A few years ago I went from washing my hair every day with conventional shampoo to washing my hair with apple cider vinegar—and it wasn’t pretty. Since then, I’ve developed a few tips for making your natural shampoo work for you. Keep reading for my tips.
This post is generously sponsored by EVOLVh, an ethical haircare line that meets ECOCERT requirements, COSMOS requirements, is Soils Association Approved, NaTrue Approved and Global Approved. As always, The New Knew only works with brands who we trust are making the world a better place.
By: Lisa Fennessy
IN THIS POST:
- Tips to make your natural shampoo work for you
- Additional tips from people who have tried A LOT of natural shampoos…
When I swapped my conventional shampoo for a more ethical option, I was on a mission to create a more natural haircare routine—and at that time this meant a lot of trial and error.
Not to say that if you are looking to swap your shampoo out for something better you need to turn to ACV. That’s a hard NO. Natural shampoos have come leaps and bounds over the past few years. And I will be the first to tell you there is way less compromise and a lot more clean, bouncy hair running around these clean beauty streets than there used to be.
If you are committed to using better-for-you shampoos, you can absolutely get them to work for you. Here’s a few tips from yours truly plus some pros to get you there.
RELATED: We consider clean shampoos to be free from TNK’s No Thanks ingredients.
Tips to make your natural shampoo work for you
Tip #1: If you haven’t tried a natural shampoo in a while, try again!
Seriously, I remember back in 2016 it was either Acure or Acure, which left me in the corner with tear-stained cheeks because I still had dirty hair after using an entire bottle of shampoo on my head. Well, science has come a long way and now there are actually better-for-you shampoo brands out there THAT WORK.
I recommend giving EVOLVh a try. EVOLVh is easy to use and cleans hair with practically zero learning curve. Available in four options: UtraShine Moisture Shampoo (for drier hair), SmartCurl Hydrating Wash (for curly hair), SmartColor Protecting Shampoo (for color treated hair) and InstaVolume Cleansing Treatment (for added volume).
All four of their shampoos work great for me. I just happened to like the UltraShine Moisture Shampoo because my gray hair is a little drier than my brown hair. I also am partial to its fresh grapefruit scent.
Tip #2: Not all natural shampoos are created equal
That being said, I’ve tried my fair share of natural shampoos and I’m here to say with 100% confidence that some work, some work better than others and some don’t work at all.
Don’t give up if you try one and it’s not a match for you. There are so many factors that play into a shampoo’s success rate like surfactant structure, water type, washing frequency and hair type, for example.
Tip #3: Mindset shift
Using natural shampoos is not a 1:1 experience with using conventional shampoos. Chances are, if you use natural shampoo the same way you use conventional shampoo and expect the same outcome, you may be left disappointed.
Tip #4: Read the directions carefully
Not all natural shampoos work the same. Some come condensed and need water added back in; some need to be applied to soaking wet hair; some literally say they will not foam. Everything you need to know should be on the box / label.
Tip #5: Apply shampoo to your scalp, not just your hair
If you don’t wash your scalp, it will still be dirty. Part your hair into quarters and be sure shampoo is applied to your scalp, not just on top of your hair. If shampoo is applied only on your hair, it will only clean your hair and your scalp will still feel dirty.
After the product is applied to your scalp, give it a nice massage and be sure to get all parts of your head including the nape of your neck, which can be the greasiest for some people.
Tip #6: Double cleanse!
My best tip is to double cleanse—meaning to wash your hair twice. The first wash will loosen up any grime, oil and dirt while the second wash actually gets in there and is able to CLEAN the hair and scalp. Washing twice also gives you a better suds on the second round too. Think of this like sweeping your floor before you mop.
Tip #7: Try adjusting your washing frequency
If you are used to washing your hair every 4 days with conventional shampoo, you may want to try washing your hair every 2 or 3 days with natural shampoo. This could be especially true for people with fine or thin hair that tends to get greasy faster.
For me, I used to wash my hair daily with conventional shampoo, but now I wash my hair twice a week with natural shampoo—a shift that has happened over time.
Tip #8: Apply conditioner midshaft to the tips
Avoid applying conditioner to your scalp if possible. This can weigh your hair down and make it feel less clean.
RELATED: My Everything Hair Care Routine—A Step By Step Guide
Additional tips from people who have tried A LOT of natural shampoos…
Kimberly Fe’Lix, founder of Fe’Lix Inside & Out
As a curly girl, I use quite a few products to reduce frizz and get the perfect balance of curl definition and volume, which unfortunately can lead to product buildup. Product buildup can leave my scalp dry and itchy and my hair lifeless. This situation only worsened when I switched to entirely natural shampoos and conditioners. My secret weapon for addressing these concerns is tea tree oil. Add 6-10 drops into your favorite natural shampoo (or just a drop or two per wash and mix in your palms before applying to your hair) and the experience is a cleaner, healthier scalp.
Maia James, founder of Gimme The Good Stuff
I’ve finally found a way to get natural shampoos to work by double washing, but only twice a week! (I wash, rinse and repeat usually on Friday and again on Tuesday). I also focus on the roots and use lots of conditioner on the ends. And I use dry shampoo between washes. I also use conventional shampoo sometimes.
Katey Denno, Celeb Makeup Artist
I use natural shampoos the same way I used to use conventional shampoos (over a decade ago). I wash and condition nearly every day (which I know experts say not to do, but I can’t not wash every day) and I love how my hair looks as a result.
Tricia Savino, founder of Ni Hao New York
It’s going to get worse before it gets better. When you wash your hair with harsh chemicals every day, it basically signals to your scalp to produce more oil to replace what is being washed away. Switching to a natural shampoo means your hair and scalp have to regulate now that the oils aren’t being stripped off, so you may find yourself with greasy hair and oily scalp at the beginning…but once you get over that hump, I promise your hair is going to look better than ever!
Chantel Rodriguez, founder of Choose Love Art
It helps to really understand the needs of YOUR hair so that you are choosing the right nourishment you specifically need.
Nicolle Mackinnon, TNK Content Manager
Have you ever actually read the back of your shampoo bottle? It will usually say something along the lines of, apply to scalp and hair. And it took me until recently to realize that sudsing up just my scalp wasn’t enough. After you squirt your shampoo into your hands and rub them together, run your hands from your scalp to the midshaft of your hair before you start to activate it. You’ll coat more of your hair in the shampoo, and get a cleaner feel, as the suds will penetrate everywhere.
Tiffany Stuart, Certified Health Coach and founder of Well With Tiffany
Since getting my hair cut last time, I’ve been changing up my technique. I apply shampoo in a rubbing motion between my palms on the strands (as if I were rubbing my hands together to get them warmed up) and regular on the scalp. That’s what the salon recommended and it’s helped tremendously.
Suzi Swope, Licenced Esthetician, Hairstylist and founder of Gurl Gone Green
Detox your hair every couple of weeks using a detox mask for the hair or a simple clarifying treatment like 1 part ACV to 1 part water and let it sit on your hair for 10 minutes. This can help remove any buildup and keep your hair looking fresh. Also, consider investing in a shower filter that will filter out chemicals like chlorine that can really change how your hair responds to shampoo and conditioner.
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Lindsey Lawson
April 26, 2022Do you have a favorite clean shampoo for dandruff? Or tips, it’s really dry here and my whole family is suffering. Thank you!
Jodi
March 8, 2023I had been suffering with scales on my scalp for years and what has worked for me is making a mask of bentonite clay or French green clay and applying to my scalp and then I apply castor oil and tea tree oil. I leave those on for a few minutes while I brush and floss or maybe longer while I read a good book. I was amazed how this treatment helped my scalp and enhanced my curly hair, making it feel thicker and curlier. I am beginning my transition to gray and enjoying the journey.