We choose hair care for how it cleans, conditions, and fits into everyday life. We consider clearly listed ingredients, scalp comfort, scent, packaging, ease of use, and value. Our preference for liquid products reflects experience with bars becoming difficult to use as they get smaller.
Below are the products we use and those we have moved on from, with the reasons behind each choice. These are personal experiences; the same product can work differently for someone else.
In Our Cabinet
Plaine Products Hair + Body Wash 2:1 — Sage
Why it’s in our cabinet: One wash for hair and body helps keep the shower simple. Plaine’s bottle-return system lets us keep the pump and return eligible empty bottles for reuse.
Our experience: The earthy scent does not linger, and the wash lathers and rinses easily. Paired with conditioner, it leaves my fine hair soft and airy without feeling heavy. I switched from Plaine’s regular shampoo for convenience, rather than because the shampoo stopped working.
Plaine Products Conditioner — Citrus Lavender
Why it’s in our cabinet: It gives my hair the softness and detangling I want, with the same returnable-bottle system as the wash.
Our experience: It spreads easily, rinses cleanly, and leaves my fine hair silky without a heavy or waxy coating. The gentle floral scent remains noticeable after washing. A bottle lasts approximately four to five months in my routine.
Previously in Our Cabinet
A change in routine does not always mean a product disappointed us. Sometimes we want fewer steps, prefer a different format, or are simply curious to try something new.
Plaine Products Shampoo — Citrus Lavender
Why we chose it: The returnable bottles and a shampoo that left my hair and scalp feeling clean suited my routine.
Why we switched: I moved to Plaine’s Hair + Body Wash to have fewer products in the shower. The regular shampoo gave me good results, and I would happily use it again.
Ash Hopper Herbal Mint Shampoo Bar
Why we chose it: The compact bar format offered an alternative to bottled shampoo. In use, it lathered well, cleaned in one wash, and left my hair soft once dry. Each bar lasted approximately two to three months.
Why we moved on: I initially moved on out of curiosity about other brands. Over time, I found that the last pieces of shampoo bars were difficult to handle or fell apart, so I returned to liquids for everyday use. I enjoyed this bar and would still consider it for travel.
Rowe Casa Organics Shampoo Bar & Conditioner Bar
Our experience: I loved using Rowe Casa’s shampoo and conditioner bars.
Why we switched: The bar format became impractical toward the end. Small pieces were difficult to hold and use, or fell apart, leaving some product wasted. This has been my experience with shampoo bars generally, so I returned to liquid hair care.
Product details can change. Check the current label and select a formula that suits your needs. Some links may be affiliate links; see our Affiliate Disclosure.
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