We’ve collated the most searched questions about shampoo bars on the internet and answered them all here. Whether you’re a newbie to solid shampoo OR you’ve been using them for a while ……..here’s everything you never thought to ask:
- Why Use a Shampoo Bar?
Shampoo bars are a planet-friendly alternative to liquid shampoo. On average, a typical liquid shampoo formula contains around 70% to 80% water, which is crazy when there is literally water on tap in our bathrooms. We pay for a product that is largely made up of water. Shampoo bars can, on average, replace 2-3 single use plastic bottles, so they reduce plastic waste and the emissions associated with needlessly transporting water around the world.
Not all shampoo bars are made equal. Our bars are also made with natural effective ingredients and are free from synthetic fragrances, colourants and harsh cleansers like SLS, making them better for your hair and scalp.
- How Do I Use a Shampoo Bar?
It's pretty straight forward. Wet your hair thoroughly. Wet the bar and rub it between your hands to create a lather, or gently massage it directly onto your scalp and hair. Work the lather through your hair, focusing on the scalp. Rinse thoroughly.
- How Does a Shampoo Bar Work?
Shampoo bars cleanse by using coconut-derived lathering ingredients, clays, and oils to remove dirt and excess oil. Once activated by water they produce a rich lather similar to liquid shampoos but without synthetic additives or the need for plastic packaging. Look out for bars with skin-loving ingredients.
- Do You Have to Go Through a Transition Phase with a Shampoo Bar?
You do NOT have to go through a transition phase when using a solid shampoo bar (like ours).
However if your previous liquid shampoo contained silicones or sulfates you may experience a transition phase. During this period, your scalp may overproduce oils as the shampoo bar removes build up and your scalp adjusts to the gentle, natural ingredients. This phase usually lasts 1-2 weeks. Your hair and scalp will be healthier in the long run.
- Can I Use a Shampoo Bar on My Face and Body?
While our shampoo bars are formulated specifically for hair, many people enjoy their versatility, and simplicity if you have a shortage of space in your wash bag. However, for optimal results, we recommend using our dedicated body wash bars or facial cleansing balms on your skin.
- How Do You Store Your Shampoo Bar?
Shampoo bars do not require special treatment. To extend the life of your shampoo bar, store it in a dry, well-ventilated area between uses. A soap dish with drainage or a mesh bag will help – and keep it out of the ‘splash zone’ in your shower. For travel, you can keep your shampoo bar in a reusable ziplock, tin or shampoo bar holder.
- How Long Will a Shampoo Bar Last?
It depends on the weight of your shampoo bar. Our larger 100g shampoo bars last around 60-80 washes, depending on how often you wash your hair and how it's stored. For someone washing their hair 3 times a week, that’s about 4-6 months!
- What Shampoo Bar is Best for Each Hair Type?
- Best for Greasy Hair: You need a bar which removes excess oil without over-drying or stripping the hair shaft. Look for clays and botanicals that promote a healthy scalp which will balance oil production over time.
- Best for Fine Hair: Lightweight bars with gentle cleansers that condition but won’t weigh your hair down.
For these hair types we recommend our ‘Coastal Breeze’ bar which will clarify, add volume and condition but wont weigh your hair down.
- Best for Dry Hair: Look for bars with gentle cleansers and hydrating, rich oils and butters.
- Best for Curly Hair: Hydrating, sulphate-free bars that enhance curl definition.
- Best for Thick Hair: Moisturizing bars that hydrate while cleansing, for a sleek, smooth finish.
For these hair types we recommend our ‘Soothing Meadow’ bar which is packed with hydrating oils and butters and soothing botanical extracts to leave your locks deeply conditioned and nourished.
- What Shampoo Bar is Best if I Have an Itchy Scalp or Dandruff?
To maintain a healthy scalp, we need to keep it clean and moisturised (just like your facial routine). Regular cleansing with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo helps remove excess oil, dirt, and product buildup that can clog hair follicles and lead to scalp irritation. Natural oils or ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile can prevent dryness and soothe an itchy or flaky scalp.
Our ‘Serene Soother’ shampoo bar is designed for sensitive scalps, containing aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea extract which help calm irritation and reduce flakiness.
- Is a Shampoo Bar Made of Soap?
No, shampoo bars are different from regular soap bars. They are formulated with ingredients designed specifically for hair care, such as coconut-derived cleansers, clays, and nourishing oils, which as PH balanced, making them more suitable for hair health than traditional soaps.
Dont get us wrong - if you were stuck on a desert island, a soap bar will clean your hair. However, it's alkalinity isn't great for hair over the long term and its not as easy to rinse as shampoo.
- Can Shampoo Bars Help Your Hair Grow?
While shampoo (of any kind) doesn't directly cause hair growth, certain ingredients like rosemary oil (can help stimulate the scalp and promote healthy hair follicles), which can support growth over time.
Just a reminder - nutrients from your blood feed your hair follicles, promoting hair growth, so eating a balanced diet (including vitamin D, iron and Omego-3 fatty acids); balancing stress management are key to hair growth – along with scalp massage and gentle haircare.
- Shampoo Bar vs. Liquid Shampoo – What’s the Difference?
Shampoo bars contain the same cleansing power as liquid shampoos but are free from water and synthetic additives like sulfates and silicones. They’re more concentrated and longer-lasting, plus they eliminate plastic packaging, making them better for the planet.
Well done - you've reach the end. You might like to try our Solid Shampoo Bars.
