Can You Wash Your Hair With Bar Soap? Your Guide to Shampoo Bars

What is a solid shampoo soap bar?

A shampoo soap bar is a highly concentrated solid version of a liquid shampoo. The main difference is that they don’t contain the same detergents found in many liquid shampoos that can strip your hair of its natural oils. Solid soap bars tend to be made with natural ingredients and contain very little water which makes them a more environmentally friendly choice than standard liquid shampoo that contains between 70-80% water, and often harmful chemicals such as phthalates and harsh preservatives.

There are three types of solid soap bars:

Glycerin-Based - A good choice as it is pH-balanced and gentle. They are softer and more natural on the hair than other types of soap bars and are also good for dry, itchy scalps.

Cold-Processed - Usually made at home or by small businesses, these shampoo bars have high pH and contain a high amount of natural oils which are great for conditioning, but they can contribute to a waxy build-up.

Solid Surfactant - A surfactant is a chemical compound that lowers the surface tension between two substances, allowing them to more easily spread or become wet. Solid surfactant shampoo tends to be very clarifying, meaning it removes oil. Because of this quality, this type of shampoo is especially suited to hard water but can leave your hair dry.

It’s important that you choose a shampoo soap bar with the right ingredients for you hair. Good quality essential oil will not only have a better scent but will increase their cleansing and nourishing qualities.

Ingredients to avoid when choosing a shampoo soap bar:

Sulphates - They strip the hair of their natural oils, can increase the skins sensitivity and cause dryness.
Parabens - They can increase your risk of skin cancer.
Phthalates - They can cause hormonal disruptions and are dangerous to the environment.
Toluene - Can hamper the immune system.
Dimethicone - Prevents moisture entering the hair and can block pores.

How to use a solid shampoo soap bar

For best results, especially with long or dry hair, use Organic Hair Conditioner after the final rinse.

Can you use a shampoo soap bar on your skin?

Some shampoo soap bars have a higher concentration of oils, which act as surfactants, these kinds of shampoo bars are not designed to be used on the skin. However a Glycerin-Based soap bar is kind on both your hair and skin, so if you're looking for a low fuss all in one cleanser for your hair, face and body this kind of solid soap bar is a great choice. Here at New Dawn Organic we have created a range of Glycerin-Based solid soap bars made with all certified organic ingredients including Essential Oil, Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera, which makes them pH balanced with healthy skin & hair. As a result they are wonderful for washing your face as well as your hair and the rest of the body. Naturally healing, soothing and hydrating while they cleanse, leaving your face, body and hair soft and glowing with health.

Reducing your plastic waste.

In the UK alone 520 million shampoo bottles are thrown away every year and according to the World Wildlife Fund only 31% of all plastic waste is recycled. If you are at the beginning of your journey towards zero waste then shampoo soap bars are a good place to start.