Tired of using shampoos filled with ingredients you can’t pronounce or don’t trust? Making your own syndet shampoo bar gives you complete control over what goes into your hair care routine. From choosing gentle surfactants to adding nourishing proteins and plant-based oils, crafting a shampoo bar at home allows you to tailor every ingredient to suit your hair’s unique needs. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a personalized, eco-friendly solution that cleanses your hair while keeping it healthy and vibrant.
Syndet bars, short for “synthetic detergent bars,” are formulated with surfactants that cleanse effectively without the high pH of traditional soap bars. This makes them perfect for hair care, as they maintain the scalp’s natural balance while removing dirt and grease. Plus, their compact and solid form means they’re travel-friendly and require no plastic packaging.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your own syndet shampoo bar at home, complete with tips on selecting ingredients, adjusting the pH, and customizing the formula to suit your hair type. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply want a more sustainable hair care option, this step-by-step tutorial will empower you to craft a salon-quality shampoo bar that’s as unique as you are.
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What Are Syndet Shampoo Bars?
Syndet bars (short for “synthetic detergent” bars) are solid shampoo formulations made with surfactants rather than soap. Unlike traditional soaps, which can have a high pH that may damage hair, syndet bars are formulated with a lower, hair-friendly pH of 4-5.5.
They work by leveraging surfactants, which are ingredients designed to cleanse by attracting both oil and water, allowing dirt and grease to be rinsed away without over-drying your hair.
Why Switch to Syndet Shampoo Bars?
Syndet shampoo bars are becoming a favorite for good reasons:
- Eco-Friendly: No plastic packaging and minimal waste.
- Travel Convenience: Compact and spill-proof, making them TSA-approved.
- Gentle on Hair: Their low pH protects hair’s cuticle and natural oils.
- Customizable: Add specific ingredients to suit your hair type and goals.
- Cost-Effective: A little goes a long way, making them last longer than liquid shampoos.
Making Syndet Shampoo Bars
This beginner-friendly recipe is designed for an effective, gentle shampoo bar that cleans without stripping your hair.
Ingredients and Their Benefits
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)
- A mild surfactant derived from coconut oil.
- Provides gentle cleansing, a creamy lather, and is great for sensitive scalps.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSa)
- A plant-derived surfactant that boosts foaming and cleansing.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- A mild surfactant that enhances foam and works as a co-surfactant for gentler cleansing.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a mild, amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil. It boosts foam, enhances the cleansing power of other surfactants, and is gentle on the skin and hair. With its pH of 5–6, it’s perfect for balancing formulations, making it a popular choice in shampoos, body washes, and other personal care products.
- Sodium Lactate
- Sodium Lactate is a natural, liquid salt derived from the fermentation of plant sugars, commonly corn or beets. In shampoo bars, it serves multiple purposes:
- Hardener: Sodium lactate helps the bar maintain its solid form, making it more durable and longer-lasting.
- Humectant: It draws moisture from the air, keeping hair hydrated and preventing dryness.
- pH Adjuster: As a gentle ingredient, it can help balance the pH of the shampoo bar to make it more compatible with hair and scalp health.
- Cocoa Butter
- Adds nourishment and a touch of luxurious conditioning for soft, shiny hair.
- Cetyl Alcohol
- A conditioning and thickening agent that gives the bar structure and smooth application.
- Germall Plus
- A preservative to prevent microbial growth from water exposure during use.
- Fragrance Oil
- Adds a pleasing scent to your shampoo bar.
- I am using Persephone’s Kiss Fragrance Oil, it is a captivating blend of Mandarin orange, melon, blackberry, and violet leaf! Feel the freshness of its middle notes of lavender, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, and nectarine, before reaching the dreamy base of honey, oak, and musk.
- VegeKeratin is a plant-based alternative to traditional keratin, designed to strengthen and repair hair. It is typically derived from hydrolyzed wheat, soy, or corn proteins, making it vegan-friendly. VegeKeratin works by bonding to the hair shaft, enhancing elasticity, reducing breakage, and improving overall smoothness and shine. It’s a popular ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, and treatments for those seeking natural, sustainable hair care solutions. You can also use Hydrolyzed Keratin.
- Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein is a protein derived from collagen that has been broken down into smaller peptides for better absorption. It strengthens and hydrates hair by penetrating the hair shaft, improving elasticity, and reducing breakage. Commonly used in hair and skincare products, it helps restore damaged hair, enhances shine, and provides a protective barrier against environmental stressors.
- Citric Acid used to adjust the pH.
Tools You’ll Need
- Heat-safe container
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Digital kitchen scale
- Mixing spatula
- Silicone molds
- Protective mask (for handling powdered surfactants)
- pH test strips or meter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Surfactants
I prefer to use SCI noodles for their gentler properties compared to the powder form, making them less irritating to work with. Regardless of which form you choose, always wear a mask to protect your lungs, as the fine particles can become airborne. When handling, pour the material slowly and carefully to minimize dust and prevent “puffing” into the air.
In a crock pot combine SCI, SLSa, and Cocamidopropyl Betaine. These powders can become airborne, so wear a mask during this step.
Put the lid on the crock pot and turn it onto high heat setting. Allow this to heat up the surfactants, mixing periodically.
For an estimate, this took me a little over an hour for the surfactants to become heated.
Add the Cocoa Butter and Cetyl Alcohol
Place Cocoa Butter and Cetyl Alcohol into the crock pot with the surfactants. We are going to allow this to continue to heat up until fully melted, stirring frequently.
Add Sodium Lactate
Incorporate Sodium Lactate and stir until fully mixed.
Adjust the pH
Check the pH of the mixture using test strips or a meter. Adjust as needed to achieve a range of 4-5.5 by adding a small amount of citric acid solution.
Adjusting the pH of Syndet Shampoo Bars: A Comprehensive Guide
Maintaining the correct pH in your syndet shampoo bar is critical for creating a hair-friendly product. Hair thrives at a slightly acidic pH range of 4 to 5.5, which helps preserve the hair cuticle’s integrity, reduces frizz, and minimizes scalp irritation. Here, we’ll dive deeper into why pH matters, how to measure it, and step-by-step instructions for adjusting the pH of your shampoo bars.
Why pH Matters in Hair Care
- High pH (>7):
Shampoos with a high pH can lift the cuticle layer of the hair, leading to dullness, tangling, and breakage. Prolonged use may also dry out the scalp and cause irritation. - Low pH (<4):
Extremely low pH can be overly acidic and might irritate the scalp or weaken hair fibers.
A balanced pH in the 4 to 5.5 range ensures that the shampoo is gentle on the hair shaft while maintaining the scalp’s natural barrier function.
How to Measure pH in Shampoo Bars
Since syndet shampoo bars are solid, measuring their pH directly can be a bit tricky. Here’s how you can do it:
- Prepare a Shampoo Solution:
- Take about 1 gram of your shampoo bar and dissolve it in 9 grams of distilled water. This creates a 10% solution, ideal for pH testing.
- Use pH Strips or a pH Meter:
- Dip pH strips into the solution or use a calibrated digital pH meter for an accurate reading.
- Record the pH:
- Take note of the initial pH value before making any adjustments.
How to Adjust the pH of Shampoo Bars
To Lower the pH:
- Prepare a 50% Citric Acid Solution:
- Dissolve equal parts citric acid powder and distilled water. For example, mix 10 grams of citric acid with 10 grams of water.
- Stir until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Add the Solution Gradually:
- Using a dropper, add the citric acid solution to your shampoo mixture after it has been fully blended but before pouring into molds.
- Stir well after each addition to ensure the acid is evenly distributed.
- Test the pH:
- Take a small amount of the shampoo mixture and create a 10% solution. Test the pH using the method described above.
- Repeat this process until the pH falls between 4 and 5.5.
- Avoid Over-Acidification:
- Adding too much citric acid can lower the pH below the desired range, so proceed cautiously.
To Raise the pH:
If you accidentally lower the pH too much, you can bring it back up by using a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda):
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 10 teaspoons of water.
- Add this solution drop by drop to the shampoo mixture, testing the pH as you go.
Troubleshooting pH Adjustments
- If pH Remains Too High:
Ensure the citric acid solution is well-mixed. Sometimes, uneven distribution can leave localized areas of higher pH. - If the Shampoo Becomes Grainy:
Overheating or improper mixing during the adjustment phase can sometimes cause crystallization. Gently reheat the mixture in a double boiler to smooth it out. - If the pH Test Results Are Inconsistent:
Clean your pH meter with distilled water and recalibrate if necessary. Ensure your test solution is thoroughly mixed before measuring.
Cool Down Phase
Let the mixture cool slightly before adding heat-sensitive ingredients like Germall Plus, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and Fragrance Oil. Mix thoroughly but gently.
7. Mold and Set
Scoop the mixture into silicone molds and press firmly to eliminate air pockets. Let the bars sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours until fully hardened.
8. Unmold and Store
Remove the bars from the molds and store them in a dry, cool place. They’re now ready to use!
Tips for a Perfect Shampoo Bar
- Storage: Use a draining soap dish to prevent bars from becoming mushy.
- Customize Colors: Add natural clays (like kaolin or French green clay) for color and added benefits.
- Fragrance Choices: Use essential oils for a natural scent or fragrance oils for a stronger aroma.
- Safety First: Handle powdered surfactants with care to avoid respiratory irritation.
How to Use Syndet Shampoo Bars
- Wet your hair thoroughly in the shower or bath.
- Rub the bar between your hands to create a lather or apply it directly to your scalp.
- Massage the lather into your scalp with your fingertips, focusing on the roots.
- Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed.
- For best results, follow up with a conditioner or leave-in treatment.
Why You’ll Love Syndet Shampoo Bars
Crafting your own shampoo bars isn’t just fun; it’s empowering! You control the ingredients, reduce waste, and enjoy a high-quality product tailored to your hair’s needs. Plus, these bars make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
Syndet Shampoo Bar Recipe
Equipment
- Scale
Ingredients
Heat Phase
- 137 grams | 38.5% Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)
- 21 grams | 16.5% Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSa)
- 18 grams | 9% Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- 4 grams | 2% Cetyl Alcohol
- 4 grams | 2% Cocoa Butter
- 7 grams | 3.5% Sodium Lactate
Cool Down Phase
- 2 grams | 1% Hydrolyzed Keratin
- 2 grams | 1% Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein
- 1 gram | 0.5% Germall Plus
- 4 grams | 2% Persephone's Kiss Fragrance Oil
Instructions
- In a crock pot combine SCI, SLSa, and Cocamidopropyl Betaine. These powders can become airborne, so wear a mask during this step.
- Put the lid on the crock pot and turn it onto high heat setting. Allow this to heat up the surfactants, mixing periodically.
- After the surfactants are melted place Cocoa Butter and Cetyl Alcohol into the crock pot with the surfactants. We are going to allow this to continue to heat up until fully melted, stirring frequently.
- Incorporate Sodium Lactate and stir until fully mixed.
- Check the pH of the mixture using test strips or a meter. Adjust as needed to achieve a range of 4-5.5 by adding a small amount of citric acid solution.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before adding heat-sensitive ingredients like Germall Plus, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and Fragrance Oil. Mix thoroughly but gently.
- Scoop the mixture into silicone molds and press firmly to eliminate air pockets. Let the bars sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours until fully hardened.
- Remove the bars from the molds and store them in a dry, cool place. They’re now ready to use!