As a hairstylist with over 20 years in the industry, I've seen shampoo bars go from crunchy hippie staples to mainstream must-haves. Lush Cosmetics has been at the forefront of this revolution with their irresistible, fragrant bars that promise salon-quality results. But here's the dirty little secret your hairstylist might not tell you: these popular bars could be doing more harm than good to your locks.
The Shocking Truth About That Rich Lather
That luxurious foam you love? It comes from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the same harsh detergent found in dish soap. While it creates that satisfying clean feeling, it's actually:
- Stripping your scalp's natural oils
- Disrupting your hair's pH balance
- Causing your scalp to overproduce oil
pH: The Hidden Hair Killer
Healthy hair thrives at a slightly acidic pH of 4.5-5.5. Most Lush bars? They clock in at a damaging 8-9. This alkaline environment:
- Forces hair cuticles open
- Leads to moisture loss
- Causes color-treated hair to fade faster
Who Should (And Shouldn't) Use Lush Bars
The perfect match: If you have bulletproof, oily hair and love bold scents, these can work for occasional use.
Steer clear if you:
- Have color-treated or chemically processed hair
- Struggle with dry or curly hair
- Have a sensitive scalp or skin conditions
How to Use Them Without Ruining Your Hair
If you're addicted to that Lush experience, try these damage-control tips:
- Limit use to 1-2 times weekly
- Always follow with an acidic conditioner
- Store in a dry soap dish between uses
The bottom line? While Lush bars win points for being plastic-free and smell amazing, they're not the gentle haircare solution they're often made out to be. Your hair deserves better than dish soap in pretty packaging.