary purpose is to cleanse and moisturize the hair without stripping away its natural oils.
It varies from person to person, but generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for your hair to adjust to New Wash.
The effectiveness of the ‘Nopoo’ movement is highly subjective and depends on individual hair type, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Some people find it works excellently for them, while others may not notice significant changes or may even experience adverse effects.
What to replace your shampoo with depends on your hair needs and preferences:
For a simple all-in-one, try New Wash or a cleansing conditioner.
For a low-lather sulfate-free cleanser, use a low-poo shampoo.
To remove product buildup, try an apple cider vinegar rinse.
To gently cleanse and moisturize, use a natural soap-based shampoo bar.
For the most basic method, replace shampoo with only water.
Consider your hair type, scalp sensitivity, product use, and desired results when selecting a shampoo replacement. Transition slowly and adjust as needed.
Final Thoughts
In the quest for a unique haircare routine, remember: there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What matters is finding what suits your hair type, fits your budget, and aligns with your values.
Whether that’s New Wash, one of its alternatives, or something else entirely, it’s up to you to decide.
