If you’re someone who loves simplicity in your beauty routine or is on a mission to reduce plastic waste, chances are good you’ve seen J.R. Liggett’s Shampoo Bar on store shelves or beauty blogs. This little bar, wrapped in rustic paper and promising “all-natural” everything, has gained a loyal following - but what’s really happening when you switch your liquid shampoo for a bar of soap?
Let’s pull back the curtain and take a deep dive into this classic product. Why do some people become die-hard fans, while others end up struggling with frizz, dullness, or a strange waxy feeling? The answer goes way beyond marketing - it comes down to the unique science lurking inside each bar.
What Makes J.R. Liggett’s So Different?
First things first: not all solid shampoos are created equal. While many new brands use the latest syndet (synthetic detergent) technology in their bars, J.R. Liggett’s bar is a true, traditional soap. It’s made the old-fashioned way: plant oils like olive and coconut are blended with lye in a process called saponification, creating a gentle soap that’s pH is typically much higher than hair wants.
Here’s the crucial part:
- Soap-based shampoo bars like this one have an alkaline pH (usually 8.5 - 10).
- Syndet shampoo bars are formulated to more closely match hair’s natural, acidic pH (about 4.5 - 6).
This pH difference sets the stage for everything that happens to your hair and scalp after you lather up.
Why pH Matters for Your Hair
Your hair’s outer layer, or cuticle, is happiest in a mildly acidic environment. When the cuticle lies flat, hair appears shiny, feels smooth, and is less prone to damage and color fading. Soap bars-thanks to their high pH-actually “open” the cuticle, causing:
- Increased friction and roughness
- More tangling and loss of shine
- Potential for frizz and color-fading
On untreated or naturally oily hair, you might get away with this - but if your hair is fine, color-treated, or chemically processed, the result is often less than ideal.
The Scalp Microbiome: A Delicate Balance
New research tells us the scalp’s micro-ecosystem thrives at a slightly acidic pH. Soap-based cleansers can disrupt this balance, leaving your scalp more prone to dryness, irritation, or even dandruff. The acid mantle, our body’s natural barrier, simply doesn’t love regular soap.
What If You Have Color-Treated Hair?
Here’s where things get dicey. If you color your hair, especially with permanent or demi-permanent dyes, or spend money on treatments like keratin or Brazilian blowouts, J.R. Liggett’s high pH can undo your hard work in a flash:
- The alkaline soap opens up the cuticle, allowing color molecules to wash away quickly
- Vibrant colors fade faster, especially reds and fashion shades
- Box dyes and hard water can interact with soap, producing unpredictable results
Pro Tip:
Many die-hard users recommend an acidic rinse (like diluted apple cider vinegar) after washing with soap bars. This helps close the cuticle and restore shine - but it’s not as foolproof as using a shampoo bar that’s already pH balanced.
Soap, Water Hardness, and “Waxy” Hair
One thing most online reviews gloss over: if you have hard water, soap-based bars can react with minerals to leave behind a sticky, dull residue. This “waxy” feel isn’t your imagination - it’s a buildup of insoluble soap scum that’s tough to remove. You may need special rinses or clarifying washes just to reset your hair to normal.
The Superfatting Secret-Conditioning, But Not Quite
J.R. Liggett’s is “superfatted,” meaning a little extra oil and natural glycerin are left in the bar after saponification. This does provide some mild conditioning - but for fine, limp, or oily-prone hair, it might make your hair feel heavy or grease up faster than you’d like.
Who Thrives With J.R. Liggett’s? And Who Should Steer Clear?
- Best Users: Natural, untreated, and medium-to-thick hair types; oily scalps; minimalists; campers and frequent travelers.
- Not Ideal For: Color-treated, processed, or fine/fuzzy hair; anyone in a hard-water area; those expecting salon-smooth results or relying on expensive hair services.
Where J.R. Liggett’s Still Shines
There’s a lot to love about this bar: plastic-free packaging, a short list of real ingredients, and a throwback to simpler times. If your hair and scalp genuinely love it, that’s fantastic! For many, though, today’s pH-balanced syndet bars deliver healthier, shinier, and easier-to-manage hair-without sacrificing sustainability.
The Bottom Line
J.R. Liggett’s Shampoo Bar is a piece of haircare history-simple, minimalist, and eco-conscious. But modern hair, with its colors, treatments, and diverse needs, often benefits more from a pH-balanced formula developed for today’s chemistry.
If you stick with a soap-based shampoo, make sure to finish with an acidic rinse and clarify monthly to keep your hair at its best. And if you ever feel like your locks need an upgrade? Don’t be afraid to try the latest generation of shampoo bars. Your hair, scalp, and stylist just might thank you.
Got questions about shampoo bars, curious about other products, or just want to share your experience? Drop a comment below-I’m always happy to chat all things hair!