At some point in our natural hair journey, we had the impression that natural hair care products are expensive and they really are. But as we go further, we find that we can actually achieve healthy natural hair without breaking the bank. THANK YOU DIY.
Yes you can actually make everything from shampoos, deep conditioners, oils and moisturizers. but we will kick off our DIY/Mixology section with a homemade African black soap shampoo.
What Is African Black Soap
Black soap is a soft dark colored lumpy block. It dissolves faster than commercial cold press soaps. Black soap produces a very rich emollient lather and gives a clean soft feel. Black soap is 100% natural and is origin no matter which West African tribal region produces it.
African black soap is revered for having skin nourishing benefits due to an abundance of antioxidants. The Soap, a natural cleanser made from the ash of roasted plant materials such as plantain skins, cocoa pods and the leaves and bark of palm and shea trees. It is especially great for those with sensitive, dry skin or conditions like eczema and psoriasis. In general, African Black Soap tends to lather, so a little goes a long way with this shampoo.
Ingredients In African Black Soap
Plantain skins and leaves
Cocoa powder
Cocoa butter
Shea butter
Palm oil
Palm kernel oil
Coconut oil
Why is black soap good for hair & skin.
For Skin
- Protects Against Photo Aging
- Improves skin tone
- Fades skin discoloration
- Reduces inflammation and skin conditions
- Helps to heal problem skin
- Has deep cleansing action
- It is an effective exfoliation
For Hair
- Promotes healthy hair growth
- Deep cleanses the hair and scalp without stripping it of its natural oil which normally leads to dry hair and scalp.
- Moisturizes and maintain moisture in the hair strands.
- Aids detangling
- It is 100% natural and it is free from chemicals, dyes, preservative sand synthetic fragrances so it is ideal for sensitive skin types.
Choosing African Black Soap
Our very famous dudu osun is a good choice. It's readily available and yet super cheap. A bar of dudu osun goes for about 250 naira. You can get this soap from any beauty supply store, supermarket or local shops near you.
You can also purchase unrefined African black soap locally from the market. Either one will work for both your hair and skin.
Both Dudu Osun and the local black soap can be used directly on your hair and skin but the later can have little rough particles + it's a lot easier to use them in their liquid firm.
How To Make Your Own Black Soap Shampoo
One of the joy of making your own hair and beauty products is that it gives you the freedom to customize these products to suit specific needs of your hair and skin. For example; coconut oil is a very good moisturizer for those with dry skin and tea tree essential oil soothes dandruff and dry itchy scalp.
Here is a DIY recipe to make your own African Black Soap Shampoo and feel free to play with the mix.
Mixing Tool
medium cooking pot
large mixing bowl
wooden measuring spoon
grater (optional)
8 oz. airtight storage bottle (preferably with a nozzle applicator tip)
Shampoo Ingredients
5 oz. raw Black Soap
2 cups filtered water
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoon of coconut oil or jojoba oil
2 teaspoons pure honey
2 teaspoons vitamin E
essential oil of your choice
Directions
- GRATE or break the black soap bar into small pieces and place into large mixing bowl.
- BRING your water to a boil.
- REMOVE your water from the heat and pour it over the soap in the bowl.
- STIR slowly and then let the mixture sit until it is totally melted.
- TURN off the stove's heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- ADD 10 drops of vitamin E, 10 drops of essential oil of choice (rosemary, peppermint, lavender or tea tree essential oil) and the honey and olive oil to your mixture.
- Once it reaches room temperature, some of the ingredients will settle or separate, so gently stir it with your spoon till it mixes again.
- STORE away in your airtight container for later use during your next wash.
HAVE YOU USED AFRICAN BLACK SOAP FOR YOUR HAIR AND BODY?
WHAT WERE YOUR RESULTS?
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