Natural care from head to toe and a clear conscience? Yes please! 🌿 Shampoo bars are the plastic-free heroes in your bathroom. With 0% plastic and 100% care, they transform your hair into a soft, shiny style, without opening a bottle. But did you know this lovely brand offers much more than shampoo bars? Think nourishing conditioner bars, delightful hair masks and a wide range of body care, baby and kids products. This way you give your whole family and the planet a little extra love 💚
Everything you need to know about shampoo bars
- 17 min reading time
Shampoo bars: eco-friendly, budget-friendly and super trendy – this combo is the 2022 must-have! And what fits perfectly with that? Exactly: shampoo bars. We'll explain everything you need to know!
- What is a shampoo bar?
- How do I use a shampoo bar?
- Is a shampoo bar better than liquid shampoo?
- Can I switch immediately from regular shampoo to a shampoo bar?
- Is a shampoo bar good for your hair?
- How do I store a shampoo bar?
- How long does a shampoo bar last?
- Is a shampoo bar suitable for me?
- Which shampoo bars does Haarspullen offer?
- Is there such a thing as Conditioner Bars?
- Which other soap block products does Haarspullen offer?
- Is a shampoo bar free from harmful ingredients?
- Is a shampoo bar organic and Vegan?
- Are there shampoo bars that are Curly Girl Method-approved?
- Can I take a shampoo bar on a trip?
- Are shampoo bars cruelty free?
- I get an itchy scalp from shampoo bars, why is this?
- What are the pros and cons of a shampoo bar?
- Where can I ask my question about shampoo bars?
1. What is a shampoo bar?
We all probably remember grandma’s hand soap. A small square block on a dish next to the tap. A shampoo bar is basically the same concept. It’s shampoo, but in solid form. So instead of a liquid, it's a solid structure. Instead of hand soap, it’s hair soap! A shampoo bar cleanses and nourishes your hair. Other names for a shampoo bar are shampoo block, shampoo bar or hair soap.
2. How do I use a shampoo bar?
Use a shampoo bar in the shower, it works best if your hair and scalp are well wet to distribute the shampoo bar properly. Rub the shampoo bar between your hands or directly on wet hair. Massage it well through your hair and let it lather. Then rinse the shampoo thoroughly from your hair. Done? Place the shampoo bar in a dry spot to keep it in the best condition.
3. Is a shampoo bar better than liquid shampoo?
Not necessarily! The big advantage is of course that it’s plastic-free. This saves a huge amount of plastic waste. Also, a shampoo bar can be better for the environment and your wallet. You can save a lot of money as seventy grams of shampoo bar equals the content of four plastic shampoo bottles. Plus, you can use a shampoo bar about eighty times. So it’s cheaper in the long run.
Moreover, solid soap is usually gentler on hair and scalp because liquid shampoo often requires additives to prolong shelf life. These additives do not add anything to the care of your scalp and hair. Also, a shampoo bar has a lower pH value closer to the pH of your skin. If you’ve always used liquid shampoo, your scalp will need some time to adjust. How? Read question 4: Can I switch immediately from regular shampoo to a shampoo bar?
4. Can I switch immediately from regular shampoo to a shampoo bar?
Are you sold and have you picked up your first shampoo bar? Don’t be disappointed if you don’t get the desired result after the very first wash. Your scalp is probably used to a certain pH value in your liquid shampoo. What about pH values? Let us explain (or skip to the conclusion):
About pH values:
pH indicates how acidic something is. It is shown as a number from 0 to 14, with pH 7 being neutral. Numbers 0 to 7 are slightly to strongly acidic. Numbers 7 to 14 are slightly to strongly alkaline.
Your scalp’s pH is on average 4.7, your hair’s 3.7. Hair products each have their own pH that mixes with your hair and scalp’s pH when used. This can make your hair more acidic or alkaline. You best use a hair product whose pH is close to your own. Hair needs time to adjust to pH changes, which can cause tangling, frizz, dull hair, split ends, fragile hair, dryness, less resilience, etc. A good pH value (between 3.5-5.0) ensures a positive effect, leading to shiny, smooth, hydrated, strong, resilient, protected hair. You can also choose a different pH intentionally. For example, if you have an oily scalp (low pH), you can pick a shampoo bar with a higher pH like six or more. This neutralises the scalp and reduces oiliness. Handy, right?
Conclusion
Long story short, your hair just needs time to get used to the new shampoo type. It may take up to ten washes before your hair is accustomed to a shampoo bar. Luckily, there’s a solution: Apple Cider Vinegar (yes, really)! Its acidity helps balance your scalp’s pH without damaging good oils. It also has antibacterial properties and acts as a natural conditioner to detangle and soften hair. Use organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for best results. Fill a Spray bottle half with vinegar and half with water. After shampooing, apply this mix through your hair and massage into your scalp. Leave to soak, then rinse well.
Just like shampoos, shampoo bars come with different pH values so you can always choose the best match for your hair!
5. Is a shampoo bar good for your hair?
A shampoo bar can be just as good for your hair as liquid shampoo. Usually, shampoo bars are made from natural ingredients as they don’t need preservatives to stay liquid. This means fewer harmful or unnecessary ingredients burden your hair. That said, there are liquid shampoos with many natural ingredients, free from parabens, sulfates, Silicones, and more.
6. How do I store a shampoo bar?
Of course, you want your shampoo bar to last as long as possible! Here are some tips for storing your shampoo bar:
Don’t keep it in the shower. Water droplets cause the bar to slowly melt. If you must keep it in the shower, put it in a waterproof container, but even then, the bar can sweat inside.
Storing your shampoo bar in a dry (well vented) place will make it last longest. Here’s a handy tip: cut your soap into pieces so you use a small piece in the shower and keep the rest dry.
In short, store your shampoo bar best on a soap dish outside the shower, or bring small pieces for use in the shower. Remember to clean the soap dish regularly. Plus, the dish looks super cute!
7. How long does a shampoo bar last?
How long a bar lasts depends on how often you wash your hair and how much soap you use. On average, a seventy-gram shampoo bar lasts two months if you wash your hair every three days – much longer than bottled shampoo. This varies with hair length and washing frequency. Soap’s scent, colour, or effect may change over time. Don’t throw it away too soon! If it starts to smell bad or develops odd spots, discard it.
8. Is a shampoo bar suitable for my hair?
Like liquid shampoos, shampoo bars come in all kinds for every hair type. There are shampoo bars for curls, grey hair, dry hair, oily hair, coloured hair, fine/thin hair, itchy scalp, dandruff… the list goes on! Whether a shampoo bar suits you mainly depends on your personal preference for the soap feel. Solid soap is generally gentler on hair and scalp because liquid soap often needs additives to last longer. These additives add nothing to caring for your scalp and hair. Also, shampoo bars tend to have a lower pH value (acidity).
9. Which shampoo bars does Haarspullen offer?
We currently stock several brands in our webshop – top favourites are naturally Shampoobars & happysoaps. More and more brands now offer a plastic-free alternative alongside their regular shampoos.
happysoaps
The shampoo bars from happysoaps come from local Dutch soil. The choice is huge, and it’s no wonder they’re so popular here. Their growth has been explosive in a short time, and they keep innovating. With a wide range of 100% (micro)plastic-free, Vegan and natural happysoaps Shampoo Bars, there’s a suitable bar for every hair type! Converting to traditional shampoos, the bars are much cheaper. One Shampoo Bar equals three to four plastic bottles. Good for you, your wallet, and the planet!
For daily use, these bars are suitable:
happysoaps In Need of Vitamin Sea Shampoo Bar
happysoaps La Vie en Rose Shampoo Bar
happysoaps Ylang Ylang Shampoo Bar
happysoaps Fruiful PasSion Shampoo Bar
happysoaps Coco Nuts Shampoo Bar
For normal hair, these bars are suitable:
happysoaps Aloë You Very Much Shampoo Bar
happysoaps Purple Rain Shampoo Bar
happysoaps In Need of Vitamin Sea Shampoo Bar
happysoaps La Vie en Rose Shampoo Bar
happysoaps Ylang Ylang Shampoo Bar
happysoaps Fruiful PasSion Shampoo Bar
happysoaps Coco Nuts Shampoo Bar
For oily hair, these bars are suitable:
happysoaps Aloë You Very Much Shampoo Bar
happysoaps La Vie en Rose Shampoo Bar
For damaged hair, these bars are suitable:
happysoaps Aloë You Very Much Shampoo Bar
happysoaps Cinnamon Roll Shampoo Bar
For dry hair, these bars are suitable:
happysoaps You're One in a Melon Shampoo Bar
happysoaps La Vie en Rose Shampoo Bar
happysoaps Cinnamon Roll Shampoo Bar
For thin hair, this bar is suitable:
happysoaps Cinnamon Roll Shampoo Bar
For curly hair, these bars are suitable:
happysoaps You're One in a Melon Shampoo Bar
happysoaps La Vie en Rose Shampoo Bar
For limp hair, this bar is suitable:
happysoaps Cinnamon Roll Shampoo Bar
Anti-dandruff shampoo bars:
happysoaps Purple Rain Shampoo Bar
For blonde hair, this bar is suitable:
happysoaps Purple Rain Shampoo Bar
happysoaps La Vie en Rose Shampoo Bar
happysoaps Chamomile Down & Carry On Shampoo Bar
SHAMPOOBARS.NL
10. Is there such a thing as a Conditioner Bar?
If you want to start using shampoo bars, it’s logical and handy to order a conditioner bar too. Do they exist? Absolutely! We have several variants, check which suits your hair type best and pick your favourite!
Shampoobars Conditioner Bar Honey
Shampoo Bar Conditioner Bar Mango Papaya
happysoaps Tender Rose Conditioner Bar
happysoaps Chamomile Relaxation Conditioner Bar
happysoaps Aloë Vera Love Conditioner Bar
happysoaps Melon Power Conditioner Bar
happysoaps Lavender Bliss Conditioner Bar
Deodorants in plastic-free packaging
These are no longer soap blocks due to their unsuitable size for underarms, but the deodorants from the shampoo bars brands are plastic-free, aluminium-free and gentle and natural. Brands making shampoo bars also make entirely natural, plastic-free deodorants! A soap block isn't practical for this, hence a different shape!
Attitude Chamomile Baking Soda Free Deodorant
Shave bar
Yes, really! A shaving soap – it might surprise you but it foams rich and creamy. This makes the razor glide effortlessly over the skin. The Heather Shave Bar soothes and hydrates the skin and leaves it cared for, without irritation or dryness!
11. Is a shampoo bar free from harmful ingredients?
Absolutely! Shampoo bars are generally free from harmful ingredients. Lamazuna’s bars are free from sulfates, parabens and Silicones. They also lack perfume and palm oil. happysoaps uses Sodium Coco-Sulfate as a natural cleansing agent. Lamazuna uses sodium cocoyl isethionate combined with coco-glucoSide. Their shampoo bars come in recyclable packaging. Some brands may vary, often just selling 1 or 2 bars as a trend. Brands like Lamazuna and happysoaps are always free from harmful ingredients.
12. Is a shampoo bar organic or Vegan?
Plastic pollution in the sea, plastic waste on streets, plastic that isn't recycled... Plastic often hits the news lately. The big question: how do we solve it? Using a shampoo bar is a step in the right direction to reduce plastic use. A shampoo bar doesn’t come in a plastic bottle, which saves tons of plastic. Plus, a shampoo bar lasts longer than multiple plastic bottles. Buying a shampoo bar instead of a bottle saves a lot of plastic. Also, no animals are harmed making the flow cosmetics shampoo bars: all bars are 100% Vegan and organic.
13. Are there shampoo bars Curly Girl Method-approved?
Yes, these exist! Shampoo bars can also give shiny, silky curls. If you want a shampoo bar that’s Curly Girl Method-approved, check it’s free from sulfates, Silicones, mineral oils and alcohols. These ingredients dry out curls, but we want to keep them well nourished!
14. Can I take a shampoo bar on a trip?
If you have a trip planned this summer with just hand luggage, a shampoo bar is perfect! It has many advantages. First, you can pass airport security hassle-free as it’s allowed in carry-on luggage! No limits on ml like liquid shampoo. Second, it’s lightweight and takes up little space. So that cute bikini can still come! Plus, your luggage arrives dry and spill-free – no more leaky bottles!
15. Are shampoo bars cruelty free?
Yes! All shampoo bars we sell are 100% cruelty free. None of our shampoo bars are tested on animals. At Shampoobars and happysoaps, the goal is to tackle plastic pollution. They work hand in hand with nature to make all products as eco-friendly as possible. All ingredients used are 100% organic.
16. I get an itchy scalp from a shampoo bar, why is this?
An itchy scalp from shampoo bar use isn’t unusual. If you’ve always used liquid shampoo, your scalp probably needs to adjust. You might enjoy the shampoo at first but after a few weeks get irritation, flakes or oily hair. This can have several causes. Here’s what to know and how to fix it:
1 You’re allergic to an ingredient
Shampoo bars are usually made from natural ingredients. You may be allergic to one. Try a different shampoo bar to test it!
2 You don’t rinse the shampoo bar properly
Shampoo bars usually lack aggressive detergents like sulfates. So rinse your hair well to remove soap fully. Otherwise, dirt and soap residue can build up on your scalp. Rinse extra well or use apple cider vinegar as a rinse. Tip: rinsing for at least a minute gets you far!
3 Your scalp is still adjusting
Switching from liquid shampoo to shampoo bars means your scalp is washed more gently, so it must adjust. Your hair/scalp may feel oily. This just takes time! If it persists, you may be allergic or not rinsing well.
4 You need to adjust to the pH
Your scalp and hair pH differs from the shampoo bar’s. Hair must get used to this, which can delay desired results. Don’t worry if you don’t see immediate effects.
5 The shampoo bar is not right for your scalp
You might have the wrong shampoo bar that doesn’t suit your scalp. Try another! It’s also possible your scalp just doesn’t tolerate shampoo bars at all.
17. What are the pros and cons of a shampoo bar?
To sum up a long story, or eighteen questions, here’s a handy overview of the pros and cons of shampoo bars:
Pros of shampoo bars:
- They are gentle shampoos
- Often contain natural oils
- Eco-friendly
- Cheaper than regular shampoo
- No more leaky bottles in your bag
- Looks super cute and colourful
- Much less plastic waste
- Lathers nicely
- Takes up less space
- Lasts longer than regular shampoo
- No harmful ingredients, only essentials
Cons of shampoo bars:
- Hair may need time to adjust
- Takes slightly longer than normal shampoo
- Mostly only available online
- Usually doesn’t have a strong scent
18. Where can I ask my question about shampoo bars?
Do you have a question about any of our shampoo bars? Or still unsure whether a shampoo bar suits you? We’re happy to help! You can always email us at info@haarspullen.nl, and we’ll try to answer as soon as possible. We’re also reachable by phone during office hours.
