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FAQs

I'm ready to ditch plastic and chemicals – what can I expect in the transition to shampoo bar?

The first time I used a natural shampoo bar, when I was teaching myself to make them, I thought I was getting something wrong. My usually soft and great conditioned hair just seemed awful and I nearly gave up. But I REALLY wanted to give up the plastic bottles and stop using chemicals, so I did a lot of research and found out that it was a normal transition period I was experiencing. Eventually my hair found its own balance and I have not used bottled shampoo or conditioner for years. My hair and scalp are healthy.

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As detergent shampoos strip away the natural protective oils, your scalp produces more oil to compensate. Your scalp becomes conditioned to this vicious cycle of excess oil production. As you transition to a natural shampoo bar, your scalp needs time to re-balance scalp oil production. During this transition period, hair may feel and look extra greasy or heavy. Commercial liquid shampoos and conditioners contain synthetic silicone's and silica that coat your hair, to make it feel nice, but the leave a residue in your hair. We want to rid our hair of all that gunk.

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I really want to keep using my shampoo bar but my hair feels waxy or greasy...

During transition replace your conditioner step with an apple cider vinegar rinse, a citric acid rinse, or use baking soda as a pre-wash. This helps balance the pH level of the scalp and aids transition period and will help smoothen the hair follicle down and make the hair shiny again.

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After washing with a shampoo bar your wet hair may feel different and what you may find, is that your hair can be slightly knotted before you comb it out. Use a wide tooth comb to gently comb through and then style as normal. It won't stay knotty! Conditioner is a chemical compound and therefore cannot be directly replicated. However, in my bars I always use Castor Oil which does the same job. Also, remember to brush your hair a couple of times throughout the day, this will help bring the natural oils from your scalp down the length of your hair.

I have hard water. How will that affect my transition to shampoo bar? 

Hard water can make this transition period a little tougher. One thing you can try, is to buy a water softening shower head that will filter out the chemicals and minerals in your hard water. This will make such a huge difference that will blow your mind. Our advice is to just keep at it - it's frustrating and scary in the beginning, but once you get through the detox period, your hair and scalp will thank you for it...it takes time, but we promise that it will just get better and better.

If you live in a hard water area you may want to wet your hair first with a spoonful of baking soda in warm water (I tablespoon to 1 cup of water) - why? It can help your bar foam better and help deep cleanse the gunky buildup from traditional shampoo and conditioners. And then after washing with the shampoo bar…rinse, rinse, rinse.

Are shampoo bars good for dyed hair? For gray hair?

Yes! Our shampoo bars are gentle on all types of hair. It doesn't seem to make any difference whether your hair is colored or uncolored. However, naturally grey hair never requires a big transition! Don’t use our Natural Soap and Shampoo Bars just once or twice… Give them a Chance! There is a transition period or detox period as you make the change. We are here to help you get through the “Funky Hair” phase.
 

How often should I wash my hair with my shampoo bar?

The temptation is to wash your hair more often, but this has the opposite effect. I know it's not always possible but if you can wash your hair less it will transition quicker. Be Patient and don’t give up. After a while you will start to find that you are making progress and that your hair will feel much better. Hard water can make this transition period a little tougher. Our advice is to just keep at it - it's frustrating and scary in the beginning, but once you get through the detox period, your hair and scalp will thank you for it...it takes time, but we promise that it will just get better and better.

It can take a little getting used to, using a bar on your hair. After all, we are so used to squeezing that glob of liquid into our hands. It is well worth it to get rid of your plastic bottles, and the chemicals out of your hair and off your skin and scalp. Wet the bar, wet your hair and rub the bar onto your hair starting with the length if you have long hair. I always rub around my hairline, along under my fringe and under my hair line along the nape of my neck, and then just rub whatever soap is left on the head thoroughly into my scalp. Don't be afraid to give it all a good scrub. Do this twice and rinse well both times. No need for conditioner, the bars contain a conditioning oil that does the job. Comb through gently with a wide tooth comb and style as normal

You will hopefully find with the bars that you need to wash your hair less, as it is doing it's natural job and not fighting against the chemicals in the bottled products.

Should I use an ACV rinse?

One of the most effective ways to cut through the 'grease' while transitioning out of chemical-laden products is to do a final rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar in warm water at the point you would normally condition. Consider this is your new conditioner for now until you can go without.

Mix 1 part of Apple Cider Vinegar to 3 parts warm water. Pour over your hair after shampooing, then massage in and rinse off. We put ours in a spray bottle and spray. Our children don't like the smell of Apple Cider Vinegar, so we use citric acid in their rinse. We use 1 teaspoon to 16 ounces of water.

How soon can I expect my order?

We aim to ship orders within 3 days, and all items are shipped with tracking via USPS Priority. We are a family-owned and operated small business and we pride ourselves in prompt shipping. We appreciate your patience should your order take a little longer to process and ship. 
 
We are happy to ship Internationally via USPS First Class, buyer is responsible for taxes and duties. Please allow take anywhere from 2-4 weeks for delivery. Please allow for any extra customs processing times in the country of origin and destination.
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