Do you have a shampoo bar that you love?
February 6, 2024 7:33 AM Subscribe
The local guy who made my absolutely perfect shampoo bars died unexpectedly, taking his secrets to the grave. All potential replacement bars have fallen short. Do you have one that you would recommend?
I've gone searching on Google but all three of the "top shampoo bars" lists from three different sources had suspiciously identical lists, so I thought I'd ask for recommendations from humans.
Things I loved about the old bars:
- I'm not sure whether it was the ingredients or the cure, but they were hard. They didn't get goopy or squishy in the shower.
- They were closer in shape to a cube than a rectangle, so you didn't end up with a large thin flake to try to keep from falling apart at the end.
- Moisturizing without weighing down my hair (I have a LOT of short, fine hair).
- Cheap! I'd buy a bag of ten bars, which would last about a year, for less than a hundred bucks.
- Pleasing herbal smell but not overpowering.
Things I haven't liked about the many other bars I've tried in the last few years:
- Many are too soft. From the first wash, they soak up water and can be poked into. They're used up much more quickly and are more likely to leave a slime trail in my hair when I shower directly after someone else.
- Long, thin rectangle that ends up in bits and pieces when it's down to about 20% left.
- Some are sprinkled with floral bits or whatever, which I end up either cutting off in a chunk (wasteful) or picking out of my hair (annoying).
- Too moisturizing, turning my hair into an oil slick, or too volumizing, turning my hair into straw.
Do you have a shampoo bar that you love for your fine, straight hair, that doesn't dissolve into a puddle of goo after one shower, and that doesn't cost $44 like one I saw recommended yesterday? If you've got an expensive one that meets all the other requirements, I'm willing to give it a try if they've got a tester or a travel-size option!
I've gone searching on Google but all three of the "top shampoo bars" lists from three different sources had suspiciously identical lists, so I thought I'd ask for recommendations from humans.
Things I loved about the old bars:
- I'm not sure whether it was the ingredients or the cure, but they were hard. They didn't get goopy or squishy in the shower.
- They were closer in shape to a cube than a rectangle, so you didn't end up with a large thin flake to try to keep from falling apart at the end.
- Moisturizing without weighing down my hair (I have a LOT of short, fine hair).
- Cheap! I'd buy a bag of ten bars, which would last about a year, for less than a hundred bucks.
- Pleasing herbal smell but not overpowering.
Things I haven't liked about the many other bars I've tried in the last few years:
- Many are too soft. From the first wash, they soak up water and can be poked into. They're used up much more quickly and are more likely to leave a slime trail in my hair when I shower directly after someone else.
- Long, thin rectangle that ends up in bits and pieces when it's down to about 20% left.
- Some are sprinkled with floral bits or whatever, which I end up either cutting off in a chunk (wasteful) or picking out of my hair (annoying).
- Too moisturizing, turning my hair into an oil slick, or too volumizing, turning my hair into straw.
Do you have a shampoo bar that you love for your fine, straight hair, that doesn't dissolve into a puddle of goo after one shower, and that doesn't cost $44 like one I saw recommended yesterday? If you've got an expensive one that meets all the other requirements, I'm willing to give it a try if they've got a tester or a travel-size option!
(I'm currently using more of specialised bottle shampoo, because lo, my scalp, but...) Fine, straight hair, though now also mostly grey, which introduces other challenges.
When I'm using shampoo bars, I've been alternating between Chagrin Valley Soap and Salve and Apple Valley Soap - I've been using both for more than a decade. Prices both c. $10 a bar, but they last for a good while so long as you don't let them get actively soaked while they're just sitting in the shower (and have a good drying thing with drainage). If you do that, they don't get gloppy.
Both also do sample sizes, and have a wide range of different types (and some guidance on what might work for you.)
I find Chagrin Valley more moisturising/weighty, and it works better for me in the winter and is too much in the summer, so you might consider if there are seasonal shifts that are relevant to you.
(And sympathising over the "can't get this anymore". I still wist over a soap bar from my then-local farmer's market 20 years ago.)
posted by jenettsilver at 7:57 AM on February 6 [3 favorites]
When I'm using shampoo bars, I've been alternating between Chagrin Valley Soap and Salve and Apple Valley Soap - I've been using both for more than a decade. Prices both c. $10 a bar, but they last for a good while so long as you don't let them get actively soaked while they're just sitting in the shower (and have a good drying thing with drainage). If you do that, they don't get gloppy.
Both also do sample sizes, and have a wide range of different types (and some guidance on what might work for you.)
I find Chagrin Valley more moisturising/weighty, and it works better for me in the winter and is too much in the summer, so you might consider if there are seasonal shifts that are relevant to you.
(And sympathising over the "can't get this anymore". I still wist over a soap bar from my then-local farmer's market 20 years ago.)
posted by jenettsilver at 7:57 AM on February 6 [3 favorites]
Ive done a lot of experimentation in this area, and I also have fine hair (but curly)
I'm currently using a combo of brands.
Shampoo bar: viori shampoo bar , I use the native essence one, but they have other options. It's a nice thick round, smells good, does not dissolve after a few goes and is nicely moisturizing without loading my hair down. At $12 a bar, it's not expensive, and a bar lasts me approx 30 washes. This brand has conditioner bars also, but I love my current conditioner (see below). They also have trial sizes
Conditioner - hibar . I love the shape of this, shaped to minimize waste my current bar has lasted longer than I can remember (I only condition every two or three washes, not every time) . It's super easy to use, very nicely moisturizing. Hibar do shampoo bars too, it was a bit drying for my hair. , but might be worth you trying
posted by darsh at 7:57 AM on February 6 [3 favorites]
I'm currently using a combo of brands.
Shampoo bar: viori shampoo bar , I use the native essence one, but they have other options. It's a nice thick round, smells good, does not dissolve after a few goes and is nicely moisturizing without loading my hair down. At $12 a bar, it's not expensive, and a bar lasts me approx 30 washes. This brand has conditioner bars also, but I love my current conditioner (see below). They also have trial sizes
Conditioner - hibar . I love the shape of this, shaped to minimize waste my current bar has lasted longer than I can remember (I only condition every two or three washes, not every time) . It's super easy to use, very nicely moisturizing. Hibar do shampoo bars too, it was a bit drying for my hair. , but might be worth you trying
posted by darsh at 7:57 AM on February 6 [3 favorites]
We bought Ethique shampoo cubes for our daughter and I've started to use them away from home. She has straight hair; mine is curly. Link will take you to their mini and trial set page. Their loyalty program is nice and I believe there was an intro discount. (We are also big fans of their baby bum bott balm.)
posted by icaicaer at 8:17 AM on February 6 [1 favorite]
posted by icaicaer at 8:17 AM on February 6 [1 favorite]
I second HiBar for conditioner & I also like their shampoo. The upright shape seems to help with drying and is easier for me to hold. (fyi their face soap was very squishy and I do not recommend that one)
posted by IridescentMoth at 8:34 AM on February 6 [1 favorite]
posted by IridescentMoth at 8:34 AM on February 6 [1 favorite]
I've used Lush Godiva - it's $15/, works well on my fine curly hair, and didn't disintegrate much over nearly two years of travel (kept in the metal tin).
posted by quadrilaterals at 9:00 AM on February 6 [1 favorite]
posted by quadrilaterals at 9:00 AM on February 6 [1 favorite]
Came here to say Chagrin Valley but I see it's already been mentioned, so I will enthusiastically second it. I've been using their shampoo pretty much exclusively for years.
posted by darchildre at 9:31 AM on February 6 [1 favorite]
posted by darchildre at 9:31 AM on February 6 [1 favorite]
Can you store them out of the shower? I've tried a pile of different ones and have never known one not to turn into a gelatinous puddle if it gets even a glancing hit from shower spray. I wish your guy had left his recipe: it sounds perfect. :(
I bought some last year from Whole Foods that are at least big, though they're in an idiotic teardrop shape, so the tip is liable to break off. They don't stink, they last a long time, and they don't have the problem I experience with every non-Lush solid shampoo I've tried, namely that it is not shampoo, it's a bar of soap, and it leaves my hair as gummy and impossible to get a brush through as if I'd washed it with Dial. I can't find them online, now, annoyingly. They must've pissed off Jeff Bezos somehow.
posted by Don Pepino at 9:36 AM on February 6
I bought some last year from Whole Foods that are at least big, though they're in an idiotic teardrop shape, so the tip is liable to break off. They don't stink, they last a long time, and they don't have the problem I experience with every non-Lush solid shampoo I've tried, namely that it is not shampoo, it's a bar of soap, and it leaves my hair as gummy and impossible to get a brush through as if I'd washed it with Dial. I can't find them online, now, annoyingly. They must've pissed off Jeff Bezos somehow.
posted by Don Pepino at 9:36 AM on February 6
I use the viori shampoo and conditioner bar in native essence. I have tried other things but this is the one I keep coming back to.
posted by amycup at 10:04 AM on February 6
posted by amycup at 10:04 AM on February 6
I like the "Pinkalicious" Ethique shampoo bar. (it's $16) It's not quite but almost a cube and has not gotten melty on me being kept in an open container on the non-faucet side of the tub. Some of their other shampoos didn't lather enough and/or were too squishy for my taste, but the pink one is great and has been long-lasting. I have a ton of fine hair too and like the results. I've also liked their "Guardian" conditioner bar along with it. It gets a little squishier than the shampoo but hasn't totally melted like some other conditioner bars.
posted by snaw at 10:26 AM on February 6
posted by snaw at 10:26 AM on February 6
I really like the shampoo and conditioner bars from Attitude. I use the "detox" one simply because I really like how it smells.
They're rather expensive, but they last a long time if they are allowed to dry between uses. I store mine on a little shelf outside the shower curtain. I previously kept them on one of those caddies that hangs from the showerhead, but I think the humidity adversely affected their longevity.
I have butt-length, fine but abundant hair, which I wash 2-3 times per week. When stored away from moisture and humidity, one of the bars lasts a couple of months. It would probably last much longer if I had shorter hair.
The plastic-free packaging is an added bonus. If you end up liking a particular scent, you can buy matching bar soap, deodorant, and dry oil moisturizer. I can vouch for the quality of the former two products, but I haven't tried the latter (yet). Actually, all of the Attitude products I've tried have been great.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 10:28 AM on February 6
They're rather expensive, but they last a long time if they are allowed to dry between uses. I store mine on a little shelf outside the shower curtain. I previously kept them on one of those caddies that hangs from the showerhead, but I think the humidity adversely affected their longevity.
I have butt-length, fine but abundant hair, which I wash 2-3 times per week. When stored away from moisture and humidity, one of the bars lasts a couple of months. It would probably last much longer if I had shorter hair.
The plastic-free packaging is an added bonus. If you end up liking a particular scent, you can buy matching bar soap, deodorant, and dry oil moisturizer. I can vouch for the quality of the former two products, but I haven't tried the latter (yet). Actually, all of the Attitude products I've tried have been great.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 10:28 AM on February 6
I've used both Lush and Ethique shampoo bars and would say the Ethique ones might fit your requirements slightly better - cubes / blocks, hard and hard-wearing and last a very long time. I like the Lush bars fine but they are softer and don't last nearly as long.
posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 10:56 AM on February 6
posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 10:56 AM on February 6
Another recommendation for Chagrin Valley shampoo bars. My current favorites are Butter Bar with added conditioner (winter approved) and Coconut Milk. Herbal Garden and Nettle are both nice.
I take apart a bath scrubby and cut up the mesh tube for several soap holders. This aids in creating a lather, keeping track of all the tiny slivers, and color coding the different bars.
posted by TrishaU at 2:13 PM on February 6 [1 favorite]
I take apart a bath scrubby and cut up the mesh tube for several soap holders. This aids in creating a lather, keeping track of all the tiny slivers, and color coding the different bars.
posted by TrishaU at 2:13 PM on February 6 [1 favorite]
I freaking love this Jasmine shampoo bar (I gave the Rosemary one away). Still a solid round, never mushy, lathers well (short fine hair), pleasant scent while you’re washing but doesn’t hang around after rinsing. Comes in a cute tin.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 3:07 PM on February 6 [1 favorite]
posted by TWinbrook8 at 3:07 PM on February 6 [1 favorite]
I found them: https://pachasoap.com/collections/shampoo-conditioner-bars.
posted by Don Pepino at 6:03 PM on February 6
posted by Don Pepino at 6:03 PM on February 6
I use Aspen Kay shampoo bars and sometime the conditioner too. Made in the US, minimal paper packaging, small company, natural ingredients...all the good things, since that was the reason I changed to bars in the first place. I've found that with any bar shampoo, a second rinse of something acidic like lemon juice or white vinegar washes out any soap film left behind, then I rinse with more water.
I let the bar dry on a shower rack completely between shampoos, so it lasts for months. The conditioner bar is great too.
posted by tula at 9:43 PM on February 6
I let the bar dry on a shower rack completely between shampoos, so it lasts for months. The conditioner bar is great too.
posted by tula at 9:43 PM on February 6
Another vote for Trader Joe. Good price point, they don’t melt too fast, you can cut off a chunk, they don’t irritate my very sensitive skin, they don’t leave my fine hair icky, they go in my carry on, and they remove body paint in one soaping. I also like Lush but only if someone else is buying.
posted by kyraU2 at 9:15 PM on February 7
posted by kyraU2 at 9:15 PM on February 7
« Older Manhattan nap spot (free or museum admission) | was this an 'accident'? help with health insurance... Newer »
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
Trader Joe's sells a shampoo bar for $4. I can't swear it ticks all your boxes, but I have not had the frustrations you describe with it and, given that one lasts me months, it's not terribly expensive to try out.
posted by hoyland at 7:54 AM on February 6 [1 favorite]