So, soap free shampoo is better for my hair? Yes, you read that right.
Has your hair ever felt dry and tangled after using a shampoo bar? The pH and the soap in your shampoo bar is probably the reason. Soap based shampoo bars are too alkaline and damaging for your scalp and hair.
KIND2’s solid shampoo bars and conditioner bars are 100% soap free and have been formulated with a pH level that is ideal for hydrated healthy hair and scalp. Our bars are concentrated and not 80% water like traditional bottles of shampoo and conditioner.
If you care about the well-being of your skin, scalp and mane then read on to learn how KIND2 can help them thrive.
Why is soap bad for your hair’s pH?
So, how does soap affect the pH of your hair? And why does this matter?
It’s all about chemistry. Have you ever noticed ‘pH balanced’ written on the side of a haircare product? You might not have given it much thought before, but you could have suffered the consequences of using a solid shampoo bar that wasn't really shampoo at all - but actually soap.
Have you ever washed your hair, only to find that it feels dry, sticky and strange afterwards? The pH of your soap-based shampoo bar is probably to blame. Whenever we hear from people that they "didn't get on with shampoo bars" - it's usually because they've used a soap-based bar unknowingly and it's been an unpleasant experience. Read on to find out why shampoo bars should be pH balanced and why it's best to avoid washing your hair with soap.
Soap sits at the higher end of the pH scale, around the 9 - 10 mark. This makes it alkaline. Our skin, on the other hand, splashes around at the shallower end. It is usually in the 4.75 - 5.5 pH range, meaning it’s slightly acidic.
Soap-based shampoo bars are out of balance with the natural pH of your hair. It’s harsh and unhealthy for it and can strip away essential natural oils to leave it feeling dull and rough.
This is why it’s so important to see through the suds. Soapy shampoo bars might look luxurious or be environmentally friendly. Don’t let the fact that they’re zero waste, vegan, described as natural or claim to work up a lovely lather get into your eyes and obscure your judgement.
KIND2’s solid shampoo bars are formulated to between 5 - 6.5 pH and because they are packed full of hair loving plant based oils, your locks will feel lusher, clean and healthy. Most importantly, they do all this without the soapy damage.
What is soap free shampoo?
What does ‘soap free shampoo’ actually mean? Don’t you have to use soap to get your hair clean?
Just to be clear...we have nothing against soap! It’s an excellent, plastic free product that is effective for cleaning your clothes, your dishes and even your body. However, it can wreak havoc on your hair.
Many solid shampoo bars on the market today are actually soaps in disguise. Sometimes they are called natural shampoo bars and there may be no mention of soap on their packaging, or on the company website, but don’t be fooled. If you see any of the following substances in the ingredients list, you’re actually using a soap bar:
- Sodium Palmate
- Sodium Cocoate
- Sodium Olivate
- Sodium Castorate
- Sodium Hydroxide
KIND2 shampoo bars and conditioner bars are totally soap free, meaning that they contain plant-based cleansing ingredients and actives combined with nourishing oils that target hair and scalp health. Not only will our bars get your barnet completely clean, but they will make a far healthier addition to your haircare routine. Here's some tips for maintaining hair and scalp health in both summer and winter.
Do you have sensitive skin? Or are you prone to a dry, flaky and itchy scalp? Soap or synthetic fragrances can exacerbate these issues. The gentle, cleansing ingredients in this fragrance free, ‘Sensitive’ solid shampoo bar will soothe your symptoms.
How do high pH and hard water hurt your hair?
Do you live in an area that has hard water? Or have you ever taken a trip, washed your hair and been surprised by how different it feels?
Hard water has a high pH. This exacerbates the soap-based bar problem. Soap’s alkalinity combined with the alkaline water can leave your tresses tangled and waxier than ever. Read more on our blog about how hard water affects your hair.
The pH balance of KIND2 shampoo and conditioner bars means that they clean and nourish your hair and head, regardless of how hard or soft the water is.
Are you still a little daunted by or sceptical about solid shampoo bars? Read up on how to use shampoo bars for the best results. It’s so simple and effective and great for your hair - so many of our customers say they'll never go back to the bottle.
Do I need to use vinegar to wash and re-balance my hair?
The short answer is no! If a brand says you need to follow with a vinegar or ACV rinse, it's not shampoo - it's soap. And soap based bars will dry out your hair and scalp, disrupting the microbiome and natural pH.
There’s a lot of hype around the ‘no-poo’ movement, and the benefits of using shampoo alternatives like vinegar or diluted ACV. You might have even given it a go and experienced some temporary results, or you might have been told you need to use it during the “transition period”.
The theory is that because vinegar is acidic it will help to re-balance the pH of your hair and smooth its cuticles. You might have also been drawn to the method as a means of avoiding products that contain:
- Plastics
- Silicones
- Sulphates
- Parabens
- Animal products
KIND2’s solid, soap free shampoo and conditioner is 100% free from these ingredients. We're even certified microplastic free. There’s no transition period and what’s more, it will perform the rebalancing act in a much sweeter smelling, more successful way.
Why is KIND2’s soap free shampoo better for my hair?
What makes KIND2 solid shampoo and conditioner so much better is that, instead of soap, we use gentle, plant-based surfactants (cleansing agents) and nourishing oils such as Coconut, Macadamia and Hemp Seed. These natural, pH balanced products will keep your hair clean, hydrated and healthy.
So, if you don’t fancy suffering any more waxy, tangled hair struggles, ditch the vinegar and make the switch to pH balanced solid shampoo bars.
