I’m always up for trying new and innovative products from brands who do right by the environment. For years now, I always try my best to make environmentally-conscious decisions, from my movements, to what I consume, and to what daily products I use.
I find myself very interested in many green products and alternatives to the usual plastic and daily waste. I do understand that going completely green can be a big change and often expensive, but I try to do what I possibly can.
Because I try to be as eco-conscious as possible, I indulge in tons of resources and reading materials on the green movement and how I can do my part.
One of the common topics I always come across are shampoo bars. If you want to know everything there is to know about them, including how to use them and how long they last, read on below!
What is a Shampoo Bar?
A shampoo bar, like any shampoo in liquid form, is a cleansing agent for your scalp and hair. But instead of coming in the usual liquid form, it takes on a solid form i.e. a bar or ball shape.
Soaps can come in both a solid and liquid form so why can’t shampoos, right? Though not the most popular form of shampoo, they’re slowly gaining popularity due to green and sustainable beauty movements.
Shampoo bars are very much alike to your regular liquid shampoo, the only difference is the form it takes.
Shampoo Bars: The Good and The Bad
Shampoo bars are slowly cementing their place in the beauty and personal care industry. Many people have already made the switch and many more are contemplating.
To help you decide if shampoo bars is the right call for you, we have below all the good and the bad you might want to consider:
The good
It lasts long
On average, shampoo bars last for around 80 to 100 washes, depending on your use among other factors. For better understanding, one shampoo bar is equivalent to about two to three plastic shampoo bottles.
Shampoo bars, aka solid shampoo, are also more concentrated than liquid shampoos. Shampoo bars are solid while liquid shampoos are usually formulated with 80% water! This would mean you use less of the shampoo bar than you would with your regular bottled shampoo.
It’s generally natural and organic
Shampoo bars are typically free from chemicals most liquid shampoos are formulated with. They’re mostly natural shampoo bars, are organic, and are free from harmful chemicals like sulfates, dyes, parabens, and others. Though you can find some traces of essential oils in them, they’re mostly for fragrance and they’re still mostly natural and organic.
Safer for people and safer for the environment
Because shampoo bars are free from the usual chemical additives found in many bottled shampoos, they’re safer for those who use them. People who find themselves allergic or sensitive to a lot of chemicals and additives in regular shampoos find solace in shampoo bars.
Shampoo bars are also more environmentally-friendly. By using shampoo bars, one cuts down on their plastic waste. Many shampoo bars available also come with biodegradable packaging!
Cheaper and cost-effective
Because shampoo bars last longer than bottled shampoos, they’re cheaper and more cost-effective in the long run. You can get more out of a single bar than you would with one bottle of liquid shampoo.
The bad
It’s initially more expensive
Let’s just get it out there – shampoo bars are more expensive than bottled shampoos. You’ll feel the weight of its price at first, yes, but because they last longer than their liquid counterpart, they’re cheaper in the long run.
Takes some getting used to
The only true con to shampoo bars is they need some getting used to. If you’re used to liquid shampoos then shampooing with solid bars will definitely be something new you need to get used to.
How Long Does a Shampoo Bar Last?
For anyone contemplating on making the switch from liquid to shampoo, one of the questions often asked is “how long does a shampoo bar last?”
As we’ve mentioned above, shampoo bars last for around 80 to 100 washes. This roughly translates to two to three 350ml liquid shampoo bottles.
The exact answer to this question would largely depend on a variety of other factors.
Factors that affect how long your shampoo bar will last
Hair length and type
The amount of shampoo you use would depend on how long your hair is and your hair type.
People with longer hair or those with thicker hair volume would need to use more shampoo than those with shorter hair or thinner, finer hair.
Hair washing frequency
How often you wash your hair would also affect how long a shampoo bar lasts.
Those who wash their hair frequently would go through a single bar faster than those who wash their hair less.
Shampoo bar size
Shampoo bars come in a variety of sizes. For obvious reasons, bigger shampoo bars can last longer than those sized smaller.
Storage solution
Unlike bottled shampoos, how you store a shampoo bar actually affects how long it lasts. Keeping it somewhere dry and away from direct sunlight after each use would help it last longer. In the same way, leaving it drenched in water will melt it and you would have to bring out a new one sooner than intended.
Do Shampoo Bars Expire?
Like most items we purchase, shampoo bars have an expiration date. These usually expire anywhere between 12-14 months. This is subject for confirmation on the manufacturer and can vary across brands.
How To Use a Shampoo Bar
Using a shampoo bar is simple and pretty much the same as liquid shampoos with a few tweaks here and there.
- Wet hair. Remember, a shampoo bar only activates once it’s wet.
- You have two ways to apply your shampoo.
The first would be to take the bar and rub it between your hands. You can create a lather in your hands first before applying to hair. Once you’ve got your lather, massage it into your scalp and hair.
The second way would be to directly apply the bar to your hair. Go from your roots to the ends and create a lather. Concentrate the shampoo foam on your scalp and massage.
- Rinse your hair.
- Apply conditioner for added moisture and softness. Finish washing your hair as you normally would.
What To Do With the Small Leftover Shampoo Bar Pieces
With a liquid shampoo bottle, you normally water it down or cut open the bottle when it’s nearing its end.
With shampoo bars, you end up with small leftover pieces, so what do you do with it?
You can either smoosh the little piece on a new bigger piece or get yourself a soap saver bag so that leftover piece doesn’t go to waste!
Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
If you want to eliminate plastic waste that comes with regular liquid bath products, shampoo and conditioner bars might just be the way to do it. You use both the same way and you can get used to the switch in no time.
Conclusion
Shampoos are a staple in anyone’s personal care routine. While liquid shampoos are the current norm, shampoo bars are slowly gaining momentum, with the green and clean movement becoming more and more relevant.
Shampoo bars are just like your regular bottled shampoo – they clean the hair and scalp. The only difference is in the form.
Many have made the switch to shampoo bars for plenty of reasons as well:
- They last longer;
- They’re natural and organic;
- They’re safer for people and the environment; and
- They’re cheaper and cost-effective.
A common question from people who are contemplating on making the switch is “how long does a shampoo bar last?”
A shampoo bar lasts around 80 to 100 washes, which equals to roughly about 2-3 350ml bottles of liquid shampoo. Of course, this would vary per person, keeping in mind a variety of other factors:
- Hair length and type;
- Hair washing frequency;
- Shampoo bar size; and
- Storage solution.
There are also tons of conditioner bar options on the market if you decide to complete the switch!
And that has been our guide on everything shampoo bars, including how to use one and how long one lasts!