Ingredients
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateCommonly known as Baby Foam due to its exceptional mildness, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a surfactant that is comprised of a type of sulphonic acid called Isethionic Acid as well as the fatty acid – or sodium salt ester – obtained from Coconut Oil. More, Sodium Coco SulfateSodium coco sulfate creates a rich foam and cleanses hair and skin. Its thorough action dissolves dirt and grease effectively. Made from the fatty acids of coconut oil, it's a good palm-free alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate. If we specifically look at SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) versus SCS (sodium coco sulphate); both ingredients are made in the same way, by treating fatty acids with... More, Cetearyl AlcoholA mixture of fatty alcohols consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearyl alcohols found in plants, like Coconut and Palm oils that keeps a product from separating and gives it structure. More, Refined Coconut OilOrganic, expeller-pressed and refined, this amazing oils is great for general moisturizing and serves as a protective layer, helping to retain the moisture in your skin. More, Cocoa ButterOrganic raw cocoa butter is a solid plant fat that is slowly pressed from the seeds of the cacao tree. A brittle butter, they give strength and structure to shampoo and conditioner bars. With a creamy, rich texture it is an ideal ingredient for body care products and culinary preparation. As a completely raw product, these wafers do not have... More, Kokum ButterA brittle butter, they give strength and structure to shampoo and conditioner bars. Derived from the garcinia tree and is expeller pressed and refined. More, Citric AcidOur citric acid is derived from 100% pure anhydrous citric acid from sugar cane. It serves help extend a product’s shelf life, adjust pH, retain a product’s texture, and guard against appearance loss. More, OptiphenA paraben and formaldehyde-free preservative system, which consists of Phenoxyethanol in an emollient base of Caprylyl Glycol. The combination of these ingredients provides optimized protection against microbial growth while imparting exceptional feel to the finished product. More, Slippery ElmDescription Ulmus rubra is a species of elm that has a mucilaginous inner bark, and it is this that gives natural slip and hydration to Selkie. It also naturally softens hair, provide natural plant protein, adds shine, and soothes an itchy or dry scalp More, Aloe Vera GelWhile well-known for its benefits to skin, this mucilaginous ingredient provides deep moisturizing effects to the hair and scalp as well. In addition it helps restore pH levels and has both emollient and moisturizing properties, meaning that it smooths the cuticle and attracts and seals in moisture More, Cedarwood Essential OilExcellent for both hair and skin care. It balances oily skin, soothes and helps to heal skin rashes, and reduces oil in hair and skin. More, Lavender Essential OilEnhances hair growth by stimulating the scalp. The name “lavender” is derived from the Latin lavare, meaning, “to wash” and was known as one of the seven polyvalents (effective against many toxins). More, Lime Essential OilA bright scent, lime is antiviral, astringent, and bactericidal. It is at once a cleansing and moisturizing oil, helping with dandruff and scalp buildup More, Petitgrain Essential OilMade from the leaves and twigs of this amazing tree, it is antiseptic, antispasmodic, a natural deodorant, and nervine. Use in a hair oil will leave hair and scalp fragrant (petitgrain has woody, citrus and floral notes all in one!), while soothing and preventing bacterial and fungal growth. More, Sage Essential OilA scalp soother and astringent, the herb is of ancient repute, valued as a culinary and medicinal plant – called herba sacra, ‘sacred herb’, by the Romans. More, Benzoin Essential OilBenzoin is a resin that is derived from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax, it has a sweet, almost vanilla scent. It is used as a common ingredient in incense-making and perfumery, but also has antimicrobial properties and prevents moisture loss. More, Peru Balsam Essential OilSweet, rich, smooth, balsamic with honey, caramel and vanilla-like notes, this essential oil promotes dermal healing. More, and Vanilla Bourbon CO2 ExtractVanilla is not produced as pure essential oil, but as an absolute or CO2 extract. It is well advised to question the authenticity of Vanilla labeled pure essential oil. This soothing scent is perfect for relaxing and meditation. More
What is a solid shampoo bar?
A shampoo bar is the solid form of the liquid version. Unlike “hair soaps” which are alkaline and can damage hair, shampoo bars are pH balanced, so your hair and scalp maintain a tight cuticle and healthy acid mantle. Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bars are much more gentle than traditional liquid shampoos, hair soaps, and even other shampoo bars. They’re packed with gentle cleansers, slippery herbs, and soothing oils, but still give a satisfying lather.
Some of the benefits of Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bars include:
- Zero Waste / No Plastic- Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bars have no plastic packaging, and come in either a compostable pouch or brown kraft clamshell. The paper washi tape and instructions can be recycled.
- pH Balanced- Unlike “hair soaps” Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bars are pH balanced to keep your scalp and hair happy.
- Lower Carbon Footprint- Because there’s no excess water weight, the carbon cost to ship Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bars is much lower than that of a liquid shampoo.
- Preserving Color & Treatments- Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bars are immensely gentle, allowing hair colors and other treatments to last longer on your hair.
- Less water = more of the good stuff- Being formulated without water means more of all those fantastic ingredients. Even with adding water to activate the bar, it means your hair is getting a bigger dose of all the important ingredients.
- Longer product life- Like any product, the number of uses will depend greatly on how often you use it, how much you use each time, and how you store it in between uses. But generally speaking a Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bar will last a long time so long as you don’t leave it in a place that collects water, and, instead, allow it to drain and dry before the next use.
- Travel, gym & camping friendly- Liquid shampoos have annoying restrictions when flying and the potential to leak. Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bars are hassle-free no matter how you’re traveling or where you’re stowing them.
Do I need a conditioner with Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bars?
Because they are so gentle, people who already don’t need much conditioner might find they don’t need any at all with Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bars, that the oils, butters, slippery elmDescription Ulmus rubra is a species of elm that has a mucilaginous inner bark, and it is this that gives natural slip and hydration to Selkie. It also naturally softens hair, provide natural plant protein, adds shine, and soothes an itchy or dry scalp More, and aloe in them is enough. Most people will still want a conditioner, and the obvious perfect pairing is the Lassëa Solid Conditioner Bar!
What makes Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bars Unique and Amazing?
Both what’s in it, and what isn’t! Most shampoo and conditioner bars are stuffed full of oils, but as we’ve discussed in the past, oils are not moisturizing. You’ll find truly moisturizing ingredients like Slippery ElmDescription Ulmus rubra is a species of elm that has a mucilaginous inner bark, and it is this that gives natural slip and hydration to Selkie. It also naturally softens hair, provide natural plant protein, adds shine, and soothes an itchy or dry scalp More and Aloe Vera GelWhile well-known for its benefits to skin, this mucilaginous ingredient provides deep moisturizing effects to the hair and scalp as well. In addition it helps restore pH levels and has both emollient and moisturizing properties, meaning that it smooths the cuticle and attracts and seals in moisture More, which you already know and love from Selkie Herbal Detangler. These bars also use paraben-free and formaldehyde-free preservatives and pure essential oils rather than fragrance oils.
Essentially, I took everything you love about Selkie Herbal Detangler and turned it into a pH balanced, moisturizing, naturally detangling shampoo and conditioner bar set, including the signature Eventide aroma of crisp sea-spray over alluring sun-basked vanilla and herbs.
Directions
The most important thing to remember is that Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bars need generous amounts of water to activate!
- Soak hair with water. Water will help create much-needed lather, so make sure your hair is dripping wet and soaked through.
- Wet the bar. You don’t need to douse the bar, but a light pass under the shower will activate its surface.
- Lather up! You can do this by rubbing the bar between your hands and then rubbing the lather on your head for a more gentle cleanse, or by rubbing the bar directly onto your wet hair. You may have to re-wet your hair or the bar as you go.
- Work it through. Gently massage the lather through your hair and down to your scalp with your fingertips. The lather creates air spaces in between your hair and against your scalp for dirt, oil, and other buildup to be wicked away.
- Rinse well. The lather is now holding all the grime that the Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bar just removed from your hair, so you’ll want to rinse well to make sure none of it re-settles on your hair.
- Condition and detangle. Follow up with a Lassëa Solid Conditioner Bar and then some Selkie Herbal Detangler for smooth, shining, tangle-free hair.
Storage
A Note on Surfacant Choices and pH Balancing
I started out making my own solid shampoo and conditioner bars because I wasn’t happy with what was out there, and thought I could do better. The two things I put the most research into were the importance of pH balancing and the surfacants I chose to use.
If you’re happy with your soap-based shampoo bar, godspeed. I’m not here to change your mind. That said, I’ve posted in the past about the importance of pH balancing in my article about how and why baking soda washes damage your hair, and it is literally impossible to pH balance a soap-based shampoo bar to the hair, scalp, and protective acid mantle. It’s simply the nature of the beast. I also noticed that the vast majority of the posts denouncing non-soap shampoo bars were… from the creators of soap-based shampoo bars. It seems very much a case of, to quote Upton Sinclair, ‘It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.’ I hadn’t built my entire empire on soap bars, I had no horse in this race, and so could have gone either which way–and I went the way I chose because both the research I did and my own personal testing bore it out.
In my quest to learn more about surfactants, I came across this post from Method which I’d highly recommend you read if you’re interested in the chemistry behind sulfates. It’s a great summary.
The tl:dr- I did an immense amount of research and personal testing to create what I feel is an effective shampoo bar that cleans gently and effectively, that’s a joy to use and is full of ingredients that you cannot find anywhere else (like the slippery elmDescription Ulmus rubra is a species of elm that has a mucilaginous inner bark, and it is this that gives natural slip and hydration to Selkie. It also naturally softens hair, provide natural plant protein, adds shine, and soothes an itchy or dry scalp More and aloe, I’m immensely proud of the creative way I found to include those normally water-based ingredients) and essential oils instead of fragrance oils.
Additional Resources
Lassëa Solid Shampoo Bars are pH balanced unlike hair soaps or even more damaging baking powder washes. Learn why this is so critically important to your scalp and your hair.
Making the jump from liquid shampoo and conditioner can be intimidating, so here’s some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your Lassëa Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars.
Jennifier T. (verified owner) –
I have never had much luck with shampoo bars before, but I love Nightblooming so I decided to try a sample size. I’ve used it a few times now, and I have to say, I’m impressed. The scent is wonderful, and the bars work really well. My hair feels and looks great, and I feel good about not having all the plastic bottles and excess packaging. If you’re on the fence, I highly recommend giving these a try!
Heather (verified owner) –
I wasn’t sure what to expect 🤔 but was so excited with end results. I used the shampoo and conditioner. I didn’t put any other product in hair….and so many natural curls that were not frizzy. In awe all day
Deenna (verified owner) –
I don’t need to use the conditioner bar with every wash, this manages to clean and condition on its own with no buildup. Love it.
Carrie (verified owner) –
The scent is absolutely fantastic. Lathers well. So far my only issue is I should have bought a larger bar.
Amilly (verified owner) –
I have tried Shampoo bars before, some from mainstream suppliers, some from small Esty shops, some from small businesses, some from big businesses. I’ve even made shampoo bars myself. My shower is littered with the array of products I have made and tried. I have disliked every single one of them. Some made my hair feel gummy, some made it dry in weird ways, almost like tendrils. And then I used Nightblooming’s. Not even a fair competition. It doesn’t leave a gummy residue, it leaves the hair light and free, and weightless. The other best part is the scent. I’ll walk past the shower and then be like, “Oohh. Whats that smell?” and then I’ll rediscover that it’s the shampoo bar. Is it an investment? Yes. But I have found they last a long time. The little sample sizes last me at least 6 washes, and they are itty bitty. I haven’t had the lembas one long enough to tell you how long it would last, but I wager it’ll be a long time. If you are willing to spend a little more on yourself (which I assume you are since you are taking the time to research and read reviews), I would go for it. start with the sample size if you aren’t sure. You don’t have to commit to the bigger bars ( but If you’re like me you probably will once you’ve tried itXD)
Jeremy Harnisch (verified owner) –
I was somewhat skeptical as I have never used a shampoo bar before. I’ve been using “healthy” shampoo and conditioner for the last couple of years, though (sulfate-free). I could tell a difference when I rinsed my hair – that quickly!! I’ve been using it religiously for a couple weeks now and the other day decided to try the bottled shampoo and conditioner just to see. My hair felt sticky and snarly. I am a convert! I was a little wary of the smell at first (more earthy than I’m used to, but still good), but it’s perfect when it washes out! I use the conditioner, too, and am just as impressed. PLEASE give this a try!
Nicole Rebehmed (verified owner) –
I’m extremely happy with this shampoo bar. Like others have said, I have tried multiple shampoo bars with varying degrees of success. For the most part, shampoo bars have left my hair feeling stiff and greasy, with some improvement with prolonged use. The Nightblooming shampoo bar is literally the perfect bar – it lathers well, I don’t need a ton of it, and my hair feels clean without feeling dry or greasy. I’m fond of shampoo bars for the minimal packaging so I’m glad I’ve found one that actually works.
Allie M. (verified owner) –
This works so well! I love it, and It smells so nice. I will be buying the scent in my next haul!
Kelly Herz (verified owner) –
I’ve been using shampoo and conditioner bars mainly from Lush for a few years now, so when I heard these were coming, I was excited! However, once I actually used them, the difference in my hair was night and day. It’s so much softer and smoother than it’s been in a long time, even though I had just hennaed, which generally makes it feel a bit coarse for a while. This was noticable after the first wash, and has continued over the past few weeks. The shampoo bar lathers up really well, and of course it smells amazing! Even when I’ve used oils in my hair, the shampoo washes them out well so my hair comes out clean but moisturized. I also like that they’re the same scent as the Selkie detangling spray (also awesome!) so they all smell good together. It’s hard to say how long each bar will last, but after several uses my Leaf size bar doesn’t really look much smaller. I also wanted to mention Melissa’s superb customer service after my package had a little mishap during transit. She responded right away and had the replacement shipped out the next business day!
Maria C. (verified owner) –
At first I wasn’t too sure about the scent but once I got it in the shower it was great. It took more effort than I expected to get a good lather on my hands. I mostly used my hands to lather the soap on my scalp but also used the soap directly on my edges and even parted my hair a few times to use the soap directly on my hair/scalp. Once on my hair it still didn’t lather much, but I’m used to that. I only used the shampoo directly on my scalp hair, not the length (mid back length). It rinsed out through the length well enough to get it clean and rinsed completely out really nicely and left just a light scent. I will watch and see how quickly my scalp produces build up, hopefully the shampoo didn’t shock it enough to be bad.
Elizabeth (verified owner) –
In the past I’ve struggled getting my hair clean with shampoo bars, but this worked really well. My hair feels great after my shower. It’s quite expensive, but if it lasts enough time I will probably switch to this. The smell is great its the same Selkie scent I love
Carolyn C. (verified owner) –
Been waiting like a year for these shampoo and conditioner bars ( after I tried the Selkie Herbal Detangler-love it). I ordered the leaf size shampoo and conditioner. ( I figured if I ordered the sample size and really liked it -I’d have to reorder and I might run out-so I orded the next size up- if I wasn’t happy with it oh well- I tried so many shampoo and conditioners over the years and spent so much money what’s one more time). I’ve only been using for a few days- never use shampoo or conditioner bars before. I have to say “I’m absolutely loving it!!!” So easy! The slip is great for my fine hair. Love that it’s pH balance (which is helping my scalp) and less knots and tangles. My hair looks and feels healthier after first use ( I never say that about any product I’ve tried on my hair- except for the selkie detangler). My hair is finicky and healing (after being attacked with scalp ringworm last year – yes horrible and tragic, but with believing,healing prayer, and a shampoo and conditioner that is actually good for you- it’s getting better), so I’m going to give it some more time- but so far it is great! Hoping I can toss out all my other shampoo and conditioner bottles soon! Thanks, Melissa for another great product! Hope you ankle heels quick- I had surgery this past year and I know how that is! Well off to shower and use my wonderful shampoo and conditioner bars!
lostparabola (verified owner) –
Shampoo bars everywhere have never worked for me. They either stripped my hair, gummed up my hair, or once even made me break out in hives (and, by blood tests, I’ve got no allergies!!). I’d given up and was solely cowashing, but I’ve used Nightblooming products for years and had yet to be disappointed.
This is the best shampoo and shampoo bar I have ever used. I don’t normally bother with trying to keep my loose curls from falling straight with my hair so long, but apparently my hair is even curlier than I thought. I’ve never seen my hair so immediately happy before!
margotdh (verified owner) –
I am loving the shampoo bar. I have a sensitive scalp and dry hair. The Lassëa shampoo bar does not irritate my scalp or strip my hair. I love it!
veronica (verified owner) –
Megan (verified owner) –
I waited two weeks to post because I adore the visual and scent appeal, but a hair product needs to do more than just look and smell amazing. And this delivers. I was not prepared for how much it would deliver. I didn’t mean to change shampoo and conditioner products–I have been happy with sulfate-free shampoo and cone-free conditioner for my fine thick 2A hip length hair for years. YEARS! I thought I had figured out my routine and seen my hair at the best it could be and really done everything right. I didn’t know my hair could be elevated THAT MUCH more. It is clean, it is shinier than I’ve ever seen it, and it is literally smooth and cool to touch like satin. I have never had results like this. First time I used the shampoo, I gently scrubbed and worked some into my hair. Even though the first time I barely used any, it still lathered up well and left my hair clean. The second time I was a little bolder, and really sudsed up all through the length. And it’s light, and shiny, and not weighed down, my scalp feels great and the overall look of the hair is just so happy. Thank you Melissa. You knocked it out of the park. I hope you’re ready to make this forever, because I am NEVER GOING BACK!!!!!!!!
Shelley Reece (verified owner) –
I’ve been waiting forever for Nightblooming to release a shampoo/ conditioner, but I’ll admit, I was skeptical when it happened in bar form. I thought about it for a while before I decided to try the sample size.
First – I was surprised how good it felt on my hair while wet. My hair tangles sooo easily when wet. But the shampoo and conditioner both coated the hair and made it easy to comb my fingers through. Second – I was surprised when my hair dried, how much it amplified my natural wave without making it look frizzy. I looked like I had a full set of styled “beach waves.” Honestly, my hair has never looked so good straight out of the wash. Third – I thought I was going to use a LOT more shampoo/conditioner than I actually did. I thought the sample sizes would act like soap and basically be gone in a single wash. Now I’m thinking these small sizes are going to last me at least until the end of the month.
One thing – I had to work a lot more than I’m used to, to get the lather. I personally welcome this, because it will let me treat my hair washes more ritually and with more time and care than I often do. But I feel like anyone going to this from commercial shampoo should know you can’t expect it to lather up as quickly as liquid shampoos do.
All in all, I’m really happy I gave these bars a shot. I liked them enough to buy the Leaf size and keep going with this experiment. And as you would expect with anything from Nightblooming, they smell AMAZING. Worth trying for anyone looking for more natural ways to care for their hair.
Nyssa (verified owner) –
I was an avid user of clarifying shampoo at every wash because I have seborrheic dermatitis and need to keep my scalp super clean to prevent flare ups. So I went into getting this with a bit of apprehension, but I was hopeful it would work for me. And IT DOES. I went through the sample size without a flareup, and I got that squeaky clean feeling without overly stripping my hair. So I ordered the full size and I’m looking forward to using it and keeping my scalp *and* my hair happy at the same time!
Liliya S. (verified owner) –
Leaves my roots a bit too moisturized, but I’d rather use this product than a regular shampoo. Also smells foresty 🌿
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Could not love these more! Absolute perfection!
Anonymous (verified owner) –
I’m giving EVERYONE samples!
Breeann Armstrong (verified owner) –
I ordered the sample sizes just to get a feel of how these would work and omg these are incredible! I’ve tried shampoo bars in the past, but a lot of the time they would either dry my hair out or leave a waxy residue. These bars do not strip my hair of moisture at all and really made my hair look alot healthier. I’m definitely getting bigger sizes because I can’t imagine life without these now. The smell is also gorgeous, I’m so happy :3
Carolyn C. (verified owner) –
This is my second order of the shampoo and conditioner bars! I’m still on my first bars, but I always like to have a backup on hand- don’t want to run out! I have been using the shampoo and conditioner bars for almost 3 weeks now. My hair is very soft and has shine! I haven’t had any shine in my hair in ages, so I’m really loving that! The conditioner is especially good for fine tangly hair – like mine! Come to think of it the shampoo and conditioner bars are actually easier to use than traditional shampoo and conditioner bottles. I actually save time not having to open and close and pour out correct amounts – so time and ease of use – bonus there! The shampoo and conditioner bars I leave out on a raised tray and they don’t dry out – they work the same every time! If you leave a bottle open you know it’s going to dry and cake up on the opening. So I love the ease of using these! If you haven’t tried them yet, get the little trial size blossoms, I’m sure you’ll love it!
Megan L. (verified owner) –
Love all sizes of these bars, wish I was a millionaire and could only use this soap for my hair, face, hands, and body for life!!! So so so lovely!!!
Holly W. (verified owner) –
Love the shampoo and conditioner bars. They’re easy to use and smell delightful. The shampoo is gentle but still gets the job done without leaving a residue.
Finally! A shampoo/conditioner bar set that works.
sirtalis (verified owner) –
I got the sample sizes to try out, since my hair is picky. Both the shampoo and conditioner wash out cleanly and leave the yummy scent behind. They’re great for traveling too, much less bulky than my normal full size bottles that I hate lugging around. They last a decently long time, especially compared to the amount of liquid products I would be using even on my short pixie hair.
Breeann Armstrong (verified owner) –
Loving this shampoo bar and how healthy my hair feels! The smell is amazing
Anonymous (verified owner) –
I wish all soap bars were this one. It’s the most perfect cleanser on earth. It’s what Ayla would have made.
Pamela M. (verified owner) –
Smells and looks great, beautifully packaged. Have yet to use it.
Ashley Tellez (verified owner) –
I have thin hair, but a lot of it and it’s nearly waist length. This shampoo bar gives so much volume to my hair. My hair doesn’t feel weighed down with unnecessary oils and I’ve noticed less build up on my scalp! I am in love! I got a sample first and after 3 uses of my sample, I knew I needed the full size. I’m officially obsessed!