HOW TO USE ORGANIC SHAMPOO ?
Did you know the average person uses 4-6 hair care products daily? Many of these are packed with synthetic chemicals, designed to strip, foam, coat, and mask, but not necessarily nourish. It's a subtle change in the way we look after ourselves and our hair.
This guide will show you how to gently transition to organic shampoo and get the most out of every wash, regardless of your goals : shinier hair, a calmer scalp, or simply a more honest product routine.
What is an Organic Shampoo?
Organic shampoo is made with plant-based ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides, GMOs, or harsh chemicals and formulated to cleanse without compromise. Unlike conventional shampoos, it avoids harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances, and artificial dyes. These are often the culprits behind dryness, irritation, or long-term hair imbalance.
Instead, you’ll find:
- Aloe vera
- Coconut oil
- Chamomile
- Tea tree
- Rosehip and argan oil
- Botanical extracts and essential nutrients
Each ingredient is selected not just for what it does, but for how gently and effectively it works with your scalp’s natural rhythm. Furthermore, the formula is only one aspect of the care. Certified, environmentally friendly, and sustainably made, true organic shampoos are packaged with care. Seek out reputable certifications such as Nature & Progrès (France), Ecocert, USDA Organic, and COSMOS Organic.
Want to know what COSMOS Organic really means? Read our certification guide.
Key Takeaway:
To sum up, here is a concise list defining what an organic shampoo is:
- Made with natural and certified organic ingredients
- Free from harsh or harmful chemicals
- Gentle on hair, scalp and skin
- Ethically manufactured
- Eco-friendly and sustainably produced
Why Choose Organic Shampoo?
1. Cleans Without Compromise
Most conventional shampoos use strong surfactants and synthetic additives to create instant results : lots of lather, high shine, fast "clean". But that comes at a cost: irritation, oil imbalance, long-term dryness, and sometimes even hair thinning. Organic shampoos skip the harshness and focus on what your scalp actually needs : a gentle cleanse that preserves its natural balance.
At La Purative, our formulas are free from:
- Sulfates
- Parabens
- Silicones
- Synthetic fragrances
- Artificial dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Animal derivatives
- Gluten
Explore our complete ingredient blacklist on each La Purative care product.
2. Naturally Rich in Nutrients and Botanical Actives
Think of organic shampoo as a daily treatment, not just a cleanser. Instead of chemical fillers, these formulas rely on high-grade plant oils and extracts that deliver real nourishment:
- Jojoba oil: rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, improves scalp health and strengthens the hair’s structure
- Olive oil: high in antioxidants and vitamins A & E, smooths the hair cuticle and enhances shine
- Chamomile, aloe, argan, and more: soothe, hydrate, and protect
Unlike surface-level shampoos that coat the hair, organic ingredients absorb deeply, working with your scalp’s natural rhythm to build long-term strength, softness, and shine.
3. Supports Scalp Balance
A calm, balanced scalp is the foundation of vibrant hair. Organic shampoos use mild, plant-based cleansing agents that remove impurities without stripping your skin’s protective barrier. Over time, this helps:
- Reduce flakiness, redness, and sensitivity
- Prevent excessive oiliness or dryness
- Create an ideal environment for healthy hair growth
4. Soothes Sensitive Scalps
If your scalp often feels itchy, tight, or reactive, conventional shampoos may be doing more harm than good.
Formulated without artificial fragrances, drying alcohols, or harsh preservatives, organic shampoos offer a gentler alternative, making them ideal for those with sensitivities, eczema, or psoriasis. Instead, they’re enriched with soothing botanicals like:
- Aloe vera: cools and hydrates
- Calendula: helps reduce redness
- Chamomile: calms inflammation and irritation
The result? Comfort restored. Sensitivity reduced. Balance regained.
5. Defends Against Daily Stressors
Hair faces more than heat styling, it’s constantly exposed to pollution, UV rays, and environmental toxins that break down its natural defences.
Organic shampoos rich in antioxidants (like vitamin E, rosemary, and green tea) help neutralise free radicals, protect the cuticle, and preserve strength, elasticity, and shine, even in urban or sun-exposed environments.
6. Encourages Healthier Hair Growth
A healthy scalp is the foundation of strong, growing hair. Organic shampoos help stimulate circulation and feed the follicles with botanical ingredients like rosemary, castor oil, nettle, and peppermint, all known to support hair regrowth.
One clinical study even found rosemary oil to be as effective as minoxidil, a common pharmaceutical treatment, but without the irritation. Read the study here
Switching to Organic Shampoo: What You Need to Know
Choosing organic shampoo is a step toward healthier hair, but like all meaningful change, it takes a little patience.
The truth? Your hair might need time to adjust. However the reward is absolutely worth it: stronger, shinier, more resilient strands.
Here’s how to make the transition smoother and more successful:
- Expect a transition phase: Don’t panic if your hair feels a bit greasy, dry, or even frizzy in the first 1–3 weeks. This is completely normal. It’s not the shampoo failing, it’s your hair recalibrating after years of synthetics.
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Remove the Residue: Conventional shampoos often leave behind silicones and polymers that coat the hair to mimic smoothness. Once these are stripped away, your hair’s true texture is revealed, and it may need time to detox.
Tip: Start with a clarifying rinse (1 part apple cider vinegar to 4 parts water) before your first organic shampoo. It helps dissolve buildup and rebalance your scalp’s pH, setting the stage for real results. - Be Patient - The Results Are Cumulative: Unlike quick-fix formulas, organic shampoo works with your biology, not against it. Most people see their best results after 2–4 weeks of consistent use.
With time, your scalp produces oil more efficiently. Your hair regains elasticity, softness, and shine, without artificial coatings.
To sum up, real change takes time. But once your hair adjusts, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for less. Consistency is key, and once your hair has made the shift, you’ll start to see a difference that lasts.
How to Use Organic Shampoo for Best Results
Organic shampoo feels different, and that’s a good thing. It’s more concentrated, less foamy, and much more aligned with your hair’s natural balance.
To get the most out of it, here’s how to use it the right way:
- 1. Start small: Use a coin-sized amount. Organic shampoos are usually more concentrated. This not only avoids waste but helps your bottle last longer.
- 2. Don’t Expect Instant Lather: Foam isn’t a measure of cleanliness. Conventional shampoos use sulfates (like SLS or SLES) to create heavy suds. Organic shampoos skip those, so the lather may be light, especially during the first wash. That’s normal.
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3. Wash Twice for a True Cleanse: First wash: Lifts oils, pollution, and residue, often with minimal foam.
Second wash: Creates a gentle lather and gives your scalp a proper cleanse. If your hair is particularly oily or product-laden, a third round may be beneficial.
Pro tip: Foaming increases as your scalp gets cleaner, it’s a natural signal that your hair is refreshed. - 4. Massage gently: Work the shampoo into your scalp for 1–2 minutes using your fingertips. This boosts microcirculation and helps release buildup from the roots.
- 5. Rinse with lukewarm water: Hot water can dry out your scalp and weaken your hair’s cuticle. Stick to a moderate temperature to protect moisture and shine.
- 6. Wash Less, Not More: Organic shampoos are non-stripping, so most people find that 2–3 washes per week is enough. Your scalp learns to self-regulate, reducing oiliness over time.
- 7. Follow with a Natural Conditioner: Hydrate, detangle, and soften with a plant-based conditioner. Discover our Organic Conditioner.
- 8. Treat Weekly for Strength and Shine: Apply a nourishing oil or mask once a week : think argan, coconut, or shea butter to restore elasticity and protect against dryness.
- 9. Minimise Heat Styling: Let your hair air dry whenever possible. It helps preserve its natural structure and long-term strength.
Ready to make the switch?
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