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I am fed up with all the toxins and plastic that I see on the shop shelves. There is so much talk and concern about plastic, but it is so difficult to avoid it. These days shampoo bars are a must.
When I went to the shop looking for a shampoo bar I found ONE on the bottom shelf. Why is it so difficult to be eco-friendly? We need to stop buying this plastic nightmare.
Although shampoo bars are becoming more popular, they are not a new concept. You wouldn’t know it because shops are still filled with tonnes of plastic bottles, tubs and tubes.
Any shampoo bars are strategically “hidden” on the bottom shelf.
I don’t think that people are unsure or confused about shampoo bars. Shampoo bars are just not a clear and obvious choice for the consumer. They are not even at eye level!
Not to worry, my natural beauty friend, I am here to help you make an informed choice.
On this page you will find:
- History of shampoo and conditioner
- What are shampoo bars?
- Reason 1 | Shampoo bars are plastic free
- Reason 2 | Shampoo bars consist of natural ingredients
- Reason 3 | Shampoo bars are budget friendly
- How to use a shampoo bar?
- Shampoo bars for dry, damaged and thinning hair
- Conditioner bars
- Great natural shampoo and conditioner bars to try
- Where to store shampoo bars and conditioner bars?
So, let's dive in.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission should you make a purchase using these links.
History of shampoo and conditioner
Not as weird as you might think.
"Vinegar and nettles are amazing natural conditioners!"
Amongst some (and not that many) weird ways people used to wash their hair, they used so many natural ingredients that worked. I recommend to use these ingredients today.
For example, in the medieval times people would use vinegar, nettles and other herbs to wash hair. Vinegar and nettles are amazing natural conditioners! I have talked about natural vinegar conditioner in my article here.
The Victorians would used eggs to wash their hair. Egg for hair is a wonderful nourishing treatment. Then they used coconut oil as conditioner. Coconut oil is a well-known natural conditioner for hair.
It was only in 1930s, with some very good marketing, that people started using what we now know as shampoo. Synthetic shampoo full of chemicals and plastic.
So let’s move on to shampoo bars.
What are shampoo bars?
Shampoo bars sound exactly like what they are. They are soap bars for your hair. From my research I have found that shampoo bars have natural ingredients. They are sulphate-free, phthalate free and do the same job as regular shampoo.
Reason 1 | Shampoo bars are plastic free
Shampoo bars have biodegradable packaging made of paper. The bars are quite small themselves so the waste created is minimal. Today we are constantly fighting with plastic. Mainly because companies keep making products with plastic. There is not always a choice of packaging. It’s either plastic or its plastic (joke).
The paper used to make packaging for shampoo bars can be recycled and made into new packaging. When you buy shampoo bars, it often states that the packaging is made from recycled paper. This is a much more sustainable way of living.
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Reason 2 | Shampoo bars consist of natural ingredients
As mentioned briefly earlier, most shampoo bars (though always check) contain natural ingredients. What I mean by “natural ingredients” is very simple. Natural ingredients are directly derived from nature, in other words, plants.
I know that the phrase “natural ingredients” is not regulated so I would advise to always check if you are unsure. Any products that I recommend, do include natural ingredients derived from plants. I have checked.
The natural ingredients of shampoo bars mean that they are gentle on your skin and hair. They do not strip away the natural oils from hair, which can irritate hair and scalp increasing sensitivity. Shampoo bars are also much more suitable for children and young people.
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Reason 3 | Shampoo bars are budget-friendly
I know prices are going up these days. But you can find budget friendly shampoo bars for about £3 - £4, without compromising on quality. When I went to the shop, I struggled to find regular shampoo that was under £4. Today, shampoos and conditioners are quite expensive, but also harmful. So why pay so much money for things that don’t benefit you in any way?
There is something you need to be aware of when shopping for shampoo bars.
If you are shopping in store then it is usually quite difficult to find shampoo bars. They are well hidden. But they are there! With a little more determination, you can find them on the lower shelves. If all else fails, just ask in store for some help.
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How to use a shampoo bar?
Shampoo bars are really easy to use. They can be part of your natural hair care routine.
Keep reading to see how easy it is to use a shampoo bar.
Wet your hair thoroughly and work the shampoo bar into a bit of a lather. I apply the shampoo bar in a circular motion straight onto my hair until I get the desired foamy consistency. Then massage the shampoo into your hair. Rinse well. Follow by a natural conditioner. If you are using a shop bought conditioner, apply to mids and ends of hair only.
Shampoo bars for dry, damaged and thinning hair
There are now a number of shampoo bars aimed at different hair types and problems. There are shampoo bars for dry hair, for damaged hair and shampoo bars for thinning hair.
In my view, shampoo bars that I use have a number of plant-Based ingredients beneficial for hair. Any of the plant derived ingredients will improve dry, damaged or thinning hair, to some extent. I wouldn’t expect miracles. Its just a shampoo bar after all.
So I think these shampoo bars are suitable for any hair type. Dry, damaged or thinning hair needs extra care for it to improve. I have created an article for looking after thinning and dry hair here. These natural beauty tips can form part of your hair care routine too.
Conditioner bars
When you are trying to reduce waste and follow a natural hair care routine, you could consider conditioner bars. The packaging of conditioner bars are recyclable and biodegradable. The packaging is also minimal means that you are not creating much waste at all.
You can use conditioner bars in a similar way to shampoo bars. Work into a lather and apply only to mids and ends of your hair.
Your scalp already produces natural oils, which do not need additional moisture unless your hair is really dry. If you add conditioner then your hair may look greasy after washing.
Conditioner bars contain natural ingredients to nourish you hair, such as passion fruit seed oil and mustard seed oil.
Great natural shampoo bars and conditioner bars to try
Cosmopolitan has some useful information on shampoo and conditioner bars if you live in the US.
Hedgerow & Moor Conditioner Cubes For Normal To Dry Hair
Why I like this conditioner bar:
- sulphate free conditioner
- vegan and cruelty free
- easy to use small cubes. No more soggy conditioner at the bottom of the shower
- recycled and biodegradable packaging
- handmade in England
Acala Parsley, Kale, Rosemary & Shine Shampoo Bar
Why I like this shampoo bar:
- organic shampoo bar
- plastic free and biodegradable packaging
- contains nettle for hair volume and nourishing coconut oil for gentle conditioning
Acala Camellia, Kokum and Lemon Conditioning Shampoo Bar
Why I like this shampoo bar:
- organic and plant-based ingredients
- contains castor oil which promotes hair growth
- soothing chamomile
- Suitable for dry and thinning hair
Hedgerow & Moor Shampoo Cubes For Sensitive Scalp/Dandruff
Why I like this shampoo bar:
- can be used as a shampoo bar and a body wash, which is brilliant for busy people
- divided into little cubes for ease of use and storage
- plastic free and biodegradable packaging for eco-friendly customers
Kind2 2in1 Shampoo And Conditioner Bar
Why I like this shampoo bar:
- great for busy people like me
- shampoo and conditioner in one bar saving you space, time and money
- zero waste so you can be eco-friendly
Kind2 Rebalancing One Shampoo Bar
Why I like this shampoo bar:
- suitable for all hair types
- contains coffee seed oil to help hair growth
Kind2 Sensitive One Shampoo Bar
Why I like this shampoo bar:
- suitable for dry and sensitive scalp
- contains coconut oil to deeply nourish hair
Where to store your shampoo and conditioner bars?
With all of these bars your shower will be very confusing… and slippery. Believe me. Before all your bars turn to mush you need to think about how to store them in your bathroom. You need a shampoo bar holder.
Going along with my natural and eco-friendly theme I am clearly going to suggest you avoid any plastic storage tubs or shelves. Go for natural materials such as wood and ceramic. You can try stainless steel too, if you prefer.
Conclusion: Bottled shampoos and conditioners are dead. Make way for shampoo and conditioner bars!
Sometimes it is not easy to change habits, I know. Bottles is all we know!
I think that I have given enough reasons for you to at least try shampoo and conditioner bars. Thank me later.
Have you tried shampoo and conditioner bars? What do you think?
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Why Trust The Clear Sky?
I am an educator and l am passionate about providing people with information about the beauty industry so they can be empowered to make an informed choice when spending their money. I take time to research beauty products. I recommend beauty products that are non toxic, have natural ingredients and often plastic free.
With over a decade of personal experience using natural ingredients for skin, hair and body I also provide many beauty tips which are simple, innovative and sustainable.
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