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Are Shampoo Bars Good for Curly Hair? | Your Ultimate Guide

Are Shampoo Bars Good for Curly Hair? | Your Ultimate Guide

Hey you! Wondering if shampoo bars will work for your curly hair?

You’re in the right place.

Whether you’re just starting your curly hair journey or have been at it for a while, finding the right products can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The constant battle to balance protein and moisture often leads to wasted money and frustration.

The worst part?

Tossing out all those plastic bottles and buying more, right?

It feels like an endless cycle, especially with what might feel like limited options for curly hair.

But there’s hope…

Shampoo Bars for Curly Hair: Everything You Need to Know

  1. What are Shampoo Bars?
  2. Benefits of Shampoo Bars for Curly Hair
  3. Potential Drawbacks of Shampoo Bars for Curly Hair
  4. Unique Needs of Curly Hair
  5. What is My Curly Hair Type Type?
  6. What is My Hair’s Porosity?
  7. How to Test Hair Porosity
  8. How to Choose the Right Shampoo Bar for Curly Hair
  9. Curly Girl to Curly Girl - One Piece of Advice
  10. Top Tips for Using Shampoo Bars on Curly Hair

1. What are Shampoo Bars?

Never used a shampoo bar before?

No worries!

If you've been shampooing your hair the traditional way your whole life, it's natural to be curious about trying something new.

Shampoo bars can seem daunting and very different, but I’m going to explain why they’re worth exploring.

In this blog, I'll break down exactly what to expect and how to choose the right one for you.

Embracing your curly hair can often feel like a journey filled with trial and error, costing both time and money.

butter and lye shampoo bar

 

But knowledge is power, so let’s dive in!

Shampoo bars are a solid alternative to traditional liquid shampoos, made from natural ingredients that cleanse your hair without the need for plastic packaging.

Imagine a bar of soap, but formulated specifically to clean your hair.

A good shampoo bar lathers up just like liquid shampoo, removing dirt and oil while often providing extra moisture or protein, depending on the ingredients.

At Butter & Lye, we believe a good, honest, and effective hair routine shouldn’t cost the earth.

That’s why we’ve developed an affordable ($12) and effective Curly Girl Approved bar to get you started on your shampoo bar transition.

The best part? You can use it head-to-TOE

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2. Benefits of Shampoo Bars for Curly Hair

Before we dive into the nitty gritty, right off the bat shampoo bars are a more eco-friendly option reducing plastic waste and often lasting longer than a bottle of shampoo!

Plus, they’re great for travel since they’re compact and won’t leak in your bag.

The best shampoo bars contain natural ingredients, such as shea butter and coconut oil, which help lock in moisture and reduce frizz, leaving curls more defined and manageable.

These bars provide a gentle cleanse, stripping away fewer natural oils and maintaining the hydration curly hair needs.

curly hair girl using shampoo bar

 

Many shampoo bars promote scalp health too with soothing, nourishing ingredients, which, if you’ve been on your curly hair journey a while now you’ll know is oh-so crucial for vibrant curls.

With minimal residue and a variety of options tailored to different curl types and needs, shampoo bars can help keep your curls bouncy and fresh while supporting a more sustainable hair care routine.

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3. Potential Drawbacks of Shampoo Bars for Curly Hair

We are not just here to push our product; we want to ensure you find the perfect match for your hair.

While shampoo bars offer numerous perks, it's essential to be aware of potential drawbacks too.

Transitioning from liquid shampoo to a shampoo bar might mean a brief adjustment period where your hair feels a bit off—it's just your strands getting used to the new routine.

Also, watch out for certain bars that could leave residue, as they might weigh your curls down.

Always check the label!

Butter and Lye head-to-toe shampoo bar

 

It's all about finding that sweet pH balance to keep your hair happy, steering clear of dryness, frizz, or scalp irritation—typical curly hair woes.

Here's a fun fact: Our founder at Butter & Lye is actually a trained biochemist, so rest assured, her pH game is on point.

Oh, and don't forget about hard water!

It could affect how the bar lathers and rinses.

If you struggle with hard water it may be worth investing in a shower filter or softener for the best results. 

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4. Unique Needs of Curly Hair

So, how do you know which bar is best for you?

First, you need to determine your curl type.

Why?

Because each curl type has its unique needs.

It's been so exciting to see curly hair finally getting the spotlight it deserves on social media in recent years.

For too long, many of us have been straightening our hair, but now more curly girls than ever are embracing their natural locks!

If you're already on this journey, you know it's not always easy—it can feel like information overload at times.

But as someone who's been at it for several years, I can confidently say it is SO worth it!

My hope is that this blog helps take some of the stress and frustration out of your search for products that really work for you.

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5.What is My Curly Hair Type?

​​There are generally four main curl types, each with its own subtypes, making a total of eight curl classifications. These types help in identifying the specific needs and care methods for different curly hair patterns:

Type 1: Straight Hair

  • 1A: Very straight, fine, and thin
  • 1B: Straight with a bit more volume and texture
  • 1C: Straight with body and slight bends

Type 2: Wavy Hair

  • 2A: Loose, gentle waves
  • 2B: More defined waves with a bit of frizz
  • 2C: Coarse, frizzy waves with some curl

Type 3: Curly Hair

  • 3A: Loose, large curls
  • 3B: Tighter, springy curls
  • 3C: Tight, corkscrew curls

Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair

  • 4A: Soft, tightly coiled hair with a defined curl pattern
  • 4B: Z-shaped, less defined coils
  • 4C: Very tight, densely packed coils with less definition

 

(Our beautiful model here has coily/kinky hair)

This may look like jargon to you?

Fear not!

There’s an abundance of amazing quizzes online already to help you determine what curl type you have if you’re not sure.

You can Take Beautycons Texture Quiz here to find out.

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6. What is My Hair’s Porosity?

Hair porosity refers to your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture and is widely considered amongst most haircare experts as one of the most important factors in helping determine which products will work for you.

Your porosity refers to the structure of your hair's cuticle, the outer layer of your hair.

Understanding your hair’s porosity is crucial, especially for curly-haired individuals, because it influences how well your hair can take in and hold onto moisture, oils, and products.

Low Porosity Characteristics

Tightly closed cuticles that repel moisture.

  • Behavior: Water beads up on hair, slow to dry, resistant to absorbing products.
  • Care Tips: Use lightweight, water-based products, apply heat to open cuticles (e.g., warm water or steam), avoid heavy oils and butters.

Medium (Normal) Porosity Characteristics

Cuticles are slightly raised, allowing balanced moisture absorption.

  • Behavior: Hair is easy to manage, holds styles well, absorbs and retains moisture effectively.
  • Care Tips: Maintain with regular conditioning and use of balanced products (moisture and protein).

High Porosity Characteristics

Cuticles are wide open or damaged, making hair very absorbent.

  • Behavior: Quickly absorbs moisture but also loses it quickly, prone to frizz and breakage, tangles easily.
  • Care Tips: Use heavier, moisture-rich products, seal moisture with oils and butters, avoid heat and chemical damage.

Why Does All of This Matter for Curly Hair?

  • Moisture Retention: Curly hair tends to be drier due to its structure, which makes it harder for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. Knowing your hair’s porosity helps you choose the right products and methods to keep your curls hydrated.
  • Product Effectiveness: Different porosity levels affect how products work on your hair. For instance, low porosity hair may struggle with heavy creams, while high porosity hair may benefit from richer, more emollient products. Curl
  • Definition and Health: Proper moisture balance is key to defined, bouncy curls. Using the wrong products for your hair porosity can lead to issues like frizz, dryness, and breakage, making it harder to achieve and maintain healthy curls.

 

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6. How to Test Hair Porosity

Here are a few ways to test your hair porosity at home: 

Float Test

Take a few clean strands of hair and place them in a glass of water. After a few minutes:

  • Low Porosity: Hair floats on top.
  • Medium Porosity: Hair floats in the middle.
  • High Porosity: Hair sinks quickly.

Slip ‘n’ Slide Test

Slide your fingers up a strand of hair from the tip to the root...

  • Low Porosity: Feels smooth.
  • High Porosity: Feels rough or bumpy.

Spray Bottle Test

Spray a small section of clean, dry hair with water:

  • Low Porosity: Water beads on the surface.
  • High Porosity: Hair absorbs water quickly.

I hope that helps! Still got a question? Let us know in the comment, we're here to help! 

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8. How to Choose the Right Shampoo Bar for Your Hair

If your hair is feeling pretty balanced or you’ve been on your curly hair journey for a while, I've got something you might love:

 

Our Curly Girl Approved shampoo bar keeps it simple, striking the perfect balance between moisture and protein.

Let’s talk about what makes our Shampoo bar standout for curly hair.

First up, the protein game.

We've got oat aminos in there, which come from oats and are like little protein powerhouses for your hair.

They help strengthen and moisturize those curls, making them more resilient to whatever life throws their way.

And hey, guess what?

Even our organic coconut oil chips in with some protein action.

While it's famous for its moisturizing prowess, coconut oil also packs a punch in the protein department, helping repair and fortify your hair from the inside out.

Now, onto the moisturizing magic.

Our shampoo bar is loaded with goodness to keep those curls hydrated and happy.

Organic sunflower oil swoops in, lightweight and full of fatty acids, to give your hair a big drink of hydration, leaving it soft and frizz-free.

Then there's our trusty friend, coconut oil, pulling double duty to seal in moisture and keep your strands feeling oh-so-healthy.

And let's not forget about organic jojoba oil, a true hair hero.

It mimics your scalp's natural oils, drenching your hair in moisture without ever weighing it down.

If you’re looking to enhance your hair growth you’ll be pleased to know we also included Rosemary Extract too!

Our shampoo bar is just $12 because we believe great, honest, hair care shouldn’t cost the earth.

 

This shampoo bar is all about balance, with organic and mindfully sourced ingredients that work together to keep your curls strong, shiny, and oh-so-hydrated.

Give it a try and let those curls do their happy dance!

Dealing with hair that's trickier to balance?

Don't worry, we've all been there. Whether it's due to your hair's porosity or just where you're at in your curly hair journey, finding the right products can make all the difference.

As you progress along your curly journey and stick to it, your hair will gradually restore to its natural, healthier state.

If your hair is on the low porosity side, it's thirsty for moisture, so keep an eye out for ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and aloe vera—these are like a big drink of water for your curls.

On the flip side, if your hair is high porosity, it's craving some extra strength and resilience.

Look for protein-packed ingredients like wheat protein, and silk amino acids.

These babies will help fortify your strands and keep them strong against damage.

So, next time you're scanning those hair care labels, keep these top moisturizing and protein ingredients in mind to give your curls exactly what they need to thrive.

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9. Curly Girl to Curly Girl - One Piece of Advice

Speaking from experience, I've tried countless products on my journey, and if there's one golden nugget of advice I can offer, it's this: less is more.

Seriously, less is more!

With the abundance of products on the market, it's tempting to overload your hair, but trust me, it's easy to weigh it down and do the opposite of what you intended.

Refrain from the temptation to add ‘a little bit more’ and witness your hair spring into action.

You will thank me later!

My favorite thing about the head-to-toe bar is that I can use it on my hair and body saving my money, space, and the need for a million different products in my bathroom. 

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10.Top Tips for Using Shampoo Bars on Curly Hair

  • Prep Your Hair: Before using a shampoo bar, make sure your hair is thoroughly wet. This helps the bar lather up more easily and ensures even distribution throughout your curls.
  • Rub the Bar Between Your Hands: To create a lather, rub the shampoo bar between your hands to generate foam. Then, gently massage the lather into your scalp and roots, working your way down the length of your hair.

lathering natural shampoo bar

 

  • Focus on the Scalp: Concentrate on massaging the shampoo into your scalp to remove dirt, oil, and buildup. Curly hair tends to be drier, so you don't need to scrub vigorously—gentle massaging is enough.
  • Be Gentle: Avoid rough handling or excessive rubbing, as this can cause tangling and breakage, especially with curly hair. Instead, use gentle, downward motions to distribute the shampoo through your curls.
  • Rinse Thoroughly: After cleansing, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water to ensure all shampoo residue is removed. Make sure to rinse from the roots to the ends to prevent buildup.
  • Follow with Conditioner: Some shampoo bars can be slightly more clarifying than traditional liquid shampoos, so follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration and soften your curls.
  • Proper Storage: After use, allow your shampoo bar to dry completely before storing it in a well-drained soap dish or container. This helps prolong its lifespan and prevents it from becoming mushy. Our silicone soap dish is perfect for this and so easy to clean!

  • Adjust as Needed: Every curly head is unique, so don't be afraid to adjust your shampoo bar usage based on your hair's needs. You may find that you need to shampoo less frequently or alternate with co-washing to maintain moisture balance.

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Additional Blogs Your May Find Useful:

By following these tips, you can seamlessly include shampoo bars into your curly hair care routine, ensuring your curls stay clean, healthy, and beautifully defined—all without the guilt of excess plastic bottles. 

Here are some additional resources you may find helpful on your curly hair journey. 

  1. Parabens & Sulfates | Why Avoid Them? 
  2. Best Natural Soap for Your Skin Type or Concern
  3. Synthetic Soap VS Natural Soap Your Ultimate Guide

Share your thoughts, experiences, or any burning questions you have in the comments below.

And hey, why not give us a follow on Instagram at @butterandlye?

We're eager to see your results and connect with you there too!

Let's keep the conversation flowing and the curls flourishing together.

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