Has anyone used the hair product 'wen'. It has great reviews but expensive. It's a shampoo/conditioner in one. Only available online.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: dianemarie,

Dear dianemarie:

Actually using what is basically a conditioner (or what they like to call a "conditioning shampoo") has been around for a long time.

We have been asked many times "Why use both a shampoo and conditioner? Why not use a 2-in-1 product?" Well, there is a reason - And it has to do with pH:

Maintaining the natural acid environment of the hair and scalp keeps the hair proteins hard. The only way to accomplish this is by using a specific shampoo that has a pH around 6.0 (at the high end of the slightly acidic pH of the scalp --- 4.5 to 6.0).

Avoid selecting a shampoo based on its high price tag. Costly products are not a head above the rest. A shampoo’s price is generally related to the cost of its advertising.

When you are done washing your hair, the shampoo should be completely rinsed out to help bring the pH back down to its natural level.

Why Use a Separate Conditioner?

The outer layer of hair called the cuticle is somewhat like fish scales made of hard keratin. The cuticle is held together by disulfide bonds plus small amino acids. A quality conditioner will add amino acids, peptides, and pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5) into the cuticle to help glue the scales tightly to the hair shaft. If the cuticle stays open after shampooing, it can start a tear in the hair shaft which leads to breakage. This is why it is important to use a conditioner separately.

Conditioners that strengthen the hair will have a low pH (about 4.0 to 4.7). This allows the hair proteins to remain hard and strong due to the low pH.

Some conditioners will also contain a small amount of fat to give the hair a better shine. Remember, the longer you leave the conditioner on your hair, the better it works. Some manufacturers recommend leaving conditioner on the hair for only a few seconds, but longer is generally better.

Can this ALL be accomplished effectively and for the optimal benefit to the health of your hair using only a 2-in-1 product? We doubt it.

Best Wishes,
-Skin Biology