Are you looking to create a hair care routine that will lock in moisture, help with scalp hydration, and will also gently exfoliate to get rid of residue?
If yes, keep reading to understand the benefits and how to use black soap.
Let’s dig in.
What is African Black Soap?
It’s a natural soap derived from the goodness of cocoa.
It’s made from cocoa butter and, in my opinion, is suitable for all hair types. It won't leave your hair looking dull and is full of ingredients like vitamin E.
These can give your hair a glossy shine while removing grime and product build-up.
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of choosing African black soap as a natural hair shampoo and how to use it in your hair care regimen.
There’s one common question that people like me in the hair care community are asked.
Is African black soap good for hair?
The answer is yes.
This beautiful soap, also called "ose dudu" in Yoruba, is usually found (and originated) on the West Coast of Africa but is most commonly found and sold in Nigeria.
Depending on where you buy it, it will usually be a mix of cocoa pods, palm oil, plantain skins, and (of course) moisturizing shea butter, which we use for our famous Hair Sealant.
All of these natural derivatives combine to create a soap that is a deep brown color.
Benefits of African Black Soap for Hair
So, just what is it about African black soap for hair that makes it an unmatched, powerful combination for people with curly hair?
Gentle Cleansing
African black soap benefits for hair include:
- Breaking down dirt in your hair
- Helps stop product build-up
- Strips excess oils from the hair
- Not stripping natural oils
- Helping the hair and scalp to retain moisture
- Helping hair relax
- Being perfect for curly, oil, or even textured hair
Note: You can also use black soap for gray hair, which tends to be more fragile, to keep it shining.
Black soap soothes the scalp
The antimicrobial nature of black soap for hair helps to soothe and cleanse the scalp.
It may alleviate issues such as dandruff, leading to a healthier environment for hair growth.
Itch begone
It is also ideal for managing eczema on the scalp, minimizing itching, and being a milder beauty secret for those with sensitive hair and skin.
It contains vitamins A, E, and other fatty acids, which will help keep your follicles nourished.
Moisture Retention
You may have found that many commercial shampoos dry out your hair.
Not ideal!
This soap shampoo is perfect for helping you retain moisture.
Before you ask, it also stimulates each root. This means you can have glossy hair without losing the natural curl or wave in your hair.
You can explore our black soap moisturizing shampoo here.
How to Use African Soap as Hair Cleanser
Cleaning your hair with African soap is simple.
Here’s our step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Choose Your Ideal Soap
Look for authentic African soap that is free from additives and artificial ingredients.
You can find it in natural food stores, online retailers, or specialty beauty shops specializing in natural hair care. Typically, the higher-end soaps are softer and crumble easily.
Step 2: Prepare the Soap
To use African black soap as a shampoo, you can use it in its solid form or break it down to create your own DIY liquid option.
Make sure you have a bottle handy to store the shampoo!
A word of “warning” - this seems deceptively simple, and it’s hardly an exact science. You can do everything right and still end up with soap that’s too hard or too brittle.
We’ve been perfecting our recipe for years, adding a secret or two we’ve learned from our grandmas (like tea tree oil) - you can see our black soap shampoo here.
Step 3: Wet Your Hair
This soap works best on saturated hair, as it allows you to spread it more evenly.
You can use the aforementioned solution as a spray or pour it over your scalp and hair.
Focus on the scalp by thoroughly massaging the soap into your skin with your fingertips.
Step 4: Work Through the Length of Your Hair
Carefully work the shampoo down the length of our hair.
You should note that it can sometimes cause the hair to become brittle, especially if there is buildup. So don't over-apply it.
Pro tip: If your hair is prone to getting tangles, detangle it with a wide-tooth comb before removing the shampoo.
Step 5: Rinse Your Hair
When removing this shampoo, be sure to use lukewarm water. This cleanser can leave residue, so be sure to really rinse your hair. If you notice any product has been left, repeat this step with less soap to remove it.
Step 6: Follow with Conditioner or Leave-In Treatment
You should follow the wash with a conditioner. Aim to focus this treatment on the ends of the hair (ears down) and let it sit for at least 3 minutes.
Once you have rinsed the conditioner out, mix in some leave-in conditioner or oil to keep your hair glossy (you can see our aloe-based leave-in conditioner here).
Then, style as normal!
Pro tip: To prevent breakage or frizziness, dry your hair with a microfibre towel or an old cotton T-shirt.
FAQs about black soap
If you are new to using African soap, you may question how it can be better than store-bought shampoo.
Is it safe for people with very sensitive skin?
Is African black soap good for very heat-treated hair?
There are two questions (answers) to put things in context.
What is the pH of African Soap?
The PH ranges from 8-9, which makes it slightly alkaline.
The higher PH makes it perfect for cleansing but for those who have skin issues, it is worth adding some natural oils to your hair after it has been washed. You are advised to use it every 7-14 days.
Does African Soap Offer UV Protection?
No, black soap does not offer UV protection.
Depending on where you live, you may want to add leave-in conditioners with UV filters to your hair care regime.
So, if you are looking for a way to add gloss to your hair without oils and want natural options, try African Black Soap.
Try it out
Maybe dip your proverbial toe and try our black soap shampoo.
Stay beautiful!