Why is there a transition period from Chemical Shampoo to Shampoo Bars?
One of the most common feedback we receive from customers, especially the first time shampoo bar users is: "I love the smell of your Shampoo bar, but my hair feels funny."
Although we also have customers who have no adjustment problems at all, weird or funny feeling hair is not an uncommon issue, even after weeks of usage.
The transition period goes from as short as a few days or as long as a month. It depends on how damaged the hair is, how much residue or build up from years of using chemical shampoo, chemical hair dyes, hair sprays, gel and so on and some has to do with the person's genetics ( born with it ).
When you first begin using shampoo bars, first use may feel "funny" like, the scalp is oily, for some, dry or hair shafts may feel weird or waxy. This is hair that's been addicted to years of chemical hair products and is literally going though a "withdrawal" phase. Much like a caffeine addict ( much like myself ) is transitioning from 3-in-1 instant full of sugary milky coffee to brewed bitter "real" coffee. Transitioning, IS NOT EASY!! But eventually, it will go away, and hair will get used to it.
These are some common reasons why hair may feel different as you bring it back to its natural and healthy state as well as what you can do about it.
1) A NEW PRODUCT
As chemical shampoos strip away natural oils, the scalp compensates by producing more oil. The scalp becomes accustomed to this and the vicious cycle begins again and again.
What to do?
As you transition to shampoo bars, your scalp needs time to re balance scalp oil production. During this period, hair may feel either waxy or dry, depending on the hair type. Over time, the scalp will be accustomed to the natural oils.
2) THE WRONG SHAMPOO BARS
There are plenty of shampoo bars out now on the market, and it is difficult to choose which shampoo bar is right for your hair type.
What to do?
Understand your hair's needs and do research. If hair is weak and brittle, hair fall, dandruff prone for example, research the ingredient of that shampoo bar to see if it is right for your hair type. For example, bananas are rich in potassium, natural oils, carbohydrates and vitamins, which help soften our hair and protect their natural elasticity.
Quick Tips to Make Transitioning Easier!
Change Your Shampoo Technique: The "weird funny hair" feeling happens when soap residue is not completely rinsed. Be sure to work up a good lather and rise thoroughly. In the beginning, do not rub directly on your hair, but try a sponge to create the foam and use the foam to wash.
1) RINSE THOROUGHLY: Suds from shampoo bars may not rinse out very quickly like normal shampoo, be sure to rinse thoroughly. Follow with a chemical free conditioner.
2) FOR HAIR TANGLES: Use a wide tooth comb, preferably wooden, to untangle, or use natural hair oils ( coming soon on Skinis ), use chemical-free conditioners, or herbal detangling hair teas ( more topic on this soon )
We believe you can find a truly natural shampoo bar that lathers well, rinses out completely, and leaves your hair feeling clean, soft silky and radiantly healthy.