I Used Annmarie Skin Care’s Sweet Sunrise Shampoo for 30 Days. Here’s What Happened

Have you ever attempted to ‘go clean’ with your hair care? But after a week or so after switching to a clean product, your results weren’t exactly what you hoped for and you thought, what the heck is happening? This has happened to me too, more than once. In the end, I would always end up going back to my somewhat-clean-but-it-works-and-smells-excellent products.

The challenge: 30 days with the Sweet Sunrise Shampoo

So when we came out with the New Sweet Sunrise Shampoo, I was excited and determined to try it. (As the Influencer Manager here at Annmarie Skin Care, I use our products religiously, and it has revived my skin.)

I was hopeful that it would transform and soften my long, highlighted, mixed with a touch of grey locks, but wanted to put it to the test. I was so committed that I told our team I would use nothing but our shampoo and conditioner for 30 days–no other products—and hence, this challenge was born.

The importance of clean products

Annmarie Skin Care products come with a promise I believe in: we say no to chemicals and toxic ingredients. I try to keep sustainability and clean products in mind across many different areas of my life: using only wildcrafted or pure skin care made with organic ingredients, home cleaners, and organic food for my family and me. This got me thinking—shouldn’t my hair products be as honest and clean as the other products in my life?

Andrea’s 30 days of clean hair care

Day 1: first wash

With my first wash, I fell in love with the smell of the Sweet Sunrise shampoo— the essential oils of lemon and orange pairs beautifully. The scent of the shampoo had me feeling pampered and relaxed. Onto the wash: I was pleasantly surprised at the way it lathered—a little goes a long way with this shampoo.

It rinsed out very thoroughly, and my hair was SO clean. I was convinced before using it that I would need to wash twice. But no way, this pure shampoo is fairly substantial and satisfying. My hair was clean—clean, but not stripped clean.

Day 2: skipping a wash

I usually do not wash my hair every day, just a couple of times a week. Also, my hair was still so clean and smelled so good that I skipped a couple of days.

Day 4

Washed with the same experience as the first time.

Day 6: clean hair bliss

Shampooed and hair felt great again. My hair even felt stronger.

Day 8: uh-oh…

Shampooed, but…

Eeeeek, what’s happening. So oily and stringy. When I stopped washing my hair with the other not-as-clean products that were stripping my hair, then I also stopped the process of getting rid of my hair’s natural oils. My hair was continuing to do its thing, aka producing natural oils!

Day 9

Repeated the shampoo, but by mid-day still so much oil.

Day 10: embracing the detox

I woke up and was oily to the tips, but I decided to wear anyway. What I realized is that I was getting my hair back to a natural, healthier state, so I stuck with it knowing that I couldn’t expect my detoxing head to transform overnight. It was a little itchy as well. Wearing a loose braid and headband made it work while my hair was doing its oily thing.

Day 14: out of the weeds

Baby..I’m back.

It took about a week for my scalp to calm down, but it is not oily anymore and not itchy. Detoxing the scalp from hair products is a real thing, and to go clean, you need to tough it out.

And with tough times comes so much love and attention.

I started towel drying my hair better and started brushing slower and taking my time. Allowing my hair to dry naturally helps with less oil and a shinier finish.

Pro tip: Tight hair ties are a no-no. Especially when hair is oily – it’s heavier, pulling hair tight causes strain on those nerve endings. You are better off with a loose clip or a scrunchie – or just let it loose.

Day 21

Healthy hair really does start at the roots. By allowing my scalp to detox, my hair is changing, as well. When I am washing, I will take more time massaging the scalp to stimulate it and allow my hair to be cleaned thoroughly, so I only need to wash twice a week.

Also, you can help keep your roots in check by conditioning the right way. Only when conditioning your hair, try to stay at least two inches away from your roots. Lastly, pat your hair dry – it takes slightly longer, but it will help reduce breakage.

Day 30

I love my hair! It’s long and alive, and looks 20-years younger. I’m loving the natural look so much I even canceled my hair appointment for highlights. I want to keep my hair pure and natural.

Challenge reflections

All in all, life has a way of challenging you most when you least expect it. My 30-day clean shampoo & conditioner challenge was what my hair desperately needed. This challenge was positive for me: it was time to clean up my hair care and committing to 30 days allowed me to do that.

Without this challenge, I might have called it quits during my oily period and went back to my old products. Now, I love the hair that mother nature has given me. My hair feels healthy, refreshed, lush, and at a whole different level of gently clean.

In the end, I’m grateful that the Annmarie Skin Care team allowed me to start this challenge and share it with you. Please let us know if you are going to take the 30-day clean hair care challenge; we would love to hear about it.