If we look back a few years, solid shampoo for hair isn’t something new.
Recently, in the world of natural cosmetics,
solid shampoos are gaining exponentially in importance and attention
because they are practical and economical,
and they don’t pollute the environment
and represent a real alternative
to conventional liquid shampoos.
Table of content
What is solid shampoo for hair?
Simply put, solid shampoo for hair is a natural soap. It is formulated in a special way so that it is suitable and safe for washing hair. The ingredients are chosen to support scalp and hair care.
Solid shampoos, i.e., natural soaps for hair hydrate the scalp while adding volume and shine to the hair.
Solid shampoos are very concentrated because they don’t contain water. That’s why they can fit into smaller packaging and you need less product when using them.
They’re great for travel because they take up less space, and imagine, they can’t spill in your suitcase.
Why should I use solid shampoo for hair?
Good question.
If we look at industrial liquid hair shampoos, most of them are based on the use of artificial detergents, which remove the natural protective oils from the hair shaft and dry out the scalp. They use silicone-based substances that artificially add shine to the hair. These ingredients can cause dandruff formation or hair thinning.
Natural solid shampoos for hair use natural oils as their base. These ingredients act gently on the scalp and don’t remove the protective layer on the hair. They hydrate the hair naturally and can help remove dandruff.
What are the benefits of natural solid shampoos?
The advantages of natural solid shampoos are numerous. Without much thought, we can say that they are: quality, practicality and environmental benefits.
Quality.
Balavander makes its solid shampoos exclusively
from natural plant oils, plant butters, and essential oils. Natural solid shampoos they do not contain preservatives, chemicals and unwanted additives. They do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is why it does not dry out or damage the hair.
Since we only use ingredients of plant origin, strong natural shampoos are also suitable for vegans.
Natural solid shampoos create a thick natural foam, which cleans and nourishes the hair.
Practicality. They are easy to use and apply to the hair. Rub the shampoo into wet hair, until you get enough lather for washing. Put the shampoo away and continue washing as usual.
Some people also use our natural shampoos as a body wash or even as a shaving soap, as it leaves a thick lather.
Natural solid shampoos are economical and last a long time.
Ecological benefits. They do not use plastic packaging, where e.g. industrial shampoos use almost exclusively plastic packaging. They are small in size, which reduces shipping and transport costs. They are extremely concentrated, which means that less product is needed, in order to get the same effect as with industrial shampoo.
What is the difference between natural soap and hair shampoo?
Natural soaps and shampoos contain similar ingredients. The main difference between them is in the types of oils and the amount of certain ingredients in the formula. In natural shampoos, oils are used that help create a high-quality, thick lather. Also oils that add benefits in hair and scalp care, thereby keeping the scalp pH neutral.
So, natural solid shampoos are formulated to provide benefits for hair care. Of course, they can also be used for the whole body.
Do solid hair shampoos leave unwanted residue?
Some solid shampoos depending on hair type can leave a “waxy” feel on the hair after washing. This effect occurs as a byproduct of saponified oil.
If this happens, rinsing with diluted apple cider vinegar will remove this “problem.” It’s simpler than it sounds, and it has its own benefits too. Pour apple cider vinegar and water into a bowl or bottle in a 1 to 3 ratio. After washing your hair, rinse with this solution, let it work for 1–2 minutes, and then rinse your hair with plain warm water.
Apple cider vinegar has great benefits
in restoring and стимулисању new hair growth.
Nice and useful.
What is the pH value of natural solid hair shampoos?
Natural solid hair shampoos have a pH in the range of 7–10, which ideally matches with the pH values of the scalp and hair strands.
How to use solid hair shampoo?
If you've only used industrial liquid shampoos until now, it's likely that the feeling of using anything else will be a bit strange.
It doesn't take too long to get this feeling out of your head. Of course, there is a certain period of transition, which is common for every habit we have and develop during life.
Strong hair shampoos are actually concentrated natural soaps. They are activated in contact with warm water. You can create a lather by rubbing the shampoo in your hands or you can do it by rubbing it directly into wet hair.
You will notice that a thick and creamy foam starts to form at the same moment.
After washing your hair, store the shampoo in its original packaging so that it dries and extends its shelf life.
Transition period
If you use conventional shampoos for a long time, you very likely have invisible chemical buildup on the scalp and hair. This happens because industrial shampoos contain detergents and silicone.
During this period, your scalp will need to adjust and “recalculate” the production of natural oils that protect the scalp and hair. During this period it’s possible that your hair will feel heavy or greasy.
After the transition period ends, the buildup of industrial chemicals is removed and the scalp adapts to the new natural pH, your hair will start to look better and the heavy, greasy feeling will suddenly disappear.
This period, if it happens,
can vary depending on hair type.
But for most people it lasts between 2 and 3 weeks,
Can natural shampoos solve scalp problems?
Yes. They can. Regardless of what skin or hair type you have, chemicals from industrial shampoos build up on the surface. Over time, this can cause various problems due to disruption of the natural pH value and disruption of natural oil secretion from scalp pores.
Natural shampoos will restore the natural balance and remove chemical buildup, after which problems with a dry scalp will disappear.
Can a natural shampoo solve the problem of split and dry ends?
Split ends are a result of dry and damaged hair. The remedy for this problem is hydrating the hair and creating a protective layer on the surface of the hair shaft. Coconut oil is known as an excellent exfoliant, which is why it is an ingredient in Balavander natural solid shampoos..
Will a solid shampoo dry out my hair?
No. Natural solid shampoos are handmade from high-quality, certified plant oils, without added detergents or silicones. These natural ingredients support scalp and hair care, making them healthier.
Can I use a natural hair shampoo for babies too?
Yes. You can use Natural Solid Shampoo and for washing baby’s hair. Naturally, avoid contact with the eyes.
How does “hard” water affect my hair?
Hard water affects negatively on natural hair shampoo because it’s harder to get lather and hair is harder to rinse.
A hair strand has small openings also called “crepe cuticles.” Hard water can cause the cuticles to lift, making hair feel rough and tangled.
Natural solid shampoo is less effective when in contact with hard water because of a chemical reaction that happens in which calcium and magnesium salts are formed. These salts dissolve easily in water creating a so-called “soap film.” Washing hair with soft water gives much better results.
If you have access to water that isn’t too hard or chlorinated, simply use natural hair shampoo and conditioner, as you’re used to.
If you do have to use hard water for washing your hair, after washing, you can rinse your hair with diluted apple cider vinegar or diluted lemon juice. The acid affects the cuticle to close its openings, after which hair will be smooth and soft, as you expect.
Can I use a solid shampoo on dyed hair?
Of course, our hair shampoos are mild and gentle, so they’re safe for washing dyed hair too.
My hair is greasy after washing. What should I do?
It’s possible that after the first few washes with solid shampoo
you won’t be completely satisfied.
The reason for this situation is
it takes some time
for the hair and scalp to recover
from accumulated harmful substances
and get used to the new shampoo.
After the first few washes, it’s possible your hair will feel greasy or heavy. Sometimes, for certain hair types, it takes 2 to 4 weeks to see the real results of using it.
If you continue washing your hair with natural solid shampoo, you’ll notice your hair becomes fuller and feels fantastically soft.
It’s worth the effort.
If after a few attempts the solid shampoo still doesn’t suit your hair, you can simply use it as a hand or body soap.
Conclusion
We conclude this story with the observation that natural solid shampoos are not “perfect” and not a “magical” cure for any hair or scalp problem, but they are certainly a good starting point toward healthier, more beautiful hair.
Every change requires time and commitment. It’s definitely worth trying and giving natural cosmetics and natural hair care products a chance.
We have made the switch and have no plans to go back to industrial soaps and shampoos.
Enjoy!
With smile,
Balavander
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