Natural Conditioner Bars

Choosing a Conditioner Bar

The right conditioner bar is the one that suits your hair and gives you the level of conditioning you prefer. Format matters, but so do the formula, intended hair type and way the product is applied.

Choose for your hair, not just the format

Solid conditioners aren't all equally rich. Some provide lighter conditioning, while others are intended for hair that needs more softness, moisture or manageability. Fine hair may feel better with a lighter formula and a modest application. Dry, coarse, curly or wavy hair may benefit from a richer formula, provided the product is positioned for that hair type.

Hair length matters too. Long or tangle-prone hair often needs more product through the lengths and ends than short hair. If a supplier identifies a bar for a particular hair type or concern, use that information to narrow down the most suitable choices rather than assuming every bar will behave in the same way.

Consider how much slip you need

Slip is the smooth feeling that makes it easier to work fingers or a wide-tooth comb through wet hair. It can be particularly important for long, curly or easily tangled hair. Because product transfer from a solid bar is less visible than dispensing a cream, it may take a few passes before the hair develops the slip you want.

Fine or easily weighed-down hair may need less. Start with a modest amount through the areas that need conditioning, then add more gradually if your hair still feels difficult to detangle.

Look at fragrance and ingredient preferences

Fragrance and ingredient profiles vary between conditioner bars. If you prefer a particular fragrance style, avoid certain ingredients or want verified attributes such as vegan or organic, use the information provided for the individual product. These descriptions don't automatically apply to every solid conditioner.

Rinse-out and leave-in directions can also differ. Only leave a conditioner bar in your hair when the manufacturer specifically provides leave-in directions for that product.

Consider the packaging

One reason customers choose bars is the opportunity to reduce conventional conditioner bottles. The packaging itself still varies, so look at the individual product if cardboard, paper, plastic-free packaging or reusable storage is important to you. A reduced-packaging format can be a useful preference without needing to describe the product as zero waste or universally more sustainable than liquid conditioner.

How to Use a Conditioner Bar

Wet the bar and your hair

Shampoo and rinse first, leaving your hair thoroughly wet. Wet the conditioner bar as well; plenty of water helps the solid product transfer more readily.

Apply the conditioner

Depending on the product directions, gently glide the wet bar over the lengths and ends, or rub it between wet hands and transfer the product to your hair. Several light passes give you more control than applying a large amount at once.

Work it through

Use your fingers to distribute the conditioner through the areas that need it. A wide-tooth comb may be useful for longer or tangle-prone hair. Don't expect the same thick, visible coating that you may get from a liquid conditioner; the developing slip is a more useful guide.

Give it the recommended time

Leave the product on your hair for the time recommended by its manufacturer. Directions vary between formulas, so there isn't one waiting time that applies to every bar.

Rinse as directed

Rinse the conditioner thoroughly unless the individual product is specifically intended for leave-in use. After your shower, place the bar somewhere it can drain and dry rather than leaving it in pooled water.

New to solid conditioner? Tell us about your hair length, texture and usual level of conditioning, and we can help you narrow down the choices and understand the application technique.