The Transition Period: What Happens When You Switch to Low-Tox Haircare

So you’ve made the switch—your bathroom shelf is now stocked with clean, low-tox haircare, and you’re feeling great about the decision. But then… your hair starts behaving a little differently. Maybe it feels a bit greasy, maybe a bit dry, or maybe it just isn’t looking the way it used to. You might be wondering, “Wait… did I make a mistake?”

The short answer: absolutely not. Your hair is simply adjusting to a new way of being cared for—and that’s a good thing.

What Is the Transition Period?

The transition period refers to the short phase when your scalp and hair adjust to life without the harsh ingredients commonly found in conventional haircare. Most commercial products contain sulphates and non-water-soluble silicones. These create a temporary illusion of health by coating the hair and stripping the scalp, often leading to imbalance over time.

When you remove these, your hair needs time to reset. This is your scalp re-learning how to balance oil production, and your strands beginning to reflect their true condition without the harsh interference.

What You Might Experience During the Switch

Not everyone will experience a dramatic transition period, but here are some common things to look out for:

• Greasy roots – Your scalp may still be overproducing oil from previous overwashing habits.

• Dry or dull ends – Without silicones, you’re now seeing the actual condition of your hair.

• Fluctuating texture – Your hair might feel heavier or frizzier as it adjusts.

• Scalp sensitivity – As your skin adapts to gentler ingredients, some dryness or reactivity is normal.

This phase is temporary. It usually lasts between one and four weeks, depending on your hair type, scalp condition, and washing habits.

How to Support Your Hair During the Transition

There are some simple steps you can take to make the transition smoother and more comfortable:

• Stick with it – Don’t give up on your new routine too soon. Give your scalp time to recalibrate.

• Double wash – The first cleanse lifts product buildup and excess oil, while the second properly purifies the scalp.

• Use a gentle, low-tox shampoo – BodFood’s coconut-derived cleansers clean effectively without stripping natural oils.

• Keep styling light – Let your hair breathe and avoid heavy, coating products.

• Hydrate your ends – Use a lightweight conditioner or oil on mid-lengths to ends.

• Or use a rinseable serum like ours – Our Shine & Moisture Hair Serum contains a carefully selected, lightweight blend that offers softness and shine without buildup. It’s non-coating and washes out easily, making it ideal for low-tox routines.

• Incorporate dry shampoo between washes – Our Organic Dry Shampoo keeps hair feeling fresh without disrupting your scalp’s balance.

What You’ll Notice Over Time

Once the adjustment phase is over, your hair will begin to reflect its natural, healthy state. You’ll likely notice:

• Softer, more manageable texture

• Less frizz and breakage

• A scalp that stays cleaner, longer

• A noticeable boost in natural shine

• Longer-lasting freshness between washes

Trust the Process

Transitioning to low-tox haircare is like switching to a healthier way of eating. There may be a short period of adjustment, but what’s waiting on the other side is better balance, stronger hair, and long-term scalp health.

Stick with it, be gentle with your hair, and let nature do its thing. 

Explore BodFood’s range of low-tox shampoos, conditioners, and styling products designed to support your hair at every stage of the journey.