Switching to natural shampoo: there is magic in every beginning.

• The most important information about hair care with shampoos without silicone, preservatives and foaming agents.
• Switching from conventional shampoo to natural hair care can take some patience, as skin and hair have to adapt.
• It also takes some getting used to when using it: Less foam and scent, a little more effort.

The magic of the beginning. I also feel the optimism that Hermann Hesse expresses in his famous line of poetry when I use a natural shampoo for the first time: finally away from the chemical additives in conventional shampoos, away from residues that are harmful to nature, away from the eternal cycle of washing, washing, washing , just so my hair doesn't feel heavy on my scalp with greasy roots. I'm 35 years old when I first encountered real natural hair care and I'm annoyed by the effects of conventional shampoos on my hair and scalp. I finally want to unleash the natural beauty of my healthy hair again. I feel great and full of anticipation. In fact: a beginning with inherent magic! But then reality catches up with me, because another well-known saying seems to be true: All beginnings are difficult...

Free your hair from silicones!

Conventional shampoos give you beautiful, soft and combable hair at first glance. However, this is not necessarily because these products make your hair healthier. These shampoos often contain silicones that wrap around your hair like a chemical coat. This gives them shine and they feel soft. The problem: Your hair can no longer be supplied with nutrients as well due to the silicone layer. So beneath the surface, it may not be healthy at all - it's starving. My thoughts on this: The stuff might belong between bathroom tiles, but not on my head! The next time you wash your hair, you pull part of the silicone layer off your hair. Doing this with a silicone-free shampoo reveals your half-starved hair underneath: brittle, lackluster, difficult to comb. Many then see only one option: quickly apply the next layer of silicone to the hair - a vicious circle. Conventional shampoos also often contain humectants, preservatives and softeners such as parabens or glycerin. Skin and hair have become accustomed to all these substances!

The switch requires a little patience - but it's worth it!

When I wash my hair with natural shampoo for the first time, I'm a bit disappointed: instead of the silky soft hair I so much want, I'm greeted by somewhat dry hair in the bathroom mirror - not a nest of straw on my head, but none either soft dream hair. At the latest when brushing, I have real doubts. Ouch! If that's the alternative to conventional shampoos, a snazzy short haircut might even be a better choice. I quickly brush the desperate thought aside. A look at the reports of fellow sufferers on the Internet reminds me to be patient. The switch is sometimes a bit tricky, I read there. Your hair may also feel brittle and dry as more of the silicone coat is washed off. But the opposite can also be the case: it is quite possible that the hair initially becomes greasy more quickly when switching to natural shampoo, I find out during the research. One reason for this could be that the scalp's natural ability to regulate must first return to normal. That's a calming thought: over time, the sebaceous glands will learn that they no longer have to compensate for dryness after washing your hair. Only then will they produce less fat again. I read on the forums that it could take a few weeks for the silicone and other artificial substances to be completely removed from the hair and scalp.

I also have to get used to the application

The difference between conventional shampoo and natural shampoo reminds me of that between fast food and a fine bowl: the latter is a bit more complex and the taste buds need time to taste the fine nuances again. While I thoughtlessly rub conventional shampoo into my hair in the shower, I freshly prepare the natural shampoo in the morning – from concentrate in a professional applicator bottle. When using it, I quickly notice that it does not contain any artificial foaming agents. The foam swoosh in the shower stays away. Also, no artificial aromas get into my nose, but the mild scent of natural oils. So you should know this before switching to natural shampoo: Natural shampoos smell less and they foam significantly less, because instead of foaming agents such as sodium laureth sulfate, they contain mild sugar surfactants , which are also much more biodegradable. Incidentally, less foam is not a sign of poorer quality or cleaning effectiveness. However, it is possible that you have to get used to the reduced foaming.

So when will everything be okay?

I have to admit: the time after the changeover is not easy. Sometimes it has to get worse before it gets better? That's kind of my mantra at this time. Even after several uses, my hair gets a little more greasy than usual, but it still looks dull. I switched two weeks ago! Brushing the hair is now important to transport the sebum into the hair . The goal of natural shampoo is to restore the natural beauty of your hair and the health of your scalp, and natural sebum is essential for that. Once the artificial substances have been removed, the ingredients in the shampoo can also unfold their effect on the skin and hair - i.e. the natural substances such as vegetable oils and herbal extracts. And that also takes some time. Especially in combination with the right brushing technique, your body will automatically find its balance again with natural shampoo and a little patience. Of course, this only applies if no serious illness is the cause of problems with the hair or scalp . In this case, you should of course speak to a doctor! Incidentally, even with natural cosmetics it can be the case that you do not tolerate one of the ingredients used. In this case, you should simply try a different product.

Successful transition: sometimes the magic is in stamina

week five. The hair: silky. The scalp: relaxed. I wash my hair much less often now as it gets greasy much more slowly. And I've gotten used to using it - it's now more of a ritual that focuses on me than a chore. And I'm a little proud of myself for persevering. For you, the question may now arise: When is the right time to make the switch? If you have a date or a job interview in the next few days, you might want to wait a bit before making the switch. But if you want to get rid of the chemicals in your bathroom as quickly as possible, there is actually no reason to hesitate. Because a look at the ingredients of conventional shampoos gives you many reasons to switch to natural shampoo. Get going! On the other side you will find magical hair - just not at the beginning of the track...