How to Use Shampoo Bars (and Where to Store them)

So, you’re thinking of switching to zero waste shampoo bars (and hopefully conditioner bars, too). A wise choice – and a kind one! But just how do you go about washing your hair with something that looks like a bar of soap? And where are you supposed to keep it between washes? Stick with us for the answers.

Using Your Shampoo Bar

Start by wetting your hair thoroughly, just as you would if you were washing it with bottled shampoo. Our haircare bars are formulated to be just as effective as our traditional shampoo, it’s just the application that’s a little different.

Lather the bar between your hands, creating a cloud of foam. Rub the bubbles into the lengths of your hair and massage into your scalp. Breathe deeply, taking in the comforting natural aroma. When you’re done, rinse thoroughly to remove all the suds.

 Using Your Conditioner Bar

The key tip to remember for this bit is that unlike its shampooing sibling, your conditioner bar is not supposed to lather up. Shampoo cleans your hair, whilst conditioner’s main jobs are to soften, moisturise and detangle it. With that in mind, you should focus on the ends of your hair, rather than your scalp. And don’t panic if there are no bubbles!

Squeeze any excess moisture out of your locks and run your conditioner bar along the lengths in smooth strokes. If you prefer, you can rub your bar between your hands, before running conditioner-coated fingers through your strands. For deep detangling, comb through with a wide-toothed comb. Leave the conditioner to soak in for 1-3 minutes, again enjoying the scents of Nature. We make our conditioner bars with a high natural oil content to keep your hair beautifully conditioned and soft, so be sure to remove any residue by rinsing well with warm water.

How to Store Shampoo Bars

Now you’ve finished washing and conditioning your hair the zero waste way, what should you do with your bars? The golden rule when storing haircare bars is to keep them dry between washes. Choose a soap dish or storage rack with a slatted or perforated base, to allow water to drain away. Keep it as far away as possible from splashes and steam. If you leave your bar in a container with a solid base, moisture will gather at the bottom and it might turn into a wasteful puddle of mush. Keep it dry, on the other hand, and it’ll stay solid – and last much longer.

Soap savers (pouches made from materials such as jute or bamboo) make excellent storage for shampoo bars because you can hang them up to dry. You can even have a go at crocheting your own – just search online for tutorials.

Haircare bars are great for travelling as they minimise the amount of liquids you need to take with you, but you do need to think carefully about transportation. If you’re travelling with shampoo and conditioner bars, make sure they’re completely dry before you pack them for the journey ahead. Choose a lidded container to transport them in; look for plastic-free soap cases or repurpose old jars or food containers.

We hope these tips help you get started on your journey to plastic-free haircare.