Table of Contents
- Is it OK to use body soap on hair?
- Is it OK to use soap on hair every day?
- What happens if there is still soap in your hair?
- Does soap affect hair growth?
- Can I wash my hair with only water?
- Conclusion
Why is soap bad for hair? The formulation and ingredients in a bar of soap, as well as your hair needs, determine whether or not it harms your hair.
Recently, the increasing awareness of many people regarding sustainability has resulted in a demand for more eco-friendly options.
However, there are exceptions to this narrative. Soaps like Dr. Bronner and Dr. Squatch are excellent for hair and skin. My favorite hair wash soap.
Let’s explore why soap is bad for hair and explore alternative hair-cleansing options.
Let’s start!
Is it OK to use body soap on hair?
Yes and no! Yes, because it will clean your hair, and no, because, depending on how dirty it is, there is a high chance that it will feel dry, brittle, and a bit greasy.
Particularly for curly and long hair, you want to avoid the drama of using soap that is not meant for hair.
In addition, what is your vision or long-term goal for your hair? Your vision will determine how you care for it.
Besides your hair product, observing your hair’s response after use is crucial for sustained hair health.
Is it OK to use soap on hair every day?
It is generally not recommended to use soap on your hair every day. Daily washing is unnecessary, even when using liquid or a shampoo bar.
Except if you have specific hair conditions that warrant such treatment, which will be for a particular period, not the norm.
While ordinary soap is effective at removing dirt and oil from the scalp and hair, it can also strip away natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and potential damage over time.
Here’s why using soap on your hair daily may not be advisable:
Stripping Natural Oils: Soap is formulated to cleanse the skin, and its alkaline pH level can disrupt the natural pH balance of the scalp and hair.
Daily use of soap strips away the protective oils that keep the hair hydrated and healthy.
Moreover, repeatedly washing your hair daily, even using a suitable soap, shampoo bar, or liquid shampoo, is not beneficial for maintaining healthy hair.
Scalp Irritation: Soap’s harsh cleansing action can irritate the scalp, causing itching, redness, and swelling.
Daily soap use may aggravate scalp conditions like dandruff or eczema, worsening the symptoms over time.
Hair Damage: Repeated use of soap can weaken the hair shaft, making it more prone to damage and breakage.
The combination of dryness, friction, and alkaline pH can compromise the hair’s structural integrity, resulting in split ends and breakage.
Lack of Moisture: Soap leaves residue on the scalp and hair, particularly in challenging water areas where soap does not rinse quickly.
This residue accumulates over time, leading to dullness, heaviness, and a lack of volume in the hair.
What happens if there is still soap in your hair?
Leaving soap in your hair leads to several undesirable effects. Soap vs. shampoo.
Soap, especially ordinary bar soap, is typically more alkaline than the natural pH level of your scalp and hair, which disrupts the natural balance.
However, as earlier alluded, soaps like Dr. Bronner and Dr. Squatch are exceptions to this rule. More on which soap is best for hair washing.
Some of the potential consequences of not thoroughly rinsing soap from your hair include dryness and brittleness, dull appearance, scalp irritation, and soap scum.
Rinsing thoroughly after washing is essential to ensure healthy hair. This will eliminate any leftover soap residue and prevent potential hair issues.
If any soap is inadvertently left behind, it’s best to rinse it out promptly.
Additionally, using a leave-in conditioner after washing helps replenish moisture and safeguard your hair from potential damage.
Does soap affect hair growth?
It’s generally better to use shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for hair care and growth. Can soap cause hair loss?
Moreover, the cons of using soap far outweigh the pros. If you are keen on hair growth, opt and focus on products for hair growth.
Pros:
Cleanses the Scalp: Soap effectively removes dirt, oil, and other impurities from the scalp, which might benefit those with oily hair.
Budget-Friendly: It’s a cost-effective alternative to specialized hair care products.
Natural Ingredients: Some soaps contain natural ingredients like tea tree oil, which has antifungal and antiseptic properties that can soothe the scalp and potentially promote hair growth.
Cons:
1. Strips Natural Oils
2. Not Ideal for Colored Hair
3. Alkalinity: The alkaline nature of soap destroys the hair’s natural keratin, resulting in dry and brittle hair.
4. Leaves Residue
5. Scalp Irritation
Can I wash my hair with only water?
Washing your hair with only water, also known as water-only washing or the “no-poo” method, is a topic that garners mixed opinions among hair care enthusiasts.
The effectiveness of this method for hair growth varies among individuals. Some users report positive outcomes, while others have not experienced the desired results.
I’m not a fan of washing hair with only water because I’m keen on healthy, long hair, and to achieve and maintain that, I need to support my hair with products.
My lifestyle, the weather, the hair products I use, and washing my hair with just water will not help me achieve my hair goals.
Furthermore, dirt and product residue create an environment conducive to the growth of organisms, such as Malassezia, dandruff, and stenchy smells.
However, it is possible to wash your hair with only water.
First, use your hand to massage your scalp to break down the greasiness and dirt, and brush it through with a brush so there are no knots.
Then, use lukewarm water to loosen the dirt. At the same time as you are rinsing, lightly massage your scalp and run your fingers through it while the water hits it.
That’s like pushing out whatever is on the scalp.
After rinsing with lukewarm water, use cool water to rinse to seal the cuticles and retain moisture because, again, you are not using shampoo.
Conclusion
While soap effectively cleans the skin, not all are suitable for hair care due to its harsh nature and alkaline pH.
Using soap on the hair can lead to dryness, irritation, and damage, compromising hair health and appearance.
Instead, use gentle hair cleansing alternatives such as shampoo, sulfate-free formulas, or co-washing to maintain healthy and vibrant locks.
