Shampoos

A standard 60 to 80g shampoo bar typically provides 50 to 80 washes, equivalent to two to three 250ml bottles of liquid shampoo. Keeping the bar dry between uses on a draining soap dish extends its life considerably.

Shampoo bars work in most NZ water conditions. In areas with harder water some people notice a slight waxy residue build-up after several weeks. An occasional apple cider vinegar rinse (one tablespoon diluted in a cup of water, poured over hair after shampooing and rinsed out) removes this and restores shine.

Yes. Sulphate-free shampoo bars are gentler on colour-treated hair and will not strip colour faster than conventional sulphate-free liquid shampoo. All shampoo bars at EcoWarehouse are sulphate-free.

When switching from conventional shampoo, the scalp needs one to two weeks to recalibrate sebum production. Conventional shampoos containing SLS strip natural oils aggressively, causing the scalp to overproduce oil in response. When this trigger is removed, oil production gradually normalises. Hair may feel heavier or greasier during this period before it adjusts.

Yes, provided you choose a gentle formula. Children's hair and scalps are more sensitive than adults', so choose a mild, fragrance-free or lightly scented bar without essential oils that may irritate young scalps. Avoid getting lather in eyes, as even natural soaps cause stinging.

Allow the bar to drain and dry completely between washes. A soap dish with drainage or a small soap saver bag hung to dry are both effective. Never leave the bar sitting in water or on a wet surface, as the constant moisture dissolves the bar significantly faster. A well-stored bar lasts at least twice as long as a poorly stored one.