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Shampoo Bars Are Trending. Are They Worth the Hype?

lush shampoo bar

A few weeks ago we told you about Lush’s wildly popular shampoo bar (popular meaning it sold more than 12,000 units in two days). With that, our interest was piqued: What are shampoo bars? Are they as great as they seem? Let’s find out. 

What are shampoo bars? Essentially, bar shampoo is just shampoo in bar (or, in some cases, disc) form. It’s super easy to use, too. Get the bar wet, and rub it into your hairline. This will be enough product to rub into the rest of your hair before rinsing off. That’s it.

Why do people love them? For a bunch of reasons, actually. They’re really easy to travel with since they’re not liquid, and they’re good for the environment, since they aren’t packaged in plastic. Fans also say that bars make your hair shiny and voluminous by clearing away residue left from the chemicals (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate) found in many traditional shampoos.

Are there any cons? Depending on your hair type, maybe. Because of the high concentration of cleanser in bar shampoos, they tend to have more a waxy consistency, which can build up in your hair. Susonnah G. Barklow of NaturallyCurly.com, told StyleCaster that people with long, porous or curly hair might also experience tangles and frizz.

Where can I get them? We’re glad you asked. Lush’s popular bar ($15) is available in nine different varieties. Christophe Robin makes a hydrating bar with aloe vera ($22), while Soap & Salve Company’s bars ($9) smell like citrus and chamomile.

So? Are you in?

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sarah stiefvater

Wellness Director

Sarah Stiefvater is PureWow's Wellness Director. She's been at PureWow for ten years, and in that time has written and edited stories across all categories, but currently focuses...