At Prairie Soap Shack, we feel like we’ve been on a long journey with hair care — from products we once bought to the ones we have formulated over the years. Along the way, we’ve learned a lot about ingredients, scalp health, and what truly makes a difference for healthy hair.
Today we want to share that journey with you. Also, isn't business transparency so cool nowadays?
Why Finding the Right Hair Care Can Be So Frustrating
There are endless hair care options available today. Products designed for dry hair, coloured hair, dandruff, repair, volume — the list never seems to end. Sometimes you have to wonder… are they really that different, or is it just very good marketing? Don't even get me started on the greenwashing either.
And if you have found a product that works perfectly for you — that’s wonderful. But many of us spend years searching for that one product that actually works long term.
That was my experience.
My Personal Hair Story
My hair is naturally thick, curly, blonde, and dry. I can go nearly a week without oily roots, but my scalp can be prone to itchy flare-ups. I went almost ten years without colouring my hair, though I have recently added a tint. I also rarely use heat tools (a benefit of natural curls).
Everyone’s hair is different, and I fully recognize that what works for me won’t work for everyone. However, the products I formulate are designed to work well for most hair types by focusing on gentle cleansing, hydration, and scalp comfort rather than trends or marketing claims.
Our shampoo bars are also infused with wild foraged horsetail — a traditional botanical used in hair care for generations. Horsetail is naturally rich in silica, which is known to help support strong, healthy hair. It grows right here in central Alberta- how cool.
Why Ingredients Matter More Than Marketing
Once you start learning what goes into common shampoos and body products, it can really change how you choose what you use.
Some conventional shampoos contain harsher sulfates like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), as well as parabens, which some consumers choose to avoid due to concerns about irritation or long-term exposure. During my infertility journey, I chose to eliminate these potential hormone disruptors. Everyone makes their own choices here — but many people today are simply looking for gentler alternatives.
That’s where our formulation philosophy began.
Where We Started: Natural Soap Shampoo
About eight years ago, I started by making traditional soap-based shampoo bars. These were formulated differently than body soap to create more lather and improve cleansing. They worked beautifully for many customers.
However, soap shampoo isn’t ideal for everyone. Because soap naturally has a higher pH, some hair types can experience buildup over time.
A common solution is an apple cider vinegar rinse to help rebalance the hair. It works — but it isn’t always convenient (and definitely stings if it gets in your eyes).
Because it wasn’t the right fit for every customer, I eventually chose to stop making those bars. Customer experience has always mattered more to me than simply selling a product.
(Side Note: I currently still make one soap-based shampoo for those that loved it. It's called my Prairie Man bar.)
Why We Switched to Solid Surfactant Shampoo Bars
After experimenting with several natural liquid shampoos that didn’t perform the way I wanted, I decided to return to formulating — but this time with a different approach.
After extensive research, I moved toward surfactant-based solid shampoo bars. These use very gentle cleansing agents instead of traditional soap.
Some surfactants are derived from palm oil, which I choose not to use due to environmental concerns. Instead, I formulated our bars using Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, a mild coconut-derived cleanser known for its gentle, creamy lather. Paired with hair loving ingredients like Jojoba Oil and Kokum butter.
The Importance of pH Balance for Scalp Health
One of the most overlooked aspects of hair care is scalp pH.
Your scalp has a delicate natural balance that supports a healthy microbiome. When this balance is maintained, it helps prevent irritation and supports healthy hair growth.
When the scalp becomes too alkaline, it can sometimes contribute to:
- Dryness
- Irritation
- Oil imbalance
- Dandruff symptoms
- Hair dullness or damage
Because traditional soap is naturally more alkaline, it can sometimes disrupt this balance. Surfactant-based shampoo bars are typically formulated closer to the scalp’s natural pH, making them a gentler long-term option for many people.
Why We Love Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Sustainability is always part of our decision making.
Solid shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Last approximately 80+ washes per bar (WOW!)
- Replace multiple plastic bottles
- Travel easily (perfect for carry-on bags)
- Reduce waste at home
- Provide concentrated, effective ingredients
Paired with our solid conditioner bars, they help soften, hydrate, and detangle while supporting scalp comfort.
Creating Solutions From Personal Experience
Because of my own experience with scalp irritation — which improved significantly after switching to these bars — I’ve also been inspired to develop a botanical scalp scrub to further support scalp health.
This is something we’re very excited to introduce soon!
Our Current Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Scents
If you’re curious to try our solid hair care, our shampoo and conditioner bars are currently available in two signature scent pairings:
Grapefruit Orange Shampoo – bright and uplifting
Rosemary Mint Shampoo – fresh and invigorating
Have you tried our solid shampoo and conditioners? What do you think of them? We love hearing your feedback. Please either leave a review, comment, or email us at hello@prairiesoapshack.com.
