PRODUCT: Dr. Bronner’s Organic Shikakai Conditioning Hair Rinse
CLAIMS: “Our organic conditioning rinse is nourishing and effective…Organic Shikakai powder comes from the seed pods of the small South Asian tree Acacia Concinna, and is widely used in India for soft shiny hair. Organic lemon juice, used traditionally in the west, rinses and tightens hair shafts for excellent manageability. Organic coconut, olive and hemp fatty acids moisturize for luxuriant hair.”
INGREDIENTS: Organic Acacia Concinna (Shikakai) Extract, Organic Citrus Limon (Lemon) Juice, Organic Coconut Acid*, Organic Olive Acid*, Organic Hemp Acid, Potassium Citrate (made with Organic Lemon Juice), Organic Glycerin, Organic Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Organic Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Oil, Tocopherol (Vit. E), (* Certified Fair Trade by IMO)
VEGAN/VEGETARIAN?: Vegan [Source Dr. Bronner's FAQ]
CRUELTY-FREE?: Yes [Source: Leaping Bunny]
ECO-FRIENDLY?: Certified organic, some fair trade ingredients, post-consumer recycled bottle
PRICE: $9.99 for 8 oz.
I purchased this product as part of my no ‘poo experiment. Previously I was washing my hair with baking soda and rinsing with diluted apple cider vinegar.
The Dr. Bronner’s rinse is based on shikakai, which is derived from an Indian shrub and, according to Wikipedia, is a traditional Indian hair cleanser and may have anti-dandruff properties. Shikakai can be found in Indian products such as Hesh Shikakai Powder. The second ingredient is lemon juice, which is approximately as acidic as the apple cider vinegar I had been using before (pH of about 2.4, according to Internet sources).
The rinse is brown and grainy, with a liquid consistency. Recommended use is dilution of 1 or 2 capsful in 1 cup of water. This sounded like a hassle to try to do in the shower every time I wanted to condition my hair, so I pre-mixed 2 cups of water with 2 capsful of rinse in an empty bottle. (The mix looks a lot like dirty dishwater. Oh, well, if we only used “pretty” beauty products, no one would get nightingale-dropping facials.) The scent is strong and lemony.
Over the past couple of months, I have used the rinse consistently as a conditioner, following a wash with Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap, as recommended. (Application of the rinse from a squeeze bottle is much easier than trying to pour from an open cup.) My hair is short, about collar length, and I used about 3/4 cup of mix per wash. Rinsing thoroughly with water is important because, just as with apple cider vinegar, an incomplete rinse may leave your hair with a waxy feeling.
The rinse had an instant detangling effect, making my hair feel sleek and thick. My hair was easy to style following this conditioning treatment; the detangling was as significant as with one of my favorite conditioners, Origins’ Knot Free. I noticed a lingering lemon scent on my hair which dissipated after a few minutes (or after application of styling products).
PROS:
- Economical (unless you have very long hair, you will use on average 1 capful of conditioning rinse per wash)
- Organic/fair trade ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Excellent detangling
- Possible anti-dandruff properties
CONS:
- Strong lemon smell during wash (possibly a pro, depending on how much you like lemons)
- Unusual procedure (dilution may be a hassle)
- Requires thorough rinsing with water (possible residue after a quick rinse)
- Lemon juice may irritate cuts or abrasions on scalp
- Messy cap (unless you rinse the cap out after every use, product drips down the sides of the bottle)
VERDICT: After adjusting to unusual dilution/pouring method, I really like the way my hair feels both during and after use of Dr. Bronner’s Conditioning Hair Rinse. It’s easier to rinse and less waxy feeling than apple cider vinegar, but it has the same conditioning/detangling effect as my conventional conditioner. For no/low ‘pooers who are looking for an ACV alternative—or for any organic-beauty lovers— I recommend this product.
Thanks for your helpful review – it gets so expensive trying out a bunch a products that seem promising but do not deliver. I really appreciate the packaging notes as well – that is something one does not know until one actually has the product in hand, and because of where I live, I have to go online for natural, earth-friendly beauty products.
I used this product as well, and despite the strange method of application, my hair has never felt so good! I have very fussy, fine, dry bleached hair. I am a conditioner connoisseur of sorts, having used everything from Rusk to Redken, Giovanni to Aubrey’s Organics. This product, hands down, is amazing. The only other USDA organic conditioner out there is from Intelligent Nutrients. Anyone tried that one?
I received a gift package of Made from Earth (organic skincare) products for xmas……In the package was a “Peppermint Herbal Conditioner”.
I have color treated hair that is washed daily……after using the Tea Tree shampoo and the Peppermint Conditioner conditioner today, I was so amazed on how my hair looked and felt…..My hair was shiny, smelled good and the conditioner made my hair a breeze to comb thru…the conditioner was not heavy and weigh my hair down…..
My husband noticed the difference right away…..I am very pleased with the Made from Earth bath products and will continue to use them…..My hair looks great and feels healthy…….
I absolutely love the Made from Earth Peppermint conditioner.
So far its my favorite one from the Made from Earth skincare line (though I have others on order to try). Made from Earth is completely natural – unlike other brands who may claim to be natural and/or organic (but somehow still manage to sneak the icky chemicals in) – so that alone makes this an awesome product for someone who’s concerned about what their beauty products are made from. And on top of that, after only a few days of consistent use, my hair is softer and silkier than with any other product I’ve tried. The smell is a little strong, but fades to a nice subdued peppermint scent after the hair dries.
I’ve gotten many compliments on my hair since I’ve gone back to using Made from Earth products. I’ve spent a few years trying out all the “natural” brands to find the perfect line for my hip length hair…again, of all those supposedly natural brands -Made from Earth seems to be the only one that really is purely natural, and on top of that, has been the best for my hair.
It’s extremely well worth the price!
I love peppermint so I had to give the Made from Earth organic “Tea Tree Shampoo” and “Peppermint Conditioner” a try. I’ve used Castille soaps before and never really loved the distinct smell they have.
Anyway, the Peppermint Condition er and the Tea Tree Shampoo (from Made from Earth)are amazing and I LOVE the way it smells. And it really is true that you get a bit of tingle from the mint.
I only use sulfate-free washes because they don’t make me dry and itchy. Sulfate-free washes are pretty hard to find so do yourself a favor and buy this wash!