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More and more people are choosing sustainable and natural alternatives for hair care, such as solid shampoo. It’s not only environmentally friendly but also highly economical: one bar of solid shampoo replaces around three bottles of 250 ml liquid shampoo. That makes each hair wash significantly more affordable.
Visually, it may resemble a bar of soap, but the key difference lies in the details.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why soap can be problematic for washing your hair
- What “soap-free” really means in a solid shampoo
- What exactly a syndet is
- And why a soap-free solid syndet shampoo is the best choice for many
Washing your hair with soap why is it problematic?
Traditional soap is made by saponifying fats with lye (e.g., sodium hydroxide) and has a high pH value between 8 and 10. This is too alkaline for the skin, especially for the scalp. Our scalp prefers a slightly acidic environment with a pH value between 4.5 and 5.5.
Possible consequences of washing your hair with soap:
- The scalp’s natural acid mantle is disrupted
- This can lead to itching, dryness, and irritation
- The hair cuticle opens up, making the hair brittle and dull
- Soap can leave residues, especially when used with hard water, making the hair look dull and difficult to comb.
Especially sensitive, dry, or color-treated hair often reacts very sensitively to soap.
💡 What is solid shampoo and why isn’t it soap?
A solid shampoo may look like soap, but it’s something completely different.
A true soap-free shampoo:
- Is not made with lye and therefore not saponified
- Contains mild surfactants that cleanse gently
- Has a skin-neutral or slightly acidic pH value, making it perfect for the scalp
- Nourishes the hair with high-quality ingredients such as shea butter, plant oils, or cocoa butter
It cleanses thoroughly without disrupting the natural balance of hair and scalp.
❌ What does “soap-free” mean?
The term soap-free means that the product does not contain traditional soap. It was not made through saponification, which means it is not alkaline and is therefore especially gentle on the skin.
Soap-free shampoos are especially suitable for:
- Sensitive or dry scalp
- Fine, damaged, or color-treated hair
- People who prefer modern, gentle and pH-neutral hair care
🔬 What is a syndet?
Syndet stands for synthetic detergent. These are cleansing agents that are not produced through traditional saponification, but instead made using mild surfactants that are either synthetically or plant-derived.
Many modern soap-free shampoos are based on syndets, as they are pH-neutral, especially gentle on the skin, and still provide effective cleansing.
The difference: Soap-free vs. Syndet
- Soap-free is a broad term for products that do not contain traditional soap.
- Syndet is a specific subcategory of soap-free products that contains mild, modern cleansing agents.
👉 Every syndet is soap-free, but not every soap-free shampoo is a syndet.
✅ Benefits of a solid syndet shampoo
A high-quality solid shampoo based on syndets offers many benefits:
- pH skin-neutral ideal for sensitive scalp
- No residue, even with hard water
- No dryness or irritation
- Available in vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly formulations
- Travel and everyday-friendly no liquid, no leaking
- Extremely long-lasting 60 g lasts for 60–80 hair washes
✨ Conclusion
Soap may seem natural, but it’s not ideal for hair care. The high pH value and potential residue can damage both hair and scalp.
If you’re looking for gentle, pH-neutral, and sustainable care, a solid, soap-free shampoo based on syndets is your best choice. It cleans effectively, protects the scalp, and is practical, long-lasting, and perfect for travel.
Perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to compromise when it comes to hair care.