I've wrestled with whether or not to speak up about this for what feels like ages. Honestly, calling out other soap makers was never something I wanted to do; it just feels counterproductive and downright uncomfortable. But after a recent encounter at one of my craft markets left me feeling uneasy, and then experiencing a lightbulb moment today, I realize I can't stay silent any longer. I've observed a troubling trend that I believe amounts to manipulation of the public. It's disheartening to watch practices that not only confuse consumers but also undermine the integrity of our craft. So, to those of you who have embraced shampoo bars, whether it's because you love how they work for your hair or you're simply trying to cut down on packaging, it's essential to know this: what you may think is a shampoo bar is often just a bar of soap, and you definitely shouldn't be paying more for it.
A couple weeks ago, while I was manning my table at the Riverwalk Market, a woman approached me with a specific inquiry about shampoo bars. Unfortunately, I had to tell her I didn't carry any. She lingered, browsing my soaps and scrutinizing the labels. I could see her growing confused, and when she pointed out how similar some of the ingredients in my products were to shampoo bars she'd seen, I simply nodded in agreement. When she asked if it was common for ingredients to overlap, I confirmed, which seemed to set her off. "So they just slap on the shampoo bar label," she stated, visibly disappointed. That moment left me feeling uneasy; I didn't want to throw anyone under the bus for questionable selling practices, but I also couldn't deceive her. As she walked away, my mind spiraled into thoughts about how this perception could tarnish the reputation of all handmade body product sellers - including myself. More recently, during a visit to the co-op near my house, I stumbled across shampoo bars that were shockingly overpriced. The seller wanted $10 for a 3 ounce bar. They sparked my curiosity at first, but then the price left me scratching my head - where was the justification for such cost? Sure, people can set whatever prices they want, and I respect that, but it's disheartening to think that some products, labeled as artisanal or handmade, might mislead consumers.
It's become increasingly common to stroll through stores and see products labeled as "shampoo bars" that, at a glance, look strikingly similar to your run-of-the-mill soap. What really gets under my skin is the pricing - these so-called shampoo bars often come with a price tag that's noticeably higher, leading consumers to believe there's something uniquely beneficial about them. Now, I can't say for sure whether the artisans behind these bars are intentionally trying to mislead anyone; maybe they just want their creations to be recognized for hair use and set a price they find fair. That's their prerogative. My concern lies in the message that's being communicated to customers who hop on board the shampoo bar trend, convinced they're purchasing something special that promises to improve their hair's health. When you dig a little deeper, though, and ask folks about the difference, you'll usually hear that these bars are pH balanced and enriched with nourishing ingredients specifically for hair. Yet, a quick look at the ingredient lists reveals that many use the same ingredients as regular body soaps. It creates this weird disconnect that feels a bit disingenuous, and I can't help but feel that consumers deserve more transparency.
It's true that many of the same oils and butters used in handmade soaps are often found in shampoo bars, and some people might shrug it off, thinking, "So what?" But the reality is far more complicated than that, and the conversations happening on platforms like Reddit reveal a growing frustration among consumers. Many users are sharing their disappointment not only with the performance of these shampoo bars but also with the misleading marketing that suggests these products are somehow superior or tailored for hair care. Claims that glamorize a product without full transparency can lead to some serious disappointment. It's not just about the ingredients; it's about the expectations that come with them and when these expectation aren't met, you bet people are going to voice their concerns loud and clear.
The following two images are taken from a Reddit thread.
To be clear, when I talk about shampoo bars, I'm specifically referring to those handmade-looking blocks that resemble a classic bar of soap, the ones you often see displayed in eco-friendly shops. There are loads of other shampoo bars out there that are totally different, usually round and packed with ingredients tailored to hair care. Those aren't the ones I'm ranting about here. My concern lies with a specific subset, which, while appealing for being eco-friendly and containing safe natural ingredients aren't always what people think they are.
The following image is what shampoo bars with specific hair care ingredients usually look like.
I guess what I really want to get across here is the importance of being informed about what you're buying, especially in the realm of personal care products. It's surprisingly easy for someone to take a regular bar of soap, slap a "shampoo bar" label on it, and charge you a premium because everyone seems to be jumping on that trend. There's nothing illegal about it - it's fair game in the marketing world. But as a savvy consumer, you should definitely know what you're spending your money on. Just because something is labeled a shampoo bar doesn't necessarily mean it's a superior product for your hair. So before you splurge on that trendy little bar, take a moment to really consider what's in it and whether it actually fits your needs.
