Sometimes it's hard to know how long you should persist with an organic shampoo before it gets better – if it gets better. So when is it time to switch your organic shampoo to another one? Here are four signs that it's time.
1. Dry, itchy & flaky scalp
If it itches or dries out the scalp, then you know it's the wrong shampoo. If it itches, you might be allergic to something in the shampoo.
If the scalp becomes dry, tight and flaky as a result, then the scalp is sensitive and you need to switch to a milder organic shampoo that lathers less, or alternatively an organic dandruff shampoo.
If you know the scalp is sensitive, always choose fragrance-free or lightly scented shampoos.
2. Product buildup occurs
The first few washes feel great with fine hair as a result. Then the hair becomes stiff and dull. Both hair and scalp get coatings (within 2 days to about 2 weeks).
The hair doesn't get clean and the scalp smells musty after shampooing.
Eventually it can start itching with hair loss as the worst-case scenario. The hair probably has too many chemical residues or chemicals are still being continuously added to the hair via other hair products. Residue products from conventional hair care, styling and hair coloring products are difficult to wash away with an organic shampoo. Switch everything to natural and clean products then.
If a mild organic shampoo is used, a more "tough" lathering shampoo may be necessary. Eco Cosmetics shampoos lather well, but may be insufficient if the hair has a lot of chemical residues. In that case, a tougher shampoo like Bruns nr. 5 is needed.
If an organic shampoo that lathers well is already being used, chemical coatings can be removed with vinegar hair rinse. Vinegar rinse helps most people. Note that vinegar rinse may be needed for a longer period before results can be achieved.
3. You get oily hair quickly
The hair does look fine after washing but it becomes oily after just half a day to a day! The shampoo may also feel unusually uneconomical. A shampoo that makes hair oily quickly is too mild (lathers too little). If you persist with such a shampoo and wash frequently (every day if needed), the scalp will eventually (can take up to 3 months) produce less sebum/oil. The scalp gets balanced and the hair needs to be washed less frequently.
If it becomes so oily that it starts itching, do a vinegar rinse. Switch to a shampoo that lathers more, or stick it out!
Don't get discouraged if mild shampoos (lather little or not at all) don't work in the beginning. Step down slowly and let the hair and scalp have 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 hair becomes charged from large temperature changes. But dry hair tends to become charged even when it's not winter.
Switch to a more nourishing shampoo then, or enrich the shampoo with a few drops of any hair oil. Do hair masks and use nourishing conditioner.
