What shampoo bar should I use for hair that goes waxy with hard water?

[Frank.T]

So I’ve been trying to switch to bar soap for everything to cut down on plastic bottles, but my hair just feels weirdly waxy and limp no matter what I try. I’m starting to wonder if my water is part of the problem, or if I just haven’t found the right shampoo bar yet. Has anyone else gone through this and figured it out?

[Elizabeth31]

I felt the same when I switched to bar soap for everything it made my hair feel waxy at first and a little lifeless. It was frustrating but it got better after I stuck with it for a bit.

[KevinAW]

Hard water can leave soap film behind and make hair feel waxy when you use bar soap every day. A rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar or a chelating wash can help clear minerals.

[EvelynDW]

Maybe you just need a conditioner bar rather than a shampoo bar, because some bars are cleaning only and leave hair dry.

[JerryGJ]

Maybe the bigger question is what you want from a plastic free wash routine and if hair texture is the best metric to judge success. Could be another framing.

[AndrewM]

I am skeptical that bar soap is a fix all. It often depends on hair type and water. Not everyone will get a good result.

[Steven.J]

Observe how the lather and rinse feel different with bar soap and pay attention to how the scent and texture shape your morning rhythm.

[JosephTM]

I kept a tiny bottle of conditioner for the shower to use after drying on days when the bar soap felt off and that helped me stay plastic free while not fighting the texture.