BLOG — history of shampoo
Why using a pH balanced shampoo isn't always a good thing...
In the shampoo and soap world, there is a lot of talk about pH. But most commonly bars and liquids are referred to as being pH balanced. And what exactly does this mean? To be pH neutral a product must be sitting smack bang the middle of the pH scale which is approximately 7. It means simply that the product is not too alkaline or not too acidic. Water sits at 7 with milk as a 6 and egg as an 8. More and more we’re seeing products being marketed as pH balanced and this supposed to be a good...
What does 'saponification' mean in natural shampoo bar making?
In short, saponification is defined by Merriam-Webster as ‘the act, process, or result of making soap: conversion into soap’. In order to achieve a solid bar of soap, you will need to mix fats and oils with a sodium or potassium hydroxide.
The other incredibly important thing to consider is that shampoo/soap bars that do not contain sodium hydroxide/caustic soda/lye are not natural. These are what are referred to as syndet bars, we’ve written extensively about the difference between natural and syndet bars here. Moreover, the word syndet is derived from the words synthetic and detergent.
What is the difference between a soap-based shampoo bar and a syndet shampoo bar?
In short, soap-based are made from natural oils whereas syndet based bars are basically solidified liquid shampoo. They each serve different purposes and we're going to give you the low down on how to find the best shampoo bar for you.
We've got 20 of the hottest hair tips that you'll ever find.
- USE THE COOL BUTTON - that blue button on your hairdryer is there for a reason, it will help to set your hair at the end of a style. Using cold air helps to close the hair cuticle and relax your hair. So make sure you cool off.
- FRIZZ FIGHTER No 1 - adding a cold rinse at the end of your shower will help to settle the frizz in your hair. Try it, we dare you.
Q: I can't stand the smell of Apple Cider Vinegar, so what should I use on my hair instead?
When making the switch to natural haircare you might experience a period of an oily, dense or waxy feeling. We, natural fellows, refer to it as the transition phase. It can be quite confronting and make your hair feel unwashed. It's completely normal and it is just a sign of product buildup on your scalp. By doing an acid rinse you will help to restore the pH balance on your scalp and remove prior product buildup, thus helping to transition quicker. It will leave your hair silky smooth and tangle free, it's even so good that you mightn't even require a conditioner. Acid rinses are also a must-do for those of us living with hard water (more alkaline) as they're able to balance the pH by dissolving the magnesium and calcium that binds to your hair from the water.