5 reasons why you need to switch to solid shampoo bars
Switching to solid shampoo bars and solid conditioner bars seems to be all the rage right now.
Have you been considering making the move away from liquid shampoo? Or, are you already a solid shampoo bar convert who wants to convince friends and family to come on board?
There are so many reasons why everyone can benefit from switching to solid shampoo bars and solid conditioner bars. They’re better for your hair, your scalp, your wallet and our planet.
Don’t keep your curiosity bottled up any longer, take a look at our list:
Plastic free solid shampoo bar is more sustainable than recycling
Many of us think that switching to a plastic free solid shampoo bar is no more sustainable than diligent recycling…Don’t be fooled!
Shockingly, only 9% of all the plastic that has ever been made has been recycled.
The current stats for the UK are not much better! In May 2022, almost 250,000 people took part in The Big Plastic Count, the UK’s biggest nationwide investigation into household plastic waste.
Conducted jointly by Greenpeace and Everyday Plastic, the results of this survey reveal that only 12% of plastic waste is likely to be recycled in the UK. In fact, more plastic waste (17%) is shipped overseas than being recycled at home, almost half (46%) of the UK’s household plastic waste is being incinerated, with the remaining 25% going to landfill.
They are Better for the Environment
Shampoo bars create significantly less plastic waste compared to traditional bottled shampoos. Each shampoo bar represents 3-5 plastic shampoo bottles that won’t end up in landfills or oceans. With millions of plastic shampoo bottles purchased every year, the waste reduction from using shampoo bars instead can be enormous.
Shampoo bars also contain far fewer harsh chemicals than bottled shampoos. When you rinse lathered shampoo down the drain, those chemicals make their way into waterways and disrupt delicate aquatic ecosystems. Shampoo bars use more natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentler on the environment.
The manufacturing and shipping carbon footprint of shampoo bars is also much lower. Bottled shampoos require plastic manufacturing and global shipping in bottles that are mostly water weight. Shampoo bars are concentrated and lightweight, requiring less energy to produce and transport.
Many shampoo bars are handmade in small batches with natural ingredients like oils, plant butters, herbs, and essential oils. Choosing shampoo bars supports artisans who use environmentally-friendly practices, unlike mass-produced bottled shampoos from giant corporations. Going green has never been easier or better for your hair.
Cost Savings
Shampoo bars offer significant cost savings compared to bottled shampoos. A single shampoo bar can last for months, while a bottle of liquid shampoo typically lasts only a few weeks. This is because shampoo bars are highly concentrated and only a small amount is needed per wash.
You also don’t need to purchase an additional conditioner when using shampoo bars, as they cleanse and condition hair in one step. Some shampoo bars contain ingredients like oils and butters that nourish hair as you wash. This eliminates the need for a separate conditioning product.
Shampoo bars can also be made at home using just a few simple ingredients. Homemade shampoo bars cost only a fraction compared to store-bought bars and bottled shampoos. All you need is a bar soap base, essential oils, and any special ingredients you want to add. Homemade bars provide an extremely affordable way to make the switch.
The bottom line is that shampoo bars offer great value for money. Their long-lasting nature and 2-in-1 shampoo + conditioner ability add up to major cost savings over time compared to buying bottled shampoo and conditioner.
Portability
Solid shampoo bars are highly portable and travel-friendly. Unlike liquid shampoos that can spill and leak during travel, shampoo bars are mess-free. Their compact size takes up little room in your luggage or toiletry bag. Many shampoo bars are specifically designed in TSA compliant sizes that meet carry-on requirements for flights, making them ideal for air travel.
You don’t have to worry about any liquids over the allowed ounce limit. Shampoo bars are solid, so you can easily toss one in your bag without any concerns. Their durability also prevents them from being squished or damaged during transit. No more arriving at your destination with leaked shampoo covering your clothes!
Additionally, most shampoo bars come packaged in recyclable tins or paper. You don’t have to deal with traveling with plastic shampoo bottles. The minimal and reusable packaging is convenient for packing.
With shampoo bars, you don’t have to sacrifice great hair just because you’re on the go. Their transportability makes maintaining your normal hair care routine easy while traveling. Switching to shampoo bars allows you to reduce plastic waste from travel-sized shampoo bottles as well. With their mess-free portability, shampoo bars are ideal for all your hair care needs while on adventures.
Reduced Exposure to Chemicals
Switching to solid shampoo bars significantly reduces your exposure to harsh chemicals found in liquid shampoos. Most conventional shampoos contain a cocktail of synthetic ingredients like sulfates, silicones, preservatives, and fragrances.
Sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are surfactants that create a lather. But they can strip the hair and irritate the scalp. Silicones like dimethicone coat the hair shaft to make it appear smooth and shiny. However, they build up over time and require harsh sulfates to remove.
Preservatives like parabens extend shelf life but may disrupt hormones and cause allergic reactions. Fragrances, whether natural or synthetic, also frequently trigger sensitivities.
In contrast, most shampoo bars rely on gentle, plant-based surfactants like sodium cocoyl isethionate. They skip the silicones, sulfates, parabens, and added fragrances. Instead, they get their lather from mild coconut cleansers and moisturize with natural oils and butters.
By switching to shampoo bars, you avoid daily exposure to the harsh chemicals found in bottled shampoos. This reduces irritation and long-term potential health risks. Your hair and scalp will thank you!
Hair and Scalp Benefits
Switching to solid shampoo bars can provide some great benefits for your hair and scalp. The natural ingredients in shampoo bars tend to be much more gentle compared to the harsh detergents and chemicals found in many bottled shampoos. This makes solid shampoo bars an excellent option for those with sensitive scalps or dry hair.
One major benefit is that shampoo bars can help reduce dandruff. The moisturizing oils and butters found in many bars, such as shea, cocoa, or coconut, can hydrate the scalp. This helps minimize flaking and itchiness. The gentle formulas are also ideal for those prone to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
Additionally, shampoo bars cleanse hair without stripping away natural oils. Bottled shampoos often use sulfates and other detergents that can leave hair feeling dry and brittle over time. Shampoo bars tend to produce less lather, which may take some getting used to. But many users find their hair feels softer, smoother, and healthier after switching to bars. The hair is thoroughly cleansed while retaining a healthy shine and moisture balance.
Ease of Use
Shampoo bars are incredibly easy and convenient to use. Unlike bottled shampoo, you don’t need much product per wash. Just a few quick rubs of the bar in your hands creates a rich, bubbly lather that cleans hair thoroughly. The bars lather well in all water conditions, whether your shower has soft or hard water.
Shampoo bars are also mess-free and easy to store. There’s no leaky bottle to deal with. The compact size takes up little space. You can stash a bar in your gym bag or travel kit without worrying about spills or messes. No more scrambling to find the bottle cap in the shower! The bar shape makes shampoo simple and fuss-free.
Fun Factor
Solid shampoo bars add an element of fun to your hair care routine. Many brands offer shampoo bars in unique and whimsical shapes like hearts, cubes, or flowers. The shapes are often colorful and decorative as well. Beyond the appearance, solid shampoo bars come in amazing scents like coconut lime, chocolate mint, and citrus. You’ll look forward to washing your hair just to enjoy the scent!
Solid shampoo bars also make great gifts for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. They are small, portable, and come in creative packaging. Friends and family will love trying out the new experience of solid shampoo bars. You can even make your own custom shampoo bars at home. There are many recipes and tutorials online for DIY shampoo bars using natural ingredients like clays, oils, and essential oils. Making your own bars allows you to create custom scents and include ingredients you know your hair loves. Overall, solid shampoo bars add a touch of enjoyment through their appearance, scent, and creativity.
Company Ethics
Switching to shampoo bars allows you to support small, environmentally-conscious businesses. Many shampoo bar companies are independently owned and focus on sustainable practices. They tend to use natural, plant-based ingredients and avoid chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
Many shampoo bar companies are also cruelty-free or vegan. They do not test on animals or use any animal byproducts. This is an important consideration for ethically-minded consumers.
Additionally, most shampoo bar companies provide transparent ingredient lists, so you know exactly what is in the products. This sets them apart from major shampoo brands that use vague labeling. It gives consumers peace of mind about what they are putting on their body.
By purchasing shampoo bars instead of bottled shampoo, you vote with your wallet. You support small businesses with ethical values, not giant corporations. Your money goes towards companies that align with your own values around sustainability, cruelty-free products, and transparency.
Customization
One of the best things about switching to shampoo bars is the ability to customize the formula for your specific hair needs. With traditional bottled shampoos, you’re limited to whatever ingredients the manufacturer has put in it. But with shampoo bars, you can select your own oils, butters, essential oils, clays, and botanicals based on your hair type and goals.
For example, if you have dry hair, you may want to add more moisturizing oils like olive, avocado, or argan. If your hair tends to be oily, you can use clarifying ingredients like tea tree, peppermint, or lemon essential oils. Those with color-treated hair will benefit from ingredients that enhance shine and vibrancy.
You can also customize shampoo bars with fun add-ins like dried flowers, oats, salt, or coffee grounds for exfoliation. The possibilities are endless when you make your own bars. Not only will they work better for your particular hair, but you’ll also enjoy creating your own signature scents and formulas. It’s a great way to treat your hair to a salon-quality, personalized product.
Simple Routine
Switching to shampoo bars can simplify your hair care routine in several ways:
Shampoo and Condition in One. Rather than needing separate shampoo and conditioner bottles, shampoo bars contain ingredients that cleanse and condition hair. This makes hair washing easier with just one product.
Less Bottles in the Shower. Plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles take up space and create clutter in the shower. With a shampoo bar, you just need a soap dish or tin to store it neatly. This streamlines your shower storage.
Easy for Kids to Use. Shampoo bars are simple for kids to grasp and rub directly onto their hair. There’s no chance of spilling liquid shampoo. The solid bar form makes it easy for kids to lather up their hair independently.