Is your frizz going to get out of control? Are your locks going to lose their shine? Will your hair look limp and lifeless? Trust us, we were experiencing the same sort of trepidation before making the switch.
Before you take the plunge, we want to share our top tips for how you can ditch the plastic and enjoy Ethique shampoo bars.
Why use Ethique Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Ethique Shampoo and Conditioner Bars are a popular choice if you want to ditch the plastics or detox your life of harsh chemicals.
These highly concentrated blocks are made of 100% naturally derived ingredients and free of the nasties you'd typically see in commercial hair products. We're talking parabens, synthetic fragrances, SLS's and other lab-made toxic chemicals.
But it's important not to confuse the Ethique Shampoo Bars with a bar of eco-friendly soap. Unlike some options on the plastic-free market, Ethique products are actually soap-free! This means they are pH balanced and won't strip your hair of its natural oils.
If you've previously tried a "shampoo bar" and been left with lifeless, dry or frizzy hair, this may be the reason!
Another reason we love Ethique shampoo bars is that their super-concentrated form means they are equivalent to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo and you need less product to achieve clean locks.
How to use Ethique Shampoo Bars
Let's not kid ourselves here. Using a Shampoo bar isn't the same experience as a liquid shampoo. Get to know how to use an Ethique Shampoo bar correctly and you'll be a fan in no time!
Step 1. Wet and SwipeÂ
Wet your hair well and the bar. Gently slide the bar from your roots to the ends of your hair in sections 3-4 times.
Tip: don't try to coat your hair thoroughly with the shampoo bar otherwise you'll have too much residue.
Step 2. Lather and MassageÂ
Put down the bar and work in sections lathering the shampoo into your hair. If you're using a quality shampoo bar, it will foam!
Massage into your scalp using circular motions and don't neglect hard-to-reach areas such as the nape of your neck.
Step 3. Rinse, rinse, rinse
Rinse the hair well and then rinse again. If using Ethique conditioner, apply this now.
Rinsing well is important to remove the excess shampoo. This will ensure it doesn't leave a residue and make your hair appeal limp without volume.
Now dry and style your hair as needed!
Why you may experience a transition period
If you're making the switch from a commercial shampoo product to a shampoo bar, you may experience the dreaded transition period.
Don't let it turn you off! It's just your hair adjusting to the disappearance of synthetic chemicals. It's not so dissimilar to the cravings we experience when quitting sugar!
Depending on your current hair products and your type of hair, this period can last for two weeks as the toxic residue eventually washes out and your natural oils rebalance.
Our tip is to avoid washing your hair more than 3 or 4 times a week. Thankfully top buns are all the rage! Give your hair time to adjust and allow for the Ethique Shampoo bars to work their magic.
Once you make the switch, you'll never go back!