[unpaid/sample] This is really a Mr BBB review since he was the one who tested out the Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo Bars because I don’t like shampoo bars and he thinks they’re a genius idea. I can see on so many levels why they’re a good idea but in my opinion, the perfect formula is yet to be found. Clearly, they save on packaging and what packaging there is is recyclable. They’re good for travel, when that’s up and running properly again, and they’re space-savers.
Made with 94% plant based ingredients, you can choose from Softening, Strengthening and Hydrating – Softening is for sensitive scalps and fragile hair (using oatmilk), Strengthening is for damaged hair prone to breaking and uses honey and Hydrating speaks for itself, using coconut and aloe. So, the first problem is that they all look exactly alike so if you have more than one hair type in your household you’ll actually never be able to tell whose is whose. They’re not fragranced enough that it’s easy to tell. There is a Revitalizing version as well with ginger and almond which I haven’t spotted on-line.
You will definitely need a holder for it – the free tin (seen) doesn’t seem to be available on Superdrug (where the bar is half price) but is available on Boots. I keep my Cloud on a little bamboo slatted bar (HERE) that allows for draining but leaves it free standing – I am telling you, you will have to shoehorn your Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo Bar out of this tin. Once wet, it basically glues itself to the inside of the tin.
The holes in the bottom of the tin allow the shampoo to seep through – as it dries, it starts to set again so good luck once that’s happened :-). I understand that there is definitely a bit of give and take on formulas – performance wise, there is nothing to complain about because it cleans your hair, without silicones, and really quite well, but for user experience, there are some things to work on still. Ideally, air drying is best for these types of bars rather than being inside a tin but in the shower there might not be room for a flat tray, especially if you have more than one bar and user. Unless you have a very keen nose, you won’t know one from another, so some colour, even very mild, feels essential. As I said, Superdrug have Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo Bars half price (£3.96) or Boots have them full price for £7.99 but have the free tin.
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10 comments
I use Lush’s solid shampoo “bars” (they are shaped like round cakes, actually) when I travel, and I find that the best way to dry one of them between uses is to stand it vertically in the tin. That way more surface area is available to air dry. Of course the bit that sits in contact with the tin does get slimy, so it is not a perfect solution.
I wish I could say I love solid shampoo (so much less plastic packaging waste!), but I find that all the formulations leave my hair feeling a bit greasy/dirty. At home I opt for high waste bottled shampoos–they just perform better.
Yes, that’s a good idea to stand it in the tin rather than slot it face down.
For Lush shampoo bars, I got sick of finding them welded on to the side of the bath, or the tray, so I tried putting it on a Pringles plastic lid. No more sticking! Don’t know if it would work for these as well.
Pringle lid! That’s so good :-))
It’s good to hear that these aren’t strongly scented (not that they’re available in the US yet); the Garnier Oat Milk shampoo gave me, hands down, the softest, silkiest hair I have ever had but I found the perfume overwhelming (and a little unpleasant anyway). Even with the challenges the bars prevent, if I see them, I might try the oat one.
I really didn’t find it at all overtly scented… there is a bit but not too much.
My son is 14 and has ADHD. Shampoo bars are a game changer for us- his inattention means he never puts the lid on shampoo bottles and usually knocks them over. He also has coordination issues which makes solid shampoo easier. These don’t look overly feminine so I suspect he will like them. Boots it is then x
I did actually notice that the shape is good for grip so thought it may be a better option for mobility or co-ordination issues where caps are fiddly so pleased to hear that shampooing has been made easier 🙂
I’ve been using shampoo bars for a couple of years and am currently trying out as many as I can to find the best one for me. Because of the offer, I’ve just tried the Garnier Softening bar with oatmilk and I have to say I’m impressed with the results on my hair – it’s super voluminous and very soft. I found it very foamy, much more so than the other bars I’ve tried, which are from indie companies.
From experience using various bars of shampoo, face wash etc, my top tip for keeping them in tins or boxes is to turn the tin upside down, keeping the bar in the lid. That way, even if it gets stuck, you can still use the bar.
But it’s a problem Lush has always had with its shampoo bars. At one point they suggested putting a ribbon under the bar so you could lift it out, which might help with the Garnier bars, especially if you colour code the ribbons.
Oh good thinking there! Except, I sort of feel that some kind of colour indicator should be the brand’s responsibility.