How to store your shampoo bar in the shower—for maximum longevity
One of the absolute most common questions we get here at FOAM Accessories is how to best care for solid hair bars. Since our shampoo and conditioner bars are packed with natural oils and butters without synthetic hardeners, they react to water exactly as they should—that is, they melt and activate. But if they are left sitting in a puddle of water in the shower, they will disappear far too quickly.
The absolute most important thing when storing a shampoo bar properly is to let it dry completely between washes. By keeping the bar away from the direct shower stream and placing it on a soap dish or in a soap bag with good drainage, you can easily double its lifespan and make it last for several months.
Here are our 3 best and simplest tips for storing your hair bars like a pro.
5 smart tips for storing shampoo and conditioner bars
Follow these simple rules to keep your FOAM products hard, fresh, and long-lasting:
1. Use a soap dish with drainage
Never place your shampoo bar on a completely flat dish or directly on the shower shelf where water collects. We recommend placing the bar on one of our soap dishes with good drainage. This allows excess water to drain away immediately, keeping the bar hard and in good condition.
2. Hang the bar in a soap bag
Another fantastic option is to store the bar in one of our soap bags. You can leave the bar in the bag while washing your hair to create a lovely lather and provide extra exfoliation. Afterwards, simply hang the bag on a hook in the shower so air can circulate freely around the entire bar and dry it.
3. Move the bar out of the shower zone
When you have finished washing your hair, don’t leave the bars right where you shower. The moisture and steam in the shower make it difficult for them to dry properly. Instead, move your soap dish or soap bag a little away from the shower stream.
4. Store it dry in the bathroom cabinet
If you want to be absolutely sure that your bars last as long as possible, we recommend storing them in the bathroom cabinet between washes. As soon as the bar has drained a little after your shower, you can move it into the cabinet, where the air is much drier than in the rest of the bathroom.
5. Let the bar dry completely before traveling
Taking your shampoo bar to the gym or on a trip? Make sure it has air-dried properly before you put it in a case. If you pack a wet bar in an airtight container, it may become soft during the journey.
How do you know that the bar is doing well?
- The right feel: A healthy shampoo bar should feel completely hard and dry on the surface when it is time for the next wash.
- If it becomes soft: If your bar has become mushy or soft, move it out of the bathroom to a dry room for a day. It will quickly harden again so you can continue using it as usual.
Sustainable hair care that lasts a long time
By showing your hair bars a little love through proper storage, you save both the environment and your wallet. One FOAM bar stored dry is equivalent to up to three regular plastic bottles of shampoo!
Read our ultimate guide to shampoo bars here to learn more about how to get the absolute most out of your plastic-free hair care routine, or explore our full range of shampoo and conditioner bars here.