For the “no poo” sistas out there who are on the search for an affordable cleanser which won’t strip your hair of it’s natural oils and still do its job, I recommend going to your local beauty supply, African food store or an online retailer such as Wal-Mart to get yourself a bar of African black soap.
History and Usage
Black soap has been used by our foremothers and forefathers for many centuries to keep themselves clean and to keep the skin clear of any skin related issue.
How to Liquefy African Black Soap
While the solid form of Black soap is great, it’s liquid form is easier to dispense and it also allows you to use a few drops at a time, instead of lathering too much of it on your skin or hair.
Recipe & Directions
1. Crumble the solid black soap into a sanitized bottle. I used an old castor oil bottle.
2. Add some aloe vera juice into the bottle. Black soap is very alkaline which will leave your skin feeling tight and dry. But adding an acidic content will reduce the pH level to a skin and hair friendly pH level which will work better with our skin and hair.
3. For additional moisturizing properties, add vitamin e oil and/or olive oil
4. Add some vegetable Glycerin and castor Oil
5. For a nice scent, add an essential oil of choice. I used lemon grass oil
6. Shake the content together and let it sit for a few hours to allow the soap to dissolve.
**The amount of liquid to soap content used will vary depending on personal choice, but you want to make sure that it’s not too watery.
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I was wondering if you could sub Aloe Vera Juice for water in liquifying ABS. Finally found the answer here on your blog. Thank you so much!!
Hi Kim.
Yes, you can definitely use water. I was just feeling fancy on that day. You can also add a bit of rose water for more moisturizing properties. I used aloe vera juice to help raise the pH level a bit.
Cheers
Adeola
Hi,
So I heard from some random sources here and there that when ABS is exposed to water/moisture for too long it loses it’s properties and sudsy nature. Dunno if that’s true or not, please confirm. I want to make a ABS body wash for winter with moisturizing ingredients like argan oil and vegetable glycerin.
Yes, that’s why I usually make a small quantity of Liquid Black soap at a time. So you can make enough that will last you for a week at a time, since they’re easy to make.