Shampoo Bars | Softer Hair

How to Store a Shampoo Bar and Keep It Dry

January 27, 2023October 27, 2021

How to Store Shampoo Bars in the Shower

Solid shampoos are a more economical and longer-lasting option than bottled shampoos. However, if you want your solid shampoo to last, you need to store it properly when not in use.

To prolong the life of your shampoo bar, it is necessary to keep it dry between uses. Otherwise, it will become soggy and dissolve rapidly. To avoid a short-lived shampoo bar, be sure to store your shampoo bar in a holder that has good drainage that allows the shampoo to dry after use.

Some shampoo bar manufacturers even offer accessories for keeping their shampoo bars properly stored in the bathroom or on the go when traveling.

Shower Rack

The simplest solution to prevent your shampoo bar from becoming soggy is storing it on a shower rack. Because water doesn’t collect in the rack, and the air circulates freely, the bar dries after use. Ideally, the position of the shower rack is not in the way of the water stream.

Shampoo Bar Holders

If you don’t have a shower rack in your bathroom a shampoo bar holder will do the job. To be consistent in your green lifestyle, you want to buy a holder made of biodegradable materials, such as bamboo, wood, or biodegradable plastics. Whatever material you chose, your soap holder must have good drainage.

1. Bamboo Shampoo Bar Holder

Bamboo is a highly renewable and easily compostable material. Bamboo holders usually have a glazed surface to prevent moisture absorption, and some bamboo holders have non-slip rubber feet that stabilize and elevate the holder from wet surfaces, allowing for better air circulation. Bamboo holders look nice in your bathroom, but they can develop mold if exposed to moisture for prolonged periods. So, it would be best if you move the holder and the bar out of the shower area after each use.

2. Wooden Soap Dish

Wooden soap dishes are another eco-friendly solution for storing shampoo and conditioner bars. They are visually appealing and add a natural aesthetic to your bathroom.

Soap holders designed with hollowed-out wooden strips allow for easy drainage and prevent the bar from softening. This design allows for better air circulation than soap trays with drainage holes in the bottom. Whatever dish you choose, make sure to keep your bars in a cool, dry area between uses.

3. Bioplastic Shampoo Bar Holder

If you opt for a plastic holder, make sure that it is made of biodegradable plastic. Bioplastic is made from organic biomass, and, unlike conventional plastics, it will decompose over time. Bioplastic holders usually have a cover that protects the bar from water drips. Drainage is enabled through openings in the bottom.

There are holders designed to put both shampoo and conditioner in them, such as the Ethique Self-Draining in-Shower Storage Container, so you don’t have to buy two separate containers. Keep in mind, however, that Ethique’s box is made for their products so it may not accommodate bars of other brands.

4. Cork Soap Dish

Cork is a renewable and sustainable natural material, and because cork soap dishes are water-repellent, they are perfect companions for your plastic-free shampoo bars. Cork dishes sit firmly on the base without slipping around. In addition, cork dishes usually have grooves that provide proper drainage. Another type of cork soap dish has holes in the base to allow excess water to escape.

5. Soap Saver Bags

Soap bags made of cotton or sisal are a convenient solution for storing shampoo and conditioner bars. You can hang soap-saver bags anywhere in the bathroom, and you don’t have to take the bar out to use it. The bags also maintain optimal moisture levels in the bars.

A bonus is that these bags allow you to easily use your solid shampoo if it breaks or is too small to use. Because you can add a new bar without throwing away anything from the old one, soap bags are considered a “zero waste” product.

Tip: Make sure to have two different bags, one for shampoo and the other for conditioner.

How to Store Your Shampoo Bars for Travel

Solid shampoos are compact and convenient for travel. They can save space in your luggage, and there is no danger of spilling the liquid. Travel accessories for your shampoo and conditioner bars should also be made of eco-friendly materials. Regardless of the option you chose, make sure to dry a shampoo bar properly before you pack it.

1. Shampoo Bar Travel Case

Shampoo bar travel cases make your shampoo and conditioner bar easy to carry when traveling. Eco-friendly cases can be made of recycled plastic, cork, wheat fiber, or bamboo.

2. Sisal Soap Saver Bag

Sisal bags are not just a good option to keep shampoo bars in the shower, but they also work well for storing the bars when traveling. These eco-friendly travel accessories are made of natural fibers.

3. Cotton Soap Saving Bag

Some people prefer cotton bags over those made from sisal fibers because cotton feels softer. Some cotton bags are made with thin towel linings to absorb moisture and prevent any leaks. Cotton bags are compostable and don’t pollute the environment when they wear out.

4. Shampoo Bar Tin

Aluminum tins will protect your shampoo and conditioner from getting squished during transport. Aluminum is a lightweight and eco-friendly material. It can be easily recycled without losing quality.

After using the shampoo bar, avoid putting it back in the tin until it’s dry. If a metal tin gets wet, wipe the tin with a paper towel. If you have to store a wet shampoo bar in the metal tin, make sure to take it out as soon as possible as moisture can melt it.

Five Shampoo Bars for Dandruff that Won’t Pollute the Environment

January 27, 2023October 19, 2021

Solid anti-dandruff shampoos can be as effective flake fighters as bottled dandruff shampoos. The main difference between solid and liquid dandruff shampoo is in the water content, although both versions contain the same active ingredients that work to get rid of flakes. However, many people prefer shampoo bars over bottled shampoos for the following reasons:

Shampoo bars are more environmentally friendly than their liquid counterparts. If you are looking for a way to reduce the use of plastic in your everyday life and prefer natural ingredients in your hair products, a shampoo bar is the right choice. Shampoo bars come in compostable packaging without plastic parts. This is important if you want to reduce plastic waste. Highly concentrated shampoo bars need less space during transport, reducing CO2 emissions. Finally, solid shampoos need less water for their production.
Solid shampoos are gentler on your skin because they are typically free of sulfates and contain fewer chemicals. Due to the lack of water, shampoo bars require fewer preservatives.
The compact design makes shampoo bars convenient for travel, as there is nothing to spill in your travel bag. If you travel by plane, you don’t have to worry about the amount of liquid in your checked luggage.

a hand holding an anti-dandruff shampoo bar

What is the Best Shampoo Bar for a Flake-Free Scalp?

If you are taking steps toward reducing plastic waste and want to keep your scalp and hair happy, a dandruff shampoo bar might be your choice.

If you have just switched from conventional shampoo to a shampoo bar, it may take some time to master the technique. Washing hair with classic liquid shampoo is faster and more convenient than using a shampoo bar. But, if you are determined, you will get used to solid shampoos over time. Plus, you may discover the bright sides of using shampoo bars.

Below is a list of carefully selected shampoo bars that are formulated to decrease itchiness and flaking. The suggested shampoos are made of natural ingredients and are not harmful to your health but also to the environment. The ingredients are sustainably harvested, and the manufacturer is committed to reducing plastic waste.

dandruff solid shampoos on wooden holder

1. Ethique Dandruff Shampoo Bar for Itchy Scalps, Heali Kiwi

This shampoo is formulated to help maintain a healthy scalp and relieve mild itchiness that can be controlled by herbal ingredients in hair shampoos. The active ingredients that soothe irritation include heali kiwi, neem oil, oatmeal, and Karanja oil.

The manufacturer claims that their shampoo bar may outlast three bottles of liquid shampoo. Even if you have some doubts about this claim, a significant amount of water is certainly saved by producing highly concentrated shampoo bars.

This solid shampoo is made from sustainable ingredients, which means that it does not contain palm oil. The mild scent comes from lavender essential oil. The packaging is made of compostable paper without plastic parts.

Wet your hair and the bar with warm water. Rub the bar down your hair several times. Massage your hair and scalp with your hands to work up a lather. If you have hard water, be sure to apply the shampoo twice.

2. superzero Shampoo Bar for Dandruff and Itchy Scalps

The manufacturer claims that their shampoo bar can replace 2-3 8.4 oz shampoo bottles. The manufacturer consistently delivers products in plastic-free packaging.

The active ingredients for a healthy scalp are Ziziphus Juazeiro bark extract and tea tree oil. A mild, refreshing scent comes from essential oils. The shampoo bar has a grainy texture.

Despite being sulfate-free, this shampoo bar develops a decent amount of foam. You can apply it in circular motions if you have short hair, or in up-to-down motions, if you have long hair that might be prone to tangling. The potential downside of this shampoo is that hair may feel dry. Be sure to use conditioner to add moisture and softness to your hair and to make combing easier.

3. Kitsch Dandruff Clarifying 2-in-1 Shampoo and Shave Bar

These shampoo and conditioner bars are plant-based, vegan, and come in compostable packaging. This set is also cruelty-free, and the company is Leaping Bunny certified.

Active ingredients in shampoo that may work for relieving dandruff are lemongrass essential oil, spearmint essential oil, and tea tree essential oil.

The bar gently cleanses hair while moisturizing and nourishing it with castor oil. It has a pleasant, luxurious scent and can also be used as a body wash.

You can buy shampoo and conditioner bags on the manufacturer’s website, and then hang them in the bathroom. Shampoo and conditioner bags look different to make it easy for users to distinguish shampoo from the conditioner.

The downside of this shampoo is its tendency for cracking.

4. DermaHarmony 2% Pyrithione Zinc Shampoo Bar for Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis

DermaHarmony Shampoo Bar is formulated to relieve scalp irritation and flaking. This shampoo bar is an earth-friendly alternative to the liquid Pyrithione Zinc shampoo. It contains 2 percent zinc pyrithione, an active ingredient responsible for relieving dandruff.

After rubbing the hair with a bar and creating foam, it is important to allow the shampoo to sit for at least 30 seconds.

Over time, you will be able to wear dark shirts without worrying about white flakes on your shoulders.

5. Sulphur Shampoo Bar – Dandruff & Scalp Care

This shampoo contains 1% sulfur, which is known to relieve dandruff. The formula also uses essential and carrier oils that nourish the scalp and hair. This shampoo bar leaves hair clean, shiny, and voluminous.

The possible downside is a rather intense sulfur scent. The relief this bar provides may be worth tolerating the smell.

For best results, use this shampoo bar every other time you wash your hair. Rotate it with your regular shampoo bar.

If your dandruff problem is severe and persistent, you may want to speak to a dermatologist about the best choice of shampoo.

Six Color-Safe Shampoo Bars

January 28, 2023October 13, 2021

Truly Plastic-Free Shampoo Bars

good looking blonde young woman with light straight long hair

Solid shampoo bars are a gentler alternative to liquid shampoos that are often full of synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and other chemicals. Rather, these bars are commonly made from natural ingredients and don’t contain harsh sulfates that can cause premature color fading. What they do contain are plant oils and herbal extracts that work to nourish your hair and scalp.

While researching this topic, I went looking for solid shampoos that met the following criteria: they contain no harmful chemicals, they’re color-safe, and the producer doesn’t use any plastic packaging. I left out products with aggressive marketing campaigns, as well as those that had received many positive reviews over only a very short amount of time. I also gave preference to products made in the USA.

I chose to avoid products that come in boxes or wrapping made from disposable plastic because customers looking for eco-friendly products wish to reduce their plastic waste and can be disappointed upon receiving the product. This list, therefore, doesn’t include such products or companies, as it is generally only for marketing purposes that they describe themselves as environmentally friendly. Of course, in some situations, it’s the delivery company that chooses to use plastic packaging. In these cases, you can instead choose to purchase the shampoo bar directly from the manufacturer’s website.

If you are looking for both a more sustainable and a healthier way to shampoo your colored locks, a shampoo bar is definitely a great choice. You may need some time to transition from liquid to solid shampoos, as the process can take a little longer with bars. Just be aware of that and have some patience when you first decide to go plastic-free.

eco friendly solid handmade colorful shampoo bars

Color-Safe Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bars

This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.

1. The World’s First Zero-waste Shampoo: Ethique Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

This company is truly committed to eliminating the use of plastic bottles and reducing plastic trash in the oceans. Their solid shampoos and conditioners are super concentrated, biodegradable, and come in compostable packaging. They use a sustainable production process for their bars, which don’t contain any palm oil or chemicals. The bars are also vegan and cruelty-free.

The shampoo itself has a mild scent that doesn’t stay in the hair for long. It can be applied by rubbing the bar directly onto your hair, or by creating a foam with your hands and then applying it. For the best effect, you should use more shampoo on your scalp and the roots of your hair, and apply conditioner to the ends.

Ethique’s shampoo creates a rich lather due to its sodium coco sulfate content—a detergent that, although produced from coconut oil, cannot be considered completely natural. However, it is less irritable than harsher sulfates and is also lower down the ingredients list than the milder and more prevalent sodium cocoyl glycinate detergent that it’s combined with.

As a result of this combination, Ethique’s shampoo bars have optimal washing power and produce a rich lather without stripping your natural protective oils or your hair color. Every shampoo will shorten the life of your hair color to a certain extent, but this one has less of a negative effect on color than liquid shampoos containing sulfates. You can read more about their selection of surfactants by taking a look at their website.

According to Ethique, their shampoos last a long time despite their small size, and their compact shape actually makes them very convenient to carry in a travel bag. The company also produces biodegradable shampoo holders made of bamboo and sugarcane. With these, your bars will not dissolve and fall apart, and it’s even possible to put both shampoo and conditioner in the same holder if you turn them sideways.

2. Aspen Kay Naturals Solid Shampoo Bar

This solid shampoo is made in Florida and comes with an impressive list of organic ingredients. It uses a very mild cleanser obtained from coconut oil—sodium cocoyl isethionate—so it’s not aggressive to colored hair and won’t strip the natural protective oils from your scalp and hair. The refreshing citrus scent is suitable for both sexes, although the manufacturer recommends that you can simply rinse well after shampooing if you don’t want the scent to stay in your hair. They also mention that their shampoo bar works well with hard water.

This product used to be delivered in a metal box that could then be used for traveling, but this is unfortunately no longer the case. Currently, Aspen Kay Naturals uses a plastic wrapper for deliveries via Amazon. You can however buy a travel box separately directly on their website, and the company has stated that this is a temporary situation while they prepare to go truly plastic-free during the delivery phase.

young girl with colored hair in red shirt

3. HiBAR Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

HiBAR shampoo bars are available in five different versions: Fragrance-Free, Moisturize (both for dry or damaged hair), Maintain (for normal or oily hair), Volumize (for thin, lifeless, or curly hair), and Soothe (for itchy, flaky scalps). All of these formulas are described as safe for colored hair and free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and silicones.

HiBAR shampoos and conditioners have an unusual design that is supposed to make them easier to use. However, some users have had trouble holding the bars in their wet hands. Another downside is that, although the shampoo and conditioner come in separate boxes, you may have trouble differentiating the two once unpacked.

The bars are packed in compostable cardboard, which shows that the manufacturer is committed to reducing the use of plastic. However, due to the non-compact shape of their products, ultimately more packaging material is needed.

Like all solid shampoos, these bars should be kept away from water between uses. The company does not have an original transport box for sale, and they instead simply recommend that you wrap the bars in a towel during travel to keep them safe and dry.

4. Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Set by Clever Yoga

This certainly is an eco-friendly product in every way. Clever Yoga wraps the bars in paper and ships them in a biodegradable cardboard box. They also claim that their products do not contain palm oil. As you probably know, excessive industrial production of palm oil in certain parts of the world is currently doing a lot of harm to many plants and animals. Since this product is also cruelty-free and biodegradable, you can be relaxed and not feel guilty while using it.

Both bars have a mild and neutral scent, so they can be used equally well by women and men. According to the manufacturer’s description, one shampoo bar lasts for about 60 washes. It’s quite compact and very convenient for traveling—you can also use it as a body wash.

5. Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Color Shampoo Bar

The best thing about this color-safe shampoo bar is that it cleanses well without drying out your hair. It leaves your locks shiny and manageable, and without any of the residues that are unfortunately an unwanted side effect of many shampoo bars. It’s also very good at creating a nice creamy lather after rubbing it across your hair.

The bar is heart-shaped and smells like roses, making it very giftable. But such a shape can make it less compact and more of a hassle to take with you on the road, as finding a container to fit it can be difficult.

Another possible downside is that the scent is rather overpowering, especially before you use the bar. The scent doesn’t stay in your hair for a long time, but your bathroom and your travel bag may keep on smelling like roses!

6. Naples Soap Company Solid Shampoo Bar

These coconut oil and cocoa butter-based moisturizing shampoo bars are advertised to last for 50 to 75 washes. They create a rich lather that makes application easier and come in several unisex versions that have either a citrusy smell or are scent-free. They are made in the USA, are convenient for travel, and do not contain any ingredients that would dry out your hair or fade its color. The shampoos have a multicolored surface, while the conditioner has consistent color, so you will be able to easily distinguish them.

All their shampoos and conditioners are wrapped in paper but are shipped in a plastic box (although this can be reused for other purposes). To ensure that you avoid excess plastic packaging, you can however place your order directly on the company’s website. Then, the bar will be sent to you in biodegradable cardboard without a plastic container. If you are looking for zero-waste shampoo, then this may be a good choice for you.

Which is Better, Shampoo Bar or Liquid Shampoo?

January 28, 2023September 23, 2021

charming blonde woman with clean straight hair

In today’s climate-minded culture, shampoo bars and shampoo bottles are fighting for space on store shelves. Though these bars were once a thing of the past, this growing trend of environmentalism coupled with a keen eye for chemical-free products is continuing to grow.

The traditional shampoo bottle still has its diehard fans, with some refusing to accept this new eco approach. Some customers find a way to stay environmentally conscious by using biodegradable liquid shampoos. Some others go one step further by purchasing liquid shampoos packed in aluminum bottles that can be reused or recycled indefinitely (Plaine Products).

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of both packaging types.

Shampoo Bars Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Shampoo Bars Are Environmentally Friendly

Consumers are taking note of the damage single-use plastic has on our oceans and planet. More and more people are doing their part to bypass the purchase of this plastic altogether, instead opting for a biodegradable bar that won’t damage sea life. Sold in compostable packaging, the bar is the ultimate alternative to shampoo bottles for people who are looking to cut down on single-use plastic consumption.

The carbon footprint is also significantly offset in the shipping process, considering shampoo bars are more concentrated than their plastic counterparts that can contain up to 95% water.

2. More Natural than Bottled Shampoos

Consumers are opting for all-natural options as the long-term damage of harsh chemicals found in bottled shampoos is becoming more widespread. Most shampoo bars are made using all-natural or organic ingredients and don’t use as many synthetic ingredients as commercial bottled shampoos. While these natural formulas protect hair from damage, they also benefit those with sensitive skin.

Buyers can rest easier knowing their shampoo bar is sulfate-free and created without artificial fragrances that tend to cause skin irritation and dryness.

3. Cost-Effective

A little goes a long way when it comes to shampoo bars. While it depends on hair length, volume, and frequency of use, a standard bar typically lasts between 80-100 washes. Compare this to the 25-35 washes in a standard bottle and the cost benefits become immediately clear.

Just be sure to store the bar in a dry container away from water, allowing it to fully dry between uses.

4. Travel Friendly

Solid shampoo bars are compact and easy to put in a travel bag. There’s no need to waste time filling a smaller container the night before a trip. Liquid content isn’t an issue, so you won’t have to comply with awkward airport restrictions and regulations, and mid-flight spillages won’t be a possibility.

Convenience is also a factor in terms of bathroom space. With a shampoo bar, you won’t have your bathroom cabinet cluttered due to shampoo bottles stored in it.

Cons

1. Waxy Residue & Buildup

Shampoo bars have a waxy consistency, meaning a layer of wax can cling to strands, building up in your hair and inevitably weighing it down. While this results in a greasy and unsightly look, it’s easily remedied. Haircare pros recommend a bi-weekly apple cider vinegar rinse to deal with wax buildup.

2. More Tangles and Knots

Many shampoo guidelines instruct users to rub the bar directly on their heads to properly lather up. Those with long, porous, or curly hair may find it difficult to comb their hair after washing it with a shampoo bar. Applying a bar directly to wet hair their hair may result in more knots, hassle, and hair breakage.

To reduce the possibility of tangles, try to rub the wet bar between your hands to create a lather that you can then apply gently to your hair to reduce any damage. Once that’s done, wash as you would with liquid shampoo.

3. Adjustment Issues

Sometimes the transition from chemical-filled liquid shampoos to an all-natural shampoo bar is not smooth. Trying out a new product, especially for those with problematic hair, can be intimidating. It may take a few weeks to get used to this new type of shampoo. Your hair and scalp also need time to adjust. But there are good chances that your patience will pay off.

Why are Bottled Shampoos Still a Favorite?

Essentially, nobody likes change. Consumers develop a sense of brand loyalty and will always return to a product that meets their demands.
Bottled shampoos come in eye-appealing packaging which may attract some customers. Their content is often colored for the same purpose.
You can put the bottle anywhere without worrying that it will dissolve due to moisture in your bathroom.
And while the convenience of traditional shampoo bottles can’t be denied, the process of using a shampoo bar requires just a little more effort. But the benefits of shampoo bars clearly outweigh the negatives.

charming blonde woman in wite shirt with clean hair

5 Purple Shampoo Bars that Instantly Tone Down Brassy Hair

December 11, 2022December 30, 2020

Should You Opt for a Purple Shampoo Bar?

Purple shampoos, regardless of their form, are designed to combat brassy tones in blonde and gray hair. Lately, more and more people have switched to shampoo bars as an alternative to traditional liquid shampoos. Here are a few reasons for that:

1. Environmentally friendly packaging

Switching to shampoo bars is a great option to reduce the use of plastic in your everyday life. Purple shampoo bars are an eco-friendly alternative to liquid purple shampoos that usually come in a plastic bottle.

By eliminating water manufacturers can offer more concentrated products. This results in smaller packaging, less plastic waste, and less carbon emission when the product is being transported. Shampoo bars usually come in a cardboard box or in a metal thin that later can be easily repurposed or recycled.

Purple shampoo bars are a way to keep the brassiness and yellowness away with a low environmental impact.

graceful white woman sitting on sunny beach near ocean

2. A little goes a long way

It is very likely to accidentally waste a liquid shampoo during its application. When using shampoo bars, unnecessary product waste is minimized.

Although they look small, shampoo bars last longer than standard liquid shampoos. A single bar can last you a couple of months. Just make sure to keep it dry between uses.

3. Purple shampoo bar is an ideal travel companion

Shampoo bars are compact and more convenient for travel than bulky shampoo bottles. A simple bar is small enough to take with you anywhere, saving considerably on space and weight when you are packing for your vacation trips. You also don’t have to worry about airport liquid limits or leaking bottles in your travel bag.

Metal thins they originally were packed in are perfect for storing when you travel. Make sure that the bar is dry before putting it in your suitcase, otherwise, it may melt.

4. Fewer chemicals

Liquid purple shampoos can contain harsh sulfate-based cleansers and other chemicals that can harm your color.

Shampoo bars contain fewer scary additives you can’t pronounce. Their formula with no added water eliminates the need for using synthetic preservatives.

By switching to shampoo bars, you will stop putting chemicals on your skin during your hair care routine. This can be a great benefit for people with sensitive scalps.

lovely romantic blond girl enjoying the perfect smell of lavender

Purple Shampoo Bar Brands

This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.

1. Banish the yellow: Ethique Tone It Down – Purple Solid Shampoo

Ethique is one of the most popular sustainable beauty brands. The company has a mission to save the world from plastic waste. They use biodegradable and ethically sourced ingredients to produce sustainable beauty products.

The packaging of this purple solid shampoo is compostable and eye-pleasing, and the bar has a lovely floral fragrance!

Ethique solid purple shampoo is created for dyed blondes and also works great for gray and silver hair. It tones the brassiness and helps keep the color nice and bright. It refreshes your highlights and leaves your locks feeling softer and easier to detangle.

This solid shampoo is equivalent 32 oz bottle of liquid shampoo and it will last you for quite a while.

Formulated with Cocoa Seed Butter, Babassu Seed Oil, Jasmine Oil, and Beetroot Extract it can be used as your regular shampoo, along with the matching conditioner bar.

gorgeous blond woman with natural make up resting on sunny beach

2. Hello to shiny silver: Soul & Soap Silver Shampoo Bar

Soul & Soap shampoo bar comes in a recyclable cardboard box. The company is in the process of eliminating plastic use in the whole product range.

Their silver shampoo bar is designed to eliminate the yellow and brassy tones from blonde and grey hair. It also keeps your highlights bright. This solid shampoo is suitable for colored hair, but not recommended for use on very dry hair. The matching conditioner helps with softening and detangling.

Gentle cleansing agents combined with Cocoa Butter and Keravis protein moisturize hair and leave it soft, shiny, and manageable even if you live in a hard water area.

3. Fantastic lather: Clarifying Purple Toning Shampoo Bar Honeysuckle + Jasmine by Twilight Aurora Beauty

This pH-balanced vegan purple shampoo bar works for bleached, blonde, and gray hair.

Violet pigments balance the tones in your hair and keep it from turning brassy. A blend of amino acids promotes moisture retention, reduces static, and improves hair elasticity. Pro-vitamin b5 infuses your hair with moisture and makes it feel softer.

This solid shampoo creates a luxurious purple lather and has a nice and soft scent.

romantic blond woman with bouquet of lavender

4. Invigorating scent: Blondini Purple Solid Shampoo Bar by NECTAR

This Zero-Waste shampoo is ethically sourced, vegan-friendly, and kind to your hair and scalp. It leaves bleached, grey, and naturally blonde hair brass-free and much brighter.

The Refreshing spa-like scent comes from Lemon Verbena essential oil.

If your hair is on the dry side, make sure to follow with the corresponding conditioner.

graceful white woman standing on sunny beach near ocean

5. Blonde toner: Enlightening Shampoo Bar by Upfront Cosmetics

Enlightening Shampoo Bar is designed to balance tones in light shades of hair. It uses blue tansy oil and violet pigments to neutralize unwanted yellow tones and to promote brightness in blonde, silver, and grey hair.

Although sulfate-free, it creates rich, non-irritating leather. It is pH-balanced, mild, and safe for color-treated hair. When paired with the matching conditioner it leaves your hair feeling silky soft.

charming blonde girl in straw hat smells flowers

From Liquid to Solid Purple Shampoo: Tips for an Easier Transition

Be prepared to be on a little bit of a learning curve if this is the first time you use a shampoo bar. Your hair needs some time to adjust to the change in a product. They work better for thicker than fine hair.

Wet the bar and your hair before shampooing. Rub the bar down the length of your hair in a combing motion. Repeat the motion a few times and continue to add water until good lather forms and thoroughly covers your hair. Then use your fingers to really work the lather around and cover your entire head.

Another way is to rub the bar in your hands to build up a lather and then spread it over your wet hair and scalp. To make sure not to miss any spot, work the lather until you have a rich foam.

Keep the bar away from the shower to prevent mushiness. Use a soap saver to let the bar air dry between uses and extend its longevity.

When you are using a shampoo bar for the first time, it may leave your hair with an initial feeling of dryness. This might happen because shampoo bars don’t use wax and silicones to coat the strands. It can take a while for your scalp to adjust and start using its natural oil to moisturize and soften the hair.

lovely blond woman with bouquet of lavender

Where Can You Find Plastic-Free and Zero-Waste Shampoo Brands

December 27, 2022December 27, 2019

As we know, the planet is running out of resources and landfill space is also limited. For this reason, many of us now prefer to buy hair care products that won’t pollute the environment. Today we will talk about how much impact does your favorite shampoo have on the environment? Where can you find a sustainable and low-waste shampoo to help the planet while washing your hair? Does the way you use the shampoo matter?

What Is Eco-Friendly Shampoo?

Ordinary hair shampoos may contain ingredients that negatively affect the environment. Zinc pyrithione is an example. This anti-dandruff agent found in many anti-dandruff shampoos is very toxic to marine life. Another toxic ingredient is hair shampoo is a fragrance that may hide harmful chemicals. Some preservatives in hair shampoos such as parabens and triclosan may also pollute the environment.

Eco-friendly shampoos are made with biodegradable ingredients that are safe for your health and will not harm marine life when you flush them down the drain. Eco-friendly shampoos should come in biodegradable or recyclable packaging. Finally, the manufacturing process should be sustainable.

A woman washing her hair with a biodegradable shampoo

How Shampoo Bottles Impact the Environment

Most shampoo bottles end up in the garbage. Nonbiodegradable bottles end in oceans and can harm fish and seabirds.

Some earth-friendly companies are turning to aluminum as an alternative to plastic. The aluminum bottles can be reused several times and are also completely recyclable. Recycling also saves the energy required for producing aluminum bottles from raw materials. If we take the time to dispose of them properly, aluminum bottles and cans will create minimal waste. Unlike recycled plastic which is of lower quality than the original, aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without losing in quality.

Another way to use less plastics is to buy shampoo bars that come in compostable paper wrapping. These shampoo bars are much more eco-friendly than bottled shampoos.

The way you use your shampoo is also important. Be sure to use no more of the product than necessary. By using less shampoo, you send less chemicals down the drain and also cut down on the number of plastic bottles thrown away.

a beautiful woman holding a shampoo bottle

Eco-Friendly Shampoo Brands

To satisfy consumer needs and to build a more sustainable future, many beauty companies started to use sustainable materials and renewable energy to produce eco-friendlier beauty products. Moreover, they started to use reusable or recyclable packaging.

Below is a list of several widely known earth-friendly companies and their popular green hair products.

1. Refillable Shampoos: Environmentally-Friendly Shampoos by Plaine Products

These no-waste shampoos are made with organic and biodegradable ingredients, and the company promotes the concept of reusable packaging.

The company uses refillable aluminum bottles for their shampoos. When ordering the first time, you need to choose the “with pump” option. When ordering a refill bottle, choose the “without pump” option. The refill bottles come in a box with the return label to send the empty bottles back. The manufacturer will clean and reuse them.

The downside: Plaine shampoos are a bit on the pricey side, so you need to spend more money on their green products.

2. Non-Toxic Shampoo: Intelligent Nutrients Environmental Size Shampoos

Intelligent Nutrients, the first USDA-certified organic hair care line, was created by Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher who was an active environmentalist and innovative business leader. He started a green-powered farm in Wisconsin. Intelligent Nutrients beauty products are made from organically grown plants. You can find the full ingredient list for each product listed on the bottle. The bottles are made of recycled plastic.

Zero Waste Shampoo: Solid Shampoo Bar by Ethique

Ethique company has a mission to eliminate plastic waste by creating high-quality, zero-waste beauty products. Their shampoo bars are made from sustainably sourced and biodegradable ingredients. These products are vegan and certified cruelty-free.

Unlike liquid shampoos that contain up to 95 percent water, Ethique shampoo bars are highly concentrated. The company claims that one shampoo bar can replace three bottles of liquid shampoo. Their products come in 100% compostable packaging. The compact size makes their shampoo bars convenient for travel.

4. Sustainable Shampoo: Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Soaps and Soap Bars

Dr. Bronner’s is the best-selling brand of organic body care products in North America. Their products are made of certified organic ingredients. They are also concentrated, biodegradable, free of synthetic preservatives, and free of cruelty. The bottles are made from recycled plastic. Dr. Bronner’s liquid soaps and soap bars are highly versatile and have no harmful effects on people, animals, and the environment.

5. Low Waste Shampoo: Biodegradable Shampoo & Body Wash by Direct 2 Boater

According to the manufacturer, this 2-in-1 hair and body wash is safe to use in fresh, brackish, or salt water and is not harmful to coral reefs. This product is unscented, which means fewer potentially toxic ingredients.

Downsides: There is not enough information about the packaging. Plus, the bottle has a wide opening that makes dispensing smaller amounts of the product almost impossible.

Final Words

Some companies promote green lifestyles preferably for marketing purposes. If you order a product that is advertised as green but comes in plastic packaging, don’t buy it again. Environmental responsibility must be included in all stages, starting with sustainable raw materials and green power sources. Finally, your beauty products should come in eco-friendly packaging. So, make sure to only use products that are fully in line with your journey toward a zero-waste lifestyle.