If Rapunzel was around in 2019, chances are she’d be sitting at a bar, enjoying a drink, and contemplating ways to fight the 21st century’s version of an evil witch- Climate change. Considering her love for hair, she would probably use shampoo bars- something that was actually used in her times and times before the industrial revolution, instead of what we have liquified over the last century.
There have been a lot of talks about ethical beauty transitions off late and one that looks to have a solid consumer interest and possibly sticking around for the long haul while creating positive impact is the shampoo bar. If you’ve already made the switch, here’s a virtual hug + high-five. If you haven’t, here are 5 reasons why you should.
Natural and healthy
You can say goodbye to dryness and irritation as shampoo bars are made from natural ingredients that are good for your hair, health, and of course the planet. They are free from harsh chemicals like sodium laurel sulfate, parabens, detergents, etc, that are commonly found in bottled shampoos.
No plastic
Shampoo bars don’t need plastic packaging. There are many physical stores that sell these bars with no packaging at all. For the ones who do, they stick to minimal biodegradable, recyclable paper wraps.
Easy to travel with
It’s always a nightmare to travel with liquid soap or shampoo bottles. An accidental spill can put you in a real fix. But shampoo bars are compact and easy to travel with. Carrying your own bar also means that you don’t have to use those tiny plastic bottles at the hotel that will flood the next ocean near your vacation.
Multi-purpose
There are so many options to choose from and if you really want to stick to one product, there are many brands that offer a single bar that’s good enough for your hair, face, and body. Check, check, check. That’s 3 less plastic bottles in the ocean. Boom!
Your hair will love it
Of course, apart from the environmental impact, a product must also do its job well. Shampoo bars may take a while to get used to, but once you’ve found a combination of ingredients for your hair type, they’re a blessing to your mane.
Still doubtful? Here are some great products to get started.
Basin
Basin offers 17 different varieties of shampoo bars. You can get a shampoo bar for any hair type or problem. Their bars lather well and last long. They are also quite affordable. Our pick is the Swim Repair bar, perfect for when you’re swimming at a pool with chlorine exposure.
Beauty and the Bees
This Australian brand offers bars with no hardeners, palm oil, animal products, artificial fragrance, color, detergents, or preservatives. The products are quirky, fun, and perfectly safe. You can go in for a starter pack to see how your hair adjusts to their products. It may take sometime for your hair to get used to Beauty and the Bees bars, but once you’re there, you’ll never want to switch back. We couldn’t pick just one so here are two of our favorites.
Christophe Robin
This might seem like a high end shampoo bar but there’s a reason why. Vegan, safe and packed with lots of aloe vera, castor oil and glycerine- the highest form of moisturizing bar you’ll get from plants. And the scent- fresh and delicious!
Ethique
This is one of the most popular, after Lush, loved by all genders and hairs. Ethique bars are vegan, plastic free, palm free, and cruelty free. They’re also quite multi-purpose. A single bar can be used for hair, body, and the face. We love the Tip-to-Toe Shampoo & Shaving Bar. Feels like bathing babies.
byHumankind
byHumankind offers a variety of options for different hair types. All their bars are vegan, sulfate-free, gluten-free, and ethically-made. Their bars are first cold-pressed and then cured for 3 weeks. Your hair will feel so soft that you may just decide to ditch the conditioner!
Daughter of the Land
Although not vegan, the bar is made from goat’s milk and other natural ingredients and essential oils that do wonders for the hair. We loved the cute branding and packaging but it’s definitely one of the most moisturising ones out there.
The Yellow Bird
The Yellow Bird is a local business being run by a husband and wife team. Their products are made from simple ingredients without parabens, sulphates, and synthetic fragrances. Their grapefruit bar is a must have for sensitive scalps.
Transitioning to a shampoo bar can sometimes be confusing to your hair after all, it’s accustomed to so many chemicals. A tip that helps- is to finish with an ACV rinse. Soon enough you’ll find your hair getting stronger, bouncier, and more manageable, but as with most hair product, make sure you read the ingredient list. Happy Shampoo Bar shopping!
Please Note: These tips are awesome suggestions to help you lead an even more awesome, more sustainable lifestyle. This is not professional advice and it is in the reader’s discretion to decide on what suits them based on their health and lifestyle needs.
