Nowadays more naturals and curly girls are reaching for soap to clarify their scalp. Not just any soap, though. Castile means “any vegetable oil-based soap, versus animal (tallow”> fat-based soap,” according to Dr. Bronner’s website. Castile is a vegetable derived from olive oil, water and lye. Many naturals enjoy using it because it is gentle on dry or heat damaged hair. Castile helps balance the pH in hair, too. To add to the sugar coating–like that is even necessary–this ingredient is biodegradable, non-toxic and has a plethora of uses. Bottom line, it is an amazingly potent yet delicate cleanser, and is effective when used for the scalp as well.
The following 4 shampoos contain castile soap and are great for clarifying–to be used after a week long of piling on stylers, prior to coloring, and after a rigorous physical activity that required being outdoors for a long period of time (i.e. hiking or swimming”>.
1. Carmella Marie Alabama Mix Creamy Cleanser, $14
Water, castile soap, and avocado oil are the 3 first ingredients in this cleanser. The slip is incredible, so this one isn’t limited to being a scalp clarifier. The Alabama Mix is also sulfate-free, an ideal trait of a curly girl shampoo.
2. Dr. Woods Almond Castile Soap, $10
This eco-friendly cleanser does not contain any animal ingredients, has a wide multi-use capability. Some people clean their dishes with it, some wash their hair, and some use it as a body wash. Dr. Wood’s Castile contains almond, olive and hemp oil, rich in vitamin E. Another reason for considering this as a weekly clarifier–it is also free of sulfates and parabens, and petroleum derivatives.
3. Dr. Bronners Magic Pure-Castile Soap Organic Peppermint, $4
There is so much to be said about this brand: it is packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled bottles, so it is environmentally friendly. As a cleanser for the hair, Dr. Bronner’s soap contains nourishing organic coconut oil, olive, hemp, and jojoba and peppermint oils as emollients for intense moisture while removing buildup and residue from the scalp.
4. Kirk’s Original Castile Soap, $9
This castile soap comes in the form of a bar and is especially great for those with hard water. Many naturals use this vegetarian bar as a quick rinse shampoo because of its potency. Kirk’s is hypoallergenic and biodegradable as well. It lathers up nicely for a deep clean–and is still 100% natural.