We all love our locks! Whether your hair is short or long, keeping it in optimal condition and styled is a priority for many of us before we get on with our day and face the world.
By now you’ve probably heard of shampoo and conditioner bars, but maybe you are hesitant to try them. Traditional hair care products in plastic bottles are what we’ve been conditioned to, unfortunately the environment does not appreciate them at all! But fear not! As someone who has been using shampoo and conditioner bars for the last four years, I can assure you that my hair has never been in better condition and I have never looked back.
What are shampoo bars?
Nul shampoo bars contain no sulphates, SLS or parabens and produce a creamy, rich lather for natural, gentle cleansing and conditioning.
Shampoo bars are concentrated, solid hair care bars that contain natural ingredients like coconut oil, castor oil, virgin olive oil and rich butters like shea and cocoa to nourish and feed your hair. All our shampoo bars are biodegradable. This means they are a wonderful choice when camping and washing up in fresh water lakes and streams. It also means you can funnel your shower water into your garden to feed your lawn. Zero waste hair care is a gift to you and our planet!
How to use a shampoo bar
It’s so easy. Start by wetting your hair. Take the bar in your hand and rub it all over your scalp. Also move it down the the length of your hair for longer locks. Put the bar down and work your hair into a wonderful lather. Rich and nourishing, all Shop Zero™ shampoo bars create a fluffy lather, while the natural ingredients gently clean the hair without stripping away natural protective oils.
Transitioning from traditional hair products to zero waste natural alternatives
It can take a few days (or longer) for your scalp to adjust when you switch to a natural shampoo. Remember that most traditional (detergent) hair products are loaded with nasty chemicals that strip the natural oils in your scalp and cause your scalp to overproduce oil.
In the beginning, it may feel like your hair is oilier and heavier than normal. Make sure you rinse your hair well. Alternatively you can use a spray bottle with a 50 to 50 ratio of household vinegar and spray your hair at the end of your shampoo and conditioning session. Remember to close your eyes when spraying this mixture on your hair. Rinse again afterwards. You’ll only need to do this until your scalp adjusts to the natural hair products you have switched to.
In my case, I have curly dry hair by nature, so the transition to a natural shampoo was quick. The trick is NOT TO GIVE UP. And with all the options at Shop Zero™, you are bound to find the perfect natural, zero waste hair care solution. If you persevere, your reward will be healthy, soft and silky hair that will never cause harm to the environment.
Back 2 Nature’s conditioner with Neroli, Honey Bush and Aloe Ferox. Get yours here.
Zero waste
An awesome thing about shampoo bars is that you can use them as ordinary soap bars as well. So if you haven’t found the right bar for your hair yet, you can use it as a body or hand soap. So zero waste!
Different solutions for different hair types
We offer a wide range of shampoo and conditioner bars for all hair types. Click here to find out more. Our hair care solutions are so inclusive that we even stock a shampoo bar for your furry friend! Take a look at our pet shampoo bar here.
Photo by Autri Taheri
KaioB™ Leave-in Hair Conditioner is designed for healthy and radiant hair. It features a great strengthening and anti-snap formula. A little goes a long way and this is by far one of my favourite leave in conditioners. Another amazing conditioning option, is our recently unpacked Nul conditioner bar. Be sure to have a look-see at their shampoo bars too. There are bars for frizzy, dry or damaged, normal and oily hair as well as a shampoo bar for dry scalp. We love how they support local small scale farmers and their selection of unique African ingredients.
Linda Gieskes-Mwamba’s roots are reflected in her hair and body care business called Suki Suki Naturals. Linda’s natural hair products are specifically formulated for African hair. There is a delicious Mango Butter for Hair and Body, Hydro-Protective Hair Mist and the Miraculous Hair Treatment Oil available on our online store.
Storage of bars between uses to prolong their life
We recommend removing your solid shampoo bar from your shower after use so it can dry out and last as long as possible. Alternatively place it on some pebbles, a loofah or the bristles of a nail scrubbing brush. NB: Do not leave it in a pool of water as this will cause the soap bar to dissolve.
Packaging
Packaging is chosen with respect for the environment. The boxes are made of cardboard and can therefore be composted as it is completely plastic-free. I use my cardboard box to store my shampoo bar in between uses. Shop Zero™ also wraps some of their “naked” shampoo bars in paper. The paper does get greasy, so should be composted instead of recycled. The jars, bottles and aluminium containers can and should have a second life. Please reuse or repurpose your attractive containers.
Let’s get everyone on board!
Have you made the switch to shampoo and conditioner bars? Leave a reply below and let us know how it’s going for you and if you would recommend it to your friends. Share this post and let’s get more people to decrease their dependence on plastic!