As many of you know by now, I am always the first person to test everything that leaves our workshop. Before a single bar is wrapped, it spends time in my own bathroom. I like to see how it behaves day after day—how it lathers, how it feels on the skin, and whether it truly lives up to the promise I intended for it.
There isn't a "special batch" for my family. What we send to you is exactly what we use at home—though, in truth, my family usually ends up with the "off-cuts," the little irregular pieces left over from the cutting table.
The First Wash
Last weekend, I decided to try our new Bastille Shampoo Bar on my own hair for the first time. I’ll be honest: I was surprised.
Usually, olive oil-heavy bars are quiet. They offer a silky, lotion-like lather that is deeply conditioning but not necessarily "bubbly." But this time? There were bubbles—real, soft, lively foam. I didn’t expect that level of performance from a formula so focused on gentleness.
But it was the "after" that stayed with me. My hair felt clean, but remarkably soft. Light, but not dry.
The "Wow" Moment
A few days later, after dyeing my hair (a time when the scalp and strands are often at their most stressed), I used the Bastille bar again.
And I can say this: Wow. A big wow.
This is the first time I’ve formulated a shampoo bar using Babassu oil alongside our signature Australian Olive Oil. While olive oil remains the heart of the bar, the Babassu brings something brilliant to the lather.
Babassu vs. Coconut: The Gentle Shift
Most shampoo bars on the market rely on coconut oil because it’s the king of foam. It belongs to a group called "lauric oils"—great at cleaning, but often a little too good. In high amounts, coconut oil can be aggressive, stripping the hair and leaving the scalp feeling tight.
Babassu oil is the "gentle cousin." It behaves similarly in the water, creating beautiful, dancing bubbles, but it has a much softer touch. You get the satisfying foam, but your hair's natural oils stay exactly where they belong.
A Note for the Coconut Lovers
I know many of you are waiting patiently for our Coconut Shampoo Bars to return to the curing racks. They are loved for a reason, and they will be back soon.
However, our approach to coconut oil is different from the mass market. We still keep Olive Oil as the primary ingredient, supported by nourishing butters, so even our coconut bars are balanced to be soft rather than stripping. But while you wait, this Babassu Bastille is a beautiful alternative—especially if you’ve been curious about making the switch to a shampoo bar but were afraid of that "dry" feeling.
The Post-Wash Ritual
This bar is fragrance-free. When your hair dries, it just smells like... hair. Clean, light, and airy.
If you do crave a little scent, I recommend adding it after the wash. Once my hair is almost dry, I take a pea-sized amount of our Hair Balm (with Lavender, Rosemary, and Sage), warm it between my palms, and gently smooth it through the ends.
I’ve found that with natural bars, you don’t even need to comb your hair while it's wet. I let it air-dry or give it a quick blast with the hair dryer. Once it’s dry, it settles naturally, feeling supported and soft.
Small rituals like these are often the nicest part of the day. A moment of quiet, a bit of foam, and a lot of care.
Warmly,
Amy