We are often asked: can an alkaline shampoo dry out or damage hair? In this article, we explain how pH affects hair, what research says, and why a nourishing soap-based bar shampoo can be an excellent choice for healthy, shiny, and voluminous hair.
The pH of bar shampoo affects hair structure during washing. Soap-based bar shampoo is naturally alkaline, but nourishing plant oils and finishing with a bar conditioner leave hair soft, airy, and shiny without synthetic chemicals.
pH values of bar soap and bar shampoo
Traditional bar soap is made from oils and lye through a saponification reaction. The final product no longer contains free lye, but its chemical structure makes it naturally quite alkaline: the pH is usually between 8–10.
Bar shampoos can be of two types:
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Soap-based bar shampoos – similar in manufacturing to bar soap, but often with softer oils and additives for hair. Their pH is still usually above 8. The unbeatable advantage of soap-based bar shampoo is that, due to the process, significantly more natural active ingredients can be added to the bar. These active ingredients and soft oils together nourish and pamper the hair and scalp.
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Synthetic detergent-based bar shampoos ("syndet bars") – consist of surfactants, and their pH can be adjusted closer to the natural pH of the scalp, often around 4.5–6. The advantage of synthetic bars lies in their pH, but they are (as the name suggests) synthetic, i.e., non-natural. It is also not possible to add as many natural active ingredients to these bars, and therefore their conditioning properties may be weaker.
pH and hair structure
The hair cuticle, or outer layer, opens during washing, especially at an alkaline pH. This can make the hair feel rough. However, EkoElsa's bar shampoos are made from gentle, hair-conditioning plant oils and natural active ingredients that soften and nourish the hair during washing. Finish the wash with EkoElsa's bar conditioner for wonderfully soft and refined hair.
Research: pH and scalp health
Takagi et al. (2014) showed that long-term use of soap-based cleansers does not impair the recovery of skin pH balance. This suggests that a healthy scalp can well tolerate an alkaline pH when the washing product is high-quality and conditioning. See the study here.
What natural active ingredients are found in EkoElsa's bar shampoos?
Plant oils: Conditioning yet cleansing plant oils are the main component in soap-based bar shampoos. All EkoElsa's bar shampoos contain a generous amount of domestic Camelina oil, whose rich omega-3 fatty acid composition works wonders for all hair types. In addition, the recipe includes moisturizing castor oil, naturally cleansing coconut oil, and balancing olive oil.
Beer: The traditional process requires liquid, and EkoElsa's hair bars use domestic organic beer (Gluten-free) as the liquid. Beer makes the shampoo foam rich and adds natural shine to the hair.
Panthenol: Rebuilds amino acids in worn hair and strengthens the scalp.
Active ingredients by product:
Nockoinen bar shampoo: Organic nettle strengthens fine hair and nourishes the scalp. Bentonite clay deeply cleanses and helps fight dandruff.
Silkkitipun bar shampoo: This bar contains egg yolk, which strengthens the surface of coarse hair. Natural silk adds wonderful softness and shine to the hair.
Pehtoori's Tar Soap: Kainuu tar calms inflamed and irritated scalp and restores its natural balance.
Hair care tip
For best results, finish your wash with Silkkitipu bar conditioner, which reduces static, seals hair cuticles, and gives hair a beautiful shine.
✨ Pamper your hair naturally
Experience how nourishing plant oils and a natural composition make your hair soft, voluminous, and shiny.
👉 Explore our bar shampoo selection and finish your hair care with a bar conditioner
Get EkoElsa's bar shampoos, conditioners, and other ecological products from your nearest Soap Merchant.
Find them here:
