Should You Switch to Using a Shampoo Bar?

After a long day, there’s nothing quite like hopping in the shower to unwind and wash off the day. You likely have your go-to hair care system that you simply can’t live without, but the latest beauty trend may inspire you to switch things up. We’re talking about shampoo bars. Wondering what exactly a shampoo bar is, if they’re better for your hair, and how to use one in your routine? Keep reading for everything you need to know about the latest hair care product craze.

WHAT IS A SHAMPOO BAR?

A shampoo bar is just what you’re imagining—shampoo in bar form. Just like a bar of soap can be used to wash your body, a shampoo bar can be used to wash your hair. While shampoo bars aren’t necessarily better for your hair, they’re a great option for those who are looking to limit how much waste they create as there’s typically no packaging involved and especially no plastic.

Shampoo bars come in a variety of colors, scents, and formulas (just like any other shampoo) in order to give you your desired results. Basically, if you think you’d like to try using a shampoo bar, there’s something for everyone! Since they’re essentially the same thing as traditional shampoo, but in bar form, your hair won’t need time to adjust to the new product.

Wondering how many washes you can get out of one? How long a shampoo bar lasts depends on the size of the bar, but they typically last somewhere between 50 and 90 shampoos. If stored properly (more on that later), most people find they last longer than regular shampoo. Think about it this way: Doesn’t a bar of soap seem to last forever while you use up body wash so quickly? It’s the same idea here; you end up using less product when you aren’t squeezing it out of a bottle.

HOW DO YOU WASH YOUR HAIR WITH A SHAMPOO BAR?

You know what a shampoo bar is, now, it’s time to break down how to use one. Grab one of your own and follow the steps below to learn how to wash your hair with a shampoo bar.

STEP #1: WET YOUR HAIR

Of course, prior to washing your hair, you’ll want to get your hair wet. So, jump in the shower and soak up some H2O!

STEP #2: LATHER UP

Once you’re ready to wash your hair, it’s time to grab your shampoo bar and lather up. Simply take the bar in between your hands and rub as you would with a bar of soap to build up some suds.

STEP #3: WASH AWAY!

When you’ve lathered up the perfect amount of suds to cleanse your hair, get to washing! Apply the suds and massage them throughout your mane as you would normally wash your hair. Rinse when you’re done and follow up with the rest of your hair care routine.

STEP #4: STORE IT

Before completing your routine, you’ll want to put away your shampoo bar. While your standard shampoo may be fine left out in the open, a shampoo bar should be stowed away after cleansing, because it doesn’t have the same built-in, protective packaging. To keep your shampoo bar dry, buy a small container—a travel soap container will work—to store your shampoo bar in when you’re not using it.

HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR HAIR CARE ROUTINE

Wondering how to complete your hair care routine post-shampoo bar? Take notes from our step-by-step tutorial below.

STEP #1: GRAB YOUR CONDITIONER

Do you need to use conditioner after using a shampoo bar? Yes! Just as you normally would, after shampooing your hair, you’ll want to reach for a conditioner. Some shampoo bars have a built-in conditioner, but if you want to give your ends a little extra moisture, a separate product may be your best bet.

Editor’s tip: Dealing with dry or damaged hair? Instead of reaching for a regular old conditioner, consider deep conditioning your mane. Take your pick from the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner, L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner, or the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner, each of which works in just one minute.

STEP #2: DRY YOUR MANE

Once you’ve washed your hair, it’s time to dry it and prep for styling. Whether you decide to air dry or blow-dry your hair is totally up to you. If you want to air dry your hair, consider using the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse to define your hair’s natural texture as it dries. If you want to blow-dry your hair, don’t forget to spritz your strands with a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray.

STEP #3: PICK YOUR STYLE

Finish your hair routine by styling your mane! Pick a hairstyle that best suits the occasion—whether that’s a ponytail for the gym or stunning curls for a holiday party. Need some inspiration? If you’re looking for a workout ‘do, head over to our article, The Best Ponytail for Your Face Shape. Prefer to let your hair down? Check out How to Create Voluminous Curls on Any Hair Type.

Now that you know how to add a shampoo bar to your hair care routine, you’re free to move on to researching other sustainable beauty hacks. Next, learn How to Make Your Beauty Routine More Sustainable.