At the Country Goods USA Farm we are absolute fanatics about natural skincare. But, did you know we’re equally as crazy about hair care? Just like commercial soaps, commercial shampoos use synthetic detergents that can strip and damage your hair. What’s more is the conditioners used to replenish the lost moisture and natural hair oils can also coat the hair follicle in an icky buildup; leaving your hair dull and lifeless.
Great for us (and the environment) there are better options. Shampoo that doesn’t strip the hair AND is better for the environment.
What could this be, you ask? Solid shampoo, of course.
This is not bar soap that is relabeled shampoo. Solid shampoo should not be confused with saponified oils (aka: soap). Solid Shampoo bars are formulated with a lower PH which is suitable for hair, unlike soap which is a higher PH, therefore suitable for skin.
Solid Shampoo is a great alternative to liquid shampoo, plus you get all the salon-quality benefits. They are gentle on hair but still effective at naturally removing oil and grime which promotes shiny, healthy hair. Today we’re going to talk about all the benefits of solid shampoos and why you want to consider switching from liquid shampoo.
Contrary to belief, extreme lather isn’t necessary for shampoo to cleanse the hair and scalp. However, due to the thought that lather cleanses well, consumers typically expect shampoos to have a rich lather. This creates a problem because there are few ingredients that provide a generous amount of lather and many of them are cheap detergents.
Commercial shampoo manufacturers usually will choose the cheapest ingredients to allow them to get the mass production needed to turn a profit. Read the label and you will find a variety of synthetic lathering agents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which sucks the moisture right out of the scalp causing dryness, irritation, and damage. This is a concern especially for those who have psoriasis, eczema, dry skin, or scalp conditions.
Solid shampoo also has lathering agents to aid in cleansing the hair and scalp, but the difference is that ours are naturally derived, gentle and will not dry your hair or scalp like their commercial counterparts.
Solid Shampoo lasts longer than traditional liquid shampoo. How might you ask? Well if you take a look at the bottle of shampoo in your shower the first ingredient you will see listed is water. A higher water content explains why you typically need a large amount of product to get the lather you want, and also why even though it’s recommended to use only a dime or quarter sized amount, many of us tend to use a lot more than that.
When used as recommended (applied directly to the head) it’s almost impossible to use too much of a solid shampoo. Because they are more concentrated than liquid shampoos you can use less per application and they will last longer costing you less over time.
Tip: Don’t let your solid shampoo bar soak in water, or store them in travel tins for long periods of time. This will melt your bar.
Another great reason to switch to solid shampoo is that they don’t require a bottle. This makes them a much better option for the environment than liquid shampoos. Solid shampoo also has a much smaller carbon footprint. Because the bars are light-weight and compact they require less space during transport compared to the same amount of liquid shampoo, which means less greenhouse gas emissions during transport. Going bottleless also means that you won’t be contributing to the 480 billion+ plastic bottles that get added to the landfill and ocean every year.
Solid Shampoo are great for saving space. They are much smaller and more light-weight than bottled shampoos and comparatively you get more washings with the same amount of product. This comes in handy in a variety of situations, from simplifying the amount of products in your bathroom, to packing for an upcoming trip. Since you don’t have to worry about any potential spillage, liquid restrictions, or containers, Solid Shampoo is perfect for carry travel.
If you are looking for a more natural alternative to commercial shampoo, a solid shampoo bar is definitely the way to go. Give it a try! You’ll see glossier, healthier hair, more money in your wallet, and help the environment too. Pair your bar with a Solid Conditioner Bar and you will have the perfect combinations.
The more you use your shampoo bar you’ll develop a cleansing style that best suits your hair type and length, but here are some guidelines to follow for proper use:
1. Wet your hair thoroughly before applying the bar.
2. Swipe the shampoo bar directly onto your hair (working from your scalp down to the ends). A little goes a long way.
3. Set the Shampoo bar down in a dry spot that will not allow water to pool around the bar.
4. Massage your scalp and hair until fully lathered.
5. Rinse the shampoo out of your hair and follow with a conditioner bar.
AND Get a $5 gift card when you sign up.
