Table of Contents
- Choosing the Right Soap Bar for Your Hair
- How to wash hair with soap bar
- What if I wash my hair daily with soap?
- How to wash your hair correctly?
- Conclusion
How to wash hair with a soap bar? Washing hair with a soap bar might seem old-fashioned, but it’s gaining popularity as people seek more natural and eco-friendly alternatives to commercial shampoos.
A soap bar can be a gentle way to cleanse your hair, provided you do it correctly.
Soap bars are typically made from saponified oils and can clean hair just like liquid shampoos.
They are eco-friendly, as they come without plastic packaging and are often made with natural ingredients.
However, their alkaline nature affects hair differently and is not recommended long-term for growing and maintaining healthy, long hair.
Ironically, some individuals have successfully used soap bars for washing hair, and I’ll share tips for getting the best results on wash day.
In this guide, I cover everything you need to know about washing your hair with a soap bar, from choosing the right bar to the step-by-step process and tips for the best results.
Let’s start!
Choosing the Right Soap Bar for Your Hair
Not all soap bars are created equal; some have high superfat percentages while others are lower.
From a scientific standpoint, using cold process soap to wash hair can adversely affect hair health and cuticle in the long run, especially for dry hair.
Different hair types require different care; choose a soap bar with a high superfat percentage formulated with natural oils like coconut, olive, jojoba, or castor oil.
Furthermore, my favorite soap bars formulated for skin and hair that work well are Dr. Bronner and Dr. Squatch. Read more about which soap bar is best for washing hair.
How to wash hair with soap bar
Before you start washing your hair with a soap bar, it’s essential to prep your hair correctly. Also, your hair will take some time to get used to it.
First, brush your hair to remove tangles. This helps distribute the soap evenly and prevents breakage.
Next, use extra virgin olive oil and massage it into your scalp. It is the best oil for prepping your hair because it’s Thick and good.
The oil protects your hair cuticle. The second step is apple cider vinegar. Okay, get yourself apple cider vinegar.
Measure 100 grams of apple cider vinegar and add 100 grams of distilled water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and set it aside.
Cold-process soap briefly raises the pH of hair, making it alkaline. Vinegar restores the pH to its average level.
The Washing Process:
1. Wet Your Hair thoroughly. Ensure your hair is completely wet; it helps the soap lather and spread evenly.
2. Rub the soap bar between your hands. Create a lather by rubbing the soap bar between your wet hands.
Alternatively, you can rub the soap bar directly on your wet hair, focusing on the scalp.
Gently massage the soap into your scalp using your fingertips; the scalp is where most of the oil and dirt accumulate.
After cleansing the scalp, work the lather down to the ends of your hair. Be gentle to avoid tangling and breakage.
The oil used to prep the hair may cause the soap to lather less, but it will still do its job of cleaning.
3. Thoroughly rinse your hair with warm water, repeating the washing if necessary, until it is clean.
4. Now, apply the vinegar mixture you set aside earlier. Spray from the root to the ends of the hair, and let it sit for 3 minutes, not more than that.
After spraying, massage the scalp gently and brush your hair with a big comb (combing at this stage is optional; you can brush the hair when you apply a conditioner).
After applying the vinegar, rinse and douse your hair with cold water. Give your hair a good squeeze to remove the excess liquid.
Ensure to use cold water to rinse out the vinegar from your hair.
Apply condition to the length, not the scalp, comb with a Wide-Tooth Comb, rinse, towel dry your hair, and apply a leave-in conditioner.
Blow dry on low heat with a blow dryer, and style as desired.
What if I wash my hair daily with soap?
While daily hair washing is generally not considered ideal, dermatologists may recommend it in specific cases.
For individuals with scalp issues such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis, daily hair washing may be necessary for a certain period.
In such situations, the dermatologist will typically suggest appropriate products, such as shampoos or medications, tailored to the specific scalp concern.
It’s essential to keep in mind that soap is not generally advised as a suitable everyday hair cleanser.
According to dermatologists, daily hair washing is not a routine but a specific treatment for scalp issues.
Even with an active lifestyle, washing your hair daily can be damaging. Aim to wash your hair three times a week to maintain its health.
I often get the question What bar soap is best for hair? Not all bar soaps are suitable for hair; here are my favorites.
How to wash your hair correctly?
1. Choose the Right Products
Shampoo
Use a shampoo that suits your hair type (e.g., moisturizing for dry hair, clarifying for oily hair, color-safe for dyed hair).
Opt for sulfate-free shampoos to prevent stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Conditioner
Choose a conditioner that matches your hair type and needs. For added moisture and protection, look for ingredients like argan oil, keratin, and shea butter.
2. Pre-Wash Preparation
Gently brush your hair before washing to remove tangles and loose hairs. This helps prevent breakage during washing.
3. Wet Your Hair Thoroughly
Start with lukewarm water to open the cuticles, allowing the shampoo to cleanse effectively. Avoid hot water, which strips your hair of natural oils and causes dryness.
4. Shampooing
Apply Shampoo; concentrate on the scalp rather than the ends of your hair, as the scalp is where oil and dirt accumulate.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water until all the shampoo is removed. Incomplete rinsing can lead to buildup and dullness.
5. Apply Conditioner
Apply the conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair. Avoid the scalp to prevent greasiness.
Leave the conditioner in for 2-5 minutes to allow it to penetrate and hydrate your hair.
Rinse out the conditioner with cool water. This helps seal the cuticles, making your hair smooth and shiny.
6. Post-Wash Care
Drying: Gently squeeze out excess water using a soft towel. Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel, as it can cause frizz and breakage.
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while it’s still damp. Start from the ends and work your way up to prevent breakage.
Apply Leave-In Products
Apply a leave-in conditioner, serum, or hair oil to add moisture and protection.
7. Adjust the frequency of washing based on your hair type and lifestyle. Oily hair requires more frequent washing, while dry or curly hair benefits from less frequent washing.
Special Treatments
To provide deep hydration and repair to your hair, consider incorporating a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask into your weekly routine or as needed.
8. Additional Tips
Washing your hair too frequently removes natural oils, leading to dryness and damage. Find a balance that works for your hair type.
Always apply a heat protectant to minimize damage when using heat-styling tools.
Conclusion
Individuals with low-cut hairstyles or who prioritize efficiency over hair health have reported favorable experiences washing their hair with soap bars.
If you are keen on growth, length, and appearance, soap bars are a no-go area, especially for dry hair.
While soap bars can be an effective way to reduce waste and simplify your hair care routine, it’s crucial to prioritize the health of your hair in the long term.
Instead of using regular soap bars, which may not be suitable for hair, consider investing in a quality shampoo bar specifically designed for hair care.
