What are 'shampoo bars,' and what makes them better than traditional shampoo?

From excessive packaging to irritating chemical ingredients, there are plenty of reasons people are looking for an alternative to liquid hair care products. And many consumers are turning to shampoo bars. 

What is a shampoo bar, and how is it different from liquid shampoo?

Bar shampoo is a solid, concentrated form of shampoo that isn't diluted with water like traditional shampoo.

To use bar shampoo, simply wet your hair and the bar, lather the bar on your wet hair (but only a few times, since it's very concentrated), and rinse as normal. 

Bar conditioner works in a similar way — you just apply it to your wet hair after shampooing and then rinse it out.

Are shampoo bars better than regular shampoo?

Bar shampoo has a number of advantages over regular liquid shampoo. First, it's more concentrated, so you get more uses out of one bar than you would from a bottle of shampoo. 

National Geographic estimates that, on average, a shampoo bar lasts longer than two to three bottles of liquid shampoo, which means you will save money and cut down on trips to the store.

Second, bar shampoo is better for the environment because it doesn't require any plastic packaging (they mainly come in recyclable cardboard boxes). 

Bar shampoo is also often made with natural ingredients, which can be gentler on your hair and scalp. Finally, bar shampoo is easier to pack when you travel, and it doesn't leak like liquid shampoo can.

What are the cons of shampoo bars?

For those who are looking to cut down on their use of plastic, bar shampoo is a great alternative to traditional liquid shampoo. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before making the switch. 

For one, bar shampoo may dry out your hair if used too frequently, so it's important to find a formula that contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or shea butter. 

In addition, bar shampoo can be difficult to rinse out completely, which can lead to buildup on the scalp. That's why it's important to also use a clarifying shampoo once every week or two to prevent any buildup. 

Overall, bar shampoo is still a great choice for those looking for a more sustainable option that will last longer, travel more easily, and keep your scalp free of harmful chemicals.

If you're looking for a more sustainable, economical way to wash your hair, bar shampoo and conditioner are definitely worth trying!

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