Different hair types call for care that is curated for them. But what about sustainability? Shampoo bars have recently become a trend that can benefit people with unique hair care needs.
Whether you are tired of the accumulating plastic shampoo bottles everywhere or are exhausted with your hair and scalp giving you a tough time, it is impressive how many people are finding relief in shampoo bars.
They are easy to use and come in sustainable packaging, and by choosing the best shampoo bars, you can fix your hair and scalp problems. However, the real challenge lies in knowing what you are looking for and how it correlates to your hair problems.
Here are some effective, tried and tested things to look for to find a shampoo bar that will work wonders for you:
Understand Your Hair and Scalp
Before you start shopping for shampoo bars, it is essential to understand your hair type, texture, and concerns. Without understanding these factors, you will only end up shopping for products that might not work for you. By understanding your hair and scalp better, you will be able to look for products that are formulated to address concerns unique to you.
For instance, if you are struggling with dandruff, opting for a shampoo bar that cleans the scalp and prevents dandruff buildup will do miracles. On the other hand, if you are struggling with thinning hair, a shampoo bar that can nourish your scalp and strengthen your hair will be best.
Selection of Nourishing Ingredients
Here are a few ingredients popularly used in shampoo bars that benefit your hair and scalp:
- Coconut Cream: It can strengthen hair cuticles and hydrate the hair and scalp. Rich in protein, vitamins, and healthy acids, it nourishes the scalp and promotes hair growth.
- Cocoa Butter: The saturated fats in cocoa butter are easily absorbed by the scalp, resulting in faster healing of dry and itchy scalp. The fatty acids significantly reduce inflammation and prevent water loss, keeping the hair shiny and strong.
- Oatmeal: Excellent for cleansing and exfoliating the scalp, it can effectively remove dandruff and related buildup in a few washes. The lipids present leave the hair looking moisturised and dense.
- Pongamia Glabra (Karanja) Oil: It is rich in antioxidants and can help prevent scalp and hair aging. It has natural sun-protective compounds that prevent UV damage from reaching your scalp.
- Ricinus Communis: The ingredient contains oleic and linoleic acids that can restore the damage and make the hair healthy and shiny.
- Glycerin: An excellent humectant, the ingredient moisturises frizzy and curly hair quickly. It prevents moisture from leaving the follicles and can also boost sebum secretion, making the hair and scalp look naturally healthy.
- Peppermint Oil: Its antimicrobial properties prevent odour or fungus from growing on the scalp, whereas its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for preventing itching due to dandruff or moisture deposits.
- Shea Butter: It has high amounts of vitamins A, E, and F, which keep the hair moisturised and well nourished. Its dense texture can come in handy for frizzy hair.
- Babassu Seed Oil: Its rich polyphenols prevent hair knots and tangles, ultimately reducing breakage. The presence of lauric and myristic acid makes the ingredient incredibly hydrating.
Different Types of Shampoo Bars
Shampoo bars can provide different benefits depending on the combination of ingredients used. Here are some types to choose from:
- Shampoo Bars for Intense Moisturisation: These are excellent for hair types that dry out frequently and experience excessive hair fall due to brittle hair breakage.
- Shampoo Bars for Thick Hair: Thick hair types need deeper cleaning and nourishment. It is also important that the shampoo bar can reach and hydrate the scalp.
- Shampoo Bars for Unruly Hair: If frizzy hair becomes excessively dry, it can become challenging to manage, get tangled into each other, and cause matting.
- Shampoo Bars for Thin Hair: These hair types need a shampoo bar to strengthen hair strands while volumising them.
The Correct Way to Use a Shampoo Bar
Unlike their traditional liquid counterparts, shampoo bars need to be used the following way:
- Thoroughly wet your hair and scalp. You can stand in the shower for 2-3 minutes to ensure your hair is adequately wet. Unevenly wet hair can prevent the product from spreading and cleaning.
- Once your hair and scalp are wet enough, rub the bar into your hair and scalp. Work the product into producing a thick lather.
- Massage your scalp and spread the product through your hair (from the roots to the tips).
- Rinse thoroughly using the massage action. Make sure you are using your fingertips and not the palms of your hands.
- To extend the life of your shampoo bar, store it in a cool and dry place. Avoid contact with water unless necessary.
Shampoo Bars – A Boon for Sustainability and Hair Care
Every hair type deserves to be cared for in ways that promote growth and good health. If you are tired of harsh chemicals leaving you with dry and brittle hair, it is a sign to make the switch.
Make sure to choose a shampoo bar that corresponds to your unique needs and has ingredients that can improve your hair concerns. The key to healthy hair and scalp starts from making the right product choices.