Solid shampoo bars - demystified

By: Lyndy


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Solid shampoo bars are definitely not a new product but they are something that everyone now seems to be talking about. So what exactly is a shampoo bar, what are the different types and why should we be seriously considering making the swap from a liquid shampoo?

Solid shampoo bars - demystified

What is a shampoo bar?

A standard liquid shampoo is made from surfactants (cleansing agents, often derived from coconut elements for their foaming action), water, colour, fragrance and a preservative, due to the water content to prevent bacterial growth. The shampoo may also contain botanical extracs and other additional ingredients, but, when combined, they make up a liquid product that we know as shampoo. Bottled shampoo can be up to 90% water which meants we are needlessly shipping water around the world. Solid soap-free shampoo bars are made with the same surfactant foaming agents, botanicals and fragrances but the huge amouts of water are omitted. They are simply pressed into solid bars and allowed to dry.

Soap-free shampoo bars vs soap shampoo

There is a debate on both sides about the two types of bar and ultimately it is a matter of personal choice. Soap-based bars, are exactly as described; they are soap and are often produced using the traditional cold or hot process method. This means that they are more alkaline than soap-free bars which often results in your hair feeling waxy and even a little greasy for a while, especially in hard water areas. This is known as the 'transition phase'. Some people use an apple cider vinegar or similar vinegar rinse to lower the pH of their hair and create a shiny lustre. Soap-based shampoo bars are often cheaper than soap-free bars, as the raw materials can be less expensive. 

Soap-free shampoo bars, on the other hand, including Wild & Myrtle bars, are not soap. The coconut-derived cleansers used in Wild & Myrtle shampoo bars have a pH that is arguably more suited to a shampoo and produce a bar of around pH 5-6 (whilst soap has a pH of around 9). It should be noted that Wild & Myrtle do not use a surfactant (foaming agent) called Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) which have a potentially harming effect on aquatic organisms and have been linked to health concerns (although this has not been proven). Furthermore, SLS is a relatively harsh cleanser which could potentially have a drying effect on some hair types. 

Importantly, however, makers of both soap-based and soap-free shampoo bars have different recipes and so it is often a matter of trial and error to find a product that suits you.

Environmental benefits of solid shampoo bars

Whichever bar you choose, the environmental benefits of a sold shampoo are clear. Each bar replaces around two 250ml plastic shampoo bottles, and depending on usage, each 60g Wild & Myrtle bar will last around 60-70 washes - provided that you don't leave it soaking in the water in the bottom of your soap dish!. Moreover the fact that solid bars contain very little water means that we are not wasting valuable resources shipping around the world liquid shampoo (which can be up to 90% water). Finally, do look out for bars produced by artisan producers with a core ethos of sustainability. By shopping locally you are also reducing the carbon footprint of your purchase, as well as supporting a small business.