What causes sticky hair when using a shampoo bar?

I’ve tried to keep up with your blog and answers over the years and know that making a shampoo bar that would make everyone happy is not possible. So, in my attempt to use only 1 source for my house, pet, and body cleaning, I’ve been using various scents of your bar soap (prefer bar since there is no plastic bottle to dispose of).

I have softened and iron filtered well water and have to use a vinegar rinse or my hair is sticky. Other shampoo bars, over decades of use, have not caused this problem. Why?

Will your liquid soap work better? I have Liquid Sunshine and Foaming Hand Soap.

-Louise in Michigan

Great questions, Louise. First, try using the Shea Butter Bar instead of the Shampoo Bar. Let me know if that clears things up for your hair. In my opinion, soap-based shampoo bars are best for thin hair, but essential oils mess with hair over time.

If the Shea Butter Bar works for, say, hair, shaving, face, and tender parts, then the next thing you need is Liquid Sunshine. Buy in bulk refill containers and create different dilutions for different solutions. Body wash, hand foamers, pet wash, floor, wall, dishes, laundry, sprays of different strengths… 2% for glass, 5% for general cleaning and 10% for killing flies and oven cleaner. Helped my poison ivy, too. Shampoo if diluted? Maybe. Start at 25% Liquid Sunshine. If I used only one product that would be it.

All the Best!
Soapman