Shampoo Bars: Are They a Better Alternative For Your Hair

Shampoo bars have been a hot topic on my blog since I posted my review of JR Liggett's Shampoo Bar a year ago. Since then, you guys have challenged me and pushed me with your emails, questions and comments (I LOVE IT!). I've learned a lot and I think it's time to revisit the subject!

Are Shampoo Bars Really 

the Best Shampoo for your Hair?

Many people have expressed to me that they are scared of switching to a shampoo bar and have a fear that it will mess up their hair. I don't blame them for their concern because switching your beauty routine is frightening! It took me months to build up the courage! If you're on the fence or just want to know a little more about how they work-- then let me explain!

Beauty and the Bees Shampoo Bars: Beer (light colored and cut into slivers) and Moroccan Mud (med brown)

What Are Shampoo Bars, Anyways?

Glad you asked. Shampoo bars are actually solid bars of soap that are made specifically for hair. In fact, they were commonly used before our traditional shampoo and conditions were invented (around the time of WWII).

Most people find benefits to switching to a shampoo bar such as increased volume, faster growing hair, reduced dandruff, shinier hair and less frizz.  If you have curly hair, most people say they that they have more defined curls with better control. Shampoo bars are good for all hair types and hair lengths. There are brands which are formulated for color treated hair.

The majority of shampoo bars are all natural and DO NOT contain SLS/SLES (sodium laurel sulfate / sodium laureth sulfate) or other harmful chemicals, but always check the label to make sure! SLS/SLES can cause dry, itchy and irritated scalp. It can also dry out your hair, and contribute to hair loss, especially if you shampoo every day!

So what is SLS/SLES? It cleans the oils from your hair and it allows you to get that really great lather with traditional shampoos. Unfortunately most shampoo bars do not lather very well, but they also do not strip your hair of your natural oils like SLS does.

Because it's gentler, using a shampoo bar allows your hair to retain color and moisture while reducing the instances of dry scalp and especially oily scalp. Removing SLS/SLES from your hair care routine really allows your hair to rebalance and produce adequate amounts of oils.

They are FABULOUS if you travel, but not so great for company (eck!). They are also very cost effective because they last for months and only cost a fraction of what you'd spend in shampoo during that time!

Click to read more