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I’ve been using all-natural shampoo bars for several months now. It was definitely a learning process because I had never used anything like them on my hair before. I’ve also written a blog post all about my experience that you can check out as well. However, since I’ve been using them, I’ve discovered some tip and tricks for using shampoo bars. Now I’d like to share those with you in hopes that it will make your experience with them a simple and positive one! So here are 7 tips you need to know when using shampoo bars.
1. Check The Ingredients
If you want to start using all-natural shampoo bars, the first thing you need to do is check the ingredients. Ask the makers of the products and/or check the labels on them. Most often, small business owners take pride in their products and are happy to answer any questions you have about them.
However, if you can’t find any local sellers, Amazon is an alternative place to purchase shampoo bars. Again, just be sure to check the ingredients.
2. Make a Slow Transition to Shampoo Bars
If I was starting over with using a shampoo bar, I would ease my hair into the transition. I just went from using a store bought, liquid shampoo full of chemicals that my hair was used to, to an all-natural bar. My hair did not adjust well at first!
Instead, start by using the shampoo bar and a small amount of conditioner so that you can at least get a brush through your hair. Use the shampoo bar first, rinse the shampoo out well, and then apply a small amount of conditioner to your hair and then rinse, like you normally would do.
Keep reducing the amount of conditioner you use each time you wash your hair until you don’t need it anymore.
*Update: If you still want to use conditioner, try these from Mule Hell Trading Company! I’ve been using them for a few months and I’m obsessed. They work so well.
3. Be Aware of the Transition Period
If your hair is anything like mine, it has had chemicals lathered into it for a long time. When you make the switch and start using all-natural ingredients on your hair, it may take some time for your hair to get used to the change. For me, my hair felt terrible at first. I couldn’t get a brush through it and I didn’t think it was worth it to keep trying to go all-natural.
However, I didn’t want to give up so quickly, and I’m glad that I didn’t! So I just want to make you aware that there may be a transition period. Mine was rough but some people’s transition to all-natural shampoo bars aren’t bad at all. Just know that there can be one, but don’t give up!
4. Use A Vinegar Rinse
Okay, I know to some it may sound weird to pour vinegar in your hair. I thought it was odd too! However, I wanted to be openminded when experimenting with healthier, natural products on my hair so I gave it a chance.
After stopping the use of conditioner, like I mentioned gradually doing above, your hair still may not feel as soft as you want it to. I recommend Using an apple cider vinegar rinse (or any kind of vinegar) after using the shampoo bar. This will help soften and balance the natural pH level of your hair. Just use caution when using vinegar on your hair. It can sometimes dry it out and lead to breakage.
Using the vinegar rinse is really what made me stick to using a shampoo bar on my hair. The first time I used it I could feel a difference in my hair. It made it softer! I was using it for every wash but noticed that my hair would begin to feel dry. Now, I use a vinegar rinse a few times a week and then, when my hair feels dry, I’ll switch back over and use a very small amount of conditioner.
5. Use Shampoo Bars for Your Body
Since the shampoo bars that I use are actually advertised as body soap, I use them for both my hair and body! Using one bar for everything cuts down on cost and plastic use even more! However, you will go through the bars faster, so just keep that in mind.
Also, using one bar for everything cuts down on the amount of space needed for hair and body products in the shower as well as in your bag or suitcase when traveling!
6. Store Shampoo Bars in a Dry Place
I failed to store mine in a dry place for the first several months of using shampoo bars. They weren’t lasting as long as I had hoped and they often ended up mushy. It is recommended to not leave the bar in the shower (like I was doing).
Instead, place it somewhere dry that allows the shampoo bar to completely dry between uses. I bought wooden soap dishes to place my bars on. Now when I’m done with using the shampoo bar, I will place it on the wooden soap dish that stays on the counter in the bathroom but outside of the shower.
The soap dishes I purchased also come with a soap exfoliating bag that is a natural soap saver. I use the exfoliating bag as basically a loofa now when I use the shampoo bar as a body wash! Now that I’ve finally started storing them properly, the shampoo bars are lasting longer.
7. Don’t Give Up Too Quickly
I just want to reiterate this one more time…don’t give up too quickly on using an all-natural shampoo bar! As I mentioned above, there is a transition period for most people and your hair is going to feel different for a while. That’s just all part of the process.
Use the tips and tricks that I’ve shared with you and soon, your hair should begin to feel better. It won’t be filled with chemicals, you’ll be saving money, using less plastic, and overall, you’ll be helping yourself and the environment.
However, if you’ve given your hair time to adjust to the new product and you still aren’t “feeling it”, give other brands a try or even other, all-natural liquid shampoos. There are so many choices out there for you and I hope that I’ve at least given you something to think about when it comes to your hair and using all-natural products.
Small changes, like the products we use on our hair, can make a difference, we just have to be willing to try. If you need more reasons to try shampoo bars, read these reasons.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below or email me at brianadayle@yahoo.com! I’d love to hear from you!
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