From Regular to Solid Shampoo

Are you thinking about making the switch to shampoo bars? See how I made my transition virtually painless!

​Many people are afraid of the consequences of transitioning to solid shampoo, such as the greasy phase and the waxy coating. However, I was able to avoid these stages by going through the transition in phases...

Phase 1- Dump your regular shampoo

I knew that given the opportunity to choose between the maybe 5 different shampoos overcrowding my shower and the shampoo bar that was new and intimidating, I would choose the liquid shampoo. So I dumped my shampoos for good (If this is too permanent you could always store them away, out of sight). The point is to remove the temptation of familiarity, while decluttering your shower.

Phase 2- Baking Soda Cleanse

This is something that very few people do, but I believe that it was the reason I didn't have any issues with the solid shampoo.

​Directions- Mix 50% baking soda and 50% water in a small container and use it as shampoo for about 3 washes before starting solid shampoo.
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​During this time I used an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse as well to give my hair some shine and conditioning (the smell dissapears when dry, but some people add a few drops of essential oil to avoid it as much as possible).

​This in-between stage allows your scalp to get used to the fact that oil isn't being stripped, but the baking soda keeps it from looking oily. You can really do this for as long as you want, some people use baking soda/water as shampoo by itself. I didn't feel like it gave me enough volume or cleansing to be permanently used- but to each their own.

Phase 3- Shampoo Bar Time

Start using the bar! Keep in mind that shampoo bars need to be handled differently- they need time to dry after each use and need a container.

​To wash my hair, I got it completely saturated and then held it in a ponytail, rubbing the bar all the way around my hairline (Even underneath my ponytail). Then I set the bar out of the way of the water and dropped the ponytail, and lathered as usual.

​I decided to start with shampoo bars by using a highly rated company called Lush, and I purchased their coconut bar called Trichomania- for curly hair. The bar is vegan and cruelty-free but is not completely chemical free. I intend to start using all-natural organic bars next, and plan to do a review of Chagrin Valley's chemical free bars in the near future. However, I do feel that trichomania is a great bar to start with, it is very nurishing and smells amazing.