How to choose a shampoo bar that’s right for me: Dos and Don'ts for Healthy Hair
In recent years, shampoo bars have gained immense popularity as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional liquid shampoos. As more people make the switch, it's crucial to understand the dos and don'ts to ensure you're choosing the right shampoo bar for your hair and the environment. Let's have a look at the key considerations to keep in mind.
Dos:
Check the Ingredients List:
Opt for shampoo bars that are free from ingredients such as sulphates and silicones. This is because shampoo bars are concentrated solid bars and so sulphates which are quite harsh may be too drying or irritating in this format and silicones tend to coat the hair, which can lead to hair looking dull or flat and build up over time too. Instead look for gentle cleansers such as Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate which is derived from coconut and for nourishing components, like butters, oils, and extracts that promote healthy hair.
Hair Type Consideration:
Different hair types require different formulations. Choose a shampoo bar that caters to your specific needs, whether you have oily, dry, dull, normal, curly, sensitive scalp or colour-treated hair. There’s something for everyone.
pH-Balanced Formulas:
Look for shampoo bars with a pH level close to that of your scalp (around 4.5 to 5.5). There are still a wealth of brands out there that are using a soap base as a shampoo bar and these tend to have a very low pH, which is damaging to hair. Soap based bars tend to be cheaper than pH balanced shampoo bars and often mention a ‘transition period’ before seeing results. We can tell you now that no good shampoo bar requires a transition period in order to work well! Soap based shampoo bars can be identified if the ingredients have sodium X_oate at the end. For example, cocoa butter will be listed as sodium cocoate and olive oil will be listed as sodium olivate. These should be avoided if you want to maintain healthy hair and scalp. Another giveaway is if the ingredients mention Lye or NaOH (sodium Hydroxide). AVOID AVOID AVOID!! Many people who have tried these bars are now reluctant to try a good one based on their experience of ‘shampoo bars’ and we don’t want anyone to be put off!
Minimal Packaging:
One of the primary appeals of shampoo bars is their eco-friendly nature. Opt for brands that use minimal or plastic-free packaging, promoting sustainability and reducing your environmental impact.
Research Brands:
Before making a purchase, research different brands and read customer reviews. Choose a reputable brand known for quality ingredients and effective formulations.
Don'ts:
Avoid SLS and SLES:
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) are common detergents found in some shampoo bars. Avoid products containing these ingredients, as they can strip the hair of dye, moisture and natural oils and cause irritation. This is because a shampoo bar uses high levels of cleansers which may be too high for maintaining healthy hair. Only gentle cleansers are required in a shampoo bar to keep hair soft and healthy; they’ll still pack a punch as far as cleaning goes.
Steer Clear of Overly Fragranced Bars:
While a pleasant scent is desirable, if you have sensitive skin, then avoid shampoo bars with overpowering fragrances, this includes essential oils which tend to contain lots of allergens. Any allergens should be listed in the ingredients so check those out. Some fragrances, both natural and synthetic do not contain allergens and so would not be listed.
Ignoring Allergens:
Check for potential allergens in the ingredients list, especially if you have sensitive skin. Common allergens include fragrances, essential oils, and nut-derived ingredients such as coconut oil, almond oil and even coconut derived ingredients such as sodium cocoyl isethionate and cetyl alcohol. A quick search of an ingredient will tell you if it is nut derived.
By being mindful of these dos and don'ts, you can make an informed choice when selecting a shampoo bar that aligns with your hair care goals and values. Embracing this eco-friendly alternative can not only benefit your hair but also contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet. So, lather up responsibly and let your locks shine with the right shampoo bar!
Beauty Favours shampoo bars have been developed to care for hair while providing a through clean, leaving healthy, soft hair.