Hair & Skincare

To use solid shampoo and conditioner bars effectively, wet both your hair and the bar, then rub it between your hands or directly onto your scalp to work up a lather. Massage in as usual, then rinse thoroughly. Conditioner bars work in much the same way - smooth them through your ends, leave briefly, then rinse well. These bars can outlast bottles by a fair stretch, though your hair may need a few washes to adjust if you're ditching silicones. To keep them going strong, store bars somewhere dry so they don’t go soggy and vanish before their time.

The best way to store shampoo bars is somewhere they can dry out fully between uses. A slatted soap tray, mesh bag, or even a magnetic holder lets air circulate, keeping the bar firm and ready for action. Stash it away from pooled water and steamy corners to avoid a mushy mess. This simple trick can make your bar last far longer - often beating liquid shampoo on cost-per-wash by a country mile.

Yes, you can use shampoo bars on coloured or chemically treated hair - just be choosy about which ones. Look for pH-balanced, sulphate-free options to avoid stripping your colour or disrupting treatments. Bars made with gentle, nourishing ingredients tend to suit dyed hair best, especially in the weeks after colouring. Steer clear of strong essential oils straight after treatments, and opt for bars with colour-safe formulas to help keep that salon-fresh glow going.

Yes, shampoo bars are allowed in hand luggage when flying, as they count as solids, not liquids. That means no faffing at airport security and more room in your liquids bag for other bits. They’re compact, spill-proof, and won’t explode mid-flight - a win all round. For frequent flyers, they make a brilliant low-waste swap that won’t weigh down your bag or your conscience.

The most reliable shampoo bars for long-term use are solid, gentle, and last around 60–80 washes. Look for options that suit your hair type, skip sulphates, and come in minimal or plastic-free packaging. A good brand will be upfront about their ingredients and sustainability practices. We've done the digging in our research process. You can also browse our women's personal care range for bars that really go the distance.

To care for reusable skincare containers, rinse thoroughly before refilling or storing. Wash with soapy water or, if the material allows, give them a quick sterilise with boiling water between different products. Let them dry completely to keep mould at bay. Containers made from glass, stainless steel or aluminium tend to be tougher and easier to keep clean than plastic. Some brands even offer refill or take-back schemes, helping your container stay in service for longer - one less thing for the bin.

Switching to shampoo bars over liquid shampoo helps cut out single-use plastic and can save you money in the long run. Many bars last for 60+ washes, easily outdoing two bottles’ worth. They’re lighter, travel better, and often skip harsh ingredients like sulphates. What's more, they use less water and packaging to produce. If you're after a low-waste, faff-free clean that’s gentle on your scalp, a solid bar ticks all the boxes. Explore our women's personal care for more sustainable swaps.