Making the switch to a shampoo bar is one of the easiest ways to cut plastic from your routine — and still enjoy clean, healthy hair. But if you’re new to eco-friendly haircare, you might run into a few common questions: Why does my hair feel waxy? Do shampoo bars work in hard water? How do I store a bar for travel?

We’ve rounded up answers to the most common shampoo bar troubleshooting questions so you can get the best results from your plastic-free shampoo routine.


Why does my hair feel waxy or sticky after using a shampoo bar?

That “waxy” feeling is usually a sign of residue. Traditional soap-based shampoo bars can react with minerals in your water, leaving behind a film. Even if you rinse well, your hair may feel coated.

How Sunniemade helps: Our bars are syndet-based (made with a gentle, plant-derived surfactant called sodium coco sulfate), which lathers richly and rinses clean — even in hard water. No sticky film, just soft, refreshed strands.

Tips if you notice waxiness:

  • Make sure you aren’t using a soap-based product on your hair. If you see ingredients such as lye, sodium hydroxide, or saponified oils of…, the formulation includes soap.


Do shampoo bars work if I have hard water — and what can I do about it?

Yes! But whether you’re using liquid shampoo or a bar, hard water makes things trickier. Minerals like calcium and magnesium bind to your hair, which can leave it feeling dull or heavy.

The Sunniemade difference: Because our bars are soap-free and pH-balanced, they’re far less likely to react with hard water. You’ll still get the satisfying clean and juicy scents you love, without the gunky buildup.

Extra support if you’re in a hard water area:

  • Try an occasional acidic rinse (like diluted apple cider vinegar). Be sure to dilute it and don’t overdo it.
  • Use a clarifying wash once in a while to reset.
  • If possible, add a shower filter — it’s a game changer for your hair and skin.

Which shampoo bar ingredients are likely to dry out hair and scalp?

Not all solid shampoos are created equal. Soap-based bars (made from saponified oils) are higher in pH, which can leave hair rough or reactive with hard water. Some bars use harsher surfactants, like SLS, which can be drying.

What we do differently: Sunniemade bars are made with mild, coconut-derived cleansers that are tough on buildup but gentle on your scalp. Each formula is boosted with nourishing butters and oils — think mango butter, chia seed oil, and rosehip oil — so your hair feels balanced and soft after every wash.

Tips if you notice dryness:

  • Check labels: avoid soap-based formulas that list lye, sodium hydroxide, or saponified oils.
  • Skip harsh sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
  • Use less product overall. Shampoo bars are concentrated, so you need far less than liquid shampoos.

How should I store my shampoo bar (at home and while traveling)?

The key to making your shampoo bar last longer is keeping it dry between washes. Standing water will melt it down quickly, while poor airflow can attract bacteria.

At home:

  • Place your Sunniemade bar on a draining dish or shower rack, away from direct spray.
  • Allow it to dry fully before your next wash.

On the go:

  • Our travel cases are designed to keep your bar high and dry. If you pack it damp, crack the tin open when you arrive so it can breathe.
  • For quick trips, wrap it in a washcloth or slip it into our All-In-One Soap Scrap Bag and Washcloth.

This way, your bar lasts longer — and feels fresh every time you lather.

Are shampoo bars TSA-friendly? What’s the best way to pack them for flights?

Yes! Shampoo bars are TSA-approved because they don’t count toward liquid limits, which makes them perfect for carry-ons. No leaks, no wasted space, no plastic minis.

Traveling with Sunniemade:

  • Pop your bar into one of our lightweight travel cases.
  • At your destination, store it with the lid open and the draining element propped up on the case for maximum airflow (see photo above).
  • Seal it up when you’re on the go.
  • Pro move: use your bars at home before your trip so it’s smaller and easier to travel with — it’ll all fit perfectly into our smallest case.

How do I use a shampoo bar for best results?

If you’re wondering how to use a shampoo bar, technique matters. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll love the results.

How to use your Sunniemade bar:

  1. Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water.
  2. Swipe the bar directly across your scalp (or lather in your hands first).
  3. Massage into roots and scalp — where oil builds up most.
  4. Rinse thoroughly, and repeat if desired.
  5. Follow with a conditioner bar to get your strands shiny and easy to brush out.

You can also check out these instructions for more guidance! With Sunniemade, you’ll get a rich, bubbly lather and a scalp-cleansing experience that feels indulgent — all without the bottle.


The Bottom Line on Shampoo Bars

Switching to a shampoo bar is a smart move for your hair, your suitcase, and the planet. If you’ve run into waxiness, dryness, or storage woes, remember: not all bars are created equal. A high-quality, pH-balanced shampoo bar makes all the difference.

Sunniemade’s plant-powered, plastic-free shampoo bars are designed to lather beautifully, rinse clean (even in hard water), and travel light. They’re proof that eco-friendly haircare can feel every bit as indulgent as conventional products — just without the bottle.