Conditioner Bar vs Liquid: Which is Better?

When it comes to a conditioner bar vs liquid conditioner, which is best for your hair?

If you’re considering making the switch to solid hair products, you’re probably wondering how they stack up against your current liquid line. But there will be no question about the answer once you’re done with this article.

Today, we will closely compare solid and liquid conditioners so you can understand which is best for you. But before we get into all that, let’s talk a little about what a conditioner bar is, and who can use one. 

What is a conditioner bar? 

Unlike a traditional conditioner, a conditioner bar is a completely solid product. This means it doesn’t need any of the plastic packaging that liquid conditioners come in. 

Conditioner bars are made of highly-concentrated hair conditioning ingredients, because they are completely waterless beauty products. Did you know that up to 80% of a traditional liquid conditioner is actually just water? 

That means it’s a waste of plastic, water, AND money when you purchase the average liquid conditioner. This makes switching to solid conditioner better for both the environment, and your wallet. 

If you’re not sure how to use a conditioner bar, it’s easy to learn. You simply wet down your hair and your conditioner bar. Then, you can run the conditioner bar directly down the lengths of your hair, or rub the product between your hands to accumulate some product, and work that into your hair by hand. 

Now you might be wondering if a conditioner bar vs liquid is right for you. If your hair is in deep need for moisture, I completely understand wanting to ensure the best product for protecting your strands. 

You may be wondering: “Are conditioner bars as effective as liquid conditioners?” 

Or “do conditioner bars work for curly hair?”

The answer for both is a resounding YES - and here’s why. 

Are conditioner bars as effective as traditional conditioners? 

When comparing solid and liquid conditioner, you will find that they are equally effective for your hair. 

Conditioner bars can be just as moisturizing as liquid conditioners, and are usually made from natural ingredients, so they don’t contain the harsh chemicals and cloying silicones found in many regular conditioners. 

There are also different types of conditioner bars that are formulated for fine, dry, curly, or oily hair - so it’s just about finding the right product for you.

Switching to solid conditioner can take a little adjustment, but once you and your hair get used to the new routine, I’m sure you’ll be better off for it! 

Why is that?

Let’s take an in-depth look at the differences between a conditioner bar vs liquid conditioner.

The complete comparison of liquid vs solid conditioner

There are many factors to consider when deciding to buy a conditioner bar vs liquid conditioner, such as cost, convenience, environmental impact, and ingredient list. Here is how all the stats for a conditioner bar vs liquid conditioner break down:

Conditioner bar vs liquid: cost

On average, you save a lot of money by switching to a conditioner bar. That’s because when comparing a conditioner bar vs liquid conditioner, you will go through 2 or 3 full bottles of liquid conditioner in the same time it takes you to finish a single conditioner bar. 

Remember, waterless conditioner bars are much more concentrated, so you are getting more bang for your buck in terms of product. This means you will need to purchase fewer hair products, and will be cutting back on plastic waste in the process! 

Conditioner bar vs liquid: convenience

When it comes to convenience, the conditioner bar wins again. That’s because not only does your product last you longer, it’s easier to travel with too.

Simply pop your waterless conditioner into a travel tin and you can throw it in your gym bag or even your airplane carry-on. No liquid, no restrictions! It also means you won’t have to worry about your conditioner exploding on you mid-flight. Win-win. 

Conditioner bar vs liquid: environmental impact 

Do you know how many plastic bottles from hair products end up in oceans and landfills every year? In the United States alone, we dump over 552 million shampoo bottles into our environment every year. This figure doesn’t even include conditioner, body wash, or other beauty products.

That number is STAGGERING.

But there is still hope. Switching to solid shampoo and conditioner products is one of the easiest ways to learn how to reduce plastic use in your daily routine. Because beauty bars are solid, they don’t require any plastic packaging. 

Plastic-free conditioner and shampoo bars are far better for the environment - and, these solid products may just be better for your hair too. 

Conditioner bar vs liquid: ingredients 

When it comes to the ingredients of a conditioner bar vs liquid conditioner, the conditioner bar, you guessed it, wins again! 

In addition to being plastic-free conditioner, conditioner bars are paraben free, silicone free, sulfate free, and void of other harsh or cloying chemicals. These chemicals in traditional hair products are not only bad for your hair, they also go into the waterways and cause harm to wildlife. 

When comparing the function of a conditioner bar vs liquid conditioner, the liquid often forms a barrier around your hair shaft, coating it with plastics or waxes to make it smoother and shinier - but this does nothing to help the health of your hair.

In fact, coating your hair in all these substances will make it limp and dull, and may require a harsh clarifying shampoo to remove. 

A conditioner bar, on the other hand, is designed to strengthen and hydrate your strands from the inside out - working on the health of your hair structure without masking your natural tresses. 

The final verdict on conditioner bars vs liquid conditioner 

If you are looking for cruelty-free, environmentally friendly, and clean beauty products that are the best for your hair, it’s time to consider a conditioner bar. 

Conditioner bars are thoughtfully made from natural ingredients that nourish and strengthen your hair, and this waterless conditioner is both wallet- and environmentally friendly. 

When it comes to cost, convenience, environmental impact, and quality, a conditioner bar wins in all arenas.  

So now, the only consideration is choosing which conditioner bar is right for you!  

Choosing the best conditioner bar for your hair 

Not every plastic-free conditioner will work equally for all hair types. You need to meet your hair where it’s at! Luckily, I have a conditioner bar for every hair goal.

Have dry or damaged hair that needs all the moisture it can get? Then you want the Ultra Moisturizing Conditioner Bar.

Have fine, thin, or oily hair? Then you need a lighter touch. The Moisturizing Conditioner Bar adds just the right amount of hydration without weighing your hair down or upsetting the balance. 

Have wavy, curly, or coily hair that needs extra support? Then the Curl Definer & Leave-In Conditioner Bar will be your new best friend. This two-in-one product will leave your curls bouncy, defined, and frizz-free.