Solid shampoos are slowly but surely conquering the market – and our bathrooms. But are they "better" than normal shampoos at all, how are they used properly and who are they suitable for? We asked an expert.
Shampoo is not just shampoo – we can probably all confirm that. Washing the hair is often also about the feeling and afterwards. That is why some people find it difficult to choose hair care. Have you been flirting with a firm shampoo for a long time, but have not yet dared? We change that! Sabine Müller, Team Leader Product Development Preparative at Logocos, clarifies all questions we all ask ourselves.
What is the difference to normal shampoo?
The main thing is the lack of water in the manufacture. The ingredients of solid shampoos are mixed together and pressed. This saves a large amount of water consumption during production. When washing hair with firm shampoos, the water is logically added during the washing process and can then also effectively clean the scalp and hair. The ingredients remain mostly the same and so our solid shampoos maintain their cleaning but above all their care effect!
Another advantage of the firm shampoos is that plastic is no longer needed. At SANTE, the solid hair shampoos are packed in waste paper made from 100% recycled fibers, while other brands do not pack them at all. Conversely, for us this means that we have to keep a special eye on the product during storage.
How do you use solid shampoo?
The right application is always the key to success – we all know that. Therefore, especially with firm shampoos, you should definitely pay attention to correct use:
You dampen the shampoo a little in the shower and ensure that your hair is well moisturized. Now you can lather the solid shampoo in your hands and distribute it in your hairline and scalp. You can also foam it directly in your hair or use a soap bag to help you. You can try it out here and develop your own technique that suits you best.
Above all, make sure that you apply the shampoo to the scalp and the roots and massage it in – just like normal shampoos. This protects the lengths and tips, because they are gently cleaned with the foam that runs down.
How do you store solid shampoo?
When storing, it is important to make sure that there is enough air in the shampoos and they can drain, otherwise they can swell. Loofah sponges are suitable for this. The solid shampoo can also be optimally dried and stored in a soap bag.
Tip: If you have several small shampoo residues, you can easily collect them in a soap bag.
Alternatively, you can put a marble or pebble bed in a soap dish and place the solid shampoo on it – not only practical, but also stylish.
For which hair types is solid shampoo suitable?
"There are no fixed rules. Because solid shampoos have the same care effects as liquid shampoos, all hair types can use the solid products as well as the liquid ones," explains Sabine Müller. When buying, simply look exactly for which hair problems the respective product is suitable and select the right one.
Why is solid shampoo so unknown?
According to Müller, many people would resist the idea of solid shampoo. Logically, after all, humans are creatures of habit. For many years, liquid products were the go-to product – there was no alternative.
With regard to the sustainable aspects, solid cleaning products are also taken into account today. Young people in particular, who live sustainably and consciously, want to restructure here. Solid shampoos are actually a further development, since previously there were only soaps, but they have no nourishing effect and primarily only clean – like a hand soap. Even today, the product is still connected with more effort. In fact, it's just a matter of getting used to it.