Exploring the Benefits of Shampoo Bars and Traditional Products

My Journey into Shampoo Bars

When I began my journey in crafting soap and cosmetics, I never anticipated how engrossed I would become in the shampoo debate. Issues like pH levels, apple cider vinegar, surfactants, and the comparison of syndet bars versus traditional soap quickly overwhelmed me. I admit I was apprehensive about using lye in a shampoo bar. However, I saw many creators taking the plunge, embracing shampoo bars and other traditional products that were popular before the revolution of the 20th century to discover the missed benefits.

This curiosity led me to volunteer as my own guinea pig. I have fine hair that varies between wavy and straight. Over the years, I've noticed my hair thinning. If I'm not careful, my hair can go from healthy to having split ends overnight. To complicate matters, my scalp becomes oily quickly, and my hair tangles easily. With all these challenges, I thought, “Why not give it a try if it can help my hair? It might not work, or it might. It's not like I hadn't done stupid things before.”

My Experience with Lye Shampoo Bars

About three months ago, I started testing a shampoo bar made with lye. I use all my products, even those not designed for me. (I do not have a beard, but I rubbed beard oil on my skin daily over an extended period of time just to see how it behaved.) Lye shampoo soap was no different. I researched oils, fatty acid chains, pH levels (yes, my shampoo bar made with lye is around 9+), potential additives, and the list goes on. (I have a syndet bar in the plans I will be trying out here soon.) After all the research, one day I just created and made a small batch of shampoo. I let it cure for the 6 weeks, and one day decided to try it out, and I haven't looked back. I did make the bar slightly smaller than my soap bars, but I like how it fits in my hand and its ease of creating a lather in my hair. I have been using it for over 3 months, and my hair is doing well. I use hair oil once every week or two, plus my solid conditioner. My hair is manageable, I haven't noticed any split ends, and I haven't noticed buildup that often occurs with lye soap.

Transitioning to a Healthier Hair Routine: Embracing Weekly Washes and Seasonal Adjustments

I traditionally washed my hair only once a week. It took some time to train my hair to adapt to this routine, but since then, I've noticed my hair has become much more manageable. I had made the transition to weekly washing long before I ever thought of lye soap. This, of course, changes with the season. The onset of summer means I wash my hair closer to two, maybe three times a week. Even with summer activities in the yard, field, and pasture, I've had to wash my hair more frequently; surprisingly, I haven't noticed any negative effects.

One notable change is that I no longer experience that "squeaky" clean feeling typically attained from using liquid shampoo. However, I haven't observed any buildup either. I don't require apple cider rinses, and I still use my hair oil and solid conditioner bar. I consider these outcomes a success in my journey toward healthier hair.

Upcoming Formulations and Choices

I plan to release the formula I'm currently using along with several others this fall. For those hesitant about using traditional lye shampoo, I am also formulating syndet bars. I will provide a list of surfactants I include when I finalize them. My goal is to find the most effective and gentle options available.

I am formulating a shampoo bar that incorporates a rose hydrosol with rosehip oil, one made with beer because that just sounds like fun and beer is good for the hair, and another one with apple cider vinegar because why not?

Syndet aka Synthetic Detergent Solid Shampoo Bars

I am working on a few syndet bars to offer my customers. This is so people have a choice. The surfactants and other ingredients are used in natural soap making and will probably be very familiar to you since most shampoos are already made with them. The significant difference is the lack of plastic packaging, lack of water which means greater concentration of product, and my own formulation based on research and having an in-depth conversation with Abigail Lynch.

Transitioning to Less Frequent Washes

As I delve deeper into this journey, I’ve realized the importance of transitioning to washing hair less frequently. A hundred years ago, we washed our hair less often, and if you notice in pictures of past generations, the luscious locks our ancestors had are interesting. They used heat, and if you look at what was in a lot of the products of the time, you question what they were thinking in putting that stuff on their hair. The more research I conduct, the more I understand how detrimental everyday washing can be for hair. Granted, I would not go as extreme as the popular once-a-month hair washing day, but weekly seems to be a nice compromise. It does take some time to spread out washing, but it is doable.

I think everyone should have the freedom to choose their products. If I had listened to all the fear surrounding certain ingredients, I would have missed out on countless experiences.

Natural Hair Care Solutions

Everyone's hair is unique, and finding the right products can be a journey. One key aspect to consider is finding natural alternatives. Organic ingredients often nourish and strengthen hair without subjecting it to harsh chemicals. Embracing natural hair care can lead to improved hair health over time. I have fewer issues with my scalp, and I find the journey enjoyable.

Benefits of Solid Hair Care

Choosing solid hair care products, like shampoo bars and conditioners, provides several benefits. They're often more concentrated, meaning a little goes a long way. Additionally, they come with less packaging, making them more environmentally friendly. This shift toward sustainability aligns with a growing demand for greener products in our daily routines.

Final Thoughts: Benefits of Traditional Shampoo Bars

In conclusion, my experiences with shampoo bars have been incredibly enlightening. I encourage others to explore these traditional products. The journey may be challenging, but the potential rewards are substantial. I would start with a syndet bar since it is so close to what your current routine is. Maybe start off by reducing the washes of your hair by going every other day, then every three, and so on until you are satisfied with the time periods between. Seven to ten days is a nice routine for me, and my hair has not complained. If you’re considering making the switch, keep an eye out for future blogs that will guide you on how to transition to less frequent washes.

Learning about effective methods and gentle alternatives can be beneficial for your hair's health. Each person's hair care journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Just be prepared for some craziness and realize sometimes it can take a week or two for your hair to adjust. I will admit that part of the process is not fun. Embrace the learning process and enjoy the benefits it brings to your hair!