People are talking about it everywhere, as if it concerned a superstar: solid shampoo bars are more and more present in our lives, and they seem to offer an ecological as well as an economical alternative to the common shampoo that is sold in the supermarkets in plastic bottles. But before taking the leap, and converting to the solid shampoo, you ask yourself a few questions.. Let's have a closer look at those questions together.
Solid shampoos are they suitable for all hair types?
Yes, just like the common liquid shampoos, there are solid shampoos for dry, oily, normal.. hair types. Meanwhile, when you begin to use solid shampoo, your hair needs a little adaptation period, that varies depending on your exact hair type. Consequently, if after your first use your hair seems a bit greasy or even poorly washed, you don't have to feel hopeless: simply try again a few times, and your hair will surely adapt to it!
The first important thing to do, is find a shampoo that is suitable for your particular hair type: so don't choose a shampoo for oily hair types, if your hair rather tends to be dry.. Moreover, just like liquid shampoo, the solid alternatives can have different effects on your hair: they can have a nourrishing working on them, make them more shiny, untangle them, etc. In short, it's completely up to you to decide the exact shampoo that is most suitable for your particular hair, as you are exactly the person who is supposed to know it best!
How do you use solid shampoo?
It is often complicated to change your habits, especially the most tiny ones, and therefore I will simply let you know my own preferences, without any further obligation. The best way to do it, according to me, is to rub the shampoo against your wet hair, massage it thoroughly with your fingers, an finally rinse it. Other persons rather prefer to first rub the shampoo in their hands, before they apply it on their hair, but peronally I think it works less good this way, as solid shampoo does not foam as abundantly as the common liquid variants do.
What are the advantages of this type of shampoo?
Firstly, there is an ecological advantage. Solid shampoo is usually packed in recyclable cardboard or is even sold in bulk, and consequently it doesn't contribute to the production of plastic, which has, as we know - or at least, as we are supposed to know - a profoundly devastating impact on our environment. (We warmly advise you to read our blogs on plastic, and on how to get rid of it, for further information.) It can maybe seem an utter detail, but it are details like this that can make a big difference, in the end. However, change seems to be on its way: more and more brands that are conscious of their impact on the environment use flasks made from biosourced materials and/or from recyclable plastic. Nevertheless, you always have to keep in mind that "preventing" plastic pollution is always better than "recycling", because what you didn't use, simply doesn't have to be recycled..
Solid shampoos principally are, even today, the initiative of a few eco-conscious brands and artisans. Furthermore, the ingredients that you can find in solid shampoo usually are better for your the health of your hair and of our environment. On average, solid shampoo contains significantly less preservatives and additives, for example. Consequently, these toxic components will not end up in our nature after you unawaredly rinsed your hair. Indeed, the residues of the shampoo get into the wastewater, through which they end up in our nature. Some of these components, like silicone, can need up to 500 years before they are decomposed. That's why it is more important to choose a shampoo with natural, and thus more quickly compostable, components.
Next, there also is an economical advantage. Even if the purchase price of a solid shampoo generally is more expensive, you can use it significantly longer. On average, we consume 20 flasks of shampoo every year, while we only need 6 solid shampoo bars. Why precisely? First of all because solid shampoo doesn't contain water, and consequently it is more concentrated. Next, we less tend to waste solid shampoo, as you directly apply it on your head. For this very reason, you exactly use the amount you need, contrary to the liquid shampoo that you pour in your hand, thus generally using more than needed. Finally, once your hair will get used to the solid alternative, thanks to the natural composition of the solid shampoo you will need to wash your hair less regularly.
Moreover, you will also save space in your bathroom, as the solid shampoo is way more compact than the common liquid variant. And if we continue reasoning in this way, the solid shampoo will also allow you to lighten your purchases, as well as your shipping costs, as it weighs less.
And, finally, a last advantage: every time you are preparing to go on holiday, you have to fight a battle with your suitcase or toiletry kit - and we don't even speak about the too well known fear to see, once you arrived, that your liquid soap has run over your clean clothes.. But if you're using solid soap, these troubles definitely belong to the past. Moreover, if you only have hand luggage, and want to put your shampoo in it, you will not have to fear that the border police will seize it, if you use solid shampoo.
And what are its disadvantages?
Solid shampoo doesn't foam as abundantly as a common liquid one does, and that's the reason why some people tend to believe solid shampoo has a less powerfull cleaning effect.. Which is, of course, a mere miscalculation : it is certainly not because a shampoo produces a lot of foam, that it cleans better..
Solid shampoo, like solid soap, doesn't really like humidity. So you always have to make sure you that your solid shampoo is dry when you put it away, and you have to store it in a support where water cannot stagnate. What concern the specific support, a lot of choices are possible: shell, wood, luffa, etc. The choice is completely up to you. You can even use a simple metal soap box, but you simply always have to make sure that your solid shampoo is dry before you put it away.
As has been mentionned above, going from liquid to solid shampoo can have a slightly perturbing effect on your hair. We could say that your hair got addicted to the common chemical shampoo, and consequently you could have the impression that your hair is still a bit greasy or poorly washed in the first weeks when you start using a solid shampoo. In order to make the transition easier, you could in those first weeks alternate a solid and a (more natural) liquid shampoo, or simply use a natural liquid shampoo first, as to make sure your hair adapts well. However, don't ever lose hope: you just need a bit of patience, and you will surely be awarded afterwards! And once you have begun to use solid shampoo, there is no doubt you will not go back to the liquid variant..
If I'm not sure to take the leap, are there other alternatives available?
There is a wide range of liquid shampoos available that are more sustainable and natural than the common ones that are generally sold in the supermarkets. For example, by buying on of these shampoos, you could favor organic farming or Belgian farmers, or choose liquid shampoos that are packed in a recyclable bottle made of sugar cane waste, etc. Even similar little efforts contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, and in the end a more sustainable society.
Other reviews on solid shampoo:
I thought it would be interesting to let you read some reviews written by other persons on the same subject, as not every person necessarily shares my point of view.
Maureen, from Jodoigne
" I'm using solid shampoo since almost 2 years. It is true that in the beginning I needed some time to find which one was most suitable for my specific hair type, but once I got used to it, my hair was significantly more supple and strong than before! I've also begun using a solid conditioner, but honestly I haven't noticed any concrete difference with the liquid one I used before, apart from the fact that it lasts longer. In short, what first was a little change now finally has become a simple habit. "
Sam, from Ittre
« I began to use solid shampoos a bit more than a year ago, and it litterally changed my life, without any exageration: it is way more practical! ellement plus pratique! It is now easier to apply the shampoo while insisting on places that need it more, and I use 1 solid shampoo instead of two liquid ones. Moreover, I don't need a conditioner anymore, as my hair naturally feels softer and healthier. Furthermore, economically speaking, it is extremely interesting: a solid shampoo costs between 5 and 10 euros, and I simply have to buy a new one every 10 months. the only big disadvantage, in my eyes, is the fact that the solid shampoo is quite difficult to travel with, because you need to find a suitable box to put it in, and you also have to make sure there is no water in it.. But apart from that, I can only difficultly imagine that I'll again use liquid shampoo again. »
To conclude ...
Solid shampoo has numerous advantages, and you only have to take the leap to benefit from them.
Hopefully, this article has contributed to answer the questions you have been asking yourself for so long about solid shampoo, and maybe it even has convinced you to take the leap.. Nevertheless, and whatever your choice may be, I just would like to give you this last advice: rather than simply verifying if the shampoo looks 'natural', you should have a look its composition. Because certain solid shampoos are more natural dan others. It is certainly not because a shmpoo is solid, that it is organic or 100% natural!
Furthermore, we warmly recommend you to have a look at our other blog posts, where we try to inform you about ecological alternatives for daily use: DIY dishwasher detergent, period panties, natural protecting shaving gel, facial cleanser, and much more..
We will surely see each other soon, for a new zero waste adventure!
Titi the Wapiti
Take care of yourself and of our planet.