Using natural shampoo soap bar such as our Indo Naturals Shampoo Bars offers the many benefits of natural ingredients rather than feeding the hair and scalp with synthetic perfumes and sulfate in conventional shampoos. Natural shampoo soap can also substitute the conditioner as it does not dry out the hair and scalp from its natural oils like conventional shampoo does (read more about that at the bottom of the page). Using natural soap shampoo does however require some extra attention for some people. Before using the shampoo bar it can be smart to rinse the hair of synthetic chemicals and substances such as silicone to get a better result. If you live in an area with hard water doing an occasional rinse will help prevent the build-up of minerals.
Natural shampoo prep: hair cleanser
The fatty acids in natural shampoo soap bars can attach to synthetics from previously used hair products. To ensure the best results, we recommend doing a natural apple cider vinegar rinse before switching to natural shampoo bars. This will help remove any residue that might interfere with the shampoo's effectiveness. To make your transition to natural shampoo bars as smooth as possible, we've included a simple DIY Hair Cleanse recipe below. Follow this easy step to prepare your hair for a healthier, more natural hair care routine.
Hard water rinsing: Conditioner rise
If you live in an area with hard shower water (high mineral content), we recommend using a DIY apple cider vinegar conditioning rinse occasionally or after each shampooing. The fatty acids in the soap can react with the minerals in hard water, leading to buildup on your hair. The conditioner rinse will break the fatty acids free, leaving behind just enough, and it will balance pH and help close the hair cuticles without using synthetic ingredients. See the Conditioner Rinse below.
DIY Conditioner Rise
Apple Cinder Vinegar Conditioner Rinse is a natural way to avoid build-up caused by hard water reacting with natural shampoo soap bars. Use it after shampooing just like any other conditioner, however, avoid using it too often*.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)
1 cup (250 ml) water
3-5 drops of essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Mix apple cider vinegar and water
Add essential oil if you desire a scented hair rinse.
Pour the mixture into a bottle.
Massage the mixture into wet hair and scalp
Rinse thoroughly with water.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse:
Natural antibacterial and antifungal properties: Apple cider vinegar can help combat bacteria and fungi in the scalp, which can be beneficial for those with dandruff or other scalp issues.
pH balancing: Apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH level of the scalp, which can benefit both dry and oily scalps.
Removes product buildup: Apple cider vinegar removes product residue, oil, and dirt from the hair, providing a more thorough cleanse.
Adds shine and softness: Apple cider vinegar can add shine and softness to your hair, giving you a healthier and more vibrant appearance.
*Precautions:
Avoid using apple cider vinegar hair conditioner too frequently. We recommend not using it more than once a week or every two weeks
Be cautious when using Apple Cider vinegar for hair rinse and/or cleanse and monitor your scalp
Apple Cider vinegar can cause irritation and some people might more easily get irritated by vinegar
If you have or suspect that you have a sensitive scalp or a scalp/hair condition, consult your doctor first
Make sure the vinegar you use contains a maximum of 5% acidity and is a real/natural vinegar
Do not use vinegar intended for cleaning purposes only
DIY Hair Cleanser
Apple Cinder Vinegar Cleanser is a natural way to rinse out synthetic chemicals and build-up, preparing the hair and scalp for natural shampoo soap bars. The formula is similar to the Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner formula, however, contains a bit more Apple Cider Vinegar.
Ingredients:
3-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)
1 cup (250 ml) water
3-5 drops of essential oil (optional)
Instructions: 1. Mix apple cider vinegar and water
2. Add essential oil if you want a fragrant hair rinse 3. Pour the mixture into an old shampoo bottle or other vessel 4. Use within 3-4 weeks
*Precautions:
Be cautious when using Apple Cider vinegar for hair rinse and/or cleanse and monitor your scalp
Apple Cider vinegar can cause irritation and some people might more easily get irritated by vinegar
Make sure the vinegar you use contains a maximum of 5% acidity and is a real/natural vinegar
Do not use vinegar intended for cleaning purposes only
Conventional Vs. Natural shampoo
Are you tired of dealing with dry, irritated hair after using conventional shampoos? Natural shampoo soap bars offer a gentle and effective way to clean your hair and scalp without synthetic ingredients, such as sulfates and parabens that are commonly found in conventional shampoos.
Sulfates strip your hair of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and irritation. For this reason, a conditioner is often needed to regain moisture in hair and scalp. However, conventional conditioners contain synthetic moisturizers. In other words, when using conventional shampoo and conditioner you take out the natural oils and replace them with synthetic ones.
Natural shampoo soap bars work differently, they do not pull out the natural moisture in the hair and scalp like sulfates do. This means you will usually not need to use a conditioner for moisturizing. In addition, shampoo soap bars such as ours are packed with nourishing ingredients like plant oils, herbs, essential oils, and in our case; probiotic microorganisms. These components provide essential fatty acids, vitamins, and other nutrients as well as beneficial microbial activity that contributes to healthy hair and scalp.
Natural shampoo soap does however work a bit differently. Following the above DIY tips for natural cleansing and conditioning, when needed, will help you reek the benefits of natural shampoo to the fullest.
Have questions? Reach us on Instagram @Indo_naturals
