In a recent move away from potentially-toxic conventional products, I started using a shampoo bar and citric acid rinse. Originally, I wanted to try the no-poo method, but didn’t want to endure the transition—nothing like having sticky hair at work for a month, eh? After a little research to find a daily-use alternative, I discovered the wonderful world of shampoo bars and I’m seriously digging them!
First of all, I love that they can last for a long time if they’re kept dry. The inexpensive unscented bar that I love (bonus: it has minimal packaging) lasts for about a month.
Between struggling with health-related hair loss and weighty conventional shampoos and conditioners, my hair felt heavy and stringy. Switching to a natural soap bar and acidic rinse made my hair lighter and fuller. Natural shampoo bars are gentle and don’t strip away the natural oils, leaving hair naturally nourished, shiny, and strong.
Acidic Rinse
Natural oils don’t typically play well with hard water minerals and can leave hair feeling a little greasy. Using an acidic rinse in areas with hard water typically does the trick. We have extremely hard water in Minneapolis, so I increased the level of acidity in my rinse to make my hair soft. If a shampoo bar is leaving your hair on the sticky-side, a stronger acidic rinse might help.
I make my acidic rinse with 2-3 teaspoons of powdered citric acid
A good indicator that I’ve used enough rinse is when my hair becomes less tangly and a little slippery (but not slimy like conventional conditioners), and as soon as my hair dries it’s soft and bouncy.
Traveling
Traveling is super easy and light with shampoo bars. I just toss the leftover shampoo bar bits and a little container of citric acid into a reused Altoids tin and they’re ready to go. Once I arrive, I mix up the citric acid in a cup of water. It’s a great way to use up remaining shampoo bar pieces.
Minimal
I really enjoy the open visual space in my shower since the little bar replaced big bottles of shampoo and conditioner and the citric acid rinse looks so pretty in its spray bottle. And, since I’m no longer concerned about shine or volume, I ditched some of my styling products which freed up storage space under my sink.
For me, this was an all-around win—zero-waste, low-tox, beautiful, and minimal! Would love to know if you’ve tried this method and what your experience was with it!
Simply, Becky
Light and Minimal 
I have been trying a shampoo and conditioner bar and am really enjoying it! I love how nicer my hair feels, and it takes a up lot less space and money! What is the no-poo method?!xo
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Hi Jade! Woohoo, love it! The no-poo method is basically reducing the frequency of washing, “shampooing” with baking soda, and rising with apple cider vinegar or something similar. Here’s a site with some helpful tips (http://bit.ly/2uc9awg). The transition period can be a little greasy, but I’ve heard fantastic things about it once the hair and scalp adjust!
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Ahh okay, thanks for the link – I will go and check it out now xo
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I see why you would not do this method, I don’t think I would try it either! xo
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I’ve never heard of this but after reading your post I really want to try one of these shampoo bars!
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Hooray, I love shampoo bars! I found that experimenting with the intensity of the acidic hair rinse in the first week or two of using the shampoo bar was really helpful. Cheers to trying something new!!
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I use a bar of soap that you can supposedly use for hair as well. I didn’t know about the citric acid rinse. Our water is not hard, so I haven’t seen any need for anything further. When I used shampoo (from a bottle), I had to wash my hair every day because my hair was lank by the second day. Now I can go three days and my hair still looks and feels clean.
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That’s so awesome, thanks for sharing!! Would you mind sharing which type/brand of soap you use?
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Sure, I buy Avocado, Aloe and Sandalwood Olive Oil Soap from Tasmanian company, Olive and Ash. They come to a festival in my town once a year, so I buy in bulk then. It’s cheaper to buy in bulk and I save on postage. 🙂
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Super, thanks! I’ve got a running list of new types/brands to try. Sounds easy-peasy with one bulk purchase a year, love it!
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Tassie is on the other side of the world from you though. But you might want to visit there one day. 🙂
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I’m so happy I found your blog! I used to use shampoo bars from Chagrin Valley..they even featured my customer feedback on their site, two times! huge fan..Ive also been decluttering my home…the stuff is suffocating! I haven’t read all your posts yet..as I just found your blog, but if you don’t already have could you do a beginners guide tips post?
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Love!!! Thanks for the shampoo bar suggestion! I’m always eager to try new ones. This blog post (http://bit.ly/2kDrhZC) about keeping clutter out is the closest that I have to a beginners guide, but I should probably have a simple beginners guide as well. Great post suggestion, thanks!
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Happy writing!!
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