I created this fantastic soap after spending some time around beards and finding they were rarely washed because folks simply did not want to mess with the beauty of them. They would add product and rinse them, but there was a gap in actual beard shampooing.
This recipe has been formulated to enhance growth, shine, beard health, and nourishment, takes care of dander and irritation, and adds tenacity—meaning it slows down breakage and ads elasticity and strength to the follicle, caring for the beard from base to tip. I use a specially formulated herbal blend to add nutrients and quality. I cut down on super fatting by 2% so as to not leave greasy residue. Light oils are used to avoid weighing down the beard; I use herbal oils for their powerful beardly benefits (see beginning of recipe for instructions). An alternative would be to add straight powdered herbs, but I feel this is less desirable because it means you’re putting powder in hair. But it’s entirely up to you!
Additional Supplies:
Herbs, such as fo ti, nettle, bhringaraj, horse tail
(½ teaspoon, powdered of each herb)*
2-inch PVC pipe, capped
Ingredients:
10 oz olive oil
.20 oz avocado oil
.20 oz argan oil
.20 oz apricot kernel oil
8.60 oz coconut oil
.60 oz cocoa butter
.20 oz evening primrose oil
7.60 oz distilled water
2.97 oz lye
Recommended Scent Blend: Shakka Shakka
The following is a fun and great-smelling scent blend based on the original recipes for men’s cologne.
• 20 drops vetiver
• 4 drops patchouli
• 20 drops rosewood
• 20 drops lemon
• 20 drops lime
• 20 drops lavender
• 20 drops bergamot
• 10 drops rosemary
*For this recipe, either substitute the olive oil for herbal olive oil or add them as powders.
SAFETY CHECK!
If you you’re not using powdered herbs, then you can blend all the fresh herbs into the olive oil, creating an herbal oil, and then strain. Set aside oil to use and compost your herbs. Weigh distilled water in a heatproof bowl and weigh lye in a separate container. In an outside, safe, and well-ventilated area, add your lye to the water and mix well with a non-caustic spoon. Set this blend aside in a safe and undisturbed place to cool.
Meanwhile, weigh your oils in a non-reactive cooking pot—this includes substituting the olive oil for your herbal olive oil if you made it. If you’re planning to use powdered herbs, wait to add. Set over medium heat to melt oils. Once your oils are melted, remove from heat, and add scent now, if desired. Bring in your lye and add to oil mixture once both have reached 100°F to 110°F. Mix and add any herbs. Blend to trace. Add color, if desired, and mix until blended, and then pour into your lined mold. Set aside in a safe place for 12 to 24 hours.
Remove from mold, cut, and set aside in a well-ventilated area to cure for 4 to 6 weeks. Share with your bearded friends!