The wellness and beauty industries bombard us with products that promise to transform us into our “best selves”. As a result, our bathroom cabinets have become hotspots for packaging waste and harmful chemicals. But growing consciousness about sustainability and the environment has sparked a revolution in our daily beauty routines. Enter the eco-friendly heroes: shampoo and conditioner bars.
Shampoo and conditioner bars often address these issues by reducing plastic waste, using natural and biodegradable ingredients, supporting ethical practices, and promoting a healthier approach to hair care. These bars have been steadily gaining popularity as smart alternatives to traditional liquid products.
Here are four locally-made shampoo and conditioner bars making the switch easier.
be.bare life
Founded by two visionary South Africans, be.bare life is committed to empowering people to embrace greener, more ethical choices in their daily routines. Driven by the belief that businesses should be agents of positive change, be.bare life ensures accountability for the entire lifecycle of their products and packaging.
With the launch of the innovative haircare bars, be.bare life sets out to eliminate single-use plastic that plagues modern bathrooms. According to the brand’s co-founder, Robert Blonski, there’s no reason to stick to liquid products in wasteful plastic packaging. Their bars are expertly formulated to deliver salon-quality results while championing sustainability. Liquid haircare products often contain up to 90% water, squandering a precious resource as water scarcity becomes an increasing concern. Embracing haircare bars not only conserves water but also offers unbeatable value, lasting up to three times longer than liquid counterparts.
Tailored to cater to diverse hair types, be.bare life has formulated bars for all hair needs, including all hair types, oily, and dry/damaged. On average, their shampoo bar lasts up to 80 washes, while their conditioner bar promises up to 120 washes, ensuring a long-lasting haircare investment.
Khween Shebar
Established in 2018, Khween Shebar prides itself on using the highest quality plant materials and oils to create all-natural shampoo and conditioner bars that produce genuine results for its customers. The brand’s minimalist approach to skincare ensures gentle and effective treatment for a range of skin concerns, including eczema and acne-prone skin, suitable for all ages from babies to the elderly.
Storing these precious bars is essential for maintaining longevity and effectiveness. According to founder and maker, Mosa Skosana, it’s crucial to keep the bars dry and away from direct sunlight or warm areas. The cold-pressed soap, made from raw oils and natural non-GMO herbs, is dried for at least six weeks before packaging. To ensure the bars remain dry, using a soap dish with proper airflow is advised, especially during travel.
Free from synthetic ingredients, sulphates, alcohols, parabens, and silicones, Khween Shebar’s moringa-spliff Shampoo bar contains five raw oils, organic moringa, and hemp leaves, providing gentle healing for various scalp and skin conditions. Not only do these bars act as natural conditioners, but they also cater to individuals with sensitive scalps, leaving hair nourished and moisturised after each wash.
The pure oils and ingredients work wonders for all hair types, ensuring stronger, more resilient hair growth. These bars are gaining popularity among mothers who opt for them over traditional baby shampoos to reduce chemical exposure for their little ones.
Khween Shebar estimates that a standard 130g shampoo bar should provide approximately 20 to 25 washes, making it both an eco-friendly and economical choice.
earth.ant
As champions of a circular economy, earth.ant advocates giving shampoo and conditioner bars a chance. Plastic-free and crafted from simple, locally sourced ingredients, these bars embrace the essence of a healthy body and environment. In the pursuit of maintaining the integrity of their shampoo and conditioner bars, earth.ant advises storing them on a well-draining soap dish at home. While travelling, a metal soap tin ensures safekeeping, as long as it remains dry before storing.
With a keen understanding that every hair and scalp is unique, earth.ant bars adapt differently to different hair types. For optimal results, founder and maker, Andrea van Meygaarden, recommends using the shampoo bar once a week for most hair types. “If you wash more frequently, alternating with a lower pH shampoo or rinsing with an acidic solution like apple cider vinegar, citric acid, or lemon juice can be considered,” she adds.
The conditioner bar, rich in nourishing oils, works wonders for dry, curly hair, though moderation is key to avoid over-oiling. The longevity of earth.ant bars vary based on usage and proper storage, but on average, they last for at least 30 washes.
ZERO BAR
Zero Shampoo Bar has an impressive lineup of highly concentrated shampoo bars that have garnered attention for being water-free, plastic-free, cruelty-free, and thoughtfully packaged in recyclable paper. According to Candice Hunt, marketing and operations coordinator, embracing shampoo and conditioner bars signifies a profound commitment to the environment. By incorporating minor adjustments into our daily routines, we actively contribute to reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions.
Beyond their eco-friendly focus, Zero Shampoo Bars go the extra mile to provide hair with top-notch care. Nourishing essential oils like argan oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil have been thoughtfully infused into their formulations, delivering luxurious results.
Versatility is an inherent strength of Zero Shampoo Bars, catering to diverse hair types and earning praise from an extensive base of satisfied customers. With each 50g shampoo bar offering an impressive 55-70 washes, customers can revel in long-lasting value and sustainable practices.
- Price: From R75.00 (From R125.00 for sulphate-free bars)
- Follow ZERO BAR here
- Visit the ZERO BAR website here
- Get 15% discount when buying on the Zero Bar Online Store: HELLOZEROBAR
How to use a shampoo bar
be.bare life has a helpful explainer video on how to use shampoo and conditioner bars effectively. In short:
- Wet the bar and apply it directly to wet hair
- Rub it in gentle, circular motions on your head
- Complete these motions as much as necessary until a lather forms
- Put the bar down and begin massaging the lather into your head
- Rinse thoroughly
- Wet the conditioner bar and slide it down your wet hair from root to tips
- Comb through (optional) and rinse
ZERO BAR, the South African shampoo bar brand, offers valuable tips on making the most of your shampoo bar based on your hair length. For short hair, a simple yet effective technique involves applying the lather directly from your hands to both hair and scalp. On the other hand, for those with long or thick hair, activating the lather by rubbing the wet bar in your hair is the way to go. Then, gently run the bar down your ends to evenly distribute the shampoo. Finally, use your hands to work the lather into your scalp and hair, ensuring a thorough cleanse and a luxurious hair care experience.
How to store your shampoo bar
The way you store your shampoo and conditioner bars is important to your bars’ longevity. For those wondering about the best way to store these bars at home or during travels, be.bare life recommends using their bamboo soap dish to dry the bars between uses. To make on-the-go haircare effortless, travel tins offer convenience, and their mini’s range is specifically designed for travel, eliminating the need to carry larger bars.
Remember, finding the perfect hair care product can be a unique journey for each individual. Amidst an overwhelming array of options, the key to unlocking your hair’s true potential lies in the willingness to explore and experiment.
- Images: Supplied
