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.
Beauty Crucible 