Shampoo Bar, Tips & Techniques

The ups and downs of using a Shampoo Bar

Interest in using our Shampoo Bars has been on the rise for well over a decade now.  In recent years, we have been overwhelmed with questions about how to successfully transition into using them.  

If you have been considering trying one, or have tried one but didn’t like the results,  here’s the inside scoop on what they are all about.


Most of our clients have a short adjustment period when they first start using a shampoo bar.  Getting used to rubbing a bar of soap over your head may seem odd at first and learning the importance of rinsing out the later. For others, the adjustment period is more challenging especially if you are dealing with damaged hair and/or a scalp condition such as scalp psoriasis.

The Good News:

Shampoo Bars are the best way to wash your hair.  Most importantly, they are free of harsh chemical detergents and preservatives.  Commercial liquid shampoos are made up of chemical detergents. 

Detergents, just like dish soap, strip the natural oils from your scalp making it feel dry, itchy, and flaky, causing dandruff.  Detergents can intensify the irritations and symptoms for those suffering with scalp conditions such as scalp psoriasis. 

Shampoo Bars are made like our handmade cold process goats milk soap bar soap. The difference lies in the ingredients.  There are certain vegetable oils that are beneficial to the scalp and hair (like castor and jojoba oils).  These plant oils clean, strengthen hair, and help it grow, while they condition and add sheen and shine.

How To Use a Shampoo Bar

  1. Wet hair with water thoroughly before you begin. Be sure your hair is saturated from scalp to ends of hair.

  2. Wet the shampoo bar with water and rub it between your hands to activate a creamy lather.

  3. There are two ways to wash your hair with a shampoo bar. You are washing your hair with the SOAP LATHER.

    1. If you are new to using a shampoo bar, take the lather that you have created in your hands and apply that lather to your scalp and hair. If you want more lather, pick up the bar and rub it between your hands again.
       
    2. You can rub the wet lathered bar directly, but briefly, on top of your scalp and hair ends in a gentle circular motion. Put the bar aside and gently massage scalp and hair, adding more water as necessary until enough lather forms. 

      Do not “over rub” the hair with the bar of soap.  Doing so will leave soap on your hair and increase the likelihood of leaving hair with a “gummy waxy” feeling. This is very important for long or thick hair.  Work the “SOAP LATHER” into your hair by adding more water and making sure to build up a good thick later.  You don’t want soap left on your hair.

  4. Rinse hair thoroughly ensuring that all of the soap is removed from your scalp and hair. We cannot stress how important this step is when using a shampoo bar.  Rinsing should take as long as washing your hair. Repeat if desired.

  5. Follow with your favorite hair conditioner. After drying you will have hair that is soft and luminous.

The Importance of Proper Hair Rinse

Some clients comment on a “greasy or waxy” hair feeling after they first use a shampoo bar and even after a few washings.  This happens when the soap residue doesn’t completely rinse out of your hair. 

Be sure to rinse, rinse and rinse again.  It might be helpful, especially when you first start using a shampoo bar, to not rub the bar directly on your hair.  Instead, work up a good lather in your hands and only use the foam on your hands to wash your hair.  Whatever you do, don’t give up during this period, your hair will adjust.  Just be patient.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

When you start using a shampoo bar, consider using an apple cider vinegar rinse as your final step. The extra acidity restores luster and bounce to hair that is thirsty for added moisture and it removes product buildup.
Read more about the benefits of using an apple cider vinegar rinse

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR RINSE: Combine one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one cup of distilled water and put it into an 8-ounce spray bottle. After you have washed and rinsed out your hair conditioner, spray hair with the ACV rinse. Massage it into scalp and hair. Rinse with cool water. 

Transition Tips and Techniques

Over the years we have received enough feedback on our shampoo bars that we are confident that they will work for everyone.  However, we want to be completely transparent so here are some tips:

  • Shampoo bars work on all hair types but the the transition period differs on the type of hair. Thin hair that is curly, wavy or straight seem to have a shorter transition period, if any at all, than hair that is thick, course, curly or straight.
  • RINSING WELL is imperative to the success of using a shampoo bar especially if you have thick or course hair (straight or curly).
  • If you experience the “gummy” waxy feel, it’s because there is soap left in your hair. Experiment with how you are washing your hair: Create the lather in your hands instead of rubbing the bar on you head and make sure you take your time and thoroughly rinsing all of the soap out of your hair before using a conditioner.
  • Do not stop using a conditioner when using a shampoo bar, and if you have never used a conditioner before, you should consider using one when switching to a shampoo bar.  This step helps detangle hair.
  • With regular use, shampoo bars will revive and straighten hair.
  • Shampoo bars eliminate thinning of hair and stop hair loss while encourage growth and strength.  Store-bought detergent shampoos damage scalp and hair so much that it can cause hair loss.
  • Shampoo bars are great for color treated hair because they are made with 100% natural ingredients that won’t strip the color.
  • Shampoo Bars always work and foam best in warm to hot softer water as opposed to cold, harder water.

Washing with a shampoo bar is one of the healthiest things you can do for your hair, scalp and the environment.  We are completely confident, that with a little practice and a bit of experimentation, you will find success in making the switch.  Your hair will feel clean, silky soft and smooth and full of bounce and luster.