2 in 1 Shampoo Bars are definitely different to Soap, and they are different to a Shampoo Bar too, but why?
Soap is too Alkali for your hair.
Well, bars of soap are a lovely thing to have, to smell, to see, to use. They are made using a huge range of oils, butters, botanicals and are put through a saponification using Sodium Hydroxide. They start off their journey being very wet and very fluid, with a high PH value. As the soap solidifies in its mould, it can start the journey of curing. At the start, the PH value usually at a very high level of around 12. As the water evaporates and the saponification processed ingredients cure and set, the PH value reduces and enters into a safe to use value range of anywhere between 7 and 9. (PH value of 7 is neutral). This process can take anytime from 4 weeks to a year to happen and it depends on the oils used.
Some shampoo bars are too alkali for your hair
You can see our full range of 2 in 1 Shampoo bars here
Shampoo bars are a different world, your hair needs to be washed in a lower than PH neutral solution.
Some shampoo bars are made using a saponification process (they are soap). To be effective, these shampoo bars need an acidic rinse after use to restore the hairs natural PH balance. Usually, a good apple cider vinegar can do this job very well. Do you really want to be doing this to your hair? You can identify these shampoo bars by looking at the ingredients listed and the PH value. Anything that says, for example, sodium olivate or sodium cocoate are olive oil or coconut oil that has been put through a saponification process (they are soap!). These shampoo bars usually have a PH value above 7 and will, no doubt, need an acidic rinse. Once we all start to read labels to identify what we are putting on our hair and bodies, we get to know what’s in everything! You’ll have tried shampoo bars yourself that were hopeless on your hair and this is probably the reason.
What’s in a good shampoo bar?
A good shampoo bar has a PH of below 7 – They are slightly acid and this is good for your hair. The better ones have a balanced mixture of surfactants ( Cleansing agents ) a mixture of Anionic, Non-Ionic, Amphoteric and Cationic surfactants. The best shampoos use naturally derived surfactants, I use Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidropopyl Betaine. There are plenty more natural and organic cleansing agents out there. My 2 in 1 shampoo bars are made by blending dry and wet ingredients using a heat process, creating a paste and this is then pressed and cured.
Natural and organic cleansers are two separate categories that are industry recognised and certified by the likes of COSMOS and ECOCERT. These are industry standards that are recognised in the UK, they are highly sought after and give an ingredient certification of being environmentally friendly, socially conscious and have the highest feasible sustainable production process.
What we avoid!
Synthetic cleansers such as sodium lauryl sulfate have been developed since the industrial revolution and have played a huge role in the development of soaps and shampoos. These are safe and effective at cleaning, they do their job but they include palm oil. It is known to cause skin irritation so, we don’t use it in any of our shampoo bars
What about conditioning my hair?
With an ordinary shampoo bar, you will need to condition you hair after cleaning to help keep it soft and manageable.
Good for your scalp
We use a blend of natural cleansers to help lift the everyday dirt from the hair while not being harsh on the skin or hair. As the hair is being cleaned, we have added a variety of oils, botanicals and additional ingredients to help the scalp, and to build up the strength, softness and shininess of the hair, while including a conditioning agent to complete the whole process.
Tailored for different hair types
You can see our full range of 2 in 1 Shampoo bars here
The oils chosen have been carefully considered for the different types of hair shafts; fine, thick, coarse, straight, wavy, curly, coily. Each has been blended differently to respond to each type of hair. Each oil also holds a Soil Association certification adding value through organic and sustainability in the production processing.
Nourishing for your hair
Each 2 in 1 shampoo bar has a range of vitamins, minerals and proteins blended again depending on the hair types need. For example, straight and fine hair requires far more protein than curly thicker hair. Minerals have been added through different clays, which also help to pick up excess oils on the hair and scalp. Some vitamins and conditioner are added through a product called panthenol DL which is a powder form, not liquid. The 2 in 1 shampoo bars have been developed with natural coloured hair in focus. If you have dyed hair, you may need a little more conditioner, but not much.
Botanical Extracts
Each bar has a different botanicals both in essential oil and powder form. Each one has been chosen to help the scalp, again dependent on what each hair type needs. Some of these may seem a bit unusual, but each one has some research behind to identify benefits, so don’t look worried if you find things like burdock or liquorice, it is there for a reason, honest.
A Gentle preservative
And last but not least, I have added an organic compound preservative. Although there is no water added to this product, it will come into contact with water when it is used, so this will help to prevent both mould and fungus.
How long will such a tiny bar last?
These 2 in 1 shampoo bars are concentrated bars of loveliness. They come in two different sizes, a standard size 53-55g, or travel size 24-26g. If you have shorter hair, I suggest the travel size as it should last around 2-3 months when washing your hair 2 to 3 times per week. Similarly, if you have longer hair, you can buy the travel size which should last 4-6 weeks at 2-3 times per week or the standard bar, lasting 2-3 months.
Concentrated hair care
Initially these 2 in 1 shampoo bars seems a little expensive, but they are concentrated shampoo and conditioner and you are no paying for the water which is a high percentage of liquid shampoos.
Easy to use, store and travel with
I keep my 2 in 1 shampoo bar in a simple aluminium tin on the side of the bath. It is important to ensure that the bar in allowed to dry between use so that it will last longer. You should notice a positive difference in your hair when changing to these 2 in 1 shampoo bars, it may take a couple of washes to get through any build-up of other products but it will happen and your hair will become soft, clean and manageable.