How to Use Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

Never used shampoo or conditioner bars before and feeling a bit daunted?

Never fear, we’ve got you covered! Here’s everything you need to know about how to use them, store them, and travel with them to make sure they last for their full lifespan. Let’s get into some good, clean, fun! 

How to Use Your Cooki Shampoo Bar

1. Wet Your Hair
   Begin by soaking your hair with warm water. This step opens up the hair cuticles and primes your hair for a deep cleanse.
   
   
2. Apply to Roots
   Take your Cooki Shampoo Bar and wet it under the shower, then rub it between your palms to create a creamy lather. Prefer a more direct approach? Glide the bar through your wet hair at the roots to start building extra foamy lather.
   
   
3. Massage Into Your Hair
   Spread the lather from roots to tips, making sure every strand is coated. Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips or our Scalp Massager to stimulate circulation, clear buildup and ensure a thorough cleanse.
   
   
4. Rinse Well
   Rinse your hair thoroughly to wash out all lather and residue. If desired, follow with a conditioner bar to hydrate your hair.

Pro tip: If you’re using a Purple Shampoo Bar to fight brassiness, stick to using this 1 to 3 times a week to maintain your tone without overdoing it. Keep an eye on the hue and work out how many washes per week your hair prefers to reach your ideal shade.

How to Use Your Cooki Conditioner Bar

Conditioner bars work a little differently than shampoo bars. They do not foam, just like traditional cream conditioners. Think of them as a solid block of nourishing oils.

1. Activate the Bar
   Wet the conditioner bar under warm water to soften it and help it glide.
   
   
2. Apply to Mid-Lengths and Ends
   Glide the bar through your hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. You don’t need much, just a few swipes.
   
   
3. Let It Sink In
   Wait for about a minute to let the oils sink in and hydrate your hair.
   
   
4. Rinse Thoroughly
   That’s it. Soft, smooth, hydrated hair!

How to Store Your Bars

Proper storage is key to making your bars last as long as possible and stay in good condition. 

• Keep them dry between uses: Bars left under or near a running showerhead can quickly dissolve. After each use, store your bars on a drainer dish, like our Bamboo Drainer Dish. This prevents them from sitting in water and turning mushy. Never store your bar on a flat surface. It needs to be elevated on something with holes in order to dry out. Pro tip: bar gone soft? Don’t panic! Simply pop them in the fridge for about 20 minutes to reset. 
• Protect from heat: Our bars can have a bit of a meltdown when temperatures rise above 25°C. If your bars have been exposed to heat and feel soft, pop them in the fridge and they’ll firm up again. 
  

How to Travel with Your Bars

Taking your bars on the go? It’s simple! Here’s how to keep them safe and travel-friendly:

• Dry Them Before Packing: Make sure your bars are dried off with a towel or tissue before packing them.
• Use a Travel Tin or Pouch: This keeps your bars protected and mess-free. 

• Add a metal insert to your tin: Place the insert inside the tin, then sit your bar on top. The insert lifts the bar to allow airflow and drainage, helping prevent it from sticking or staying damp between uses. It is especially helpful when travelling, in humid conditions, or on extended stays. If your bar is brand new and taller, the tin may not close with the insert inside. In this case, simply pack the insert separately until the bar wears down slightly.

Bonus: Shampoo bars are great for travel. They’re carry on-friendly and won’t leak like liquid shampoos! 

Let’s Get Lathering!

We hope these tips help you feel more confident in making Cooki shampoo and conditioner bars part of your routine. With just a little care in how you store and use them, your bars will last longer and keep your hair looking great! They’re an eco-friendly, effective way to care for your hair, without the hassle of bottles or leaks. Explore our collection today and experience how easy and rewarding bar hair care can be - your hair (and the planet) will thank you!