How to Transition Your Hair Care Routine from Chemical to Natural Products
People are more aware than ever about the prevalence and impact of harsh chemicals in our lives. That’s why there’s a growing demand for natural haircare. Changing from a chemical-based routine to a natural option involves a few steps, which we’ll go through here, but we’ll also discuss the benefits of sticking with the transition process and completely switching to natural products.
Many hair care choices contain sulphates, silicones, and parabens, and you should first of all look through everything you’re currently using and see which ones contain these, so you know what to start replacing. Silicone is the most important one to replace, as this creates a dependence on sulphate cleansers to clear it. These ingredients cause build-up, so we’d recommend starting to clear that before you start on new products. You can do this with a scalp scrub and/or clarifying shampoo that will help get your hair to a good starting point where it’s most likely to respond well to new products.
It’s best to start this process gradually. Don’t go out and replace everything, as your hair is likely to react and become hard to manage and style. It’s also important to know what product you’ve changed in case you have any irritation or an allergic reaction to it. Swap your shampoo first so your hair is getting a good cleanse, then conditioner, then other conditioning and styling products. Give each one a few days, then introduce the next swap until your whole routine has been replaced.
What to Expect During Your Transition
Ditching the chemicals your hair is used to may not be easy at first. Your scalp is likely to either produce too much oil or not enough as it gets used to balancing itself without the harsh stripping process of chemicals. It may also feel brittle as your cuticles clear their silicone coverings. It can be tempting to go back to your old habits at this point, but if you can hold out for a couple of months, you’ll see big changes. During the transition process, try to go further between washes to help your scalp balance. You should also do deep conditioning treatments and use heat as little as possible. Using a style like a braid can hide the dryness as you adjust, and it doesn’t require heat at all.
The Benefits of Using Natural Products
Breaking the reliance on chemicals can help improve your hair health. Natural products are made using gentle ingredients such as essential oils and aloe vera. The focus on healthy plant-based elements means natural haircare is designed to nourish your hair and scalp, leaving soft hair that feels as good as it looks. Many people find that this improvement in hair health and the lack of build-up means they need fewer products, no longer having to reach for frizz serums and hair spray. Many people also simply enjoy knowing they are removing a few toxins and chemicals from their routines.
Using quality haircare is the best way to make that freshly cut salon feeling last. Read more about our revolutionary cuts at Indulge Salon that will inspire you to take your haircare to the next level with our French haircuts.
