Shampoo and conditioner bars look similar to bar soaps, having the same consistency and coming in a rectangular shape. These bars are used instead of the conventional liquid shampoo or conditioner when washing the scalp and the hair.
Not long ago shampoo bars were considered a novelty. Now, however, that is not the case. People used to make their own soaps from natural vegetal and animal ingredients. These were used to wash everything:
Hands
Face
Body
Hair
Clothing
Other fabrics
Cleaning the household
Shampoo bars don’t need a great deal of packaging and are great in terms of reducing unnecessary waste after the product is gone. People became more environmentally conscious over the past years and there is a strong growing trend of reducing the impact on the environment by recycling more.
Thus the body care market had to adapt and the number of companies selling zero waste bar shampoos and conditioners has increased.
Zero waste shampoo is referred to like this because no plastic is used hence no waste is created. The bars can be packed in biodegradable tissue, crepe paper, craft paper, cardboard, compostable packaging, scarfs, or other cloth fabrics. There can be really anything that is eco-friendly and can then be recycled instead of discarded in the bin.
How to use a shampoo and a conditioner bar
Using a shampoo or a conditioner bar is completely straightforward:
Unpack the bar
Turn on your shower
Let your hair to be drenched with water
Put the bar under the water
Move the bar gently all over your scalp
Alternatively, you might prefer to rub the bar with your hands and then apply on the hair
Make sure you end up with lather all around your hair
Massage and enjoy its bursting scents
Rinse
Repeat the last three steps if you feel that it is necessary
Dry towel the hair
If you want to use the conditioner bar, after rinsing the soap, dampen the conditioner bar and apply on your hair with the same motions as done previously with the shampoo bar. Leave it for the time advised on the packaging then rinse again.
How long does a shampoo bar last
A shampoo bar will last for over 60 washes. Evidently, this depends very much on how many times you wash your hair during the week and on the length of your hair. The longer your hair the more lather is needed and the shampoo bar will be consumed faster.
Storing your shampoo bars
Shampoo and conditioner bars can be stored just as a soap bar on a ceramic, plastic or wooden dish. A mesh or a cotton bag could be used and tied on the shower rack. The bag can be washed in the washing machine when needed.
The best way to store these bars is in a recipient that has drainage holes to allow the excess water to disperse and keep your solid shampoo dry.
Depending on the manufacturer’s packaging, you might receive a tin with your item or be offered to buy it at a small extra cost. This can also be used for storage.
Bar shampoo vs liquid shampoo
Before deciding to switch from the conventional liquid shampoo, looking at the positives and the negatives of each type of shampoo might prove helpful.
Consumers look at products and compare them based on different aspects that are seen as important factors in deciding which items they will buy. Looking at shampoo bars vs liquid shampoos we could compare:
Consistency – there couldn’t be a bigger difference in texture than between liquid and solid. It is clear that some people will prefer to use the liquid form more than a solid bar.
Lather – shampoo bars are known for foaming less than the liquid shampoo. Improvements were made over time and there can be seen a decent amount of lather being made by the bars.
Efficacity – how fast and how well you arrive at the desired result. Both shampoos offer the same results.
Ingredients – shampoo bars tend to have a lot more natural ingredients. We talk about sulfate-free shampoo. This shampoo is great for people suffering from skin allergies, eczema and cancer sufferers.
Storage – the liquid shampoos occupy more space than the solid ones. A bar shampoo or conditioner can be stored however you please as long as it is kept away from water. Also, it is much easier to travel with a bar shampoo due to its solid form that can pass unrestricted through the airport security.
Packaging – the variety of eco-friendly ways to pack a soap bar makes it the best choice that positively impacts the environment in the long term. There is minimal to none plastic ending thrown away from a shampoo bar.
Price – prices on solid shampoos might seem higher than the average liquid ones. If we are to look at the value offered the price will be rendered irrelevant.
Availability on the market – liquid shampoos can be found anywhere: in beauty shops, hairdressers, pharmacies, supermarkets, malls, corner shops, market stalls and petrol stations. Shampoo bars are less seen in supermarket shops but really easy to reach online.
Best bar shampoo for fine hair
Fine hair needs gentle care and more volume. The best eco-friendly shampoo bars for fine hair may contain plant-based ingredients such as:
Coconut oil – moisturizing and leaving the hair with a healthy glossy look
Castor oil – hydrating effect
Nettle – stimulates the hair growth and leaves
Cedarwood oil – it is said to help the hair become thicker
Epsom salt – volumizing and soothing effects on the scalp
Using shampoo and conditioner bars for fine hair should be as easy as using a liquid one. You might need to choose and pick between different brands to find the most suitable one for your hair type. Information is always available at just one click away on different websites that compare and review body care products.
Your hairdresser can also give you more information on brands and how well they perform according to other consumers. If in doubt, a discussion with a pharmacist can be a good idea especially if you have a sensitive scalp.
