How to Avoid Transition Problems with Natural Shampoo
Editor’s Note: Of course you want to avoid plastic packaging and toxic ingredients in your personal care products. Natural shampoo in a bar (instead of a bottle) is a great way to do exactly that. But changing to a bar is not always straightforward. This interesting Guest Post offers insights into the problem, and recommends some eco-friendly products.
Plastic-Free, Transition-Free, Natural Shampoo
Have you tried making the switch to a plastic-free, natural shampoo yet? Chances are, you’ve probably encountered a rough few days and a few not-so-great products. If the dreaded transition period is the stuff of nightmares for you as well, then rest assured…you’re not alone.
It’s perfectly natural for your hair to go through a transition period – it is simply your hair trying to remove the synthetic ingredients from your hair and scalp. As it battles for control over pH as well, your scalp and hair can over-produce oil and so your hair looks greasy.
But there are in fact a couple of other factors that determine just how well your hair copes during this transition – your water, and the product you’re using.
The hardness of your water
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where you have soft or normal water, then lucky you! Generally, you will have nothing to worry about when it comes to lathering up the shampoo bar and easily washing it out.
If you’re in a hard water area, then it can be tougher to rinse thoroughly – and this may prolong the transition period. Here are some suggestions:-
- Boil the kettle. Once cooled, you can use this water to give your hair a final rinse to help remove the hard water.
- Use a vinegar rinse. You can either make your own or buy one pre-made. This can REALLY help to balance the pH of your hair.
- Look into a built-in water softener in the head of your shower. This not only benefits your hair, but also lets you quickly clean and rinse your shower after use without all of the watermarks commonly found in hard water areas.
Not all shampoo bars are created equally
Let’s face it – not every product we pick up in life is perfect. The same applies to shampoo bars. In fact, there are a number of companies out there who are quite literally producing hand and body soap and marketing it as a ‘shampoo bar’ (with a few minor tweaks).
Well, that’s a problem, because it throws the pH balance of your hair completely out of whack – and so a transition period kicks in again as your hair tries to sort itself out.
Hair is super resilient though. It will eventually adjust to the new ingredients because that’s what it does.
Transition-Free Options
The good news is that there are transition-free options out there (or at least with a much reduced period). So if you’ve previously attempted the switch and found yourself bogged down with waxy, unworkable hair, or a solid bar which just wasn’t delivered the results you were hoping for, then you’ll be pleased to hear there are finally solutions for your problems.
Let’s explore.
1. Beauty Kubes
Beauty Kubes form part of Eve Of St. Agnes range of award-winning natural skincare and hair care products. They challenged themselves to create an entirely plastic-free range of toiletries that simply work – and that’s exactly what they’ve done.
All-natural, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, palm-oil-free,100% plastic-free, award-winning … just some of the reasons you’ll want to give them a try very soon.
Simply pop a cube on your hand whilst taking a shower or bath and add a small amount of water to form a paste. Work through your hair like a normal shampoo and rinse and wash off. It’s as easy as that! 🌍🍃💚
2. Zero Waste Path
Zero Waste Path offer 2-in-1 solid shampoo & conditioner bars that eliminate the transition period. Bianca and Giulio really care about finding the best natural shampoo ingredients out there, as well as sourcing the most sustainable, plastic-free packaging possible.
They also put a great deal of attention into their production phase, ensuring that all of their supplies and production processes respect their values, and every little choice up to the smallest detail is taken with a view of having the greatest possible benefit for the environment in the final product.
You can either rub the soap bar between your hands to build up a lather, or rub the bar directly onto your hair ensuring all of your hair is covered with their lovely, natural suds.
3. Kind2
Kind2 have won industry awards for their natural shampoo and conditioner bars. Their ‘kind’ range of natural hair care is vegan and free from plastic, soap, sulphates, silicones and parabens. Instead, they’re full of active, plant-based extracts to gently treat specific hair needs.
Use it just as you would any other solid shampoo bar, only this time enjoy it transition-period-free!
Guest Author Bio – Ricky Wallace is the director, founder and general eco enthusiast at friendlyturtle.com – a zero-waste and plastic-free shop for your everyday items.
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Warm regards,
P.S. Want to live a simpler, more green and ecofriendly life? (It’s been shown to increase happiness!). You can download your FREE green living handbook “Live Well, Live Green” here. Get it now!
