In June of this year, we decided to try our hands at a shampoo bar. Hoping for something cleansing, yet non-stripping, we added rich jojoba, creamy cocoa butter, and egg yolks for a luxurious feel. The soap was scented with orange essential oil for a fresh, gender-neutral fragrance. Cocoa powder was used as a natural colorant to create an appealing design. We chose 19 Mississippi locals, and 3 testers in different regions of the US to test our shampoo bars.
Testers were asked how they would describe their hair type, routine, what they liked and disliked about the product, changes they would make, if they would use it again, and how it made their hair feel. All were encouraged to follow with their typical conditioning routine if applicable.
Below is some of the feedback we received:
“Amy B. said “We love this bar! I am allergic to lots of products. We use essential oils as our cleaners, free and clear detergents, no perfume.The soap smells so good and I had no reaction to it. My husband has used other shampoo bars but the ones he has tried has left a greasy feeling. I hope ya’ll continue making it. I am saving this one for him but would order more so I can use it.”
Hair Type: Dry
Routine: Sulfate free 2x a week
Likes: Good lather, all in one bar, scent
No Changes
My husband would definitely use the bar again. I’m going to miss him not having it.
Feel: Softer, scalp less itchy”
“Shaun S said:
Hair type: Dry/normal
Routine: All-in-one bar
Likes: Hair was softer than with all-in-one bar
Dislikes: I enjoy the smell of my peppermint all-in-one bar
Would I continue to use: Yes, however I would switch back to my all in one for field or deployment.
Feel: Smoother than my previous routine”
“Abby S. said:
Hair Type: Long and curly, roots tend to be oily with dry ends
Routine: I separate my hair and lather the roots rather than the ends. After massaging the lather through my roots, I finger comb my hair, rinse, and use conditioner.
Likes: Nice, clean smell and the pretty colors. Cleaned very well in my second use. I also appreciated the little baggie it came in since part of my motivation for starting to use shampoo bars was less plastic packaging.
Dislikes: It would be nice if it lathered more easily.
Feel: Pleasantly soft, though a little dryer than usual.”
Abby enjoyed the soap as a body bar. Participants were encouraged before the trial to try it as a body bar if wasn't a good fit for their hair.
“Sarah F said:
Hair type: Oily
Routine: Keratin based shampoo and conditioner to support healthy postpartum regrowth
Likes: I loved this shampoo bar. It gave my hair volume I haven’t had in years. I also love how it feels like I don’t use very much. A big issue I hear about shampoo bars is build up. I haven’t had that issue and I’ve been using the bar consistently for weeks. I plan to keep using this bar shampoo.
Dislikes: My biggest issue, and this is an issue I have with all bar soap, is keeping it dry between washes. I’m not the only one in my family that uses that shower, so I have tried things like pulling the soap out after my shower. ”
“Clint A. said:
Hair type: Oily
Routine: Wash once daily
Likes: I really liked your shampoo bar. It had the right scent for me and it was easy to get a lather. I didn’t use any other product in my hair while I was using the shampoo bar and I like how it made my hair feel.I towel dry my hair and it feels clean but not stripped. If I could get this exact bar again, I would be a lifelong customer. I had a small piece that was about 1.5-2 square inches and it lasted a month!
Dislikes: I can’t say that I would change anything about it.”
We are so grateful for everyone who tried our product. In the end, we decided to make a Lavender Shampoo Bar and a Peppermint Shampoo Bar. No artificial colorants were used. The fragrance is 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils. You can order your bar packaged, or “naked” to save on plastic waste.