Making the Switch to Shampoo & Conditioning Bars
Over the last few years, more and more people have started looking for ways to cut down on plastic waste in the bathroom and one of the easiest swaps you can make is switching from bottles of shampoo and conditioner to solid bars.
I know it can feel a little strange at first. We’ve all grown up squeezing liquid shampoo into our hands and rubbing it through our hair, so using a bar does take a little getting used to. But once you’ve found your routine, it becomes second nature and it’s a lovely sustainable change to make.
At The Stable Soap Company, all of my shampoo and conditioning bars are handmade in small batches using plant based nourishing ingredients, without the unnecessary plastic bottle, they come in an aluminium tin.
How I Use My Shampoo Bar
Everyone finds their own way of using a shampoo bar, but this is what works best for me.
Once my hair is completely wet, I rub the shampoo bar directly onto the top of my head. I find this works much better than trying to lather it in my hands first. The bar lathers surprisingly quickly and once I’ve got a good lather going, I use my hands to work it through the rest of my hair and down to the ends before rinsing.
The first time you use a shampoo bar, it can feel a little different, but after a few washes it becomes really easy.
How to Store a Shampoo Bar
To help your shampoo bar last as long as possible, it’s important to let it dry out properly between uses.
I always recommend storing it on a soap dish that drains well or the aluminium tin it comes in rather than leaving it sitting in water. If the bar can dry out between washes, it will last much longer.
How Long Does a Shampoo Bar Last?
One of the lovely things about shampoo bars is how long they last. A single bar can last much longer than a bottle of shampoo, depending on how often you wash your hair and how much product you use, typically about a month.
Because they’re concentrated and contain no added water, a little really does go a long way.
Are Shampoo Bars Suitable for All Hair Types?
Yes — shampoo bars can work beautifully on many different hair types. Whether your hair is curly, straight, thick, fine, dry, or oily, it’s usually about finding the right bar and giving your hair a little time to adjust if you’re moving away from commercial products.
Many bottled shampoos contain silicones and synthetic ingredients that coat the hair, so switching to a natural shampoo bar can feel different at first, but most people quickly notice how soft and healthy their hair feels.
How I Use My Conditioning Bar
Conditioning bars are probably the product people are most unsure about using, but they’re actually very simple once you get used to them.
I personally only use conditioner on the ends of my hair. Before applying it, I hold the conditioning bar under warm water for a few seconds just to warm/soften it slightly. Then I run the bar through the ends of my hair until I can feel the creamy oils and butters starting to come through.
After that, I use my fingers to run the conditioner through my hair before rinsing.
It does take a little longer than squeezing conditioner from a bottle, but it’s absolutely worth it.
How to Store a Conditioning Bar
Just like shampoo bars, conditioning bars should be kept somewhere dry between uses.
A draining soap dish works perfectly or the aluminium tin. Keeping the bar dry will help it stay firm and last much longer.
How Long Does a Conditioning Bar Last?
Conditioning bars are very concentrated, so they tend to last a long time. Because you only need a small amount each wash, many people find one bar lasts for months.
What’s Inside a Shampoo or Conditioning Bar?
One of the things I love most about handmade haircare is knowing exactly what’s going into it. These bars are made using plant based nourishing ingredients and carefully selected oils and butters to help cleanse and condition the hair naturally. There is a list of all the ingredients on every product on my website.
Perfect for Holidays & Travelling
Another huge bonus with shampoo and conditioning bars is how convenient they are for travelling.
No spills in your wash bag, no worrying about liquid limits at airports, and they take up hardly any space at all. They’re lightweight, compact and ideal for weekends away, campervan trips, holidays or gym bags.
A Small Sustainable Change
Changing from plastic bottles to solid shampoo and conditioning bars is such a simple way to reduce waste in the bathroom while still enjoying beautiful haircare products.
And honestly, once you get used to using them, it’s hard to go back.