20% off €30

Code:MERRY
OffersBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price25% off Online Only Offer3 for 2 Mix & MatchOutletGreat SavingsBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for €23 Mix & MatchIntroductory Offer2 for €70 Mix & MatchBuy 2 for €6 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBioglanBetterYouNatures AidNovominsGrass & Co.Nature's Way3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferOutletIntroductory OfferShort DatedDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsFood & Drink Shop AllVegan FoodDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksTeasMatcha & Green TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSpreadsPateSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMoringa PowderSpirulinaGoji BerriesBaobabChia SeedsDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksProtein ShakesJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksKefirSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaNakdHeath & HeatherTwiningsPerfectTedTrekMeridianBuy One Get One 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferBuy 1 Get 1 FreeGreat SavingsOutletBuy 2 for €6 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSugar FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoPrecision EngineeredOptimum NutritionMyproteinUSNGrenadeApplied NutritionPhDTriActiveSiSPulsinSave up to 1/2 priceBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceGreat SavingsIntroductory Offer2 for €70 Mix & Match2 for €30 Mix & Match25% off Online Only OfferOutletDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSoya FreePalm Oil FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmSea MagikBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferOutlet2 for €23 Mix & Match3 for 2 Mix & MatchGreat SavingsAlcohol FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeFish FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDEat WaterUSNNatures AidApplied NutritionBraggBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchGreat Savings2 for €70 Mix & Match2 for €30 Mix & Match25% off Online Only OfferOutletSugar FreeGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeNew inChristmasHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesEnergyGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseHolland & BarrettNaturtintDr OrganicVitabioticsApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionWildWeledaSolgarNew NordicBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & Match25% off Online Only Offer2 for €23 Mix & MatchOutletGreat Savings3 for €18 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeAlcohol FreeWheat FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inNew InBest SellersTrendingShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergyWomen's HealthMenopauseSkincareJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriod & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

What are shampoo bars and do they work?

two handmade shampoo bars on wooden dish
Using a shampoo bar is a great way to care for your hair as well as the environment. This article explains their surge in popularity and how they work, as well as how to make your own.

We all know the routine: step into the shower, run the water through your hair, squeeze a dollop of shampoo into your hand, work it through and rinse.

Afterwards, the plastic bottle heads to the bin and we never give it another thought.

We might all choose different products, but the process doesn’t change, right? Wrong!

Allow us to introduce you to the concept of the shampoo bar! This new way to wash your hair uses a form of solid shampoo that not only changes the way you clean your hair but how you treat the planet too.

Naturally, many people are concerned that whilst it seems like a great idea, these solid shampoo bars often have a lot of question marks on whether they are effective.

Here, we take a look at what the best shampoo bars can offer and whether they will ever substitute our favourite bottled shampoos.

What are shampoo bars?

The first thing to establish is that shampoo and conditioner bars use real shampoo, however, most of them are made up of natural ingredients such as plant oils, butters, botanicals and essential oils rather than the traditional ingredients we are used to.

Many shampoo bar manufacturers claim that their products last much longer, with some boasting that one bar is the equivalent of three bottles.1

When they were first produced, many shampoo bars seemed quite basic and did not offer the versatility of their bottled rivals.

However, this has changed in recent years and there are now shampoo bars for every hair type and concern.

These shampoo soap bars need to be lathered up between your hands, under running water or simply rubbed directly onto the hair and then thoroughly rinsed out. You won’t need to use too much water as they foam well even without the inclusion of foaming agents.

If tangles are still a worry, then you can also buy a conditioner bar to smooth the hair and nourish it after you have shampooed.

Remember not to leave your shampoo bar in the bottom of the shower, as direct contact water means it will quickly disappear!

The bars can be stored on a dish or rack, and some come with their own tin to store them in.

Read more: Discover 10 of the best shampoo bars of 2021

Are shampoo bars environmentally friendly?

Shampoo bars are not a new idea, as they have been around since the 1940s.

However, their sudden surge in popularity is due to the changing emphasis towards climate change, and the importance of caring more about the environment.

The packaging for shampoo bars is usually paper, cardboard or even nothing at all, therefore reducing the 13 billion plastic bottles that make their way into landfill every year.2

This means that anyone wanting to reduce their plastic usage can enjoy zero waste shampoo.

Their more natural ingredients also add to their green credentials, and the fact that they are much smaller than bottles means that more can be transported in one lorry load, therefore reducing their carbon footprint even more.

Can I make my own shampoo bars?

Many people aim to make their own shampoo bars at home, but this can be tricky as many recipes require sodium hydroxide, which can be dangerous and difficult to handle.

However, it is possible to make a DIY shampoo bar if you use a pre-made soap mix which can be melted down.

It can then be combined with ingredients such as peppermint or orange to help dry hair or lavender if you want to soothe the senses.

Chamomile or honey will calm the scalp whilst dandelion is one of the most versatile ingredients you can choose.

If you want to add a hit of extra energy to your morning shower, then the addition of mint or rosemary can give you an invigorating lift.

Shampoo bars are great fun thanks to their wide range of colours and scents, but they are not just novelty items. They can be very effective at cleaning away grime and grease whilst also caring for your hair whether it is dry, coloured or oily.

It is impossible to ignore the massive environmental impact that switching to shampoo bars can make, and as it looks like they may be the future of haircare, it is worth looking more closely at them.

Last updated: 3 March 2021

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers
Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.