After two decades of working with every hair product under the sun, I've witnessed the beautiful evolution toward sustainable hair care-and shampoo bars are leading the charge! But there's nothing more frustrating than watching your lovely, eco-friendly investment turn to mush between washes. Enter the humble yet mighty shampoo bar saver, the unsung hero of your sustainable hair care routine.
I've guided countless clients through the transition to solid shampoos, and the number one complaint I hear isn't about performance-it's about longevity. Today, I'm sharing my professional insights on preserving these little bars of goodness for maximum value and minimal waste.
Why Your Shampoo Bar Needs a Proper Home
Shampoo bars are essentially concentrated cleanser without the water bottle packaging we've grown accustomed to. This concentration is fantastic for the planet but creates a unique storage challenge. When left sitting in water, these bars dissolve much faster than they should-literally washing your money down the drain!
A quality shampoo bar can last up to 80 washes when properly stored. Without proper drainage, that number can easily drop to 30 or fewer. That's why a dedicated shampoo bar saver isn't just an accessory-it's an essential investment in your sustainable beauty journey.
Types of Shampoo Bar Savers
Soap Dishes with Drainage
The classic option remains popular for good reason. Look for designs with:
- Raised ridges or slats that elevate your bar above water
- Built-in drainage holes to allow water to escape
- Slightly angled design to direct water away from the bar
Breathable Pouches
Perfect for travel or gym bags, these fabric options provide:
- Natural fiber construction (like sisal, hemp, or cotton) for breathability
- Exfoliating texture that can double as a light scrubbing surface
- Hanging loops for proper air circulation
Innovative Bar Holders
The latest generation of bar savers includes:
- Magnetic holders that attach to shower walls
- Silicone trays with specialized water-channeling design
- Bamboo boxes with ventilated slats
Pro Tips for Maximum Bar Life
- Cut larger bars in half. This gives you a manageable size and keeps half your investment safely dry until needed.
- Allow partial drying before placing on your saver. I recommend a quick 30-second pat with a towel.
- Rotate your bar periodically to ensure even drying on all sides.
- Store outside the shower between uses if your bathroom is particularly humid.
- Consider a travel tin only for transport-never store a damp bar in an enclosed container.
DIY Shampoo Bar Savers
Not ready to purchase a specialized holder? I've seen clients get creative with:
- Repurposed soap dishes with added wooden craft sticks for elevation
- Loofah slices cut into flat rounds as natural draining platforms
- Small cooling racks from the kitchen (dedicated to bathroom use only, of course!)
Remember, the goal is air circulation and drainage-think creative with materials you may already have.
My Personal Recommendation
After testing dozens of options in my own shower and salon, I've found that wooden platforms with adequate spacing outperform plastic options for longevity. The natural material seems to wick away excess moisture while remaining resistant to bathroom conditions. If you invest in just one sustainable hair care accessory this year, make it a quality wooden shampoo bar dish.
Your shampoo bar is already making a positive environmental impact-now give it the home it deserves to maximize that good choice. Your hair, wallet, and planet will thank you!