Solid shampoo

Appearing in more and more bathrooms, solid shampoo has become one of the most regular purchases. Organic and most often made with vegetable oils, it is an integral part of slow cosmetics and zero-waste habits.

While solid shampoo is starting to become part of people’s routines, for some it remains an unfamiliar product. What is a solid shampoo and why use it? Does solid shampoo damage hair? How do you wash your hair with a solid shampoo?

Solid shampoo: what is it?

Revolutionizing the world of cosmetics, solid shampoo is a shampoo that comes without plastic packaging. Unlike liquid shampoo, which can only be packaged in a bottle, organic solid shampoo is sold in recyclable cardboard, much like a bar of soap.

Unlike a traditional shampoo, solid shampoo is very compact and highly concentrated in active ingredients. In fact, unlike liquid shampoo, it contains very little water and therefore very few preservatives. As for its composition, solid shampoo is mainly made up of natural ingredients, including oils such as coconut oil or shea butter, plants, or mineral powders such as clay. The latter is particularly effective for oily hair or the scalp. The other difference lies in the presence of surfactants, whose benefits have been proven for hair shine, lightness, and scalp health.

Does solid shampoo damage hair?

Unlike conventional shampoos, solid shampoo does not damage the hair. In fact, free from chemical surfactants which certainly lather a lot but weigh down the hair fibre, it contains gentle natural active ingredients.

The natural surfactants are as follows:

• The SLMI
• The SCI
• COSMOS ORGANIC-certified SCG

It is also included in the composition of Terre de Mars products, notably the Cosmos Organic solid shampoo.

These natural ingredients derived from coconut oil are natural and 100% biodegradable. To make them pleasant to use, essential oils are sometimes added.

Using a solid shampoo helps reduce scalp irritation and itching. In fact, without silicone or sulfate, normal hair as well as fine hair stays light and is not weighed down by the chemicals found in conventional shampoos.

Why use a solid shampoo?

There are 4 main reasons to use a solid shampoo:

• An eco-friendly grape that fits into a zero-waste philosophy with responsible cardboard packaging
• The reason is convenience and portability. Easier to carry and taking up less space than a traditional bottle, solid shampoo slips easily into a vanity case or travel bag.
• The economic advantage compared with traditional shampoo. When properly stored in a soap dish or an airtight box to protect it from water, solid shampoo allows for more hair washes. It can be used around 40 times on normal hair, compared with 30 uses for a classic shampoo.
• The final reason is that it is suitable for all hair types: normal hair, fine hair, oily hair, curly hair

How do you wash your hair with a solid shampoo?

Washing your hair with a solid shampoo is very easy.

• Step 1: wet your hair in the shower or bath as you would for a traditional shampoo
• Step No. 2: take the solid shampoo bar in your hands and lather it up before applying it to wet hair. Another option is to rub the shampoo bar directly onto the hair, then work it in
• Step No. 3: gently massage the scalp using circular motions.
• Step No. 4: thoroughly and generously rinse the hair with clean, lukewarm water to remove all traces of foam.
• Step No. 5: if you wish, you can also use a solid conditioner
• Step No. 6: dry your hair naturally by wrapping it in a towel or by drying it with a hair dryer.

Don’t forget to put your solid shampoo back in a soap dish so you don’t leave it sitting in stagnant water. In fact, the latter could cause the solid shampoo to dissolve much more quickly. You can absolutely use a magnetic soap holder after home use.

Which conditioner should you use after a solid shampoo?

Solid shampoo and conditioner do not serve the same purpose. They are actually complementary, with the conditioner completing the care provided by the solid shampoo. The first washes and deeply purifies the hair, whether it is oily, dry, or normal. The conditioner, meanwhile, nourishes the hair, makes it silkier, and easier to detangle.

As with shampoos, it is essential to choose a conditioner with bioactives that are gentle on the hair and non-chemical. You can therefore choose a conditioner enriched with shea butter or alternatively with coconut oil. Non-chemical bioactives do not tighten the hair fibers and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle.

Solid conditioner is applied to the lengths and ends of the hair. As it is a very nourishing product, it should not be applied to the roots so as not to make them greasy, unless you have dry hair that will benefit from being well nourished. Leave the conditioner on for just a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

As for frequency of use, it will depend on how often you wash your hair. So, if you wash your hair 2 to 3 times a week, you can use conditioner every time. On the other hand, if you wash your hair more regularly, limit the use of conditioner to 2 or 3 times a week.

What is the best solid shampoo?

Many people wonder what the best solid shampoo is. Rather than naming a brand, it is better to focus on what characteristics one should have good solid shampoo.

• It should be suitable for all hair types, from curly hair to color-treated hair
• It must not be presented in polluting packaging
• It must have a natural, biodegradable composition, such as coffee extract or castor oil, which makes hair supple and strengthens it
• It should leave a pleasant fragrance
• It must not dissolve too quickly if you forget to put it away and leave it in the water for too long.

Solid shampoo offers many advantages over traditional shampoo. It is increasingly popular for its eco-friendly side, its practicality, and its natural ingredients. Want to learn more about the benefits of silicone-free shampoos?