Natural shampoo can come in a liquid soap form as well as a bar form. And Bruce, at Homebrew Soaps, makes an interesting one. I would be inclined to call it liquid soap, rather than shampoo, because it has a distinctly different texture than any other shampoo that I have used.
I purchased the tea tree shampoo, and think it smells like a barber shop. You know, the old fashioned kind with the striped pole out front, where men sit around discussing football while they get their hair cut, the sound of the clippers buzzing? It’s a little antiseptic smelling, very gender friendly, and has its own kind of charm. Not surprisingly, I like it even though or maybe because it smells like Dad. I gave it to my husband, who likes it even more. Most importantly, we have really clean, soft hair. And the smell only stays on your head while you are washing, not afterward.
I caution you to use only a small amount of this shampoo. If you put a lot, you could be rinsing for days. I also recommend rinsing your hair with a vinegar solution prior to using it, as you would if you were switching from commercial shampoo to a shampoo bar.
This is also my politically incorrect post. I am going to tell you about soap made with beer and lard. If you are a vegan, or abstain from alcohol anywhere on your person, you have been informed.
Like the shampoo, the beer soap from Homebrew Soaps has a very distinctive smell. If you don’t like eating in the restaurant attached to a micro-brewery; you won’t like the soap. We tried the brown ale. The bar of soap is much more firm than the other natural soaps that I have tried, which have been vegan. Lard has been traditionally used in soaps due to its hardening properties, and ability to condition the skin and provide lather. My experience with this soap supports these claims.
My husband, who is a big fan of home brewed beer asked, “Why would you make perfectly good beer into soap?”
I didn’t try making it myself or speak with Bruce personally. But my research tells me that making soap and shampoo is a fun activity involving recipes. It usually happens in the kitchen and can be appealing to cooking and craft enthusiasts. And for the same reasons people like making beer. Also, if you make your own beer and it doesn’t come out exactly like you planned, but is otherwise perfectly safe for consumption, making it into soap is a great way to use it up.
So there is my 86 word answer to the question, why not drink the beer.
One other note for shoppers, this soap was shipped to me immediately. I received it in less than five days, and was emailed with the ship date. And no, I didn’t tell him he could be featured on Try Handmade. It will be a surprise.
My stocking stuffer list is looking good this year. Portable soap for the women. Beer soap for the men.
