How to store shampoo bars & really make them last

Shampoo bars have become increasingly popular due to their environmentally friendly nature, reducing an enormous amount of plastic waste compared to liquid shampoos. Not to mention the awesome benefits of shampoo bars for your hair.

However, to make the most of your shampoo bar, proper storage is key.

Below is a quick summary of what we’ll explore in this article, looking at the best ways to store shampoo bars and get the most out of your product:

• Consider a shampoo bar holder: Invest in a shampoo bar holder with good drainage to prevent water from gathering at the bottom of the bar. 
  
  
• Let the bar dry out between uses: Let your shampoo bar dry out between uses to prevent any product from melting away between washes.
  
  
• Don’t place directly next to running water: Avoid placing your shampoo bar directly next to running water, this helps keep the shampoo bars solid form and means you can enjoy it for longer.
  
  
• Keep it in a well ventilated area: Avoid storing the shampoo bar in a humid or steamy bathroom. Instead, find a cool and dry spot, away from the humidity of a bathroom. 
  
  
• Separate from other products: Unpackaged products are more likely to stick together when exposed to humidity or water. 

Read more on each of these top tips below.

Consider a shampoo bar holder

When thinking about the best way to store your shampoo bar, one of the best things you can do is invest in a good quality shampoo bar holder.

It’s important to buy a shampoo bar holder that raises your bar off the ground, or has drainage holes to let any excess water dry out.

If your shampoo bar sits flat on a holder without drainage holes, water will gather underneath and your bar will be sitting in a wet puddle until your next wash.

This will make it mushy and unpleasant to use, along with wasting a lot of product.

Hairy Jayne shampoo bar holders are made from jesmonite - hand cast and designed to rest our shampoo bars and conditioner bars on.

The surface is made of tiny pyramids that allow your shampoo and conditioner bars to stay dry between uses.

Let the bar dry out between uses

Following on nicely from the previous point, it’s equally as important to let your shampoo bar dry out between uses.

If your shampoo bar doesn’t get the chance to dry out between uses, the constant exposure to water will make the bar soggy, losing additional product and its solid square shape.

If you share your shampoo bar with a partner or family member, you may want to invest in a second bar to increase the longevity of your hair care items.

Don’t place directly next to running water

Leaving a shampoo bar near or next to running water, for example on the side of your shower, can cut the lifespan of your bar short.

When consistently exposed to water, your shiny new shampoo bar will likely soften and break down quicker than expected.

This not only wastes product, but it will also be harder to create a rich lather with your shampoo bar and effectively cleanse your hair.

Not to mention the build up of bacteria that can be caused by your bar constantly being exposed to moisture.

By storing the shampoo bar in a dry spot between washes, such as a windowsill or spot away from your shower, you can preserve its integrity and extend its lifespan.

This will mean you can enjoy a more pleasant and effective hair cleansing experience.

Remember, a little care in storage goes a long way in maximising the benefits of your shampoo bar.

Keep it in a well ventilated area

When you're not using your shampoo bar, it’s important to leave your shampoo bar in a well ventilated area.

This allows it to dry out effectively, prolonging its life and reducing the risk of your bar sitting in a wet puddle and becoming soggy between washes.

Alongside this, reducing the risk of any excess moisture means bacteria is less likely to gather on your shampoo bar. So not only will you enjoy more washes, but you’ll also be keeping it more hygienic.

You’ll also benefit from a shampoo bar that retains its shape and texture when stored in a well ventilated spot.

A dry shampoo bar that keeps its shape will lather up easier and last for longer, meaning you also won’t have to replace it as often.

Keep separate from other products

It’s important to think about what other products are nearby when thinking about how to store your shampoo bar.

Is your shampoo bar near products such as bath bombs or other soaps? If yes, you might want to rethink.

Products that are unpackaged are more likely to stick together when frequently exposed to humidity or moisture.

Avoid leaving your shampoo bar side by side with other products, otherwise you might find your new bar melded with another item from your haircare routine. 

If you want an easy way to keep your products separate but still on display, you could try a cork resting mat. 

[product=shampoo-bar-holder]
The surface made of tiny pyramids allows your shampoo and conditioner bars to stay dry between uses. No more sitting in a wet puddle, getting soggy.
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How to store shampoo bars - conclusion

We hope you now have a better understanding of the best ways to store shampoo bars and what to avoid!

If you want to find out more about shampoo bars, check out our ultimate shampoo bar guide.

For more hair care tips and how to get the most out of your products, don’t forget to follow Hairy Jayne on Instagram!