If you are looking for a natural alternative to your regular shampoo, you may try castile soap for hair. It is a plant-based soap used in DIY soap-making and shampoo recipes. It is best for those with sensitive scalp and those who cannot tolerate regular shampoos. However, switching from shampoo to castile soap may take time as it is more alkaline than shampoo and can disrupt the scalp’s pH. You may need time to get used to it. Keep reading to understand how castile soap works for hair and the right way to use it.
In This Article
What Is Castile Soap?
Castile soap is a multipurpose natural soap made from plants, nuts, and vegetable-derived oils. It originated in Castile, Spain, and was traditionally made using olive oil.
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
- Heat the castile soap in a double boiler until it melts. Let it cool down.
- Mix four tablespoons of the liquid castile soap with the water.
- Add the oils to the solution and mix.
- Pour the soap into a bottle and use it instead of a shampoo.
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
- Dilute the castile soap with water and mix the oils.
- Transfer the solution to a bottle.
- Wash your hair with the solution.
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
- Dilute the castile soap with water.
- Add the oil and mix.
- Store it in a bottle and use it for washing your hair.
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.
Subscribe
Here are a few more pointers to keep in mind before you start using castile soap.
Things To Know Before Using Castile Soap
- Do Not Use On Colored Hair: Castile soap is an alkaline product and will strip your hair of its color.
- Do Not Combine Castile Soap With ACV And Lemon: Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are acidic, while castile soap is alkaline. Acids and alkalis neutralize each other. This is not hazardous but will leave residue and an oily film on the hair. Instead, rinse with diluted lemon juice or ACV after cleansing your hair with castile soap.
In a gist, castile soap is a plant-based, chemical-free alternative soap. You can use castile soap for washing your hair as it is gentle on the hair and scalp. It can be used on a sensitive scalp with issues like dermatitis and eczema. It does not contain any harsh ingredients, such as artificial fragrances or detergents. You can use this soap as a post-wash rinse or a moisturizer paired with an oil. You can scroll up and check out the many DIY recipes to apply it to your hair. These recipes pair castile soap with hair-benefiting ingredients like peppermint. Use these remedies regularly to see notable results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Castile soap damage hair?
No, diluted castile soap solution does not damage the hair.
How do you get castile soap residue out of the hair?
Use diluted lemon juice or ACV post-wash rinse to remove any soap residue.
Key Takeaways
- Castille soaps originated in Castille, Spain.
- They are made from plant-based ingredients that are beneficial for scalp issues such as eczema and maintain the natural oils in your hair.
- You should take proper care to maintain hydration and pH balance of the hair and scalp while using Castile soaps.
- You can try the peppermint Castille shampoo recipe at home to boost your hair health.
- Castille soap should not be used on colored hair as it may strip your hair of its color.
Sources:
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- 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
Related
The following two tabs change content below.
- Author
- Reviewer
Ramona Sinha
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze. Prior to that, she authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She… more
Ghanima Abdullah
(Cosmetologist)A cosmetologist from Chicago, IL, Ghanima lives in the Caribbean. As a beauty consultant and stylist, she has been in… more
LATEST ARTICLES
How To Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil For Hair Growth- How To Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil For Hair Growth
How To Exfoliate Your Scalp At Home To Clear Excess Oil- How To Exfoliate Your Scalp At Home To Clear Excess Oil
How To Apply Oil On Hair: A Step-By-Step Guide- How To Apply Oil On Hair: A Step-By-Step Guide
How To Use Coconut Oil For Dry Scalp And Dandruff- How To Use Coconut Oil For Dry Scalp And Dandruff
Easy Way To Get The Perfect Twist Out On 4C Natural Hair- Easy Way To Get The Perfect Twist Out On 4C Natural Hair
Eyebrow Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention Tips, & DIY Methods- Eyebrow Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention Tips, & DIY Methods
Types Of Hair Loss, Causes, Treatments, & Prevention Options- Types Of Hair Loss, Causes, Treatments, & Prevention Options
Itchy Scalp And Hair Loss: How To Treat And How To Prevent It- Itchy Scalp And Hair Loss: How To Treat And How To Prevent It
What Is Hair Texturizing? How To Take Care Of Texturized Hair?- What Is Hair Texturizing? How To Take Care Of Texturized Hair?
