Hot Process Shampoo Bar
Nourishing & Natural Hair Soap
Inroduction
About this Recipe
By: Marija
Discover how to make a balanced, nourishing shampoo soap bar using the hot process method. This recipe combines gentle, hair-friendly oils like olive and sweet almond with cleansing coconut oil and conditioning castor oil. We use chamomile tea as the liquid for a soothing effect, plus aloe vera and honey to hydrate and soften your scalp and hair.
Hibiscus powder adds a beautiful natural color and extra strength. This shampoo bar is perfect for anyone looking for a natural, eco-friendly alternative to commercial shampoos. Give it a try and enjoy healthy, shiny hair with every wash!
Ingredients
Base Oils (845g total):
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Coconut Oil – 250g
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Olive Oil – 300g
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Castor Oil – 45g
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Sweet Almond Oil – 150g
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Shea Butter – 100g
Lye Solution:
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Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH): 118.7g
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Chamomile Tea (cooled): 260g
Additives (after cook):
- Aloe Vera Gel – 50g
- Honey – 1 tsp (don’t skip!)
- Lavender Essential Oil – 15–20g
- Hibiscus Powder – 1–2 tsp (pre-mixed in warm oil)
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Prepare Chamomile Tea & Lye Solution:
Brew strong chamomile tea using hot water and let it cool to room temperature. Slowly add sodium hydroxide (lye) to the chamomile tea while stirring gently—never pour water into lye! This reaction generates heat, so set the mixture aside to cool down to about 100–110°F (38–43°C).
⚠️ Safety first: Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when handling lye.
Step 2
Measure & Melt Oils:
Weigh all oils (coconut, olive, castor, sweet almond, shea butter) separately. Melt them together gently in a slow cooker or double boiler until fully liquid. Cool the oils to approximately 110–120°F (43–49°C).
Step 3
Check Temperatures:
Ensure both the lye solution and oils are between 100–120°F (38–49°C) and within 10°F (5°C) of each other. This helps avoid separation or unwanted reactions during mixing.
Step 4
Combine Lye Solution & Oils:
Slowly pour the cooled lye solution into the melted oils while blending with an immersion blender. Blend continuously until the mixture reaches a medium trace—a thick, pudding-like consistency.
Step 5
Cook the Soap:
Transfer the soap mixture to the slow cooker (if not already there) and cook on low heat. Stir every 15 minutes. After about 1–2 hours, the soap will turn thick, translucent, and gel-like, indicating it’s ready.
Step 6
Add Final Ingredients:
Turn off the heat and allow the soap to cool slightly. Stir in aloe vera gel, honey, lavender essential oil, and hibiscus powder (pre-mixed with warm oil to preserve color).
Step 7
Mold, Cut & Cure:
Pour the soap into a lined mold and smooth the surface. Let it harden for 24 hours. Unmold and cut into bars. Although usable immediately, curing for 1–2 weeks improves hardness and longevity.
