In recent years, shampoo bars have received much attention among environmentally conscious consumers, and for a good reason. Aside from being travel-friendly and long-lasting, solid shampoo bars are also a more sustainable option. They offer a lower environmental footprint than traditional liquid shampoos since they don't require plastic packaging and save water.
Shampoo bars come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and scents. They are a fantastic way to help reduce plastic waste as part of a beauty routine. But are shampoo bars good for hair? Let's discover how shampoo bars work and why they are a solid alternative to liquid shampoos.
How Do Shampoo Bars Work on Hair?
A shampoo bar is a solid version of regular liquid shampoo, so they work the same way. But instead of squeezing shampoo into the palm of your hand, you use it like bar soap. You just need to wet the shampoo bar and rub it to activate the lather, and then massage the lather into damp hair to cleanse it. To get the best results, the hair must be thoroughly wet to its roots, and it's also important to rinse the hair well to ensure no residue is left.
Why Are Shampoo Bars Good for Hair?
Like traditional shampoos, bars have different formulas for different hair types, textures, and concerns. Well-formulated shampoo bars can clean the scalp and hair as effectively as liquid ones without drying the hair out or adding too much buildup. But there are many other good reasons why many people consider switching to these eco-friendly alternatives.
Shampoo bars are made with natural ingredients
Many traditional liquid shampoos contain preservatives and harsh chemicals that leave the scalp dry and strip hair of its natural oils, which keep hair moisturized and protected against damage. Well-formulated shampoo bars are different. Along with biodegradable formulas and eco-friendly packaging, solid shampoo bars are almost always all-natural.
They contain varying blends of moisturizing oils and/or butters and no synthetic substances (typically found in liquid formulas) that go into waterways and cause potential harm to wildlife. Shampoo bars that contain EWG green-rated ingredients can create a richer lather and do not strip hair of healthy oils. They can clean well, nourish hair from roots to tips, and give it vitality and moisture.
Shampoo bars are gentle
Well-formulated shampoo bars don't contain harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and chemicals like parabens that can damage hair and cause dryness and irritation in certain scalp types. They are typically made with organic ingredients and are PH balanced, making them especially good for people with sensitive skin.
Shampoo bars make hair healthier
Shampoo bars made with essential oils and other organic ingredients work well on almost all hair types, including thin hair and color-treated hair. They can help return hair to its healthy, shiny state by removing some chemical residues from conventional liquid shampoos. They can also help relieve dry and itchy scalp, improve damaged hair, promote follicle health, increase hair growth, and create volume.
Shampoo bars smell great
Well-formulated solid shampoo bars don't contain artificial fragrances. Instead, they are scented with natural essential oils that are good for hair and scalp. Thanks to these ingredients, shampoo bars will leave hair moisturized, conditioned, and soft, giving it a wonderful and refreshing scent.
It's possible to use shampoo bars without any conditioner
Shampoo bars are typically an all-in-one hair care solution, which means they clean and moisturize hair. They are gentle and leave hair clean without feeling dry. So for some people, conditioner isn't even needed after their hair adjusts to the shampoo bar.
Final Thoughts
Made with natural ingredients, well-formulated shampoo bars are not just a sustainable alternative to traditional detergent-based liquid shampoos. They are formulated with EWG green-rated ingredients and don't contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and parabens, so they offer the cleaning power of a liquid shampoo without harsh chemicals.
That's why such shampoo bars are good for hair, making it healthier, silkier, and softer. The best shampoo bars create a thick and natural lather, leaving the hair and scalp feeling clean and healthy. There are also different types of shampoo bars to suit different hair types, so consumers who want to help reduce plastic waste as a part of their beauty routine don't have to sacrifice giving their hair the specific care it needs.
Still, it's important to note that not all shampoo bars are created equal. Some may contain SLS or other harsh chemicals that can leave hair feeling dry and brittle. So it always makes sense to read the ingredient list carefully before choosing these cosmetic products.