SHAMPOO BARS!

These special bars deserve a little section with some background information. Switching to Shampoo Bars can be a great way to incorporate more eco-friendly practices in your life. These bars can last as long as 2-3 bottles of shampoo and the reduction in plastic alone, not to mention the friendly ingredients going down the drain, may be reason enough for you to try them!

If you’re switching from a shampoo that contains synthetic detergents then your hair will most probably go through a transition phase. Now in all honesty it’s not the most pleasant experience to go through but it can be really worthwhile. During this phase your hair may appear greasy or feel waxy, like it hasn’t been rinsed properly, this is normal as shampoos containing synthetic ingredients create a barrier to make your hair appear shiny and healthy. When you start using natural products your hair readjusts by over producing sebum. Some people don’t experience a transition period at all but it can last between 2-3 weeks or even longer for some. If you live in a hard water area the transition period is usually longer, a water softener helps hugely.

To use these bars, create suds in your hands or rub the soap bar directly onto the roots of your hair and massage into roots to create lather. Rinse and repeat. You'll notice the shampoo lathers much better the second time as much of the oils and buildup is removed from your hair during the first rinse. Don’t over wash your hair during the process, the more you wash, the more your hair and scalp will get used to this new routine and the more your hair will need to be washed. Don’t be tempted to reach back for your old shampoo either as this will set you back in the process. Try brushing or combing your hair at least twice a day to help spread the natural oils through your hair.

Natural shampoo bars are more alkaline so using an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse through the transition period and beyond helps to adjust the ph levels of the hair, many people miss out conditioner and regularly use ACV instead. Use the ACV solution after shampooing and rinsing your hair, to make a rinse mix 1 part water to one part apple cider vinegar (also labelled as cider vinegar) and wash it over your head. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse through. The vinegar smell shouldn’t linger.

If you have hard water, this process really helps to help soften the hair. A great tip is to keep a small spray bottle of apple cider in your shower to use every few washes. If you have softer water, you can do this too, as there are many benefits to using the apple cider vinegar on your hair. Apple cider vinegar removes any buildup and excess glycerin, while also conditioning hair and toning the scalp.

These bars provide all the cleansing you need.  If you have oily hair, I recommend a quick lather focused on the roots, rinse and repeat. I only rinse with apple cider vinegar once a week or less.  It helps to maintain the pH balance of your scalp, remove any leftover soap and further soften hair.

These bars also moisturize hair and a conditioner is not necessary.  You can use added conditioner or spray-on/leave-in conditioner on your ends though, to help detangle long or curly hair.

Give your hair time to settle into using more natural products and you should feel the benefits of lighter and softer hair and a happier scalp. Personally, I had an itchy scalp before due to the harshness of the synthetic detergents in regular shampoo, this itchiness eased after a few weeks of using natural products. I also experience less hair loss in the shower and my hair is longer than I was ever able to grow it before! I’ve had lots of feedback from customers who have reported similar experiences, hopefully you’ll find the same.

FAQs

I’ve used shampoo bars before so why am I having a transition phase now?

Not all shampoo bars are free from synthetic detergents. You can usually tell by the look of a bar, if it looks like it contains little strands that look like hundreds and thousands then that’s most likely a syndet bar (a bar containing synthetic detergents).

Are your shampoo and conditioner bars suitable for coloured or bleached hair?

Yes they are (my hair is coloured), I’d recommend against using an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse though as this can strip colour.

If I go to the hairdressers and they use liquid shampoo with synthetic detergents will this start the transition phase again?

Your hair will be fine after one or two washes, you’re only likely to go through a transition if you use products containing silicones a number of times.

I’ve decided I just can’t go through the transition, what are my other options for going plastic free?

First off if you already have one of our shampoo bars then don’t let it go to waste, use it as a hand or body bar. Solid Shampoo bars containing sulfates or synthetic detergents don’t require a transition, but sulfates can be harsh on your hair and scalp so avoid those and go for ones that include an ingredient called Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate instead.  Alternatively, try liquid refills, if you’re lucky enough to have a local refill store take your bottle along and fill it up.