(Discontinued in 2003) – Lush has quite some difficulty with spelling this product's name, to the point where even the embossed
stamp on its surface reads "Buddah Bar." (Credit to Auntie Pamela, however, as she always spells it properly in her product
descriptions in The Lush Times.) But even a quick switch around of letters couldn't keep Lush out of trouble with the actual Buddha
Bar, and as a result, they've since had to discontinue their Conditioning Shampoo Bar of the same name. Lush also found it difficult to
take an accurate snapshot of their Buddha Bar: what appeared to be a vibrant purple in product photos is actually reddish brown when
freshly made. (I've supplied you with an accurate photo above; you can view Lush's official photo in our Lush Wine Journal). In fact,
truth be told, when wet, Buddha Bar has a tendency to look and act like the TV show South Park's Mr. Hankey The Christmas Poo. I
used to travel with a small square of Buddha Bar to keep my itchy scalp in check at all times, and I'd find myself mortified by the sight of
moist dark brown slicks and crumbs that were left on everything it touched. On one trip, while staying in a particularly posh hotel, I even
felt a need to throw it away because I could no longer bear to imagine what housekeeping must have thought when they saw it sitting
in my shower. The flip side of this scenario is that Buddha Bar turns to rock (one Lushie having accurately described its appearance
as "fossilized dinosaur poo.") If you leave it to thoroughly dry, and you must be certain to take the time to thoroughly soften it under
warm running water if you expect to achieve an effective wash. And being that this Shampoo Bar primarily consists of Rhassoul mud,
which is a wonderful non-foaming, anti-bacterial cleanser, it's already intended to provide a mild rather than voluminous lather. But
beyond this product's unruly consistency and appearance, you'll find that most people swear by this shampoo and its deliciously
sweet, spiced incense fragrance of moisturising frankincense and vanilla for conditioning both scalp and hair. I can only partially
second their praise: for the scalp, this is one of the best shampoos ever created. While the aforementioned mud cleanses and tones,
an infusion of fleece flower kills dandruff-causing bacteria on the spot. For the hair, however, much of this product's success is based
on the type of water you are working with. For example, when I'd travel, I couldn't understand why I'd get wonderful results in one city,
but not in another. As it turns out, those shampooing with harder water will achieve promised softness and shine, with normal to oily
hair occasionally being able to get away without conditioner. Those living in soft water areas will often feel as though a light residue
has been left on the hair. At first, I thought this coated feeling was simply my imagination. But one day, I was booked for a haircut at
one of the best salons in my extremely soft-watered hometown of New York City. Because I feel bad making them touch anything less
than freshly cleaned hair even for just a split second before they wash it themselves, I always wash my hair immediately prior to my
appointments, leaving it wet so that they know it's not dirty. (Hey, I'm a massage therapist who's suffered the trauma of people turning
up on my table sans a shower, often sweaty and grimy to boot!) When I was seated in the chair for a consultation, the stylist ran her
fingers through my mane. "Did you put something in your hair after you washed it?" she asked. "No, I just washed it and then pulled it
up with a clip!" She didn't seem convinced, this confirming my suspicions, which were further confirmed by other Lushies living in my
area. I then researched the mineral content of all my happy Buddha locations, and the pattern consistently revealed itself. Though
unusual, considering that hard water is famous for leaving residue on the hair in its own right, the softer the water, the less effectively
this shampoo was rinsed from the hair, leaving a lacklustre finish in its wake that can occasionally leave hair feeling as though it
hasn't been thoroughly conditioned, even if it has.
stamp on its surface reads "Buddah Bar." (Credit to Auntie Pamela, however, as she always spells it properly in her product
descriptions in The Lush Times.) But even a quick switch around of letters couldn't keep Lush out of trouble with the actual Buddha
Bar, and as a result, they've since had to discontinue their Conditioning Shampoo Bar of the same name. Lush also found it difficult to
take an accurate snapshot of their Buddha Bar: what appeared to be a vibrant purple in product photos is actually reddish brown when
freshly made. (I've supplied you with an accurate photo above; you can view Lush's official photo in our Lush Wine Journal). In fact,
truth be told, when wet, Buddha Bar has a tendency to look and act like the TV show South Park's Mr. Hankey The Christmas Poo. I
used to travel with a small square of Buddha Bar to keep my itchy scalp in check at all times, and I'd find myself mortified by the sight of
moist dark brown slicks and crumbs that were left on everything it touched. On one trip, while staying in a particularly posh hotel, I even
felt a need to throw it away because I could no longer bear to imagine what housekeeping must have thought when they saw it sitting
in my shower. The flip side of this scenario is that Buddha Bar turns to rock (one Lushie having accurately described its appearance
as "fossilized dinosaur poo.") If you leave it to thoroughly dry, and you must be certain to take the time to thoroughly soften it under
warm running water if you expect to achieve an effective wash. And being that this Shampoo Bar primarily consists of Rhassoul mud,
which is a wonderful non-foaming, anti-bacterial cleanser, it's already intended to provide a mild rather than voluminous lather. But
beyond this product's unruly consistency and appearance, you'll find that most people swear by this shampoo and its deliciously
sweet, spiced incense fragrance of moisturising frankincense and vanilla for conditioning both scalp and hair. I can only partially
second their praise: for the scalp, this is one of the best shampoos ever created. While the aforementioned mud cleanses and tones,
an infusion of fleece flower kills dandruff-causing bacteria on the spot. For the hair, however, much of this product's success is based
on the type of water you are working with. For example, when I'd travel, I couldn't understand why I'd get wonderful results in one city,
but not in another. As it turns out, those shampooing with harder water will achieve promised softness and shine, with normal to oily
hair occasionally being able to get away without conditioner. Those living in soft water areas will often feel as though a light residue
has been left on the hair. At first, I thought this coated feeling was simply my imagination. But one day, I was booked for a haircut at
one of the best salons in my extremely soft-watered hometown of New York City. Because I feel bad making them touch anything less
than freshly cleaned hair even for just a split second before they wash it themselves, I always wash my hair immediately prior to my
appointments, leaving it wet so that they know it's not dirty. (Hey, I'm a massage therapist who's suffered the trauma of people turning
up on my table sans a shower, often sweaty and grimy to boot!) When I was seated in the chair for a consultation, the stylist ran her
fingers through my mane. "Did you put something in your hair after you washed it?" she asked. "No, I just washed it and then pulled it
up with a clip!" She didn't seem convinced, this confirming my suspicions, which were further confirmed by other Lushies living in my
area. I then researched the mineral content of all my happy Buddha locations, and the pattern consistently revealed itself. Though
unusual, considering that hard water is famous for leaving residue on the hair in its own right, the softer the water, the less effectively
this shampoo was rinsed from the hair, leaving a lacklustre finish in its wake that can occasionally leave hair feeling as though it
hasn't been thoroughly conditioned, even if it has.
(Discontinued in 2003) – Dr. Peppermint was created by Lush to combat hair loss, an aim that is rather common for hair care
products, especially for men. And yet, there are a myriad different causes of hair loss, most of which are debatable at best. That said,
allow me to share a Dr. Peppermint success story. My best friend had a receding hair line for quite some time, until one year, his hair
loss seemed to accelerate. No one is certain what caused this, but I'd venture to say that genetics are owed to his predisposition to
baldness and a sudden increase in stress levels and a major change in diet to a nutrient-free diet of comfort foods (primarily ice
cream), due to falling on hard times triggered the rushing fall out. Before departure from his head, his otherwise soft hair would turn
extremely coarse, weak, brittle, and fly-away. This textural change was the sign that a new clump of hair would soon be bidding him
farewell. Feeling rather desperate (and being too stubborn to give up his ice cream dinners), he tried almost every hair care product
under the sun that claimed to not only inhibit balding, but to also grow some hair back. Nothing worked; out fell his hair at an alarming
rate nonetheless. So one day, I bought him Dr. Peppermint Shampoo. Within weeks, his rapid hair loss slowed and the texture of his
already changing hair markably improved. Granted, he'll still eventually go bald; that's just how it is and doubtless there's not a single
hair care product under the sun that will change that. And of course, Dr. Peppermint didn't manage to grow new hair to replace that
which had already been lost (nor does it claim to). But the speed-up of hair loss was noticeably slowed. He's used Dr. Peppermint
religiously ever since, having stocked up on about 40 bars when it was discontinued in 2003. This success story is likely owed in
large part to stimulating, hair follicle rejuvenating peppermint, tonifying black pepper and mild spearmint which is often used with great
success to gently wash fine babies' hair. All of the above work as vasoconstrictive anti-irritants for the scalp, relieving dryness and
itchiness while simultaneously detoxifying the skin. Another success story is my own. I've never suffered hair loss (far from it, as I
have enough hair on my noggin to cover three heads), but I do suffer from incorrigible coarseness and occasional dryness combined
with an insufferably oily scalp. This shampoo bar disappointingly doesn't give the promised tingly stimulating sensation to one's
scalp, but during my run with Dr. Peppermint, I was shocked at how soft my hair became, how rebalanced and toned my scalp also
increasingly became. I instantly went from a most frustratingly contradictory dry hair / oily, itchy scalp combination to a neutral, easily
manageable normalcy, both hair and scalp suddenly playing on the same team. This to the point where, whilst traveling -- in both soft
and hard water areas -- I was even able to confidently leave my conditioner at home. One of Lush's best ever Bar Shampoos, I highly
recommend Dr. Peppermint for all hair types (though thoroughly dry, weak hair will still wish to follow up with a conditioner as usual).
No matter your needs, Dr. Peppermint will successfully fulfill them in more ways than even Lush has promised.
products, especially for men. And yet, there are a myriad different causes of hair loss, most of which are debatable at best. That said,
allow me to share a Dr. Peppermint success story. My best friend had a receding hair line for quite some time, until one year, his hair
loss seemed to accelerate. No one is certain what caused this, but I'd venture to say that genetics are owed to his predisposition to
baldness and a sudden increase in stress levels and a major change in diet to a nutrient-free diet of comfort foods (primarily ice
cream), due to falling on hard times triggered the rushing fall out. Before departure from his head, his otherwise soft hair would turn
extremely coarse, weak, brittle, and fly-away. This textural change was the sign that a new clump of hair would soon be bidding him
farewell. Feeling rather desperate (and being too stubborn to give up his ice cream dinners), he tried almost every hair care product
under the sun that claimed to not only inhibit balding, but to also grow some hair back. Nothing worked; out fell his hair at an alarming
rate nonetheless. So one day, I bought him Dr. Peppermint Shampoo. Within weeks, his rapid hair loss slowed and the texture of his
already changing hair markably improved. Granted, he'll still eventually go bald; that's just how it is and doubtless there's not a single
hair care product under the sun that will change that. And of course, Dr. Peppermint didn't manage to grow new hair to replace that
which had already been lost (nor does it claim to). But the speed-up of hair loss was noticeably slowed. He's used Dr. Peppermint
religiously ever since, having stocked up on about 40 bars when it was discontinued in 2003. This success story is likely owed in
large part to stimulating, hair follicle rejuvenating peppermint, tonifying black pepper and mild spearmint which is often used with great
success to gently wash fine babies' hair. All of the above work as vasoconstrictive anti-irritants for the scalp, relieving dryness and
itchiness while simultaneously detoxifying the skin. Another success story is my own. I've never suffered hair loss (far from it, as I
have enough hair on my noggin to cover three heads), but I do suffer from incorrigible coarseness and occasional dryness combined
with an insufferably oily scalp. This shampoo bar disappointingly doesn't give the promised tingly stimulating sensation to one's
scalp, but during my run with Dr. Peppermint, I was shocked at how soft my hair became, how rebalanced and toned my scalp also
increasingly became. I instantly went from a most frustratingly contradictory dry hair / oily, itchy scalp combination to a neutral, easily
manageable normalcy, both hair and scalp suddenly playing on the same team. This to the point where, whilst traveling -- in both soft
and hard water areas -- I was even able to confidently leave my conditioner at home. One of Lush's best ever Bar Shampoos, I highly
recommend Dr. Peppermint for all hair types (though thoroughly dry, weak hair will still wish to follow up with a conditioner as usual).
No matter your needs, Dr. Peppermint will successfully fulfill them in more ways than even Lush has promised.
Intended to combat the ill effects of hard water on hair, in 2003, Lush's Hard Shampoo was launched as a Solid Shampoo, sliced
from a pink pie (much like Lush's soaps) and sold in bulk weight. But being a large chunk of shampoo with a light, aerated
consistency that all too often crumbles to bits in the shower, in 2006, Lush came to their senses and reformulated Hard as a compact,
user-friendly Bar Shampoo. And oh, how the world rejoiced! (Well, I did, at least. Not that I'm the world, but I certainly have been
known to live in my own!) Yet the shape and consistency weren't the only things that Lush changed about Hard. Let's start with what
has stayed the same: first, both are the same shade of carnation pink. And while Hard Solid Shampoo was topped with dried
cornflower, rose, and blue mallow flower petals, Hard Bar Shampoo contains them within, giving this girlie coloured hockey puck
lovely random flecks of royal blue colouring throughout. Additionally, both contain the same base of softening soy, geranium bourbon
oil and oil-balancing, scalp toning lavender, as well as nourishing, protein-rich fresh free range eggs, famous for their ability to
condition and volumize hair. From there, Hard's latest incarnation attempts to take its approach to hair care one step further, with the
aim of becoming a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. The list of conditioning oils (concentrated in bright yellow chunks of
solidified oils throughout this pink bar -- the same, in fact, as you will find in Lush's golden Godiva Bar Shampoo) is impressive: rich
cocoa, shea, and coconut butters, jojoba oil (most akin to the natural oils produced by the body), camellia oil, and macadamia nut oil.
All of the above definitely do the business in response to the toll that water containing mineral deposits (which is what makes it "hard")
can have on all hair types. In fact, it works so well along these lines, that it also makes for an equally wonderful body soap. Yet while it
makes for a good two-in-one shampoo and soap, it undeniably falls short as the hair conditioner it was meant to be. Used on its own,
dryness can work its way up from the ends of your hair, with this effect simply increasing and spreading with continued use. This is
perhaps owed to the double dose of sodium lauryl sulfate (contained here in larger quantities than any other individual ingredient),
which can counter the effects of all those magnificent emollient oils listed above, especially on those who are particularly sensitive to
this known irritant. Granted, Hard can function as a decent detangler, but unless you have ultra oily hair that is never wont for moisture,
you'll definitely need to invest in a quality conditioner to compensate for Hard's failing to put the necessary finishing touches on its work.
from a pink pie (much like Lush's soaps) and sold in bulk weight. But being a large chunk of shampoo with a light, aerated
consistency that all too often crumbles to bits in the shower, in 2006, Lush came to their senses and reformulated Hard as a compact,
user-friendly Bar Shampoo. And oh, how the world rejoiced! (Well, I did, at least. Not that I'm the world, but I certainly have been
known to live in my own!) Yet the shape and consistency weren't the only things that Lush changed about Hard. Let's start with what
has stayed the same: first, both are the same shade of carnation pink. And while Hard Solid Shampoo was topped with dried
cornflower, rose, and blue mallow flower petals, Hard Bar Shampoo contains them within, giving this girlie coloured hockey puck
lovely random flecks of royal blue colouring throughout. Additionally, both contain the same base of softening soy, geranium bourbon
oil and oil-balancing, scalp toning lavender, as well as nourishing, protein-rich fresh free range eggs, famous for their ability to
condition and volumize hair. From there, Hard's latest incarnation attempts to take its approach to hair care one step further, with the
aim of becoming a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. The list of conditioning oils (concentrated in bright yellow chunks of
solidified oils throughout this pink bar -- the same, in fact, as you will find in Lush's golden Godiva Bar Shampoo) is impressive: rich
cocoa, shea, and coconut butters, jojoba oil (most akin to the natural oils produced by the body), camellia oil, and macadamia nut oil.
All of the above definitely do the business in response to the toll that water containing mineral deposits (which is what makes it "hard")
can have on all hair types. In fact, it works so well along these lines, that it also makes for an equally wonderful body soap. Yet while it
makes for a good two-in-one shampoo and soap, it undeniably falls short as the hair conditioner it was meant to be. Used on its own,
dryness can work its way up from the ends of your hair, with this effect simply increasing and spreading with continued use. This is
perhaps owed to the double dose of sodium lauryl sulfate (contained here in larger quantities than any other individual ingredient),
which can counter the effects of all those magnificent emollient oils listed above, especially on those who are particularly sensitive to
this known irritant. Granted, Hard can function as a decent detangler, but unless you have ultra oily hair that is never wont for moisture,
you'll definitely need to invest in a quality conditioner to compensate for Hard's failing to put the necessary finishing touches on its work.
(Discontinued in 2006) – Irresistible Bliss is Lush's jasmine and neroli Bar Shampoo for "normal" hair. That's the kind of hair that
doesn't have any specific complaints, rarely having a bad day. I'd say, however, that Irresistible Bliss (especially when used with
Veganese Conditioner) is even good for those with frequent but minor complaints: hair that is otherwise "normal" but can occasionally
be temperamental and head towards dryness, or shiny hair with a bit of coarseness that can throw a tantrum every so often. Irresistible
Bliss will sort these problems out for you in a pinch, while jasmine (famously used in India as a hair oil) smoothes the hair's follicles
and neroli improves its elasticity. (They also make for a wonderfully gentle body soap, allowing you to travel light with only one small
bar of Irresistible Bliss to take care of all your shower needs!) Both of these oils are quite expensive, though, and the primary flaw of
this Bar Shampoo is that it generally carries little to no fragrance. Even when you do find a bar that smells lovely in the shop, you will
find this sensual euphoric aroma is quick to dissipate, and you're almost guaranteed zero scent in the hair, leaving you to rely on
whatever fragrance your usual conditioner can offer. This is a shame, really, because those with genuinely "normal" hair will likely not
need to follow this shampoo up with conditioner; in which case, jasmine and neroli scented locks would be a welcomed blessing!
doesn't have any specific complaints, rarely having a bad day. I'd say, however, that Irresistible Bliss (especially when used with
Veganese Conditioner) is even good for those with frequent but minor complaints: hair that is otherwise "normal" but can occasionally
be temperamental and head towards dryness, or shiny hair with a bit of coarseness that can throw a tantrum every so often. Irresistible
Bliss will sort these problems out for you in a pinch, while jasmine (famously used in India as a hair oil) smoothes the hair's follicles
and neroli improves its elasticity. (They also make for a wonderfully gentle body soap, allowing you to travel light with only one small
bar of Irresistible Bliss to take care of all your shower needs!) Both of these oils are quite expensive, though, and the primary flaw of
this Bar Shampoo is that it generally carries little to no fragrance. Even when you do find a bar that smells lovely in the shop, you will
find this sensual euphoric aroma is quick to dissipate, and you're almost guaranteed zero scent in the hair, leaving you to rely on
whatever fragrance your usual conditioner can offer. This is a shame, really, because those with genuinely "normal" hair will likely not
need to follow this shampoo up with conditioner; in which case, jasmine and neroli scented locks would be a welcomed blessing!
Soak & Float is an excellent shampoo for those who suffer from dandruff and itchy scalps, and unlike most dandruff shampoos on the
market, it doesn’t dry out the length of your hair, but rather leaves it in excellent condition, with quite a bit of shine. Thing is, I don’t know
what’s worse: the aggravation of an itchy, flaky scalp or the gawd awful smell of Soak & Float's ultra-corrective cade oil. At first, you’ll
find that though Soak & Float ceaselessly stinks up the entire bathroom just by being there, its off-putting scent will surprisingly seem
not to linger on your hair at all, especially considering how easily it can be masked with a fragrant conditioner. However, over time, this
stuff seems to increasingly embed itself into your scalp's pores; after a few weeks with Soak & Float, you’ll notice that whenever you
become even slightly overheated, you suddenly reek of burnt wood and tar to the point of downright embarrassment. Even though
Soak & Float is Lush’s most effective solution for dandruff & itchiness -- working near miracles right from the first wash -- I still would
recommend the tea tree rich Narcotick shower gel (which, like all of Lush’s shower gels is designed to double as a shampoo) as a
slightly less effective but more tolerably scented substitute for this shampoo bar.
market, it doesn’t dry out the length of your hair, but rather leaves it in excellent condition, with quite a bit of shine. Thing is, I don’t know
what’s worse: the aggravation of an itchy, flaky scalp or the gawd awful smell of Soak & Float's ultra-corrective cade oil. At first, you’ll
find that though Soak & Float ceaselessly stinks up the entire bathroom just by being there, its off-putting scent will surprisingly seem
not to linger on your hair at all, especially considering how easily it can be masked with a fragrant conditioner. However, over time, this
stuff seems to increasingly embed itself into your scalp's pores; after a few weeks with Soak & Float, you’ll notice that whenever you
become even slightly overheated, you suddenly reek of burnt wood and tar to the point of downright embarrassment. Even though
Soak & Float is Lush’s most effective solution for dandruff & itchiness -- working near miracles right from the first wash -- I still would
recommend the tea tree rich Narcotick shower gel (which, like all of Lush’s shower gels is designed to double as a shampoo) as a
slightly less effective but more tolerably scented substitute for this shampoo bar.
While Ultimate Shine Bar Shampoo isn't a product I'd recommend to people with damaged, dry, and/or colour treated hair, for everyone
else, it certainly manages to do the business. Limp hair is given life, bouffy hair is calmed, tangles are a thing of the past. (Additionally,
thanks to antibacterial elemi oil and scalp tonifying ylang ylang, it's also quite good for combating dandruff.) And the oilier your scalp
and hair, the better the chance that you can altogether get away with not using a conditioner at all. Take me for example: I personally
have oily skin but long, thick, normal locks that are ultra coarse and quite sensitive to bouffing (especially in relation to the humidity.)
And yet even I can get away without using conditioner after a wash with Ultimate Shine if I absolutely must. (For instance, when, like a
dunce, I forget to pack conditioner whilst traveling, only to realize this sad fact after I’ve already stripped naked and stepped into the
shower. Otherwise, in my wiser moments, I follow this shampoo with Veganese Conditioner for optimal results.) But the best thing
about Ultimate Shine is just that: the ultimate shine. Coarse hair in particular tends to have a dull finish, but because this Bar
Shampoo so effectively smooths the hair's cuticles, the result is a stunning, light reflective glow. And as for the twinkling bits of glitter
found in this Bar Shampoo, do not fear them. There are so few sparkles (and even those few are particularly tiny and fine), that
Ultimate Shine won't leave a single piece of glitter in your hair -- ever. At the end of the day, these glints serve solely as decoration in
what is a mildly coloured butter yellow disc. My only complaint is Ultimate Shine's spicy citrus (elemi) & sweet floral (ylang ylang &
violet leaf) scent: there all too often isn't any. Of course, that's not an entirely bad thing, mind you: sometimes, a weak-to-scentless
shampoo does just the trick so as not to overpower our favourite conditioners or even our perfumes. And there's no need to find a
match Ultimate Shine's unique fragrance for fear of "clashing", which means you "ultimately" have one less thing to worry about!
else, it certainly manages to do the business. Limp hair is given life, bouffy hair is calmed, tangles are a thing of the past. (Additionally,
thanks to antibacterial elemi oil and scalp tonifying ylang ylang, it's also quite good for combating dandruff.) And the oilier your scalp
and hair, the better the chance that you can altogether get away with not using a conditioner at all. Take me for example: I personally
have oily skin but long, thick, normal locks that are ultra coarse and quite sensitive to bouffing (especially in relation to the humidity.)
And yet even I can get away without using conditioner after a wash with Ultimate Shine if I absolutely must. (For instance, when, like a
dunce, I forget to pack conditioner whilst traveling, only to realize this sad fact after I’ve already stripped naked and stepped into the
shower. Otherwise, in my wiser moments, I follow this shampoo with Veganese Conditioner for optimal results.) But the best thing
about Ultimate Shine is just that: the ultimate shine. Coarse hair in particular tends to have a dull finish, but because this Bar
Shampoo so effectively smooths the hair's cuticles, the result is a stunning, light reflective glow. And as for the twinkling bits of glitter
found in this Bar Shampoo, do not fear them. There are so few sparkles (and even those few are particularly tiny and fine), that
Ultimate Shine won't leave a single piece of glitter in your hair -- ever. At the end of the day, these glints serve solely as decoration in
what is a mildly coloured butter yellow disc. My only complaint is Ultimate Shine's spicy citrus (elemi) & sweet floral (ylang ylang &
violet leaf) scent: there all too often isn't any. Of course, that's not an entirely bad thing, mind you: sometimes, a weak-to-scentless
shampoo does just the trick so as not to overpower our favourite conditioners or even our perfumes. And there's no need to find a
match Ultimate Shine's unique fragrance for fear of "clashing", which means you "ultimately" have one less thing to worry about!
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