Shampoo Bars are hot selling cupcakes in hair care industry at the moment. While most of us have made the switch to a all-natural hair care routine by incorporating sulfate free shampoos. Majority of us are still not accustomed to Shampoo Bars. They may work wonders for one. Completely opposite for other.…If you’re someone who just made a switch to natural products and are feeling the “transition” period for your hair to get adjusted to the new routine. Hang in there. This post is for a little reassurance
Honestly two years ago when I got first introduced to the first ever shampoo bar ever- Like most of you; I hated it too. I felt my hair always felt different post hair wash. I felt scalp area became drier than ever.
My hair was accustomed to the squeaky clean feel of commercial-sulfate-detergent based shampoos during the transition period as I switched from a chemical-laden shampoo to a natural shampoo bar. Now, this is very subjective. Varies by person and hair type.
The transition phase can last a few days to a few weeks or even a month. It’s dependent on how damaged your hair is, what products you have been using previously and how much chemical build-up you have on your hair and scalp. The transition phase is characterized by your hair either over-producing oil or under-producing oil or even switching between the two.
When using commercial shampoo, ( contain sulphates or silicones ) which actually cause build up on the hair. This also strips natural oils from the hair and your scalp, so when commercial products are taken away, the scalp may over or under produce oil while the scalp is trying to rebalance oils. During this transition period, your hair may feel greasy, heavy or the complete opposite – dry and very rough.
Solid shampoo bars and conditioners are an amazing product. Not only are they super moisturising, hydrating and cleansing, but they are plastic-free and zero-waste! The transition time can be challenging at times. But like all good things, it doesn’t happen overnight. Stick to it and you will never look back.
Having said these, Let me introduce some of the shampoo bars I am absolutely loving.
Soap Square Hibiscus, Lavender & Shea Butter Shampoo Bar (for dry & damaged hair)
Do you know 1 shampoo bar = 1 litre of liquid shampoo.
Hibiscus rich in amino acids and vitamin C improves the blood circulation under the scalp to encourage healthy hair growth. Lavender oil deep conditions the hair, keeps it shiny, and helps control dandruff.Shea butter is a natural conditioner for hair. It provides extraordinary moisturizing properties and is therefore known as “mother nature’s conditioner”.
Ingredients
Hibiscus Flower Powder, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, BTMS 50, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Panthenol, Wheat Protein, Distilled Water, Lavender Essential Oil
Love the smell of this one. It’s very pleasant and calming. I lathers well and leave your hair and scalp clean.
Soap Square Moringa, Rosemary & Peppermint Shampoo Bar (anti-dandruff)
Enriched with Moringa which on regular application helps reduce hair and scalp problems like dandruff, which can eventually cause hair fall. Rosemary oil has antifungal, astringent, and decongesting qualities to reduce excess oils, build-up, and flakes that can be part of the dandruff experience. Peppermint oil helps with dryness or itching as well as dandruff. Love how smooth and soft my hair feels after using this. It lathers well
Ingredients
Moringa Leaf Powder, Coconut Oil, BTMS 50, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Panthenol, Wheat Protein, Distilled Water, Rosemary Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil
How I use the shampoo bar
I always pre-oil my hair before hair wash. This helped condition my hair and soothe the scalp. It was easy to work that way using a shampoo bar.
I gently rub the wet shampoo bar onto the wet hair from scalp to ends in a combing motions. gently massage scalp and hair, adding more water as needed, until a good lather forms. Rinse clean with water.
Earth Rhythm Murumuru Butter Shampoo Bar
Another shampoo bar that I absolutely love. It made my hair soft, smooth and I noticed it reduce my hair frizz as well. Total love. Let’s take a look at its ingredients. If you got wavy- curly hair and if you are looking for a shampoo bar that manages frizz and gives your hair the necessary shine and bounce – go for this! You will not be disappointed.
MurumuruButter coats coarse curls, making them more supple and manageable. It also moisturizes the hair with lasting hydration, controlling frizz and defining curls.
Plant Derived Surfactant, An extremely gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil, improves skin hydration, moisture and texture, preventing dryness and irritation.
Vitamin E supports a healthy scalp and hair as it has natural antioxidant effects that could assist with maintaining hair growth.
What I really love about this shampoo bar is that, It really make my hair soft and it detangle my hair. I got a naturally wavy hair and for my hairtype, it works well. I also love the way it squeaky clean my scalp and adds volume and bounce to my hair. Totally recommend you guys checkout this shampoo bar. It’s a must try from this brand.
100% VIRGIN COCONUT OIL SHAMPOO BAR
This is my first shampoo bar ever. I use it even for my babies. My daughter have curly hair and this shampoo bar really make her hair soft and curls intact. It lathers well and you wouldn’t require a separate conditioner if you use this. Make you hair shiny and voluminous too. It tames frizz and also nourish the hair roots. If you are planning to start using shampoo bars. I recommend this one first.
Virgin Coconut Oil deeply nourishes and moisturizes the hair, prevents hair loss, repairs hair damage, treats scalp conditions, controls dandruff and frizz. It also soothes, relaxes and conditions the scalp.
Olive Oil has antioxidants that maintain and promote scalp and hair health. It prevents hair loss and cell damage, improves blood circulation in the scalp and deeply nourishes the hair.
Plant Derived Surfactant, An extremely gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil, improves skin hydration, moisture and texture, preventing dryness and irritation.
Always remember when you first introduce shampoo bars, You might experience a “waxy” feel to your hair immediately after washing. This is often referred to as “the purge” phase. It could mean two things – a bad reaction with hard water, OR an adjustment to balancing out your scalp’s oil production. Be patient and take it slow. Don’t expect shampoo bars to do miracle in Ist wash itself.
Remember– That’s your hair, which has been pampered/tortured to chemical-laden shampoo, literally freaking out, going through withdrawal symptoms, and learning to get adjusted to a chemical-free life.
Another common problem for those new to shampoo bars is that they aren’t using the right bar for their hair type. It’s important to remember everyone’s hair type is unique. Start with Virgin coconut oil bar that suits most hair types and later make the move to ingredients meant for your hair concern or hair type.
Hard water too make it difficult to create lather and rinse-off all of oil residue from your hair. You will feel the soap residue in your hair post ahir wash and sometimes as waxy feeling too, especially if your hair is long. If you have hard water, try using distilled water to rinse or a shower filter head and see how it goes.
Honestly shampoo bars = zero plastic packaging, eco friendly as well. Hope you found this post useful. Let me know in the comments whether you faced any of these while making the switch to shampoo bars.
