Does your hair look dull, flat and lifeless? Are you looking for a natural shampoo that actually works and isn't super spendy? We have come up with a shampoo bar that works. Coconut Milk Soap. It's amazing. Coconut milk has so many benefits for your hair. It repairs damaged hair, conditions, prevents dandruff and provides overall nourishment.
We've come up with a little write up to help you transition from commercial shampoo to a natural shampoo bar.
You may not have any problems adjusting to a natural shampoo bar, but if you do - it's completely normal!
The transition period can range from a few days to a few weeks or even a month. It all depends on how damaged your hair is, howuch residue and build-up is present and it also might be part of your genetics.
When you first begin, your hair or scalp may become oily or dry or even switch between the two extremes. You may have increased tangles or frizz and the hair shafts may feel weird or waxy.
This is your hair, which has been addicted to chemical-laden shampoo, literally freaking out, going through withdrawal, and learning to live in a chemical-free life. It isn't easy!
It will go away! It may take some patience, but if you can hang in there and not give up, your reward will be healthy, soft and silky hair. Here are a couple reasons your hair may feel different:
- New product- as commercial shampoos strip natural oils, your scalp makes more oil to compensate. As you transition to a natural shampoo bar, your scalp needs time to rebalance scalp oil production. During this time, hair may feel extra greasy or heavy. You may notice your hair feels different right after washing. Your hair may have increased tangles, more frizz and it may even feel waxy. YOUR HAIR LITERALLY HAS TO LEARN TO LIVE WITHOUT CHEMICALS.
- Hard water- hard water can make it more difficult to create a good lather and to rinse all the shampoo from your hair. One trick is to add a pinch of baking soda to 1L of water. Pour it on your head, give a little scrub and then add the shampoo. Make sure you use it BEFORE shampooing. It can help the shampoo bar lather better and to rinse out more thoroughly.
- Build-Up- natural shampoo bars do not strip hair the same way as commercial shampoos do. The gentle shampoo bar may have difficulties removing the build-up of chemicals that has been deposited over the years. To Robert residue try the baking soda rinse mentioned above.
Quick tips to make your transition easier!
- Change your shampooing technique. The "weird" hair feeling happens most often when the soap residue doesn't completely rinse out of your hair. Be sure to work up a good lather and rinse, rinse, rinse! You might find it helpful, especially in the beginning, not to rub the bar directly on your hair. Try using a puff or sponge to create foam, and only use the foam to wash.
- Rinse, rinse, rinse! Unlike a liquid shampoo, suds from a shampoo bar may not rinse as quickly. So be sure to rinse thoroughly.
You can use an apple cider vinegar rinse to help maximize the benefits of a shampoo bar. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has so many health benefits for your hair. Here are a few:
- Cleansing and clarifying
- Adds natural body
- Helps detangle
- Reduces frizz
- Adds shine
- Stimulates hair growth
- Prevents hair loss
- Prevents split ends and breakage
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse Recipe: mix 1/2 to 4 TBSP of ACV with 1 cup water in a plastic squeeze or spray bottle. *You may need to experiment to find a dilution that works best for your hair type. (Dry hair likes less vinegar, oily hair likes more) you may also add essential oils for variation. Be sure to do your research before using the essential oils. After shampooing, apply the vinegar rinse. Pour, squirt or spray the rinse onto wet hair. Massage well into hair, scalp and pay special attention to the ends. Let sit for 2-3 minutes. Now you have a few choices. Rinse it all out, leave it in, or rinse only a little out. Leaving the rinse in helps prevent tangles, especially in long hair. Since vinegar restores natural pH, it also prevents an itchy scalp. As your hair dries you will smell vinegar, but once it's dry - no smell :)
How often can I use this vinegar rinse?
Everyone's hair is unique. You should be your own judge on this. You will need to experiment to find a dilution that works best for your hair type. Remember - dry hair likes less, oily hair likes more. Vinegar rinses may be drying if used everyday and may be best to restrict it to 2 times per week. You may want to use it every other day for the first few weeks of transition, and then once or twice a month to keep it healthy and shiny. Here's to happy and healthy hair for you!
