The Hardest Working Shampoo Bars For The Most Satisfying Wash

If you’ve not yet ventured into the world of shampoo bars, it might finally be time to give them a whirl. Most of us want to incorporate more planet-friendly products into our lifestyles, and using a shampoo that requires little or no packaging is a great way to improve the sustainability of your hair care routine. Enter shampoo bars! But what impact can they have on your hair health and the planet? Beauty Daily discovers more. 

Are shampoo bars good for your hair?  

Shampoo bars can be great for your hair, as long as you use one with high-quality, lock-loving ingredients. Look out for natural ingredients like plant oils and butters, which work to nourish and clean the hair at the same time. The Clarins Nourishing Shampoo Bar, £16, contains argan and camellia oils, which both work to cleanse and moisturise strands in one hit. It also contains white tea for hydrated, soft and shiny hair.  

But shampoo bars aren’t just beneficial for hair health, they also reduce plastic waste. Shampoo bars don’t require plastic bottle packaging, making them a much more environmentally friendly option. They also tend to last longer than traditional liquid shampoo, as you are likely to waste less, making shampoo bars more economical in the long run. 

Read next: Celebrating Earth Day 2023 

How to use a shampoo bar  

Because of its consistency, using a shampoo bar is slightly different from using liquid shampoo. Want to make sure you’re doing it correctly? Follow our fail-safe guide:  

Step one: Wet your hair 

Thoroughly rinse your hair with lukewarm water and make sure that your hair is completely saturated. This will help the shampoo bar to lather and spread. 

Step two: Rub the shampoo bar between your hands 

You can either rub the shampoo bar between your hands to create a lather or apply it directly to your scalp – whichever feels best for you. If you’re using the bar directly on your scalp, gently rub it in small circular motions to work up a lather. Alternatively, you can rub the shampoo bar between your wet fingers to create a lather, and then apply the lather to your scalp. 

Step three: Massage  

Massage the product into your hair and scalp. Once there is enough lather, use the tips of your fingers to massage it into the scalp. The shampoo will naturally clean the mid-lengths and ends of your hair as you rinse it out. 

Step four: Rinse thoroughly 

Ensure that all shampoo is removed from your hair by thoroughly rinsing it with warm water until the water runs clear and free of soap suds. 

Step five: Follow up with conditioner 

This step is optional and will depend on your hair type. If you usually use conditioner, apply it to the lengths and ends of the hair and leave it to nourish your strands for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. 

Step six: Leave shampoo bar to dry 

It’s important to allow your shampoo bar to dry thoroughly between uses. You can place it on a soap dish or a well-drained surface to ensure it dries properly and doesn’t become mushy. 

The best shampoo bars 

Clarins Nourishing Shampoo Bar, £16 

Camellia and argan oils work with white tea to nourish the hair from deep within each strand, leaving it soft and shiny without using sulphates or silicones. Not to mention its 100% natural heavenly coconut scent. 

Plantmade Rain Growth Shampoo Bar, £30   

A sulphate-free bar that works to encourage hair growth, reduce fall out and rid strands of dirt, dandruff and grime build-up.  

Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth, £15 

A shampoo bar with a formula that’s specifically tailored to repairing damage and preventing split ends.   

White tea benefits for hair  

White tea is a great ingredient for strengthening and nourishing the hair. It has antioxidant properties, which naturally help to protect hair from environmental damage – and it also acts as an anti-inflammatory ingredient, meaning it can soothe an irritated scalp, as well as help detoxify one. White tea can also strengthen strands thanks to its fortifying properties, which could lead to reduced breakage and stronger hair growth. 

Argan oil benefits for hair  

A natural oil derived from kernels of the argan tree, argan oil is rich in fatty acids making it the perfect hair moisturiser and hydrator. It has strengthening benefits thanks to its potent nutrient content and can be a great ingredient to prevent frizz as its lightweight texture works to smooth down the hair cuticle.  

Argan oil can act as a natural heat protectant when applied to the hair before using heated styling tools. It can an also provide UV protection as it contains antioxidants that shield locks from damaging UV rays and environmental aggressors.  

How to store your shampoo bar  

Storing a shampoo bar properly can help prolong its life and ensure it remains in good condition. Here are some tips on how to store a shampoo bar: 

Keep it dry 

Shampoo bars can dissolve or become mushy if left in standing water or constantly exposed to moisture. After each use, allow the shampoo bar to dry out completely before storing it. Place it on a well-draining soap dish or wire rack that allows air to circulate around the bar so that it can dry out between uses. 

Avoid humid or damp areas 

Avoid storing shampoo bars in humid or damp areas, such as the shower or near a sink, as excess moisture can cause the bar to soften or break down faster. Instead, store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct water exposure. 

Use a soap tin or container 

If you need to travel with your shampoo bar, or if you prefer to store it in a closed container, consider using a soap tin or a lidded container that provides good ventilation. Look for containers that have drainage holes or allow air to circulate to help the shampoo bar dry out between uses and prevent it from becoming soggy. 

Keep it away from direct sunlight 

Exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods can cause the ingredients in the shampoo bar to degrade or lose potency. Store your shampoo bar in a shaded area or a place away from direct sunlight to preserve its quality. 

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