Review (4/5): Strong fragrance
This was my first time trying shampoo or conditioner in bar form, and I had the opportunity to try both from this company's line of products. My first impressions were very positive - the ingredients looked clean and natural, as well as being cruelty-free and vegan, I love that it’s plastic free (both the lack of bottle and the packaging), and that the scent options were relatively gender neutral. The bars were a little smaller than I expected, but ergonomically they fit comfortably in the palm of my hand and don't seem to be shrinking too fast after a week or so of use. I'm glad that they have different colors, so that I can differentiate between my bar soap, shampoo, and conditioner!
My experience using them was pretty good. It felt odd at first as I've only ever used bottled products, but quickly got used to it and could definitely see myself using more bars in the future. I tried both running the conditioner bar down my hair and lathering it up a little in my hand and applying that way. Between the two, I felt that I got pretty good coverage and results. My hair felt less tangled and I was able to work a brush through pretty easily once I got out the shower. When my hair dried, it seemed softer and healthier looking than it had previously, and my curls had a little more life to them.
I only have two concerns - the first is that I'm struggling to find a place to put the bars in my shower where they won't get misted by water and disintegrate more quickly that way. The second is the smell. Although it's not unpleasant, it reminded me a little of a scented candle, and was very strong. Three different people commented on the smell of my hair that week, which is not something that usually happens to me. My husband thought that I smelled like cologne! I could see this being a pro or a con depending on how you feel about fragrances. Personally, I found it overwhelming as I'm more on the sensitive side to smells.
Overall, I would consider trying this or a similar product again in the future, but only with a less intense scent.