Castile soap contains lye (a metal hydroxide obtained from wood ash) and produces soap molecules. When you mix castile soap with water, it makes charged atoms that help dislodge dirt, grime, and grease. There are many benefits of switching from commercial shampoos to natural castile soap.
The Benefits Of Using Castile Soap For Hair
1. It Is Gentle
Castile soap is natural and has fewer ingredients in it. This oil-based, non-toxic soap cleanses gently and is extremely good for sensitive scalp. Castile soap is good for anyone with scalp issues (like eczema and dermatitis) or those looking for a non-drying cleanser for hair.
2. It Is Non-Irritating
Like commercial shampoos, castile soap does not contain fragrances, harsh detergents, and chemicals that might irritate the skin. Moreover, it preserves the natural oils of the scalp and helps maintain a healthy scalp. This may also help keep the hair follicles healthy and promote a healthy hair growth rate. If you are looking for a non-irritating and gentle cleanser that will not damage and dry out your hair, you can use castile soap. However, dilute it before using. Here is how you can use castile soap instead of shampoo.
How To Wash Your Hair With Castile Soap
1. Dilute The Soap
Castile soap is alkaline and can affect your scalp pH. Hence, use a tiny amount of the soap and dilute it with purified water. To start, mix a tablespoon of grated castile soap with 4 cups of purified water (each cup 100 ml). Shake the mixture until the soap is melted. You can adjust the ratio as per your hair needs. However, do not use too much castile soap.
2. Use A Post-Wash Acidic Rinse
Castile soap is alkaline and should be followed with an acidic rinse to restore scalp pH. You can use diluted lemon juice or apple cider vinegar rinse. Dilute ¼ cup of lemon juice or 4 tablespoons of ACV with 2 cups of water (100 ml each). Use this mixture as a post-wash rinse to wash your scalp and hair. Wait for a few minutes and rinse your hair with water.
3. Moisturize With An Oil
There is no need to use a conditioner. Instead, use any vegetable oil to lock in the moisture. You may use coconut, avocado, jojoba, argan, sweet almond, or apricot oil. You can also mix castile soap with other ingredients to customize the natural shampoo. In the next section, we have shared a few recipes you may try.
DIY Castile Soap Recipes For Healthy Hair
1. Lavender And Almond Oil Castile Soap Shampoo
Almond oil has emollient properties (1). Hence, it may help keep the scalp and hair moisturized. Lavender essential oil is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety (2). You Will Need
A bar of castile soap (melt and pour base) 20-30 drops of lavender essential oil (for fragrance) ½ teaspoon of sweet almond oil 2 cups of purified water (100 ml each)
Method
2. Peppermint And Tea Tree Castile Shampoo
Peppermint oil promotes hair growth without irritating the scalp (3). It also adds a refreshing minty fragrance to the shampoo. Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties (4). These can keep the scalp healthy. You Will Need
4 tablespoons of liquid castile soap 10-20 drops of peppermint oil 10-20 drops of tea tree essential oil 200 ml of purified water
Method
3. Clove Oil And Castile Soap Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Research states that clove oil is effective against Malassezia and can help manage dandruff (5). You Will Need
4 tablespoons of liquid castile soap 20-30 drops of clove oil 200 ml of purified water
Method Transitioning to natural castile soap from commercial shampoos is not easy. All hair types react differently. Initially, your hair may feel weighed down, and you may not get that squeaky clean feeling. However, this is temporary, and your hair needs time to adjust to the new routine. Here are a few more pointers to keep in mind before you start using castile soap.
Things To Know Before Using Castile Soap
Does castile soap make hair greasy? Since castile soap is alkaline, it may disrupt the pH level of your scalp, making it feel greasy. Is castile soap good for natural black hair? Yes, castile soap is excellent and safe for natural black hair. Just make sure to use it the right way.
Sources:
Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/ Lavender and the Nervous System,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/ Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/ Correlations of the components of tea tree oil with its antibacterial effects and skin irritation,https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1021949813000082 Herbal vs. Chemical Actives as Antidandruff Ingredients -Which Are More Effective in the Management of Dandruff? An Overview,https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1647&context=ebl
