Okay, so I tried. Because it’s Christophe, who quite honestly is one of the most genial people I’ve ever met and his products are so good. But, this glycerin and castor oil combination is just not for my hair. I know that stripping out silicones and going as natural as possible with shampoos has been a trend for a while (and in theory you can make your own quite easily) but the process, if you’re a clean hair freak, is traumatic.
My hair, despite adequate soap and adequate rinsing looked worse than before I washed it – it was dull, greasy and sad looking. Once you stop using chemical cleansers your hair (and scalp) has to go through a period of adjustment that can take anything from a couple of weeks to literally months. I think you have to be very committed to the cause to be honest, and unless you’re super-sensitive to regular shampoos the process might be more painful than the end result. Part of the problem for me is that nobody can say when hair will suddenly get used to this different method – I think if I’d been told it takes 3 washes or even 4 I might have been more prepared to stay the course, but everyone is different.
I absolutely love the idea of using a bar shampoo (apparently a big forward trend) and of giving my hair the opportunity to be ‘natural’, but unless I go to a desert island for a few months, it’s just not viable for me. It’s true that using shampoo and conditioner (especially ‘hydrating or moisturising’ ones) means that sometimes a full detox with a clarifying shampoo (which can be harsh) is necessary to get the build up out (I follow on with an intensive mask) it’s far less inconvenient than a month or more with hideous hair.
The Leave In Detangler, by the way, is lovely – super light so not for big knots, but I’d recommend for fine and fly away hair that can’t cope with heavy conditioners. It did help with combing through after I’d used the bar and my hair was a mass of confusion but it’s probably a bit too light to replace a regular conditioner.
If you already use the glycerine/caster oil shampoo method, you’ll find the addition of aloe vera adds some surface hydration and because it’s artisan made using traditional soap methods, might well be superior in composition to whatever you currently use. The good thing to come out of this is that the bar can be used as a regular soap and as it turns out, is extremely lovely for that! You can find the Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar with Aloe for £17 HERE.
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All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
3 comments
Makes me think of the Lush shampoo bars. I did use many years ago and handy instead of holding bottle.
This is why I believe you when you say you love a product. I know you’ve recommended other products from the same brand & had a trip to Paris with them – proof your good opinion can’t be coerced with ‘treats’.
Thanks Jane. Always unbiased, always honest, always trusted! xCx
Thank you! It’s such a specific product for those who really want to make the change – I mostly love Christophe products but this one just isn’t for me! That brand is great – I was never under pressure for ‘positivity’ and I often think about that trip and how lovely it was.