Plastic-free haircare: Battle Green shampoo bars
If you like to use shampoo and conditioner bars, Battle Green is one of the best brands. Plastic-free, they are also ideal for travel, to get around ‘no liquid laws’ for airports. Just be sure to store on a dry facecloth or slatted soap dish to drain water away, to stop going mushy.
The shampoo bars contain moisturising olive and grapeseed oils, plus coconut oil to add shine and softness to hair.
These shampoo/conditioner bars are sold in several varieties:
- Lavender tea tree (use with lavender conditioner)
- Mint (use with mint conditioner).
- Chamomile conditioner (fragrance-free) is infused with chamomile flower powder and cleansing pink clay.
Choose unscented haircare for pregnancy/nursing. Avoid shea butter for allergies. Avoid human soap/shampoo on pets due to different PH (read more on giving dogs baths).
- To use the shampoo bars, lather up between hands and apply to wet hair to create a rich lather then rinse with warm water.
- To use the conditioner bars, just rub between wet hands to create a light coating, run through the ends of your hair, leave for two minutes and rinse.
What are shampoo/conditioner bars?
Unlike traditional liquid haircare products that come in bottles, solid shampoo and conditioner bars are concentrated products designed to be used directly on the hair.
A shampoo bar can be rubbed between wet hands to create a lather or applied gently to wet hair, depending on the product’s instructions. Conditioner bars are designed to provide conditioning benefits without requiring a conventional plastic bottle.
Because the products are solid, they don’t need the same type of packaging as liquid alternatives. This can make them an appealing choice for anyone looking to reduce packaging waste in their bathroom.
Why reduce plastic?
Plastic packaging is incredibly useful, but single-use and disposable packaging can contribute significantly to household waste. Choosing reusable, refillable or plastic-free alternatives where practical is one way to reduce the amount of packaging we consume.
Switching from bottled shampoo and conditioner to solid bars is a particularly straightforward change because the products perform the same basic role while taking up less space.
For people beginning their journey towards a lower-waste lifestyle, bathroom products can be a great place to start.
Travel-friendly haircare
Another advantage of solid haircare bars is their convenience when travelling. Unlike bottles of liquid shampoo and conditioner, solid bars don’t have the same concerns around liquid restrictions when flying.
They’re also compact and lightweight, making them easy to pack into a wash bag. Whether you’re heading away for a weekend, travelling abroad or simply going to the gym, a couple of bars can take up surprisingly little room.
Just make sure they are allowed under the specific travel or airline rules you’re following and keep them dry between uses.
Making the switch
Moving from bottled products to bars may take a little getting used to. Your hair might feel different initially, particularly if you’re accustomed to a particular liquid formula.
The key is to give yourself time to find the right technique and product for your hair type. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow your bars to dry properly between uses. Keeping them on a draining soap dish or suitable storage tray can help prevent them from becoming unnecessarily soft.
As with any haircare product, individual results vary. What works beautifully for one person may not suit another, so consider your hair type and specific needs when choosing a shampoo or conditioner bar.
