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The Transition Phase and Finding the Right Bar

You’ve probably heard the horror stories about ‘the transition’ to bar shampoo… Let me tell you, I’ve been there. BUT, not necessarily at the start of my bar shampoo journey. 

To begin with, I had no problem with my first shampoo bar. It was free via Gruum where you only paid shipping and, as many would, I took advantage. I chose the shea butter bar and I remember being blown away the first time I used it. It was foamy, spread throughout my scalp easily, and also did well when rubbed directly into the scalp (which is great for getting the underside, back of your head hair). 

Once I whittled that bar down to a sliver, I began investigating the next bar to order and try out. I was giddy when it arrived and used it that day. It smelt lovely, however, my hair turned to wax and seriously felt so stiff, as if I was on my way to dreadlocks. I was so confused because most of my research led me to believe this was supposed to be a ‘transition’ phase that many go through. And since I was over the beginner phase, I thought I escaped the wrath of waxy hair.

Turns out, what works for others won’t always work for me, and the same goes for what works for me won’t necessarily work for you. But what I do know is that it’s worth trying a few bars before you settle on your go-to bars. 

At the end of the day, it’s worth trying because one shampoo bar can replace approximately 3 liquid shampoo containers. There’s not only a saving in plastic but also in the carbon footprint made shipping the shampoo around the world. PLUS, shampoos are typically 70% water anyway. Plus, a shampoo/conditioner bar makes it easier to breeze through airport security with a carry-on. There are just too many reasons to switch and not many holding you back.

My Favorite Shampoo Bar (so far)

It may take a few bars to get there, but you’ll find one that truly works for you. I landed on a perfect shampoo bar for me (and many others according to glowing reviews) at Lush. Right now, I am thoroughly enjoying the package free shower experience drenched in Lush as each shower begins with a Honey, I Washed My Hair shampoo bar (available in the US for $11.95 and £8 in the UK) (paired with the BEST solid shower gel, Honey, I Washed the Kids, read on here). The Lush bars lather up so nicely and make you forget (in a good way) that you’re using a bar to begin with. I also feel that I am able to lather my whole head, which is saying a lot when you’ve got thick hair. 

Challenges and Solutions: Conditioner Bars

I’ve also been trying out the Lush Golden Cap conditioner bar and I have got to say, I am slightly impressed. At first, it was difficult to rub the bar to get enough product for my hair, but I also found that rubbing it straight through my hair worked like a dream. I’ve been heading straight to the wet-brush and hairdryer without using any other products and my hair has been coming out decent, however, I am finding that I prefer to put another post-shower product in (like leave-in conditioner or a hair oil) to help support smoothing. 

Because of this, I would solidly (pun intended) recommend testing out conditioner bars, but if you find they don’t work for you (as this seems to be the majority opinion), start looking at the ‘conditioning’ side of your hair routine as a part that happens outside the shower. 

Using What You Have Then Switching 

As with all things sustainable, I am currently using up A LOT of hair products I already have and acquired (over my less sustainably aware years). They’re not explicitly sustainable in packaging or formulation, but I am finding they last much longer than your average conditioner bottle because you use such little amounts at a time (your typical ‘pea sized’ dollop). 
In that sense, if you’re obsessed with your current post-shower hair product, try swapping out your shampoo and conditioner but holding onto your hero smoothing serum or hair oil for example. If you’re looking to make your hair routine sustainable in a 360-sense, some amazing products I have yet to try (but are on my hit list) include Evolve Beauty’s Nourishing Hair Elixir Hair Serum and the Lani Tropical Hair Treatment.

Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Hit List

However, if you’re feeling brave, I can recommend Golden Cap if you have thick hair and need a smoothing conditioner (in the UK for £9 or recently made available in the US for $13.95). There are many others at Lush that are also highly rated that I’ve not yet tried, but they’re definitely worth a look to see what may be best for your hair type. I am still working through my Golden Cap bar but I do also have a HiBar Shampoo and Conditioner set at the ready which I’ll share a review of once I break them out. HiBar is currently easier to find in the US as they’re made in Minnesota but I have seen it listed in the UK on Trouva.

Here are some other brands I have not yet purchased or tried yet, but look very promising in the conditioner department... 

Ethique - UK or US | Check out their amazing minis and trial packs

Humankind - US only | Offers a range of scents including fragrance-free which is awesome

Funky Soap - UK | They have a range depending on hair type, including oily or colour treated

Earth Kind - UK  | They just released a condition bar that I am very excited to try

When it comes to shampoo…

Faith in Nature - UK | I have tried this one a few times and it worked really well from the start

Earth Kind - UK  | This is accessible in many stores around the UK and review lool good

Nut and Noggin - UK | British-made which is very cool and sustainable for UK residents

Ethique - UK or US | Listing this again as I have yet to try their shampoo bars too

And if you’re still struggling to make the switch to bars, check out Moo and Yoo for sustainably packaged haircare that you’re used to but with the added benefit of being able to order a refill bottle without a pump. Another great bar-free hair-care provider is Charrli. If you love in London, you can have glass-bottled hair products delivered to your doot (electric-bike-milk-man style) and have them picked up for refill in a closed-loop service. 

Are you already on your sustainable journey or just getting started? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you on what’s working and what’s proving more difficult. And remember, imperfect sustainability means making changes where possible and accessible. More people executing imperfect sustainability will make a bigger impact than a few people doing it perfectly. 😜