Dryness, Buildup, Frizz & More: 4 Easy Shampoo Bar Recipes For Every Hair Concern

Shampoo bars, while sustainable and portable, often receive a bad rap—they're typically made using a saponification process, which increases the pH of oils and results in an extremely alkaline product. If you're well versed in the role of pH in beauty, you likely know alkaline hair products raise the cuticles, which can lead to dryness, frizz, and damage. 

But wait! That doesn't mean you must shy away from these eco-friendly products—just make your own at home. You should be picky about your shampoo bar, which might make the DIY venture way more appealing. You control what goes into your mold—all the hydrating ingredients, with none of the stripping players—to create a seriously heavenly lather. 

Ahead, four shampoo bar recipes for varying hair concerns and how to use them right. 

Below, four recipes to try. You should note that shampoo bars aren't for everyone—even the ones you make in your kitchen!—as they do contain a higher pH than other balancing shampoos. You can buffer the drying nature by adding soothing oils and add-ons (you'll see below), but those with delicate or color-treated locks may want to find another cleansing option. 

If your strands run dry, you'll want to load your bar with moisturizing oils and butters. Here's a quick recipe to inspire your parched locks: 

Got flakes? A clarifying bar is key. Essential oils can effectively remove buildup, not to mention calm an inflamed scalp and stimulate healthy hair growth1. Now, you don't want to use this number every night, as you can dry out the hair or irritate the scalp. Use this recipe when you need a thorough rinse: 

The key to battling frizz? Locking in hydration. That's why you'll want to invest in products that seal the cuticle—i.e., a moisturizing shampoo. Make your very own with this recipe:

"When considering ingredients for a shampoo bar, curly girls should always look for products that will moisturize and hydrate hair," says hairstylist Miko Branch, co-founder of natural hair care brand Miss Jessie's. "I recommend looking for shampoo bars that are formulated with coconut oil and shea butter as both ingredients help condition hair, smooth out any frizz, and help promote better curl formation." 

Once your bars are dried solid, they're ready for the shower; either apply it directly to your hair or create a lather in your hands before scrubbing with your fingertips. If you do decide to apply it head-on, though, just remember to rub in small, circular motions—large circles can easily tangle the strands. Also make sure your strands (or hands) are wet enough to create a lather: "The idea is that a shampoo bar is waterless, but it does need water to distribute through your hair and rinse out properly. If it isn't spreading or lathering well, add more water!" says Pelletier.

And, again, curls deserve their own moment. Ringlets and coils can easily snarl, so it's best to use the lather method in your hands. And while each curly girl might follow slightly different shampooing schedules, you might want to use the bar sparingly. As Branch explains, "To maintain healthy curls, it's crucial to avoid overwashing, as doing so strips moisture from the strands." 

When you're done shampooing, follow up with a hydrating conditioner to drench the strands with moisture, and make sure to store your bar in a completely dry area to keep it from breeding bacteria. Regardless, make sure to wash it before each use, which can reduce the amount of bacteria transferred over to your scalp.

Shampoo bars don't have to strip those strands—when you make your own, you control all the moisturizing ingredients and add-ins for a healthy lather. Straightforward, eco-friendly, and fun to whip up.