Are Shampoo Bars Really Worth the Money?

Notes from Fishponds

If you've ever picked up a shampoo bar and thought, "That seems expensive," you're not alone.

It's probably the question I'm asked most often at markets.

At first glance, a shampoo bar can look more expensive than a bottle of supermarket shampoo. It's smaller for a start. But after working as a hairdresser for many years, and now making my own shampoo bars, I've realised we're not always comparing like with like.

So, let's have a closer look.

You're buying more than shampoo

Most liquid shampoos are made up of around 70–80% water. Conditioner can contain even more.

That means every bottle has to be manufactured, filled, packaged, transported and stored... mostly to move water from one place to another.

A shampoo bar is different.

It's the concentrated version, without all that extra water, which means a little goes a long way.

How long does a shampoo bar last?

Our full-size MIF shampoo bars last for around 40 washes.

Of course, that depends on the length of your hair and how often you wash it, but most people are pleasantly surprised by just how long one bar lasts and that they can go longer between washes.

One thing I noticed myself

Before creating my shampoo bars, I washed my hair every day.

These days I usually wash it three times a week, sometimes even twice.

My hair feels lighter, has more body and stays fresher for longer.

I'm not saying everyone will have exactly the same experience, but it's something I hear from customers time and time again.

If you're washing your hair less often, you're naturally using less shampoo too.

So, are they more expensive?

Let's compare.

A bottle of supermarket shampoo might cost somewhere between £4 and £6, and many people buy several bottles a year.

A MIF shampoo bar costs £9 and gives around 40 washes.

If you continue washing your hair as often as before, the yearly cost is surprisingly similar.

But if, like many people, you find yourself washing your hair less often because it stays fresher for longer, the cost of using shampoo bars can actually work out lower.

Then there are the extras...

Money isn't the only saving.

When you switch to a shampoo bar, you also get:

• No plastic bottles to throw away.

• No worries about shampoo leaking in your suitcase.

• No liquids to squeeze into a tiny airport bag.

• A product that takes up very little space at home or when travelling.

They're small changes, but they soon add up.

A little kinder to the planet

Because shampoo bars don't contain all that extra water, they're lighter and more compact to transport.

That means less packaging, fewer plastic bottles and a smaller environmental footprint.

I didn't create my shampoo bars because I wanted to save the planet.

I created them because I wanted a shampoo without water, harsh preservatives or plastic bottles – something I was happy to use myself.

The environmental benefits came as an added bonus.

So... are shampoo bars worth the money?

For me, the answer is yes.

Not because they're fashionable.

Not because they're plastic-free.

But because they do exactly what I hoped they would.

They leave my hair feeling clean, full of body and needing fewer washes.

If they can save a few plastic bottles, free up a bit of space in your bathroom and help the planet along the way...

Well, that's a pretty lovely bonus.

Thinking of making the switch?

If you're not sure which shampoo bar would suit your hair, I'd be delighted to help. Pop me an email, give me a ring or come and say hello if you see me at a market.

Love,

Steph x