African Black Soap is popular for use on the face and body because it is so gentle, effective against acne and helps to get rid of blemishes, but did you know that it can also be used to wash your hair? The ingredients in the soap mean that it is both cleansing and conditioning unlike many commercial shampoos. You can use the soap as it is or make your own shampoo. The great thing is that it cuts down on wash day because there is no real need for a pre poo. Here are some simple recipes for you to try.

African Black Soap- Honey Shampoo

4 Tablespoons African Black Soap

1 Cup of water

2 Teaspoons of Honey

3 Teaspoons Grapeseed Oil

1. Cut the soap into shavings so that it dissolves easily.
2. Place the shaving and other ingredients in an applicator or spray bottle.
3. Add warm water to the mixture.
4. Shake well until soap is fully dissolved and use as you would normal shampoo.

*Honey makes this mixture even more moisturising as it is great for drawing moisture into the hair.  The Grapeseed oil provides great slip for de-tangling without weighing down the hair too much as it is a very light oil.

African Black Soap- Aloe Vera Shampoo

2 Tablespoons African Black Soap

3/4 Cup of water

1/4 Cup Aloe Vera Juice

2 Teaspoons Avocado Oil

A few drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

1. Cut the soap into shavings and place it in an applicator or spray bottle.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients followed by warm water.
3. Shake well until soap is fully dissolved and use as you would normal shampoo.

*The Aloe Vera Juice in this mixture helps to lower the pH of the soap and leave the hair smoother. Avocado oil contains ceramides that help to alleviate dry hair. The peppermint oil not only makes this mixture smell divine it also leaves the scalp feeling tingly clean.

African Black Soap – Glycerin Shampoo

1 Cup of water

1 Tablespoon of Glycerin

5 drops of Vitamin E Oil

1 Teaspoon of Jojoba Oil

A few drops of Rosemary Oil

1. Cut the soap into shavings and place it in an applicator or spray bottle.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients followed by warm water.
3. Shake well until soap is fully dissolved and use as you would normal shampoo.

*This mixture is great for achieving soft hair. Glycerin not only draws moisture into the hair it also leaves it incredibly soft. Vitamin E Oil smooths and conditions the hair. Jojoba oil is a very light oil which is closest to the hair sebum it also leaves hair supple and smooth. Rosemary essential oil helps to alleviate dry hair conditions.

I have found African Black Soap Shampoo particularly useful when I have protective styles such as braids or cornrows as it conditions the hair without having to use a thick store bought conditioner that may be more difficult to rinse out.

ZedHair African Black Soap is available to buy in Lusaka at Jubilee Chemist Cairo Road and Kabulonga branches, Lush Living, Crossroads Mall and Supreme Pharmacy in Northmead.