If you’re like most people, shampoo really dries your hair out.
Castile soap is awesome. Here’s a quote about it from wikipedia:
Castile soap is a name used in English-speaking countries for soap made exclusively from vegetable oil (as opposed to animal fat), although many soapmaking authorities[who?] hold that to be “Castile” soap it must be made exclusively or predominantly from olive oil. Examples of other oils that dissenting authorities[who?] hold can be used in castile soaps include coconut, almond, hemp, and jojoba. Castile soap is also sometimes called Seafarer’s soap because of its broad range of uses.
Castile Soap is not a brand, but a type of soap. I personally use Dr. Bronner’s. It does come in a lot of different scents, but I prefer to get the unscented and add my own essential oils. The is a great alternative to shampoo, which can be quite harsh. It’s also all natural, if you’re searching to be more “green”.
Now, don’t make the mistake that I did and use this stuff full force. When I first purchased this, I just used it like I’d always used shampoos. Well, my hair was hella clarified. Sqeaky clean,even. Not a good thing!
Be sure to dilute it. It cleans the hair without drying it out. If you can buy it in bulk, it’s really economical too.
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I have made that mistake, too. Now, I mix 2 parts water to 1 part soap. My curls seem to love this concentration!
Do you use any other shampoos or just the Castile? Thanks.
The time when straightened my hair and used cones, I used my husband’s clarifying shampoo, but on a regular basis, no. I am going to try a cleansing creme from Hairveda to see if I can use it instead of castile soap on occasion.
I love Dr. Bronner’s Castille soap. I use the peppermint one in place of shampoo and I also use it to hand wash delicates. But don’t use the peppermint one as a body wash because it burns the privates. You’ve been warned. LOL
LOL omg, thanks for the warning Todra!!
Lmaoooooo at burning privates.. Lord i hope every thing “downthere” has healed correctly lol.
that’s hilarious!!!!!
Is castile soap too alkaline for hair? I’ve been searching Google, but found this hard to determine…
Peace and Love
i must say that i’ve enjoyed reading the info on your site thnx 2 a facebook posting by carol’s daughter. i will def try the dr bronner’s soap as a shampoo alternative & will post my natural hair transition pics soon. thnx ladies
I love Dr. Bronners as a shampoo. I use the bar though, its much easier and doesnt have to be diluted. It lathers VERY well. I think I only rubbed across my head twice and that was more than enough. This is one of my staple products.
& about the burning privates, too funny! Dont get it in your eyes either or you WILL be sorry! lol
I heard about Dr. Bonner’s Castile Soap being too alkaline for the hair, so one way to normalize the liquid solution is to add some vinegar. Or dilute it with whatever you’re adding it to.
Kendra, I’ve never had any problem, but I suppose that’s worth trying out.
Where do you purchase castile soap in bulk?
Do you think the castile soap plain unscented would be less harsh on the hair than say a scented one like the peppermint? Also is the liquid better than the bar because I’ve always heard bar soaps leave a film on the skin so I’m leery about what it may leave in the hair. I’m transitioning since mid July and just about ready to do the bc and think my hair texture is going to be siniliar to yours and definetly as thick as it! Which has me a little scared because thick hair was stressful enough relaxed but all the breaking and cutting wasn’t worth it. And your pics and input gives me hope!
I’m newly natural too and just found a castile shampoo WITH shea butter. It really feels great on my hair and leaves it smelling nice and feeling soft. Normally adding my own oils to my shampoos seems to hamper the cleansing process so this shampoo really works much better. I live in Brooklyn and found this in a middle eastern store on Atlantic Avenue near Bond Street but you can find it on Amazon for about $6. It’s called Dr. Woods Castile Soap with Shea Butter. It also is available in Lavender, Black Soap, Peppermint and Tea Tree and can be used as a body wash as well. Give it a try – you’ll love it too.
I tried this En’tyce shampoo made with castille and infused with loads of essential, and natural oils…my hair loves it….their website is http://www.entyce-your-beauty.com..Wow!!