The Truth Behind Water Solubility
A Note From Shari
It’s that time of year that brings me back to thinking about what truly counts in life.
Presence. Connection. Gratitude.
That same clarity has shaped the way I have been approaching my work. When I allow myself to slow down and pay attention, I see what needs to evolve. I see what needs to be refined. And I see where the work wants to go next. It is part of what led me to shift from Gem Drop 1.0 to Gem Drop 2.0. Some of you are already watching my SHARI-ing is Caring series titled Gem Drops. What began as a 1.0 quickly evolved into a 2.0 because I realized the work needed to shift. Gem Drop 1.0 focused on technique. I taught steps, demonstrated methods, and broke down shapes the way I had done for years. It served a purpose and helped people grow, but a deeper level was waiting. Gem Drop 2.0 moves into something more intentional. I teach the principles that guide technique and the mindset behind decision making. I teach designers how to think, not copy. The language is cleaner. The philosophy is stronger. The work is more aligned with where our industry is moving. This evolution mirrors what I feel in my own life. Less noise. More clarity. Less attachment to the old way. More commitment to what feels true now.
As I stepped into 2.0, I also knew it was time to name the truths that shape our work. The conversation around water solubility is one of those truths, and it deserves clarity. “To cleanse or not to cleanse” sets the stage for that discussion.
The truth about water solubility
To Cleanse or Not to Cleanse: The Truth Behind Water Soluble Products
The term water soluble has lived in our industry for years. It shaped routines, shaped beliefs, and often created confusion. During my Deva days, I worked closely with chemists, and their perspective has always been direct.
If your definition of water soluble means “all product should rinse out with a simple flush of water,” here is their answer:
“There is no such thing as a fully water soluble hair product. Every formula contains ingredients that dissolve in water and ingredients that do not. This is not negative. It is what creates performance. Anything that provides hold, moisture retention, slip, shine, or protection will resist water and will need more than water to cleanse.”
Water soluble refers to specific ingredients, not the entire product. Even formulas marketed as water soluble rely on polymers and conditioning agents that still require cleansing. Water soluble ingredients include glycerin, aloe juice, panthenol, and amino acids. Modified silicones disperse more easily but still need to be washed out.
📝Water resistant ingredients include oils, butters, waxes, traditional silicones, and certain polymers. These create hold, slip, shine, and protection. Gels and creams are never fully water soluble because their structure depends on emulsifiers and polymers.
📝What matters most is not whether a product is water soluble. What matters is whether your cleansing routine supports the amount + frequency of the products you use. When a formula contains ingredients that are not water soluble, you need surfactants to remove them. That is how cleansing is designed to work. Period.
Take this for what it is. A clear explanation from the chemists who build these formulas. You get to decide what supports your approach and your routine.
What Is Yours To Tend Today?
How intention, principle, and real science shape your work behind the chair.
I have been asking myself one question each morning: “What is mine to tend today.” The answer stays simple, and it is always enough. This question helps me stay clear about where I place my energy. It keeps me from reacting to noise and reminds me to lead from intention, not pressure.
You can bring this same clarity behind the chair. Ask yourself what is yours to tend today. Is it your consultation. Is it the structure of your design. Is it the consistency of your technique. Is it the way you guide your client through their decisions. When you tend to what is truly yours, your work becomes more focused. Your choices become cleaner. Your presence becomes the steady part of the service.
Your evolution matters. Your clarity matters. And your presence shapes the work more than any technique ever will. you ever find yourself needing a little extra spark or inspiration at work? Throughout my life, I've explored various creative outlets. Since moving to Florida and trading a terrace and concrete skyline for a house with a lawn, I've discovered that when I need inspiration or a way to use my hands creatively, I turn to gardening. Sculpting shrubs is much like fine-tuning a curly cut, and a trip to the local nursery for beautiful flowers adds a pop of color to the landscape, much like how color accents a beautiful hairstyle. In those moments, my garden becomes a canvas for creativity and a sanctuary for my soul. The physical connection to the earth and the rhythm of gardening provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. And, while gardening offers a wonderful outlet for creativity, there are various art forms to enrich your craft even further.
Interestingly enough, I’ve also discovered an additional benefit through gardening that might help you with your business. Read below for my hot business tip!
Did You Know?
I have spent years building education that holds up in real salons.
I have spent years building education that holds up in real salons.
The truth is this…
I build systems that help professionals grow.
I align structure with purpose.
I design learning that works in real life, not only in a classroom.Strong curriculum does not happen by accident.
It comes from intention, refinement, and protecting the stages that give the work its strength.
My role as a curriculum architect is simple:
I create blueprints that give stylists confidence behind the chair.
If you are a beauty pro who wants deeper clarity, cleaner technique, or structure that supports your growth, this is the work I love to teach.
Technical Training I Strategies I Leadership
@jennymoloney