In recent years, shampoo bars have become increasingly popular among consumers as a more environmentally conscious alternative to plastic bottles of regular liquid shampoo. But other shampoo bar benefits convince more people to switch to solids. With improvements to formulas and luscious scents, shampoo bars are not only kinder to the environment but also better for hair.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of shampoo bars to understand better why many people switch their favorite bottle of shampoo for a shampoo bar.
Pros and Cons of Shampoo Bars
Although shampoo bars are a comparatively new hair care product category, they are becoming increasingly common, especially now that we all embrace sustainable living. But as with everything, there are pros and cons when switching to shampoo bars.
Shampoo bar benefits
Sustainable: Shampoo bars are more environmentally friendly than their liquid shampoo counterparts. They come in solid bar form, which means zero plastic waste. Shampoo bars are also made with biodegradable ingredients and packaged in recyclable cardboard, further reducing their impact on the environment. Additionally, shampoo bars save water; many are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
A gentle alternative to regular shampoo: Besides having eco-friendly packaging and biodegradable formulas, most shampoo bars are made of all-natural ingredients. That means they don’t contain any harsh chemicals that lead to a range of hair and scalp problems, go into waterways, and can cause potential harm to wildlife.
Well-formulated shampoo bars are made without parabens, sulfates, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances, so they don’t dry or damage hair, stripping it of its protective, healthy natural oils. That’s why they are an excellent option for those with sensitive scalps. Shampoo bars that contain EWG green-rated ingredients can also provide the same luxurious lather we expect from a traditional shampoo without stripping our hair of its natural oils and moisture.
Make hair healthier: Shampoo bars are versatile and can be used on all hair types, including color-treated, permed, and natural hair. They are PH-balanced and create a thick and natural lather, leaving hair feeling clean, nourished, soft, and healthy. Solid shampoo bars also offer a variety of other benefits, such as soothing a dry and itchy scalp, helping to prevent dandruff, improving hair elasticity and strength, and promoting hair growth.
Cost-effective and long-lasting: Bottled shampoos contain 80-90% of water, and shampoo bars are made from concentrated, active ingredients. That’s why they last longer than liquid shampoo (around 80 washes), and as a result, they are a more cost-effective option in the long run. Additionally, shampoo bars are multipurpose and can be used as a body, face wash, and shave soap. Because of the gentle ingredients, they are suitable for the whole body.
Convenient size and form: Shampoo bars are functional and easy to travel with because they are solid and don’t spill or leak. They are also compact and lightweight and take up very little space in your bag, so they are perfect for traveling, outdoor camping, and backpacking trips. Besides, they are ideal for a non-messy post-workout hair cleanse.
The cons of using bar shampoo
While shampoo bars have many benefits, they also have some drawbacks. One of the most significant issues with shampoo bars is that they may not work well if the water is hard. Hard water contains a higher level of minerals (usually calcium and magnesium) that build up in the hair. It can also make hair feel sticky and look dull. Besides, hard water can’t rinse the bar shampoo properly, but diluted apple cider vinegar can help wash it thoroughly and ensure the hair is left clean and shiny.
Shampoo bars need proper storage and can become mushy if not stored correctly. If they are left in a damp place or the wrong kind of container where no air gets inside, they may fall apart or become too soft. To avoid that, it’s essential to always store shampoo bars dry, away from direct water. It’s also best to keep them on a well-draining surface that allows lots of airflow around it.
Final Thought
So are solid shampoo bars better than their liquid counterparts? Yes, if they are well-formulated and made with natural ingredients. Regular shampoos can’t compete with them because of the numerous benefits that shampoo bars offer.
Shampoo bars contain clean and healthy ingredients, feel great on hair, are cost-effective, there’s a shampoo bar for every type of hair, and of course, they are better for the environment. These are some of the most significant qualities of shampoo bars that attract consumers and drive demand for such products.
Still, not all hair care products are created equal, so it’s important to carefully read the ingredient list when you choose shampoo bars and weigh their pros and cons.