Finding a shampoo and conditioner that has nourishing ingredients while also not drying out my curls can feel like an endless challenge. I always want products that lock in moisture and that also do an equally good job at cleansing my scalp and strands. Plus, I always try to use plant-based products whenever possible, to avoid ingredients that are harsh on my hair and skin.
I decided to try out Everist’s eco-friendly waterless shampoo and conditioner, which come in recyclable aluminum tubes and feature with plant-based, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. Best of all, there’s no sulfates, silicones, dyes and icky synthetic fragrances, which is great if your scalp is on the more sensitive side.
Related: What’s waterless shampoo and how to use it right.
Initial thoughts: trying the shampoo and conditioner
I was glad to be using products that saved water, but I wasn’t convinced the shampoo would clean my hair without drying it out. I figured it would do a good job at cleansing everything, but part of me suspected that it would leave my curls flat. The conditioner also seemed so thick and not slippery that I was skeptical it would be as hydrating as some of my other hair masks and conditioners.
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Related: I tried avocado oil as an overnight hair treatment and this is what happened.
Waterless shampoo: lessons learned
I liked the feel of the shampoo since it came out of the tube in a really creamy texture, and with the water I really was able to cleanse my whole head and all my hair. It got super sudsy as soon as it was activated and was really spreadable. It smelled like rosemary and mint, and gave me a really fresh, squeaky-clean feeling. I liked that it was easy to use and that because it came out in a paste, I didn’t feel like I was wasting any of the product, which sometimes happens with water-based shampoos I’ve used in the past.
I didn’t love the conditioner nearly as much as the shampoo. While it smelled wonderful and felt nice, it didn’t do a great job at detangling my curls and it didn’t feel as hydrating as other products I’ve used. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t amazing either.
Related: The essential guide to every curly hair type.
Final thoughts
After experimenting with waterless shampoo and conditioner for the first time, I can say that I would do it again. I was a fan of the shampoo, and the conditioner was OK — I would likely also use a mask after rinsing it out, just to give myself some extra moisture because my hair is extremely prone to frizz.
If you’re someone like me that wants to use products that are more sustainable (the ingredients are also biodegradable!) then Everist’s products are for you. You can feel good knowing your hair is getting clean while also not damaging the planet.
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