Shampoo Sticks: What Are Their Advantages?
If you haven’t tried shampoo sticks yet but you aren’t sure about its effects, we will help you to dispel your doubts about the use of the product. This hair cleanser format has the same functions as the liquid version, but with some added environmental benefits.
In particular, it’s associated with benefits such as hydration and recovery of damaged hair, control of oily hair, and the return of silkiness lost by strands constantly exposed to irons and dryers. What does it consist of? How is it used? Here are all the details!
What are shampoo sticks?
According to Offarm, shampoo is a cosmetic product that cleanses the hair and scalp. It’s sometimes formulated for a simultaneous pharmaco-dynamic action to normalize or stimulate hair or sebaceous gland functions.
The magazine adds that any product of this type offers low degreasing power and maximizes detergent activity. These characteristics are precisely met by the shampoo stick bar, an eco-friendly option for hair care.
Shampoo sticks are soap-like tablets made to clean and condition the hair by providing nutrients obtained from 100% natural ingredients. Also, they’re available for all hair types; some compositions even contain elements that fight dandruff.
Furthermore, they provide the same effect as the liquid presentations. The difference is marked by the reduction of the environmental impact of their manufacture, which includes less water use, zero plastic, and low CO2 emissions.
You can also find conditioner sticks that complement the purpose of the shampoo.
Reasons to choose shampoo sticks
Solid shampoos have some advantages over traditional shampoos. Among the main ones, Cosmetics magazine highlights the ease of transportation and the manufacturing from herbal ingredients. Let’s see them in detail.
The product has greater microbiological stability, as it also minimizes the dose of preservatives needed in liquid presentations.
They respect natural hair oils
The formulas of some conventional shampoos are aggressive to the hair, as they suppress the natural oils of the scalp and detract from the beauty of the hair. On the other hand, shampoo sticks respect the texture of the hair strands and hair health.
Shampoo sticks are environmentally friendly
A National Geographic report emphasizes that the oceans receive approximately 9 million tons of plastic per year. The use of shampoo sticks also contributes to the fight against this problem, as it eliminates the need to use plastic bottles. As if that wasn’t enough, these usually come in recycled paper or biodegradable boxes.
On the other hand, being a small tablet, the amount of transport to distribute them is reduced, which translates into lower carbon dioxide emissions on the roads. Large loads are distributed in few vehicles.
They’re easy to transport
It’s feasible to store the bar in a bag or suitcase without fear of spillage, as is the case with liquid shampoo containers. In addition to not taking too much space, you can carry it in your hand luggage of any flight.
It doesn’t contain chemicals
While other shampoos are made with parabens, detergents, sulfates and silicons, solid shampoos concentrate vegetable oils, vitamins and foaming agents. The most common compositions include the following elements:
- Green clay
- Essential oils
- Cocoa or shea butter
- Coconut, palm, almond or castor oil extracts
They last longer
Estimates indicate that a shampoo stick weighing 100 grams yields at least 80 washes, equivalent to 3 bottles of conventional shampoos. It also means a long-term investment and savings.
You contribute to local entrepreneurship
Most of the shampoo bars are local enterprises that base their production on artisanal methods. This doesn’t detract from the quality of the product which, in fact, implies a costly investment by the manufacturers, since it requires inputs that are difficult to obtain and are not cheap.
How to use shampoo sticks
Shampoo sticks are available in different compositions. Furthermore, those containing moisturizing fats such as coconut cream or soy lecithin are best for dry or bleached hair. Those containing green tea are ideal for mixed hair. Likewise, those with lemon and mint are best for oily hair.
If your hair is brittle, try the solid shampoo made with honey, oatmeal and coconut oil, as this fusion is repairing and softening. Whichever shampoo you choose, use it by following the steps that we explain below:
- Moisten: Wet your hair enough to assimilate the cleanser properly.
- Apply: One way to apply the shampoo is to rub the bar in your hands and bring the foam to your head. Another method is to pass the bar directly over the strands and replicate the movements you would do with the conventional substance while massaging your scalp.
- Rinse: Finally, rinse with water until your hair no longer feels soapy.
Are there any cons to shampoo sticks?
The advantages of solid shampoo usually outweigh its cons. However, we should mention that, depending on the formulation, some are quite waxy in texture and tend to clump in the hair.
Also, thick, very long, or curly hair is prone to tangling easily when rubbing this product directly into it, especially if you don’t apply a conditioner afterward.
So, is it worth choosing it? Although the decision is a personal one, if you favor the eco-friendly alternative, check the composition of the bar in detail and make sure the ingredients match your hair’s needs.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Gubitosa, J., Rizzi, V., Fini, P., & Cosma, P. (2019). Cosméticos para el cuidado del cabello: desde el champú tradicional hasta la arcilla sólida y el champú a base de hierbas. Una revisión. Cosmetics, 6(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics6010013
- Lemmel, J. (2001). Cuidados del cabello. Offarm, 20(2), 65-74. https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-offarm-4-articulo-cuidados-del-cabello-13781
- Ogle, A. (2018). 4 razones para cambiar las botellas de champú por barras. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographicla.com/planeta-o-plastico/2018/08/4-razones-para-cambiar-las-botellas-de-champu-por-barras