Plastic-free shampoo bars are a great way to reduce environmental impact while still enjoying the benefits of a good hair day.
In this article, we explore why you should make the switch, the pros of shampoo bars over liquid shampoo, and the types of ingredients to look for when shopping for a plastic-free shampoo bar.
Benefits of Plastic-Free Shampoo Bars
- Reduce landfill waste
- Use gentle ingredients
- Last longer than bottled shampoo
Plastic-free shampoo bars are an excellent option to consider if you are looking to adopt a more sustainable haircare routine. One of the primary benefits of using these bars is their positive impact on reducing landfill waste.
Traditional shampoo bottles are typically made of plastic, which is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down. By switching to shampoo bars, you eliminate the need for plastic bottles altogether, thus reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Joy Lane Farm shampoo bars are formulated with gentle ingredients that are beneficial for your hair. Instead of using Sodium Laurel Sulfate, which is a harsh cleanser popular because it is inexpensive and foams easily, they use Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, a gentle cleanser nicknamed "baby foam" that is derived from coconut oil.
Many bottled shampoos contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can strip your hair of its natural oils and contribute to water pollution when they are washed down the drain. In contrast, these shampoo bars are made with ingredients that are effective without being harsh on your hair and scalp.
Another advantage of plastic-free shampoo bars is their longevity. Due to their concentrated formula and solid form, these bars tend to last longer than traditional bottled shampoos. This means that you get more usage and value for your money. A single shampoo bar can last for several months, or as long as 2-3 bottles of liquid shampoo.
Additionally, their compact size and solid form make them convenient for travel, as they are not subject to liquid restrictions like bottled shampoos.
Picking the Right Shampoo Bar
- Syndet shampoo bars vs. bar soap called shampoo bars.
- Ingredients to check.
- Biodegradable packaging.
- Reviews from other users.
Syndet Shampoo Bars vs. Soap Called Shampoo Bars
With the rise in popularity of shampoo bars, some soap-makers are marketing cold-process soaps as haircare. Unfortunately, while cold process soap is fantastic for your skin, it is not very good for your hair.
Cold process soap has an alkaline pH that disrupts your hair's natural pH balance, making it dry, frizzy, and dull. It can also destroy the keratin in your hair, which makes it weak.
You can tell if a shampoo bar is actually cold process soap by the checking the ingredients. Look for sodium hydroxide, lye, or plant oils that have been saponified.
On the other hand, syndet shampoo bars are made using the same hair healthy ingredients as a high-end liquid shampoo, except they are pressed into a solid puck instead of dissolved in water.
They are designed to be gentle on the hair and scalp, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin or specific hair concerns. They usually have a pH level similar to that of the scalp, which helps maintain the natural balance of the hair and prevents dryness or irritation.
Unlike cold process soap, syndet shampoo bars are a gentle and effective hair cleansing solution that also have a positive environmental impact.
Take a Close Look at the Ingredients
Even in the class of syndet shampoo bars, there's a range of ingredients. Here's a few questions to ask when you are looking:
1) Is the preservative paraben free?
2) Is it scented with essential oils or synthetic fragrance? Is it artificially colored?
3) Is it sulfate free?
Check for Biodegradable Packaging
It probably goes without saying, but if you are buying shampoo and conditioner bars to reduce plastic, buy ones with cardboard packaging. This keeps them clean in transit while preserving their small environmental footprint.
Read Reviews from Other Users
No matter what a company says about their shampoo bars, the best indication is always the reviews.
Here's a couple of our favorites at Joy Lane Farm!
"I’m so grateful for this shampoo. It lathers easily, cleans well, and has great ingredients—and it’s environmentally friendly and made locally. I have fine, curly, aging hair and have had trouble over the years with shampoos and conditioners that weigh it down.
Not so with these bars. I highly recommend them."
-Judy
"I have tried other bars in the past (other companies) and they did not lather or left a weird residue texture. This exceeded my expectations and I was able to ditch the shampoo and conditioner bottles from my shower. So happy to have a product that you know it is locally made and know the ingredients you are putting on your body."
-Jenna
You can read more reviews of our Joy Lane Farm shampoo bars here.
How to Use a Shampoo Bar
Using a shampoo bar is a great way to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable haircare, but it can be intimidating if you have always used liquid shampoo. Do not be intimidated. It's an easy switch.
To use a shampoo bar, follow these simple directions:
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Run the shampoo bar from root to tip 2-3 times and set aside.
- Work into a lather.
- Massage the lather into your scalp and hair, focusing on the roots.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly to remove all the shampoo.
- Finish with a conditioner bar.
That's all!
Bottom Line
- Increase sustainability
- Cost-effective option
- Good for travel
Plastic-free shampoo bars are an excellent option for sustainable haircare. By switching to shampoo bars, you can contribute to reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental preservation.
These bars are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective. They eliminate the need for plastic bottles and packaging, reducing the overall cost of purchasing shampoo.
Finally, shampoo bars are perfect for traveling. They are not subject to the restrictions placed on liquid products, are not at risk of spilling in luggage, and take up far less space.
Overall, embracing plastic-free shampoo bars is a small change that can make a big difference in creating a more sustainable and eco-conscious future.