Have a question about how a shampoo bar works?
Read through these questions and answers from our shampoo bar maker. Find out more about the shampoo bars we have in our store by clicking here.
What are shampoo bars made with?
They are made from vegetable and fruit oils, along with herbs, flower, seeds and fruits to provide care for your hair.
What is the difference between a soap bar and a shampoo bar?
Soap bars have skin loving ingredients and shampoo bars have hair loving ingredients. Shampoo bars have a higher percent of oils that produce more lather. Some soap bars have additives that I would not want in my hair. When I go on vacation, I only bring one shampoo bar and use it for both hair and body.
How do you use a shampoo bar?
Wet hair. Take the bar and rub it between your hands to start the lather. Rub the bar or the lather on your hair. Be sure that you really get a good lather. Use your fingertips and massage your scalp and rinse well. Repeat if you like. You might need a vinegar (or citric acid rinse). See below for more details. Dry and style your hair. You can wash your hair with natural shampoo bar every day, although I’ve trained my hair to be washed twice a week.
Is there an adjustment period for switching to a shampoo bar?
The hard part of the changing to using shampoo bars is finding the right way for you. Everyone is different. Many factors come into play.
First of all, shampoo bars do not strip away your natural oils. It might take time to transition before your hair is rid of the chemicals and residues from your prior hair products. Please, do not give up after a week. It took me about 3 weeks to see and feel the benefits. There were a few days of not very nice hair days!
Do I need to use a conditioner?
You will probably find that after using a shampoo bar and rinse that you no longer need to use conditioner. Since my hair is dry and wavy I find I still, at times, the need to use a conditioner. But, instead of a hand full, I now use less that a dime size and I do not rinse it out. You will need to experiment to find your perfect hair care.
What about a vinegar rinse?
Many factors account for whether or not use you need a rinse. If you have hard water you will need a rinse. If you find that your hair tangles easy you will need a rinse. After using the shampoo bar, your hair might feel different. Some describe it as feeling like straw or just sticky. This is because the alkaline level of your hair is raised, causing the shaft of your hair to stick out which causes tangles and the feeling that your hair is sticking together. For some people, this ‘feeling’ will go away when your hair dries. For the rest of us, we need to use an acidic rinse. An acidic rinse will help close the hair cuticle and prevent tangling. You can use vinegar, lemon juice or citric acid.
How do I make a vinegar rinse?
Mix about 1 tablespoon of vinegar (I prefer to use apple cider vinegar) or lemon juice in 1 cup of water. Pour the mixture over your hair. You can rinse or leave in. If using vinegar, the smell will go away when your hair dries. You will need to experiment how often you need to use a rinse.
How does hard water affect using shampoo bars?
If you have extremely hard water, you might not adjust to shampoo bars. You can get a water filter on your shower head or use a vinegar rinse (see above) to adjust for the hard water.
Can I use if I have colored or perm my hair?
Yes. The shampoo bar will not strip your hair as fast as commercial shampoos do. Everyone’s hair is different; I suggest that you do a strand test to find out how your color will react.
What’s the shelf life?
Soap bars do get better the longer they age. The longer they are left to cure, the longer they will last and will produce more lather. Using a soap dish that will keep your soap out of a puddle of water will prolong its life. I suggest using bar soap within one year of purchase.
Happy Shampoo Bar Users:
Barbara:
What a bar!!
I have dry hair with dandruff. I have been using this shampoo bar for a few months now and my hair is softer and less dandruff. I have started using a diluted vinegar rinse with it and so far I am very pleased. No more chemicals on my hair and skin. I have just received my second order (two bars this time). 🙂
Laura:
“I am in love with this shampoo bar. It has improved my scalp health and astonishingly is not drying to my curly, dry hair. I do follow it up with conditioner, but I find I need less than I used to. Excellent product. Fellow curlies, don’t be afraid to give it a try! In the picture I included, I used the shampoo bar as well as the Second Life Hair butter.”