Solid shampoo

Making its way into more and more bathrooms, solid shampoo has become one of the most frequent purchases. Organic, made mostly with plant oils, it’s an integral part of slow beauty and zero-waste habits.

Although solid shampoo is becoming more common, for some people it’s still an unfamiliar product. What is solid shampoo and why use it? Does solid shampoo damage hair? How do you wash your hair with solid shampoo?

What is solid shampoo?

Poised to revolutionize the cosmetics industry, solid shampoo eliminates plastic packaging. Unlike liquid shampoo, which can only be contained in a bottle, organic solid shampoo is sold in recyclable cardboard, like a bar of soap.

Unlike a conventional shampoo, solid shampoo is very compact and highly concentrated in active ingredients. In fact, unlike liquid shampoo, it contains very little water and therefore few preservatives. As for its composition, solid shampoo is made mainly from natural ingredients, including oils such as coconut oil or shea butter, plants, or mineral powders like clay. The latter has properties that are particularly effective against oily hair and for the scalp. Another difference lies in the presence of surfactants, whose benefits are proven for enhancing hair shine, lightness, and scalp health.

Does solid shampoo damage hair?

Unlike conventional shampoos, solid shampoo doesn’t damage hair. In fact, free of chemical surfactants—which may lather a lot but weigh down the hair fiber—it contains gentle, natural actives.

Natural surfactants are as follows:

• The SLMI
• The SCI
• The COSMOS ORGANIC-certified SCG

The latter is also used in the formulation of Terre de Mars products, especially the Cosmos Organic solid shampoo.

These natural active ingredients derived from coconut oil are 100% biodegradable. To make them pleasant to use, essential oils are sometimes added.

Using solid shampoo helps reduce scalp irritation and itching. Because it’s silicone- and sulfate-free, both normal and fine hair stay light and aren’t suffocated by the chemicals in conventional shampoos.

Why use a shampoo bar?

There are 4 main reasons to use a solid shampoo bar:

• An eco-responsible approach that aligns with a zero-waste philosophy with responsible cardboard packaging
• Convenience and portability. Easier to carry and taking up less space than a traditional bottle, solid shampoo slips easily into a vanity case or a toiletry bag.
• The cost advantage over traditional shampoo. When properly stored in a soap dish or an airtight box to protect it from water, solid shampoo allows for more hair washes. You can use solid shampoo about 40 times on normal hair, versus 30 with a conventional shampoo.
• The last reason is that it’s suitable for all hair types: normal hair, fine hair, oily hair, curly hair

How do you wash your hair with a solid shampoo?

It’s very easy to wash your hair with a shampoo bar.

• Step No. 1: Wet your hair in the shower or bath as you would for a traditional shampoo
• Step 2: take the solid shampoo bar in your hands and lather before applying to wet hair. Another option is to rub the shampoo bar directly onto the hair then make grow
• Step No. 3: gently massage the scalp using circular motions.
• Step 4: Rinse hair thoroughly with plenty of lukewarm water to remove all lather residue.
• Step No. 5 : if you wish, you can also use a solid conditioner
• Step No. 6: dry your hair naturally by wrapping it in a towel, or dry it with a hair dryer.

Remember to put your solid shampoo back on a soap dish so it doesn’t sit in standing water. Standing water can cause the solid shampoo to dissolve much faster. You can absolutely use a magnetic soap holder after home use.

Which conditioner should I use after a solid shampoo?

Solid shampoo and conditioner don’t serve the same function. They’re more complementary, with the conditioner completing the care provided by the solid shampoo. The first washes and deeply purifies the hair, whether it’s oily, dry, or normal. The conditioner, for its part, nourishes the hair, making it silkier and easier to detangle.

Just like with shampoos, it's essential to choose a conditioner with bioactive ingredients that don't damage hair and are non-chemical. You can therefore choose a shea butter-enriched conditioner or in coconut oil. Non-chemical bioactives do not tighten hair fibers and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle.

Apply the solid conditioner to the lengths and ends of your hair. Because it’s a very nourishing product, avoid applying it to the roots to keep them from getting greasy—unless your hair is dry and will appreciate the extra nourishment. Leave the conditioner on for just a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Regarding how often to use it, that depends on how frequently you wash your hair. If you wash your hair 2 to 3 times per week, you can use a conditioner each time. However, if you wash your hair more frequently, limit conditioner use to 2 or 3 times per week.

What is the best shampoo bar?

Many people wonder which solid shampoo is best. Rather than naming a brand, it’s better to focus on what characteristics a good solid shampoo.

• It is suitable for all hair types, from curly hair to color-treated hair
• It must not be presented in polluting packaging
• It must have a natural, biodegradable composition such as coffee extract or castor oil, which makes the hair supple and strengthens it
• It should leave a pleasant scent
• It shouldn't dissolve too quickly if you forget to put it away and leave it in water for too long.

Solid shampoo has many advantages over conventional shampoo. It’s increasingly popular for its eco-friendly appeal, convenience, and natural ingredients. Want to learn more about the benefits of silicone-free shampoos?

Feel free to check out our article on the best reasons to switch to silicone-free shampoos.