Table of Contents
- Is it good to wash hair with soap?
- Which is the best soap for hair?
- 2. Dr. Squatch Soap Bar
- Which Shampoo Bar Is The Best?
- 6. Davines LOVE Shampoo Bar
- Top Best Shampoo For Fine and Thin Hair?
- Is Dove a good hair wash?
- What are the best shampoos for men?
- Can I use conditioner as shampoo?
- Conclusion
Which soap is best for washing hair? There are various soaps that are suitable for hair washing.
Due to their composition, most bar soaps are rarely suitable for hair washing, and finding the perfect balance between effectiveness, sustainability, and simplicity can take time and effort.
However, some manufacturers have taken it upon themselves to produce bar soaps that are suitable for hair and eco-friendly.
A soap bar that washes hair and is residue-free is unique, reduces cost, is eco-friendly, and enhances ease of travel.
With IFRA regulations on the quantity of liquid soap or shampoo, you can carry on a plane, the availability of a soap bar that washes the hair clean is a breath of fresh hair.
Moreover, with a myriad of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which soap is best for washing hair.
In this detailed blog post, I’ve compiled my favorite soap bars for hair wash and my reasons for choosing them so you can make Informed decisions.
Let’s start!
Is it good to wash hair with soap?
Yes! Depending on the soap you use, some are not recommended for hair or skin because they are drying; this attribute is synonymous with soap with no superfat percentages.
By superfat percentage, I mean reducing the lye (sodium hydroxide) in the soap so that there are unsaponified oils, making it milder.
Secondly, soap made with a high percentage of coconut oil without the mixture of other oils to create a balance is drying to the skin, which will be amplified when used on the hair.
If you want to use Soap on hair other than shampoo bars, ensure that the soap contains olive oil, jojoba oil, rice bran oil, lard fat, tallow fat, etc.
These oils or fats are soothing to the skin, so depending on your hair type, length, and color, they will likely be suitable for hair washing.
However, just because a soap contains some of these oils doesn’t automatically mean they will be good for your hair.
I mentioned some of these oils because they contain skin-friendly oil properties.
Plus, even shampoo bars formulated strictly for hair wash do not suit every hair type; you have to experiment to find the one that best suits your hair.
If you are unsure about soap, opt for shampoo bars, Dr. Bronner’s bar soap, or Dr. Squatch soap instead to be on the safe side.
Dr. Bronner’s all-in-one bar soap and Dr. Squatch’s soap have garnered many positive reviews, including mine.
Which is the best soap for hair?
The best soap for hair is relative to your hair type and length. In addition to shampoo bars, I can vouch for two soaps because I’ve used them, and they are amazing.
They are not only amazing but also organic. These soaps are Dr. Bronner bar soap and Dr. Squatch soap.
You might feel I’m biased, but based on my friends, my experiences, and my research, they have won my heart.
Dr. Bronner all-in-one bar soap: The company was established back in 1948 by Dr. Emanuel Bronner.
Apparently, they are a family of soap makers who have been making soap since 1858. They have a lot of experience and are super popular now.
In 2003, Dr. Bronner’s became certified USDA organic, and it went Fairtrade in 2007 for its primary raw ingredients.
Plus, It’s cool because you don’t need to order from a website; you can get them at almost any local organic store or natural grocery store in the organic section.
The packaging is made of paper; there is no box. When thinking of packaging, the first word that comes to mind is classic.
Written on it are personal stories, a lot of messaging, branding, and sharing their vision.
As part of its vision, the company donates to two causes: regenerative organic agriculture, animal advocacy, drug policy, criminal justice reform, and fair pay.
These are all tied back to Bronner’s all-one philosophy, which the company still promotes through its soap.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the soap is that it has 18 different applications, including washing your hair, face, body, dog, dishes, and laundry.
It’s one of the most famous pure castile soaps, meaning it’s made from vegetable oils like organic olive, hemp, jojoba, and coconut oils instead of animal fats.
Dr Bronner uses organic coconut oil, organic palm oil, lye, water, organic olive oil, organic hemp oil, organic jojoba oil, sea salt, citric acid, and tocopherol (vitamin E).
If you are unaware, vitamin E is highly beneficial to your skin, hair, and nails.
Their all-in-one soap bars come in various plant-derived fragrances, including peppermint, lavender, citrus, eucalyptus, and tea tree.
The lather is impressive and could last 40 days or more. They also have an unscented soap, which is especially suitable for people with sensitive skin.
2. Dr. Squatch Soap Bar
Dr Squatch is another fantastic soap with multiple functions, including hair.
Its bar soaps are made with natural, plant-based ingredients, including essential oils, shea butter, and coconut oil, which are gentle on the hair and skin.
It also has saponified oils like olive, sustainable palm, coconut oil, shea butter, natural fragrance, Alaskan glacier mineral clay, indigo powder, kaolin clay, and sea salt. It is a cold-process soap.
Dr. Squatch soaps have a small hole in the packaging where you can smell the fragrance. Similar to Dr. Bronner, their fragrances are plant derivatives.
The brand focuses on sustainability, with biodegradable packaging and a commitment to natural ingredients.
They have a variety of fragrances like:
Pine Tar: Dr. Squatch Pine Tar soap features a woody and earthy fragrance with hints of pine and cedarwood reminiscent of the great outdoors.
Spearmint Basil: This refreshing and herbaceous fragrance combines spearmint’s coolness with basil’s freshness to revitalize the bathing experience.
Cedar Citrus: Dr. Squatch Cedar Citrus soap offers a blend of warm cedarwood with bright citrus notes, providing a balanced and refreshing scent profile.
Bay Rum: With its spicy and exotic fragrance, Dr. Squatch Bay Rum soap features notes of clove, cinnamon, and orange, evoking images of Caribbean beaches and pirate ships.
Cool Fresh Aloe: Cool Fresh Aloe fragrance combines the soothing scent of aloe vera with hints of cucumber and mint, offering a crisp and revitalizing bathing experience.
Which Shampoo Bar Is The Best?
Several other excellent options for washing hair are available besides Dr. Squatch and Dr. Bronner bar soaps.
Individual reviews for each shampoo are subjective to the individuals involved.
These shampoos were carefully selected based on their quality ingredients and the overwhelmingly positive feedback they have received from numerous users, including myself.
Moreover, before dismissing a product based on someone else’s review, you should test it to see if the hair product ingredients or description match your hair needs.
In no particular order, here are some additional best shampoo bars for hair wash depending on your hair type:
1. Best Overall: J.R. Liggett’s All-Natural Shampoo Bar
– This bar is an excellent option for various hair types, formulated with coconut oil, aloe vera, almond oil, mango butter, and vitamins A, B, and E.
It’s known for its lathering capability and moisturizing formula. It is suitable for permed, colored, and curly hair.
It relieves itching and flaking scalps, cleanses hair follicles, and is made with all-natural ingredients.
It is best for dry and itchy scalps. Plus, it’s formulated with tea tree and hemp oil, proven to soothe irritations.
2. Best Hydrating: Kitsch Castor Oil Nourishing Shampoo Bar
– Ideal for those needing extra hydration, this bar includes castor oil, which is known for its nourishing properties.
3. Best for a Gentle Cleanse: Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar
– With a focus on hydration, this bar is perfect for a gentle cleanse without stripping the hair of its natural oils.
4. Best for a Deep Clean: ODACITÉ 552M Soap Free Shampoo Bar
– This bar offers a soap-free option for those who need a deep clean without the harshness of traditional soap.
5. Best for Curly Hair: Ethique Curl-Defining Solid Shampoo Bar
– Curly hair requires special care, and this bar is designed to define and nourish curls.
Ethique shampoo bars are vegan, cruelty-free, and made with sustainable ingredients.
It is best for normal hair, reduces irritation, hydrates hair, is pH-balanced, and is suitable for colored and treated hair.
It is made with cocoa butter and beats to keep hair balanced and scalp free of irritation. s
Ethique reduces redness, eliminates dry scalp flakiness, balances oil production on the scalp, and lasts longer.
6. Davines LOVE Shampoo Bar
– If you’re looking for a bar that leaves your hair smelling great, this one has a delightful scent.
For coarse or frizzy hair. A solid texture that develops into a rich, creamy foam during application to give softness, shine, and silky texture.
Winner, New Beauty Awards, Best Sustainable Shampoo Bar, 2022.
It is packaged in 100% FSC paper, is recyclable, contains 97.4% biodegradable ingredients, and has undergone dermatological testing.
7.BamboEarth shampoo bar.
It regulates oil secretion, keeps the pH balanced, is ideal for oily hair, and is vegan and cruelty-free—there is no plastic wrapping.
The packaging is 100% biodegradable and recyclable, and the bars have not been tested on animals.
8. Argan Oil Shampoo Bar Soap Box.
It is best for controlling fizz. It tames fizz, softens hair, and won’t strip hair and scalp of protective oils.
If you’re looking for a shampoo bar to help you manage frizzy hair, this argan oil bar may be just the thing. It is a glycerin-based soap packed with shea butter and coconut oil.
This bar creates a gentle lather that will help moisturize your cuticles and keep your hair healthy and smooth.
It’s scented with rosemary, peppermint, and lavender. It won’t leave behind any residue or waxy buildup in your hair.
The natural oil extracts ensure a nice clean while being gentle on your scalp.
9. Men’s four-in-one bar Soap Bossman:
It cleans and moisturizes, suitable for hair, beard, body, and shaving. Made from all-natural and organic ingredients, it helps with skin irritations.
It is formulated with shea butter to keep hair and skin moisturized. It lathers well and is suitable for a variety of skin conditions.
Due to the soap’s black color, some reviewers report that the bar left black residue behind in the bath and shower.
Some also found that the bar broke down quickly. Overall, though, the majority of users agree that it is effective at cleaning and moisturizing and is also effective as a full-in-one bar.
10. Aari & Co. Loretta Herbal Shampoo Bar
All-natural ingredients promote increased hair growth and repair damaged hair.
Parabens, Sulfate, Mineral oil, Artificial Dyes, Artificial fragrance, Propylene glycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine
It contains ingredients like Organic Shea butter, saponified oil, organic Plantain, Organic Honey, and Aari & Co. herbal hair blend.
additionally, Cruelty-free, plant-based paper packaging
Top Best Shampoo For Fine and Thin Hair?
1. The Super Zero shampoo and conditioner bars
2. HiBAR shampoo bar
3. The Kitsch rice water shampoo and conditioner bars.
4. Viori hidden Waterfall shampoo and conditioner bars
Is Dove a good hair wash?
Whether Dove is a good hair wash for you will depend on your hair’s specific needs and how it responds to the product.
Using Dove bar soap on hair is not generally recommended.
While Dove soap bars are known for their moisturizing properties and gentle formula, they are designed explicitly for cleansing skin, not hair.
Dove soap contains components that could disturb the scalp’s pH level, potentially leading to dryness, irritation, or overproduction of oil.
Furthermore, soap bars may leave traces on hair, producing a waxy or coated sensation.
For hair care, it’s better to use products formulated for hair, such as shampoos and conditioners.
These products include specialized ingredients such as cleansing agents, conditioning agents, and additives designed to meet hair and scalp health needs.
What are the best shampoos for men?
Here are some of the best shampoos for men:
1. Kerastase Genesis Bain De Masse Epaississant Shampoo: Overall best shampoo.
2. Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Hair Reset Clarifying Shampoo: Best for sensitive scalps.
3. Kerastase Genesis Homme Shampoo: Best volumizing shampoo.
4. GF Fabulosity Shampoo No.2: Best lightweight shampoo.
5. TIGI Bed Head For Men Shampoo: Best for hydration.
6. Fudge Professional Clean Mint Shampoo: Best purifying shampoo.
7. Davines Energizing Shampoo: Best for thinning hair.
8. Lumin Keratin Recovery Shampoo: Best for dry or damaged hair.
Can I use conditioner as shampoo?
While conditioner and shampoo serve different purposes in hair care, conditioner can be feasible as a substitute for shampoo in some situations, though it is not recommended for regular use.
Here’s why:
Cleansing Ability: A conditioner is primarily designed to moisturize and detangle the hair’s lengths or ends, not to cleanse the scalp and remove dirt and oil, as shampoo does.
While some conditioners may contain mild cleansing agents, they are less effective than shampoo at removing buildup and impurities from the scalp.
Residue Buildup: Using conditioner alone to wash your hair leaves residue on the scalp, which can cause greasiness and weigh down the hair over time.
A shampoo is formulated to thoroughly cleanse the scalp and hair, rinsing away dirt, oil, and product buildup without leaving residue behind.
Hair Health: Regularly using conditioner as shampoo will not provide adequate cleansing, which compromises scalp health and leads to issues such as itchiness, dandruff, and odor.
Hair Type: regardless of the hair type, a conditioner alone does not adequately cleanse the hair and scalp.
Conclusion
In reality, whether you are using a shampoo bar, soap bar, liquid shampoo, or conditional shampoo, keep in mind that everyone’s experience with a product is unique.
So, with the right bar for your hair type, you can enjoy a gentle cleanse while keeping your hair healthy and vibrant.
When switching to a new hair product, be patient. It takes time for your hair to adjust and react to the new product.
So, rather than repeatedly changing shampoos because you think they’re not suitable for your hair, give it time.
Additionally, you can incorporate a leave-in conditioner that works well for your hair.
Sometimes, the conditioner bar might be less effective than expected; use your regular leave-in conditioner instead.
