How to use a Shampoo Bar: a step-by-step guide
A small step for you, a great step against plastic pollution
We hope you are ready to join the exciting world of plastic-free shampoos. Not only do shampoo bars avoid the plastic waste produced by 2 to 3 bottles of plastic, but they also reduce the Co2 production caused by transportation (less weight = less fuel consumed).
Solid shampoos are the newest hair care trend that hooked many Americans from the first try. Not only will you have great hair, but you will also feel a sense of pride knowing that you pollute less. We hope you will like our comprehensive guide on how to use a shampoo bar.
Table of Contents
Watch Our Step by Step Shampoo Bar Video Tutorial
Succeed your transition period
Hair type is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a shampoo bar. For oily hair, look for bars with ingredients like tea tree oil or charcoal that can help control excess oil production. Dry hair benefits from bars with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. If you have curly hair, choose a bar that is gentle and won’t strip your hair of its natural oils.
Consider the scent of the bar as well. Some bars contain essential oils that can help soothe your scalp, while others may have a strong fragrance that could irritate sensitive skin.
It’s also important to look at the ingredients list and avoid bars with sulfates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals that can damage your hair over time.
Take some time to research distinct brands and read reviews from other users with similar hair types before making a purchase. Don’t be afraid to try out a few different bars until you find one that works best for you.
If you are still hesitating between shampoo bar types, look at our Shampoo Bar choosing guide .
How long does the transition period last for?
When you switch from classic liquid shampoo to solid shampoo bars, there is a transition period that may take 3 to 7 days.
During this period, your hair will appear a bit more oily than usual. This is because your scalp is used to be stripped of its sebum
every day. After this adaptation period, your hair will get accustomed to the solid shampoo foam.
Be patient and give your zero-waste shampoo a chance. You will be rewarded with stronger, shinier, and healthier hair after just one week of use.
Can i use a shampoo bar on dyed hair?
Real shampoo bars are great for dyed hair thanks to their low ph (below 6).
Soaps disguised as shampoo are much less optimal since they have a pH of ten or more, which causes cuticles to open which results in a loss of hair pigments.
How to use your shampoo bar
- Wet your hair and scalp
- Lather the bar in your hands for 15 seconds
- Put your solid shampoo down in its dedicated storage
- Massage the shampoo lather into your roots and hair
- Do not pile your hair on top of your head to lather: it is a source of unwanted tangles
- Rinse your hair
- Repeat the “lather + massage + rinse” steps for a more vigorous wash (if you have oily or greasy hair)
- Apply conditioner if need for best results, especially if you have dry hair
How to use your shampoo bar: alternative method
- Wet your hair and scalp
- Wet your hair and gently rub the bar on it
- Put your solid shampoo down in its dedicated storage
- Add water again to your hair to create a good lather
- Massage well the lather into your scalp and hair
- Avoid rubbing your hair on top of your head to lather: it can be a source of unwanted tangles
- Rinse your hair
- Repeat the “lather + massage + rinse” steps for a more vigorous wash (if you have oily or greasy hair)
- Apply conditioner if need for best results, especially if you have dry hair
How to use a solid shampoo on long hair
- Wet your hair and palms
- Lather the bar in your hands for 15 seconds
- Put your solid shampoo down in its dedicated storage
- Massage well the lather into your roots
- Do not pile your hair on top of your head to lather: it is a source of unwanted tangles
- Run the bar down the length of your hair
- Rinse your hair
- Repeat the “lather + massage + rinse” steps for a more vigorous wash (if you have oily hair)
- Apply conditioner if needed, especially if you have long hair
You must experiment with your unique hair type and find the method that best suits your needs!
How to use your conditioner bar
- Wet your hair and palms
- Wash your hair
- Be sure to rinse well of the shampoo
- Rub the bar on your hair until it is evenly distributed.
- Let the conditioner to penetrate well for at least 5 minutes
- Rinse your hair
- Repeat, if necessary, in case of frizzy or thick hair
Can you use shampoo bar as body soap?
You can perfectly use your solid shampoo as gentle body wash as they are very gentle for your skin.
Why does hair feel greasy after using a shampoo bar and conditioner?
Firstly, you might simply be using a soap disguised as shampoo. Soap bars are notoriously not good for hair shafts due to their high pH.
Secondly, if your transition period of 7 days has passed by you might need to test another shampoo bar, more cleaning than your current one.
How often should I use a shampoo bar?
If you have short, non-greasy hair: once or twice a week.
If you have longer or greasier hair, up to once daily or when needed.
Shampoo bars are mild and non-harsh so even if you simply use them twice a day you don’t run any risks.
How to use shampoo bar in hard water
If you have hard water in your home, you may find it more difficult to transition to shampoo bars.
This is because the ingredients in bar shampoos are too gentle to strip out mineral deposits from your hair.
However, you can try attaching a new shower head to your shower that is designed to soften water. This will allow your shampoo bar to work more effectively on the natural oils in your scalp.
Just mix 2 cups of collected rainwater with 3 cups of your regular tap (hard) water.
Boil them together, and then let it cool down. Use it for your final rinse or for your entire shampoo if you have enough!
- Install a shower head filter.
- Use deep moisturizers and conditioners.
- Make a natural acidic rinse.
- Install a whole-House Water Softener.
How to store a shampoo bar
There are a few things to keep in mind when storing your shampoo bar.
First, make sure the bar is almost dry before storing it. If it is wet, it will dissolve quicker and become unusable.
Second, store the bar in a tray in a dry place. A humid environment will cause the bar to soften and may cause it to disintegrate.
Finally, wooden trays are considered more sustainable than plastic trays. We recommend bamboo trays as this type of wood renews itself very quickly!
PRO TIP: you can also use a cotton or bamboo mesh bag to hang your shampoo bar easily in your bathroom
Are shampoo bars good for hair?
Common Mistakes When Transitioning to Shampoo Bars
When transitioning to shampoo bars, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can hinder the process. One mistake is not properly wetting your hair before using the bar, which can result in uneven distribution and difficulty lathering. Another mistake is using too much product, leading to buildup and greasy hair. It’s also important to avoid rubbing the bar directly on your scalp, as this can cause irritation. Instead, lather the bar in your hands or hair length and apply the suds to your scalp.
When choosing a shampoo bar, it’s important to find the right fit for your hair type. One mistake people often make is picking up any solid cleanser without considering their specific hair needs. Choosing a shampoo bar that doesn’t suit your hair type can result in dryness and breakage. Another mistake is assuming all natural ingredients are safe for everyone. Just because something is labeled as “organic” or “natural” doesn’t mean it will work well with your hair type. Be sure to research the ingredients in the shampoo bar before making a purchase to avoid any negative reactions.
Lastly, don’t give up too soon – it may take a few washes for your hair to adjust to the new routine. Patience and consistency are key in making the switch to shampoo bars.
A few tips for having beautiful hair
Use natural oil masks to restore shine and hydration
Natural fatty acids, such as coconut oil or shea butter, are deeply
moisturizing. Apply them to the lengths in the evening before going to
bed. To maximize the oils’ moisturizing properties, you can wrap your
hair in a towel after applying your hair mask.
Moisturize and detangle daily
These natural lightweight oils are perfect to use in your morning routine:
- argan oil
- grapeseed oil
- jojoba oil
- rosehip seed oil
- sweet almond oil
- lavender essential oil (for hair loss)
A few drops when your hair is still wet will help with detangling and bring lots of shine throughout the day.
Minimize external aggressions
- Avoid ammonia-based products as often as possible
- Limit the number of annual Brazilian straightening sessions Dry your hair with medium warm heat
- Prefer a gentle ceramic straightener over a classic one. You can couple it with a heat protecting spray
- Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo
