Switching from a shampoo bottle to a shampoo bar has a number of benefits for both the environment and your hair health. Solid shampoo bars are more eco-friendly than shampoo bottles without harmful microbeads and all the superfluous packaging. And it's no secret that liquid shampoos contain chemicals that can be potentially damaging to our health long-term.

Why is it worth trying solid shampoo bars?

Shampoo bars have grown in popularity in recent years as consumers want more environmentally friendly and healthier hair care products. Many people are attempting to reduce their use of plastic and use biodegradable and natural ingredients.

Shampoo bars are also balanced with bonding agents, scalp conditioning, and compounds that provide better hair nourishment than a liquid shampoo. Shampoo in solid form can be made with a dynamic mix of essential oils to boost hair health, nurture, and cleanse hair, and enliven the senses.

Many essential oils have antibacterial and antifungal qualities, which aid in the elimination of microorganisms that cause dandruff and dull hair. Other typical substitutes include coconut milk, palm oil, and castor oil that protects the hair from damage and breakage by sealing in moisture.

Making an easy transition from liquid shampoos to solid shampoo bars

If you’re ready to make the change to a shampoo bar because you want a more natural and sustainable approach to hair care, here are some tips that will help make the transition easier.

Choosing the right shampoo bar

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all shampoo irrespective if it’s in a solid or liquid form. Look for a bar with hydrating ingredients and oils for dry hair and for thin or flat hair, select a bar that’s designed to add fullness. If your scalp is easily irritated or itchy, search for a shampoo bar that contains soothing and clarifying ingredients, and if your hair is well-balanced, opt for a shampoo bar that gently cleanses your hair.

Refine your hair washing technique

Shampoo bars take a bit of getting used to but it will be easy over time with the right approach. To disperse your natural oils, begin by brushing your dry hair from the scalp to the tips. Then hop in the shower or bath and rub the bar between your fingers until thick lather forms. Gently massage the shampoo into your hair, concentrating on the scalp. After that, properly rinse it off.

Use soft water

Hard water can have an unhealthy impact on your hair, and it can also make your hair look knotted and dry. The way a shampoo bar interacts with your hair can also be affected by chlorinated, mineralized, or fluoridated water. By washing your hair with soft water, the shampoo bar can work directly with your natural oils without having to fight through chemicals in the water.

What to keep in mind about solid shampoos?

Shampoo bars are soap bars that are concentrated. They don't produce as much foam as liquid shampoos, but the lather they do make is thick and luxurious. It is also worth noting that some shampoo bars (but not all) can leave a waxy residue. In these cases, an apple cider vinegar rinse will get rid of any deposits left behind.

Some people find it difficult or painful to massage a bar on their heads. For the most part, this strangeness fades away fast. Or simply lather the soap in your hands before applying it to your hair.

How to use solid shampoo?

Begin by wetting your hair and then roll the bar a few times in your palms to build up a little lather. Work it into your hair with your hands or apply the bar directly to the hair by swiping it across your hair strands. Work the lather in to give your hair a good wash. Then thoroughly rinse to prevent any residue build-up.

How to store a solid shampoo bar?

Allowing a solid hair shampoo bar to sit in a pool of water for an extended amount of time may soften and corrode it, shortening its lifespan. Therefore it is best to have your shampoo bar to air dry on a soap dish. To avoid contact with water when you’re not using it, the best soap dishes self-drain or slightly elevate the bar from the dish's surface. Using a draining soap dish will allow your bar to dry completely, even if it becomes a little soft.

What to expect during the adjustment period?

Everyone's transition from liquid shampoo to shampoo bars is unique. Some people will barely feel the difference, while others will find it difficult to adjust. So, knowing how to use a solid shampoo bar and what to expect will make the transition better to manage.

You probably have some chemical residue in your hair if you've used commercial shampoos and conditioners for a long time. This is due to the presence of detergents and silicones in commercial hair products. It takes some time to remove these leftovers from your hair. Your scalp is recalibrating its natural oil production at the same time when changing hair care products. Your hair may feel heavy, greasy, and/or lifeless during this transition, and remember that it may take some time to experiment with finding the right shampoo bar.

Expect Great Results after the Adjustment Period

Chemicals in liquid shampoos are harsh and detergents, preservatives, and other chemical ingredients in commercial shampoos can stress your hair and scalp, causing or exacerbating issues like dryness, irritation, and peeling. Good solid bars of shampoo are made of natural components, so they won't accumulate any residue.

Using a shampoo bar over time will assist your scalp in better regulating its oil production and achieving a natural balance. The advantages of shampoo bars are that they are suitable for most hair types and work on restoring your scalp to a healthier state, reducing dandruff, and enhancing hair growth while promoting natural conditioning. The added benefit is that shampoo bars use limited packaging and thus decrease the amount of plastic waste created that is harmful to the environment.