Solid vs. Liquid Shampoo: Which One Is Better for You?
Do you suffer from dandruff, itchy scalp, and frizzy hair even after using shampoo every week? Your shampoo may be the root of all problems.
Most traditional liquid shampoos contain harsh chemicals that remove all the natural oil from your scalp, making it feel dry and flaky. While there is a growing trend of switching to solid shampoo bars, it is important to understand if those products are any better than your liquid shampoo.
Many traditional liquid shampoos come with a long list of ingredients, a lot of which are harsh chemicals that damage your hair in the long run.
Switching to a solid shampoo that is generally made with naturally derived ingredients is shown to improve hair and scalp health when used in the right manner. But before you make the switch, it is important to know the difference between the two products.
Major Differences between Shampoo Bars and Liquid Shampoos
Ingredients
The primary difference between shampoo bars and liquid shampoo is their ingredients. A majority of liquid shampoos come with harsh chemicals, including sulfates, that can damage your hair and cause problems to your scalp in the long run.
Solid shampoos don’t generally contain detergent or other harsh chemicals. As a result, they encourage the production of hair’s natural oils. Since they do not have sulfates, you do not have to worry about your hair getting dry or brittle.
It is important to note that some brands promote certain products as “shampoo” bars, which are actually soaps. If you look at their list of ingredients, you will find sodium hydroxide (lye) that turns into glycerine when combined with oils. So, always read the ingredients mentioned on the product before buying it.
Packaging
Most traditional liquid shampoos come in single-use plastic packaging. As you may know, these packaging materials eventually break down into microplastics that impact nature and other living beings for several years.
Since shampoo bars are the products of sustainable initiatives and practices, you can usually find solid shampoos in recyclable packaging, such as cardboard, coated paper, or aluminum tin.
So, when you switch to shampoo bars, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable practices.
Storage
Like any other liquid materials, liquid shampoos require a proper container for storage. This is why most of the liquid shampoos come in plastic bottles.
Bar shampoos, on the other hand, require less space in your bathroom due to their compact size. While storing the shampoo bar between uses, it is wiser to keep it raised off any surface. This will keep your solid shampoo from sitting in a puddle, which could turn it mushy. Consider using a good soap holder to store it.
It is also recommended that you keep your solid shampoo away from a constant splash of water when you are not using it. A lot of people store their solid shampoo on a surface away from the shower or their bathroom windowsill. This helps them avoid losing the shape of the bar, increasing its lifespan.
Application
There is a significant difference in how you use shampoo bars and liquid shampoos. Bottles of liquid shampoos must be squeezed from the tube before being applied to the hair. In this process, there is a risk of dispensing more shampoo than you need.
When it comes to applying solid shampoo bars, it is easier to control how much you use. You can gently rub the solid shampoo between your palms or on a soap pouch, natural sponge, or exfoliating gloves to create a nice foamy lather. You can apply the lather to your hair and massage every part of your head carefully with the foam.
It is important to note that both formats of shampoo lather quite easily and need to be rinsed out thoroughly. Irrespective of which type of shampoo you use, follow it up with conditioner.
Are All Liquid Shampoos Bad for Your Hair?
It would be wrong to assume that all liquid shampoos are bad for hair. There are plenty of liquid shampoos that do not contain the harmful chemicals that we discussed earlier. However, it can be difficult to find such products in today’s market.
It is important that you read the ingredients listed on the shampoo packaging. You will get a clear idea of what you are getting. However, a majority of the shampoo products that are marketed heavily by the brands usually have harsh chemicals that can leave your hair damaged and cause dandruff and itchy scalp.
Are Shampoo Bars Effective?
A majority of shampoo bars are made with naturally derived, scientifically proven ingredients that are effective in making your hair feel refreshed, smooth, and shiny. Most of the shampoo bars are vegan in nature and are made using eco-friendly materials.
If you have sensitive skin, there are shampoo bars that offer a gentle and soothing effect when applied to your scalp and help reduce itchy scalp and dandruff. They also include rich natural ingredients like coconut oil for hydration and lemon for a refreshing cleanse. You can maintain your scalp’s pH balance using such solid shampoos.
Switch to a Healthier Lifestyle
Whether you are choosing a liquid shampoo or solid shampoo, it all comes down to what ingredients you are putting on your head. As long as the product has natural, eco-friendly ingredients that are gentle to your scalp and hair – you are safe. If you look at the list of ingredients for each product, it will be easier to make the decision.