The Ultimate Guide to Natural Shampoo Bars: Answers to Common Questions
What Is A Natural Shampoo Bars?
A Natural Shampoo Bar is simply a bar of soap specifically formulated for hair, made with nourishing organic ingredients found in nature. Before WWII, solid soap-based shampoo bars were the standard. However, the introduction of synthetic detergents and the discovery of the surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) transformed the hair care industry. As a result, liquid shampoos in plastic containers gained popularity, eventually becoming a staple in nearly every family bathroom.
Our natural shampoo bars are crafted with organic, cold-pressed oils and butters, essential oils, dried herbs, and botanicals.
We believe in using organic ingredients that are found in nature, rich in nutrients, and as close to their original form as possible.
They contain no foam boosters or detergent surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium coco sulfate (SCS).
They contain no artificial fragrances, colors, preservatives, sulfates, or any of the other synthetic hair care additives.
Ideal for those seeking eco-friendly, travel-friendly, and natural hair care options, our shampoo bars promote healthy locks and offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional bottled shampoos reducing carbon footprint, packaging waste, and environmental impact.
For more information read, "Why Use A Natural Shampoo Bars?”
The purpose of this blog is to explore common questions about natural shampoo bars. Browse through the blog or jump straight to a specific topic using the links below:
- How To Use a Natural Shampoo Bar
- Best Natural Shampoo Bar For My Hair?
- How Often To Wash with a Natural Shampoo Bar?
- Do Natural Shampoo Bars Lather?
- How Long Will A Shampoo Bar Last?
- Do I Need To Use Conditioner With a Shampoo Bar?
- Can I Use A Natural Shampoo Bar With Color-Treated Hair?
- Can I Use A Natural Shampoo Bar With Permed Hair?
- Is There An Adjustment Period?
- Using Other Styling Products with a Natural Shampoo Bar?
- What Is a Soap-Free Shampoo Bar?"
- Pros and Cons of Natural Shampoo Bars
How To Use a Natural Shampoo Bar
Your shampoo technique may be the most critical part to ensure success with a natural shampoo bar. While choosing the right bar is also important, proper technique helps ensure success.
Another good step to take before making the switch is to prepare your hair. This simple step can make all the difference in achieving soft, silky locks. A well-prepared hair and scalp will allow your natural shampoo bar to work its magic.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide, refer to our blog post: How To Use a Natural Shampoo Bar.
You will notice that we do NOT recommend lathering up the length of your hair with a natural shampoo bar!
The purpose of shampooing your hair is to remove dirt and excess oils from the roots. You do NOT need to apply shampoo from roots to tips. Focus only on your scalp. As you use your fingers to rinse the lather through the strands, there is enough shampoo to clean the length.
By following these simple steps and focusing on scalp cleansing, you'll unlock the full potential of your natural shampoo bar.
Which Is the Best Natural Shampoo Bar For My Hair?
Although each recipe is formulated with a particular hair type in mine, our natural shampoo bars share similar ingredients and most bars can be used with all hair types. The proportions of the base oils and butters, the type of infused oils, botanicals, and essential oils in each shampoo bar recipe are different.
I wish I could recommend the perfect natural shampoo bar for each individual hair type, but making individual recommendations is often challenging.
Why is it challenging?
- Every person's hair and scalp are unique, and personal preferences play a significant role.
- Seasonal changes can affect hair and scalp needs.
- What works for one person may not work for another. In fact, we have found that some customers with oily hair prefer bars that we would normally recommend for dry hair, and vice versa.
Our Solutions: To find your ideal shampoo bar browse our shampoo bar collection and sample different bars. This allows you to explore various formulations and find the one that works best for your hair and scalp.
Check the detailed information on each of our shampoo bar pages to see which ones we recommend for specific hair types.
You can use the filters on the left side of our main shampoo product page to narrow down your options or explore our "Help Me Choose a Shampoo Bar" guide to provide more personalized recommendations. This resource considers factors such as hair type, scalp sensitivity, seasonal changes, and personal preferences.
How Often Should I Wash My Hair with a Natural Shampoo Bar?
Another difficult question to answer since every person is unique. Our shampoo bars can be used daily depending on your hair type. It is really a matter of finding the best balance for you.
Our shampoo bars are carefully crafted to provide a mild, gentle cleansing experience without synthetic detergents like sulphates.
The secret to a happy, healthy scalp lies in a gentle approach to washing. We recommend washing your hair based on how often it looks or feels greasy.
I like the way my hair looks after shampooing, so I tend to wash my hair every day, even though my hair has become drier with age.
How Well Do Natural Shampoo Bars Lather?
Super rich with loads of creamy fluffy lather, our natural shampoo bars are made in small batches using recipes meticulously developed to naturally clean and condition your scalp and leave hair soft, shiny, clean, and most of all healthy.
Although foamy lather is not necessary for cleaning, most people agree that a shampoo MUST have lots of lather.
Our natural shampoo bars made with organic lathering oils like coconut, babassu, and castor bean, do not need synthetic detergents or foam boosters like, Sodium Coco Sulfate.
Learn More Blog: How Do Natural Soap and Shampoo Bars Create Lather?
How Long Will A Natural Shampoo Bar Last?
Our concentrated shampoo bars are designed to make a big impact – on your hair and the environment. One bar can replace 2-4 bottles of liquid shampoo, eliminating unnecessary plastic waste.
The lifespan of your shampoo bar depends on the number of users, frequency of hair washing, and your hair care routine.
Tips for Making Your Shampoo Bar Last:
- Keep it dry: Avoid letting your shampoo bar sit in a puddle of water.
- Store it properly: Place your shampoo bar on a well-drained soap dish.
- Give it air: Allow your shampoo bar to dry thoroughly between uses
If your natural shampoo bar ever gets waterlogged and becomes gooey, simply set it on a draining soap dish for a few days and allow it dry out thoroughly
As an added bonus, many users find they no longer need conditioner, eliminating another plastic bottle from their routine and saving them money.
Do I Still Need To Use Conditioner With A Natural Shampoo Bar?
It depends! Some people find they no longer need conditioner, while others prefer it for added body or to reduce tangles. Here are some alternative options to consider:
For Body & Luster
If your hair is dull, lacks luster, or feels dry, you might think conditioner is the answer. But with our natural shampoo bars, that is often not the case.
Commercial conditioners typically coat the hair cuticle with a thin layer of ingredients like silicones (dimethicone), creating a smooth surface and the illusion of shine and health. This temporary fix does not address underlying hair issues.
If you have curly or fine hair, you may find that a silicone-free conditioner is a better alternative. Silicones are often the culprits in residue build-up and can weigh hair down, resulting in loss of curl definition and reduced body and volume.
Our gentle, natural shampoo bars are packed with moisturizing oils and butters and natural glycerin to help provide slip, moisture, and softness. They work in harmony with your hair by focusing on hydrating and nourishing hair rather than just creating a smooth surface with a silicone barrier.
Things to try for added body and shine:
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinses are an excellent addition to any natural hair care routine and can help bring back body and shine to dull, lackluster hair.
- Try a natural hair oil or hair balm to help condition hair, seal in moisture, decrease split ends, stop frizz, and add shine back to dull, lifeless hair..
- A natural dry shampoo can help transform dull, lifeless hair into fresh locks that are full of body
- If you still want to use a bottled conditioner please read the ingredient list!
For Tangly Hair
Hair tangles result when individual hairs go in different directions and intertwine.
The outer layer of the hair, the cuticle, is made of overlapping layers of long scales that lie along the surface of the hair like shingles on a roof.
The condition of the cuticle scales in part determines whether you are going to have tangly hair.
When you shampoo or even wet your hair, the cuticle opens making it prone to tangling.
The way you shampoo you hair and your hair type can affect hair tangles.
As someone with long, fine, and thin hair, I am all too familiar with the struggles of tangling. To understand the issue, imagine each strand of hair as a delicate thread. Now, picture tiny burrs attached to these threads – that is essentially what is happening with the open cuticle on each hair strand. This makes it easy for the threads to snag and tangle, leading to knots and breakage.
To minimize tangling and prevent breakage, I use a simple shampooing technique. I create a rich lather by rubbing the shampoo bar between my hands or by rubbing the bar in only one direction on the top of my head and work up a lather by massaging my scalp only.
I use my fingers as a comb, gently detangling my hair without piling it on top of my head. This approach helps prevent knots and breakage, leaving my fine, thin hair feeling clean, soft, and manageable.
When I used a commercial shampoo I would go through a 16-ounce bottle of conditioner every week—just to get a comb through my long fine hair. Now I use an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse. Besides creating tangle-free locks, I also love the way it makes my hair look and feel. As I have gotten older my greying hair has become drier. So, I now use a very dilute ACV rinse or leave on ACV spray 2 or 3 times per week.
Can I Use A Natural Shampoo Bar With Color-Treated Hair?
Yes, you can use our shampoo bars with color-treated hair. In fact, many customers with colored hair find our gentle, natural ingredients easier on their locks than commercial shampoos.
We have many customers who color their hair and use our gentle shampoo bars. One customer who "darkens" her hair wrote to tell us that she is now able to go one month longer before recoloring her hair.
Another customer who "lightens" her hair, wrote that the color stays "nicer" longer and she does not get that "brassy" blonde color anymore.
All that being said, everyone's hair and coloring products are different so please do a strand test to help determine if the shampoo bar will affect your hair color. If you already have a preferred method for strand testing, feel free to use it. Otherwise, here is a simple step-by-step guide:
- Select hair strands: Choose a few strands of hair that are representative of your overall hair color and texture.
- Prepare the shampoo bar: Cut a small piece from the shampoo bar.
- Mix with water: In a small bowl, mix the shampoo bar piece with a small amount of very warm water to create a soapy solution.
- Apply the solution: Submerge the hair strand in the solution, making sure it's fully coated.
- Wait: Allow the hair strand to saturate in the solution for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse and evaluate: Rinse the hair strand thoroughly with warm water. Evaluate the color and condition of the hair strand. If the color appears to have changed or the hair feels dry or damaged, it may indicate that the shampoo bar is not suitable for your hair.
While we have found that our shampoo bars are safe to use with color treated hair, we suggest that you do not shampoo immediately after getting any chemical treatment (like hair color, bleach, perms, keratin treatments, etc) done.
Ii is also important to note that our shampoo bars do not contain silicones or synthetic coatings. While these ingredients may provide temporary benefits, they can mask damaged hair. If your hair is damaged from chemical color or treatments, consider using one of our hair oils or hair balms to help replenish lost oils in damaged chemically treated or colored hair.
The good thing about the shampoo bars is that they actually prolong color - before I started using them, I'd have to dye my hair every 3 weeks, now it's every 5-6 weeks. Venessa, Indiana
My 18-Year Journey with Natural Shampoo Bars: I have been using natural shampoo bars for 18 years, and I have seen a remarkable difference in the health and appearance of my hair.
When I first started using natural shampoo bars, I was coloring my long, straight hair. Traditional shampoos would leave my locks looking dull, limp, and lifeless. But natural shampoo bars changed everything! They added body, bounce, and shine to my hair.
Now that I have embraced my natural grey, I have found that these same natural shampoo bars continue to work wonders. They help keep my grey hair looking soft and smooth, preventing wiry texture and those pesky flyaways, and free from yellowing color.
Can I Use A Natural Shampoo Bar With Permed Hair?
The good news is that our shampoo bars can be a great option for permed hair. Many of our customers with permed hair have reported positive experiences.
Our shampoo bars gently cleanse without stripping away all the natural protective oils from your hair. This helps maintain the integrity of your perm.
In fact, one customer noted that her perms stayed "fresher" longer after switching to our shampoo bars. Additionally, our shampoo bars can help maintain natural body and texture and improve style retention, making curls last longer.
As with any hair type, it is essential to perform a strand test to ensures compatibility with your hair and perming product.
Again if your hair is damaged due to over-processing, consider using one of our hair oils or hair balms to help replenish lost oils in damaged chemically treated or colored hair.
Is There An Adjustment Period?
When switching to natural shampoo bars, some people experience instant benefits, while others face initial challenges. This is normal. Our bars contain only natural ingredients, unlike commercial shampoos made with synthetic detergents and sulfates. Detergent-based shampoos make for quite a different shampoo experience. It is all about paying attention to and listening to your own body chemistry as you make the “transition” for the first time!
The adjustment period typically lasts from a few days to several weeks. Several factors influence this timeframe, including hair length and type, hair damage, natural scalp secretions, and residue from previous hair products.
You may notice that your hair becomes oily or dry, or alternates between these extremes. Some people experience increased tangles or frizz, while others report an unusual texture on the hair shaft. These are signs that your hair and scalp, accustomed to chemical-laden shampoos, are going through withdrawal, rebalancing oil production, and learning to live a chemical-free life.
There is no single factor that predicts adjustment issues. Revisiting our "How to Use a Natural Shampoo Bar" guide can be very helpful during this period. Remember to use lots of water, lather up really well, and focus only on your scalp. Proper technique can help ensure success.
With patience, your hair will adapt, revealing its natural, healthy state – soft, silky, and vibrant. By understanding the transition process and following our guidance, you will be well on your way to enjoying the full benefits of natural shampoo bars.
Learn More Blog: "Tips Adjusting to Natural Shampoo Bars"
Can I Use My Other Styling Products with A Natural Shampoo Bar?
For optimal results, we recommend starting with a clean slate and use only our products during the adjustment period. This allows you to start fresh without product buildup, assess your hair's natural needs, determine if additional products are necessary, and gain valuable insights into your hair's response to a natural shampoo bar.
What Is a Soap-Free Shampoo Bar?"
To create any type of foaming and lathering cleansing agent - for hair, body, or even dishes - a surfactant (surface-active agent) is essential. Surfactants bridge the gap between water and greasy dirt, allowing them to bind together and be easily washed away.
Soap is a natural surfactant. If the cleansing product you are using on your hair claims to be "soap-free," or is made without sodium hydroxide or lye, then it is made with synthetic surfactants, basically detergents.
What many people don't realize is that there are two distinct types of shampoo bars, soap-based bars and detergent-based syndet bars. While both fulfill the same purpose they are very different.
A soap-based shampoo bar is the result of a natural chemical process called saponification, in which an acid (the fats--oils and butters) and a base or alkaline (sodium hydroxide--which is lye) dissolved in a liquid, are combined together to form a salt (soap), glycerin, and a bit of water.
On the other hand, detergent-based soap-free shampoo bars, called “syndet” (synthetic detergent) bars, are made with synthetic detergents and some include artificial colors and synthetic fragrances similar to those found in liquid shampoos. In essence, syndet shampoo bars are concentrated liquid shampoos without the water and plastic packaging.
It makes sense that if your hair and scalp have adapted to and accepted as normal the ingredients in a bottled detergent shampoo, you may have little or no adjustment period to a detergent-based shampoo bar. That is the argument for using a syndet bar made by the companies that make them.
Some companies even call our bars "fake shampoo" because there is no "shampoo" in them. I guess that depends on whether or not your definition of "shampoo" must include synthetic ingredients.
The simplest way to distinguish between natural and detergent-based shampoo bars is to read the ingredient list.
Natural shampoo bars typically include plant oils and butters, such as coconut oil and shea butter, water or other liquids, and sodium hydroxide. Some companies may list "saponified oils" instead of sodium hydroxide, which is a result of the natural saponification process.
On the other hand, a detergent-based or syndet bar has a distinctly different ingredient profile. While some natural oils and butters may be present, the list will also include various synthetic detergents and emulsifiers such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium coco sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and glyceryl stearate. These bars often advertise themselves as "soap-free."
By scanning the ingredient list, you can quickly identify whether a shampoo bar is naturally based or relies on synthetic detergents.
The big question is . . .
Why do YOU want to switch to a shampoo bar? If reducing plastic waste is your primary goal, then any plastic-free shampoo bar brand will help achieve this important environmental objective.
However, if you are seeking a genuinely natural alternative to traditional bottled shampoo, be aware that "soap-free" syndet shampoo bars, despite containing some natural ingredients, rely on synthetic detergents and are not natural shampoo.
As you research shampoo bars, remember that each company's perspective will be influenced by their product type. We are no exception. We believe in harnessing power of nature to restore and revitalize your hair.
I openly acknowledge my bias toward natural, soap-based shampoo bars made with simple, natural ingredients, using the time-honored cold-process method, and eco-friendly practices.
For us, eco-friendly extends beyond "no plastic." It means a more gentle impact on our planet with no synthetic chemicals washing down our drains and polluting our waterways.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Natural Shampoo Bars
Pros
- Natural ingredients: Made with plant oils, butters, herbs, botanicals, and essential oils, reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals.
- Nourishing: Moisturizing ingredients promote healthy hair and scalp.
- Gentle on hair and scalp: A well formulated natural shampoo bar is great for people with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation.
- Conditions hair: For some a bottled conditioner is not needed once hair adjusts. Bars can help reduce frizz and flyaways and improve manageability and shine.
- Easy to use: But can feel a bit tricky at first.
- Eco-friendly: Biodegradable, earth-friendly ingredients plus no plastic waste.
- Ingredients with a conscience: We use minimally processed ingredients still bursting with nutrients that must be fresh, sustainable, cruelty-free, fair-trade, and organic whenever possible.
- Sulfate-free and detergent-free: No detergents or foam boosters.
- Natural colors and fragrances: No synthetic fragrances or colors.
- No preservatives: The bars are basically waterless. Water is necessary for the growth of bacteria and mold.
- Long-lasting value: Concentrated shampoo bars can replace 2-4 bottles of liquid shampoo, which is typically 80% water, providing significant cost savings.
- Portable and travel-friendly: Compact, solid bars are great for camping and traveling. Bars will not leak, fit easily into your gym bag or carry-on luggage, and pass through airport security without difficulty.
- Multipurpose: Natural shampoo bars can double as a gentle body soap and shaving soap.
Cons
- Hard water: Natural shampoo bars do not rinse as well as detergents in hard water which increases the potential for soap residue if not using an ACV rinse.
- Proper technique: Getting the hang of using a shampoo bar can feel a bit tricky at first.
- Transition period: Hair may require some adjustment time to rebalance oil production and adapt to natural ingredients.
- Build-up: Concentrated oils and butters can lead to occasional build up on the hair length if not using our scalp-only shampoo method and rinsed out properly.
- Gentle ingredients: May not remove heavy product buildup or eliminate heavy styling product residue.
- Requires proper care and storage: Bars can become soggy or mushy if exposed to excessive moisture.
- Finding the right bar: While any shampoo requires some trial and error to find the best fit for your hair type, shampoo bars can be particularly challenging due to their unique, concentrated formulas.
- Less convenient: The process of using a bar to create lather in your hands before applying or slowly applying directly to your scalp may take longer than simply squirting a liquid shampoo onto your head.
- Initial cost feels expensive: Natural shampoo bars are made using high-quality organic ingredients and sustainable packaging. They are more cost-effective in the long run.
- Limited ingredients: Unlike synthetic shampoos, which have access to thousands of artificial ingredients, natural shampoo bars are restricted to using only natural ingredients.
- Variety: Natural shampoo bars are not available in lots of pretty colors with bubble gum or strawberry scent.
Please note that individual experiences may vary and remember that not all natural shampoo bars are created equal.
Shampoo Bar Conclusion
Chances are, your shower routine includes separate bottles of shampoo and conditioner, plus a trusty bar of soap. But times are changing – and so are our shower habits.
Natural soap-based shampoo bars have a rich history. While they fell out of favor during the rise of liquid detergent shampoos in the 20th century, they have made a comeback in recent years due to growing environmental awareness and the desire for more natural and sustainable hair care options.
Our commitment to nature-driven hair care ensures nourishing ingredients for healthy hair and scalp, sustainable practices for a greener future, and effective cleansing without detergents.
Natural shampoo bars offer a compelling alternative to traditional liquid shampoos. Their compactness, natural ingredients, plastic-free packaging, and ease of use are obvious benefits.
So, are shampoo bars good for hair? They are not only good for your locks, they also good for the planet.
How To Use A Natural Shampoo Bar
Hair and Scalp Build-Up? What Can Help?
Make Your Own Natural Vinegar Hair Rinse
How Does Your Water Affect Your Hair?
If You Try A Shampoo Bar Once And It Does Not "Work" Is It a Sign That It Is Bad For You?
Updated version of the blog "Everything About Shampoo Bars" published in 2015
