Everything you need to know about shampoo bars

• March 07 2022
• 21 min reading time

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Shampoobars: environmentally friendly, good for your wallet, and super trendy - this mix is the trend of 2022! And what fits perfectly with that? Exactly: shampoo bars. We explain everything you need to know about them!

1. What is a shampoo bar?
2. How do I use a shampoo bar?
3. Is a shampoo bar better than a ‘liquid’ shampoo?
4. Can I switch immediately from a regular shampoo to a shampoo bar?
5. Is a shampoo bar good for your hair?
6. How do I store a shampoo bar?
7. How long does a shampoo bar last?
8. Is a shampoo bar suitable for me?
9. Which shampoo bars does Haarspullen offer?
10. Is there such a thing as Conditioner Bars?
11. What other products does Haarspullen offer in the form of soap bars? 
12. Is a shampoo bar free from harmful ingredients?
13. Is a shampoo bar organic and vegan?
14. Are there shampoo bars that are Curly Girl Method-proof?
15. Can I take a shampoo bar with me when traveling?
16. Are shampoo bars cruelty free?
17. I get an itchy scalp from shampoo bars, why is that?
18. What are the pros and cons of a shampoo bar?
19. Where can I ask my question about shampoo bars?

 

1. What is a shampoo bar?

We probably all still remember grandma’s hand soap. A square block that lay on a dish next to the tap. A shampoo bar is basically the same idea. A shampoo bar is a shampoo, but in a solid form. So there is no liquid substance, but a solid structure. Instead of hand soap, it is hair soap! A shampoo bar cleanses and cares for your hair. Other terms used 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, as it is 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 the wet hair. Then massage it well through your hair and let it lather. Rinse the shampoo thoroughly from your hair. All done? Then place the shampoo bar in a dry spot to preserve it as well as possible. 

 

3. Is a shampoo bar better than a ‘liquid’ shampoo?

Not necessarily! The big advantage is, of course, that it is plastic-free. This saves an enormous amount of plastic waste. In addition, a shampoo bar can not only be better for the environment but also for your wallet. You can save a lot of money with a shampoo bar, as 70 grams of a shampoo bar can be equivalent to the content of 4 plastic bottles of shampoo. Furthermore, you could use a shampoo bar about 80 times. This makes it cheaper in the long run.

In addition, hard soap is generally a bit milder for the hair and scalp because liquid soap usually needs additive ingredients to, for example, last longer. These additive ingredients do not add anything to the care of your scalp and hair. In addition, a shampoo bar also has a lower pH value (acidity) that is closer to the pH value of your skin. If you have always washed your hair with liquid shampoo, your scalp will need some time to get used to this. How? Read that in question 4: can I switch immediately from a regular shampoo to a shampoo bar?

 

4. Can I switch immediately from a regular shampoo to a shampoo bar?

Are you completely sold and have you gotten your first shampoo bar? Then don’t be disappointed if you don’t get the desired result right after the very first wash. Your scalp is probably used to a certain pH value of your liquid shampoo. What exactly about those pH values? We explain it to you (or skip the explanation and go straight to the conclusion):

About pH values:
A pH value is used to indicate how ‘acidic’ something is. This is indicated with numbers between 0-14, where a pH value of 7 is considered neutral. Everything between 0-7 is considered slightly acidic to strongly acidic. Everything from 7-14 is considered slightly alkaline to strongly alkaline. 

The pH value of your scalp is on average 4.7 and of your hair 3.7. Hair products you use all have their own pH value, which mixes with the pH value of your hair and scalp when used. This can make your hair more acidic or alkaline. It is best to use a hair product that is close to your own pH value. This is because your hair needs to adjust if there is a change in pH value, which can result in: tangles, frizz, dull hair, split ends, fragile hair, dry hair, less resilient hair, etc. A good pH value (between 3.5-5.0) therefore has a positive effect, which can lead to: shiny, smooth, hydrated, strong, resilient, protected hair. You can also deliberately choose a different pH value. For example, if you have an oily scalp (which is a low pH value), you can choose a shampoo bar with a slightly higher pH value, such as 6 or higher. This neutralizes the scalp so you are less likely to suffer from an oily scalp. Handy, right?

Conclusion
To make a long story short, your hair just needs some time to get used to the switch of shampoo type. At first, getting used to a shampoo bar can take some effort, but hang in there! It can sometimes take up to 10 washes before your hair is accustomed. But luckily, there is the solution: Apple Cider Vinegar (yes, really)! The acidity in apple cider vinegar can be very helpful in achieving a good balance with the pH value of your scalp. Apple cider vinegar can restore your natural pH without damaging the good oils in your scalp. Additionally, apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and is a natural conditioner: it helps detangle your hair, making it softer. Choose an organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for the best result. Fill a spray bottle 50% with apple cider vinegar and 50% with water. Spray or drip the apple cider vinegar mixture through your hair after using the shampoo bar and massage it well into your scalp. Let it sit for a moment and then rinse thoroughly. 

Just like shampoos, shampoo bars also have different pH values. So you can always choose which one suits your hair best!

 

5. Is a shampoo bar good for your hair?

A shampoo bar can be just as good for your hair as a liquid shampoo. However, a shampoo bar usually consists of natural ingredients because it doesn’t need preservatives that keep a liquid shampoo liquid. This means your hair is less quickly burdened with harmful or unnecessary ingredients. But of course, there are also liquid shampoos that contain many natural ingredients without parabens, sulfates, silicones, etc. 

 

6. How do I store a shampoo bar?

Of course, you want your shampoo bar to last as long as possible! That’s why we have some tips on how to best store your shampoo bar:

Do not store your shampoo bar in the shower. This way, no water drops can get on it that cause pieces of soap to melt. If you still want to keep it in the shower, put the soap in a waterproof container, but even a waterproof container isn’t perfect. In the shower, the soap can start to sweat. 

If you don’t put the shampoo in an airtight box but keep it in a dry (ventilated) place, your soap will last the longest! And check out this super handy tip: cut your soap into pieces, so you have a small piece of soap in the shower each time and the rest stays in a dry place.

In short, you can best keep the soap on a dish or container outside the shower or take small pieces with you in the shower. You should clean the dish occasionally. Such a container also looks super trendy. 

 

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. To give an example: a 70-gram shampoo bar lasts on average 2 months, provided you wash your hair every 3 days - much longer than shampoo from a bottle. Of course, this depends on the length of your hair and how often you wash it. The scent, color, or effect of soap can change somewhat over time. Don’t throw your soap away immediately, that would be a waste! If the soap starts to smell bad or gets suspicious spots that weren’t there before, it’s better to throw the soap away. 

 

8. Is a shampoo bar suitable for my hair?

Just like shampoos, you can find shampoo bars in all kinds of types and sizes for every hair type. So, just like with liquid shampoos, there are shampoo bars for curls, gray hair, dry hair, oily hair, colored hair, thin/fine hair, itchy scalp, dandruff… we could go on! Whether a shampoo bar is suitable for you mainly depends on personal preference which soap you find most comfortable to use. Hard soap is generally milder for the hair and scalp because liquid soap usually needs additive ingredients to, for example, last longer. These additive ingredients do not add anything to the care of your scalp and hair. In addition, a shampoo bar also has a lower pH value (acidity). 

 

9. Which shampoo bars does Haarspullen offer?

At the moment we have multiple brands in our webshop - real top picks are of course Shampoo Bars & HappySoaps. In addition, more and more brands offer a plastic-free alternative alongside their regular shampoo.

 

HAPPYSOAPS

The shampoo bars from Happysoaps come from our own country, the Netherlands. The choice is huge, and it’s no coincidence they are so popular in the Netherlands. They have grown explosively in a very short time, and they keep innovating. With a wide range of 100% (micro)plastic-free, vegan and natural HappySoaps Shampoo Bars, there is a suitable Shampoo Bar for every hair type! Converted, the Bars are also much cheaper than traditional shampoos. One Shampoo Bar is equivalent to 3 to 4 plastic shampoo bottles. Good for you, your wallet, and the planet!

 

For daily use the following 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 the following bars are suitable:

Happysoaps Aloe 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 the following bars are suitable:

Happysoaps Aloe You Very Much Shampoo Bar

Happysoaps La Vie en Rose Shampoo Bar

 

For damaged hair the following bars are suitable:

Happysoaps Aloe You Very Much Shampoo Bar

Happysoaps Cinnamon Roll Shampoo Bar

 

For dry hair the following 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 the following bars are suitable:

Happysoaps Cinnamon Roll Shampoo Bar

 

For curly hair the following bars are suitable:

Happysoaps You're One in a Melon Shampoo Bar

Happysoaps La Vie en Rose Shampoo Bar

 

For limp hair the following bar is suitable:

Happysoaps Cinnamon Roll Shampoo Bar

 

Anti-dandruff shampoo bars:

Happysoaps Purple Rain Shampoo Bar

 

For blonde hair the following 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 get started with shampoo bars, it might also be handy and especially logical to order a conditioner bar. But do these exist? Yes, definitely! We have several variants in our assortment, see which one suits your hair type best and make a choice!

Shampoo bars Conditioner Bar Honey

Shampoo Bar Conditioner Bar Mango Papaya

Happysoaps Tender Rose Conditioner Bar

Happysoaps Chamomile Relaxation Conditioner Bar

Happysoaps Aloe Vera Love Conditioner Bar

Happysoaps Melon Power Conditioner Bar

Happysoaps Lavender Bliss Conditioner Bar

 

Deodorants in plastic-free packaging
The deodorants are no longer soap bars due to their inconvenient size for under the arms, but the deodorants from the shampoo bar brands are plastic-free, aluminum-free, and are also gentle and natural. Brands that develop shampoo bars also make deodorants that are completely natural and plastic-free! A soap bar is not very practical, hence a different form!

Attitude Super Leaves Natural Deodorant Orange Leaves

Attitude Chamomile Baking Soda Free Deodorant

 

Shave bar
Yes, really! A shaving soap – you might not expect it, but it is rich and creamy foaming. This allows the razor to glide effortlessly over the skin. The Heather Shave Bar works soothingly and hydrating for the skin and leaves the skin cared for, without irritation or dryness!

 

11. Is a shampoo bar free from harmful ingredients?

Yes, definitely! Shampoo bars are generally free from harmful ingredients. The shampoo bars from Lamazuna are free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones. Not only are the shampoo bars free from these, but they also contain no perfume or palm oil. However, Happysoaps uses the natural ingredient Sodium Coco-Sulfate as a cleansing agent. Lamazuna uses sodium cocoyl isethionate combined with coco-glucoside. The shampoo bars are also packaged in recyclable packaging. However, some brands may not have this; it depends on the brand and whether they sell 1 or 2 shampoo bars because it is a trend. Brands like Lamazuna and Happysoaps are always free from harmful ingredients. 

 

12. Is a shampoo bar organic or vegan?

Plastic soup in the sea, plastic waste on the street, plastic that is not recycled… Plastic has been in the news quite often lately. The big question is: how are we going to solve this? By using a shampoo bar, you are already taking a step in the right direction to use less plastic. A shampoo bar is not in a plastic bottle, which saves a lot of plastic. In addition, a shampoo bar lasts longer than several shampoo bottles because they have a longer lifespan. By buying a shampoo bar instead of a shampoo bottle, you save a lot of plastic. Furthermore, no animals are harmed in the making of Flow Cosmetics shampoo bars: all shampoo bars are 100% vegan and organic.

 

13. Are there shampoo bars that are curly girl method proof?

Yes, they exist! Shampoo bars can also give shiny and silky soft curls. If you want a shampoo bar that is curly girl method proof, check if it’s free of sulfates, silicones, mineral oils, and alcohols. These ingredients cause your curls to dry out, while we want to keep them as nourished as possible! 

 

14. Can I take a shampoo bar on a trip?

If you have a trip planned this summer with only hand luggage, a shampoo bar is perfect! It has many advantages. First, you can confidently go through security because it’s allowed in your hand luggage! You don’t have to worry about the ml limit that normally applies to liquid shampoo. Second, it’s nice and light and doesn’t take up much space. That cute bikini can still come along! What we also love is that all your luggage arrives dry and intact—no more leaking bottles! 

 

15. Are shampoo bars cruelty free?

Yes! The shampoo bars we sell are 100% cruelty free. None of our shampoo bars are tested on animals. At Shampoobars and HappySoaps, their goal is to tackle the plastic problem. They also work hand in hand with nature to make all products as environmentally friendly as possible. All ingredients used are 100% organic. 

 

16. I get an itchy scalp from a shampoo bar, how can this be?

An itchy scalp from using a shampoo bar is not unusual. If you have always used liquid shampoo, your scalp probably needs to get used to a shampoo bar. You might like the shampoo at first, but after a few weeks you could experience irritation, flakes, or greasy hair. There can be several causes. We explain it to you and how to fix it:

You are allergic to one of the ingredients
Shampoo bars are usually made from natural ingredients. You might be allergic to one of these ingredients. You can test this by trying a different shampoo bar!

You are not rinsing the shampoo bar properly
Shampoo bars usually do not contain aggressive cleansers like sulfates. Therefore, you need to rinse your hair well to remove the soap thoroughly. Otherwise, dirt and soap residue can remain on your head, also called build-ups. So rinse extra well or use apple cider vinegar as a rinse. Tip: if you rinse the shampoo for at least a minute, you will get a long way! 

3 Your scalp still needs to get used to it
If you have just switched from liquid shampoo to shampoo bars, your scalp probably still needs to get used to it. Your scalp is washed in a mild way, so the sebum production needs to adjust. This can make your hair/scalp feel greasy. This is a matter of perseverance! If it lasts a long time, you may be allergic or not rinsing your hair well.

4 You have to get used to the pH value
Because your scalp and hair have a different pH value than the shampoo bar, your hair may need to get used to it first. This can take some time before you achieve the desired result. So don’t worry if you don’t get the perfect result right away. 

5 The shampoo bar is not suitable for your scalp
It may also be that you do not have the right shampoo bar and that it is not suitable for your scalp. Then try another one! It may also be that your scalp cannot get used to a shampoo bar at all, so it simply does not work for you. 

 

17. What are the pros and cons of a shampoo bar?

To summarize a long story, or 18 questions, we have made a handy overview with all the pros and cons of the shampoo bar:

Advantages of shampoo bars:

• It is a mild shampoo
• Shampoo bars often contain many natural oils
• It is environmentally friendly
• Cheap compared to regular shampoo
• No more spilled bottles in your bag
• It looks super cute and colorful
• Less plastic waste (much less)
• It lathers nicely
• It takes up less space 
• You can use a shampoo bar longer than a regular shampoo
• No harmful ingredients, only what is necessary

Disadvantages of shampoo bars:

• It may be that your hair needs to get used to it
• It takes a little more time than a regular shampoo
• Shampoo bars are often only available online
• Shampoo bars do not have a strong scent

 

18. Where can I ask my question about shampoo bars?

Do you still have a question about one of our shampoo bars? Or is it still not entirely clear to you whether a shampoo bar is suitable for you? Happy to help! You can always email us at info@haarspullen.nl info@haarspullen.nl, here we try to answer your question as quickly as possible. We are also reachable by phone during office hours. 

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