[unpaid/sample] This is really a Mr BBB review since he was the one who tested out the Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo Bars because I don’t like shampoo bars and he thinks they’re a genius idea. I can see on so many levels why they’re a good idea but in my opinion, the perfect formula is yet to be found. Clearly, they save on packaging and what packaging there is is recyclable. They’re good for travel, when that’s up and running properly again, and they’re space-savers.
Made with 94% plant based ingredients, you can choose from Softening, Strengthening and Hydrating – Softening is for sensitive scalps and fragile hair (using oatmilk), Strengthening is for damaged hair prone to breaking and uses honey and Hydrating speaks for itself, using coconut and aloe. So, the first problem is that they all look exactly alike so if you have more than one hair type in your household you’ll actually never be able to tell whose is whose. They’re not fragranced enough that it’s easy to tell. There is a Revitalizing version as well with ginger and almond which I haven’t spotted on-line.
You will definitely need a holder for it – the free tin (seen) doesn’t seem to be available on Superdrug (where the bar is half price) but is available on Boots. I keep my Cloud on a little bamboo slatted bar (HERE) that allows for draining but leaves it free standing – I am telling you, you will have to shoehorn your Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo Bar out of this tin. Once wet, it basically glues itself to the inside of the tin.
The holes in the bottom of the tin allow the shampoo to seep through – as it dries, it starts to set again so good luck once that’s happened :-). I understand that there is definitely a bit of give and take on formulas – performance wise, there is nothing to complain about because it cleans your hair, without silicones, and really quite well, but for user experience, there are some things to work on still. Ideally, air drying is best for these types of bars rather than being inside a tin but in the shower there might not be room for a flat tray, especially if you have more than one bar and user. Unless you have a very keen nose, you won’t know one from another, so some colour, even very mild, feels essential. As I said, Superdrug have Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo Bars half price (£3.96) or Boots have them full price for £7.99 but have the free tin.
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