Sometimes it’s hard to know how long to stick with an organic shampoo before it gets better – if it gets better.
So when is it time to switch your organic shampoo to another?
Here are four signs that it’s time.
1. Dry, itchy & dandruff-prone scalp
- If it itches or dries out the scalp, you know it’s the wrong shampoo. If it itches, you might be allergic to something in the shampoo.
- The scalp becomes dry, tight, and dandruff appears as a result; then the scalp is sensitive and you need to switch to a milder organic shampoo that foams less or an organic dandruff shampoo.
- If you know your scalp is sensitive, always choose fragrance-free or lightly scented shampoos.
2. Product buildup occurs
- The first washes feel great with nice hair as a result. Then the hair becomes stiff and dull. Both hair and scalp get buildup (within 2 days to about 2 weeks).
- The hair doesn’t get clean and the scalp smells unpleasant after shampooing.
- Eventually, it may start to itch with hair loss as the worst-case scenario. Probably the hair has too many chemical residues or chemicals are still being continuously added to the hair through other hair products. Residue from conventional hair care, styling, and hair color products is hard to wash out with an organic shampoo. Then switch everything to natural and pure products.
- If a mild organic shampoo is used, a more “tough” foaming shampoo may be necessary. Eco Cosmetics shampoos foam well but may be insufficient if the hair has a lot of chemical residues. In that case, a stronger shampoo like Bruns no. 5 is needed.
- If you’re already using an organic shampoo that foams well, chemical buildup can be removed with a vinegar hair rinse. Vinegar rinses help most people. Note that vinegar rinses may be needed for a longer period before results appear.
3. You get greasy hair quickly
- The hair does look nice after washing but gets greasy already after half a day to a day! The shampoo may also feel unusually inefficient. A shampoo that makes hair greasy quickly is too mild (foams too little). If you insist on such a shampoo and wash often (every day if needed), the scalp will eventually (which can take up to 3 months) produce less sebum/grease. The scalp balances out and the hair needs washing less often.
- If it gets so greasy that it starts to itch, do a vinegar rinse. Switch to a shampoo that foams more, or hang in there!
- Don’t be discouraged if mild shampoos (that foam little or not at all) don’t work at first. Gradually reduce use and give your hair and scalp an adjustment period. A shampoo that is too mild today might be perfect after six months.
4. When you get static hair
- If you get frizzy, charged, and flyaway hair. This usually happens in winter when the hair becomes charged due to large temperature changes. But dry hair tends to become charged even when it’s not winter.
- Then switch to a more nourishing shampoo, or enrich the shampoo with a few drops of your favorite hair oil. Do hair masks and use nourishing conditioner.
