KIND2 review - a conditioner bar that actually works
This is an honest review of the KIND2 ‘Restoring One’ conditioner bar.
Contains PR samples and affiliate links
Plastic-free conditioner, why is it so hard to find a good, solid bar?
As a sleep-deprived mum who rarely remembers to brush her hair, I need a (silicone-free) conditioner that helps me to keep on top of the tangles so I can avoid the dreadlock that lingers on the side of my head.
After it took a year of limp, greasy hair to figure out how to transition to a shampoo bar, I was hesitant to pay a large sum of money for a zero-waste conditioner.
While there are ‘natural’ liquid options available in recycled plastic packaging, a solid conditioner bar has a lower carbon footprint so I really wanted to swap.
Thankfully I found two solid bars I liked very quickly and I’m going to review one of those today.
This is a review of KIND2 - The Restoring One, a silicone-free conditioner bar for normal, dry, or chemically-treated hair.
Reviewing KIND2
I discovered KIND2’s restoring conditioner bar when I was hunting for a shampoo bar that suited sensitive skin and an itchy scalp. KIND2 are a small business and its founder offered to send me both products, you can read my review of the sensitive shampoo bar here.
KIND2 have given me a discount code to share with my readers, use SOPHIE15 to get 15% off.
COMING UP:
KIND2’s sustainability
The Restoring One conditioner bar - key features
The Restoring One conditioner bar - ingredients
Review
KIND2’s sustainability:
Just because a product is plastic-free, doesn’t mean it’s sustainable. I always try my best to check to ensure a company is ethical as a whole before I support them (as a customer and professionally).
Here are my findings on KIND2’s sustainability:
Their headquarters run on renewable energy
All products and packaging are manufactured in the UK
They use Royal Mail to deliver
Products come in recycled cardboard packaging
Packaging is compostable
KIND2 use no animal products in their products (certified vegan and cruelty-free)
There’s no water in their products which reduces carbon emissions
No palm oil
KIND2 are completely plastic-free
KIND2 are certified free from microplastics
Full transparency about ingredients, including a glossary explaining what they are and where they are derived
2. key features of kind2’s conditioner bar:
For normal, dry or chemically treated hair
Contains extra moisturising oils for coloured hair
Contains essential oils, rosalina and eucalyptus radiate, to give a subtle fresh scent and provide antifungal and antibacterial properties (ideal if you’re prone to dandruff)
Free from silicones, parabens and sulfates
Weighs 80 grams = 80 washes
Finalist in the Pure Beauty Global Awards 2020
‘The Restoring One’ conditioner bar - key ingredients
As I have asthma and allergies, I always check ingredients before buying a product. I also like to know the chemicals used are safe for the people making the products. It bothers me that many brands use hazardous substances and outsource to factories overseas where supply chains can be complex and they can’t check the PPE is adequate.
Thankfully, KIND2’s bar is made in the UK and contains biodegradable ingredients, meaning it won’t harm the environment when it goes down the plug.
ingredients:
Please note, there is good alcohol and bad alcohol. Good alcohols are from fatty acids and won’t dry out your hair. They are moisturising and ideal ingredients in conditioners.
Cetyl Alcohol - A good alcohol derived from coconuts, this is a waxy ingredient used for conditioning and softening.
Stearyl Alcohol - Also derived from coconuts, this ingredient is soothing, softening and detangling.
Behentrimonium Chloride - derived from rapeseed oil, this wax helps to condition, detangle, de-frizz, soften and helps strengthen hair.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate - also from rapeseed oil, it’s also known as BTMS. It’s a very mild, yet effective conditioner, creating a silky smooth feel without causing buildup on your hair. Despite its misleading name, it is not a sulphate.
Coconut Oil
Cocoa Butter
Argan Oil
Macadamia Oil
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
Chia Seed Oil
Shea Oil
Rosalina Essential Oil
Review of KIND2 ‘The Restoring One’ conditioner bar
Effectiveness: *****
This bar nourished and conditioned my hair very well. It feels silky soft and was easy to detangle.
Sensitivity: *****
Although lightly fragranced, I’ve had no issues with the essential oils used. My hair and scalp both feel healthy.
Ease of use: ****
I found it easier to use the conditioner bar than the shampoo bar, partly because I didn’t need to massage it into my scalp (I’ve got a LOT of hair). I think the shape of this bar plays a big part in this. The dome-like shape fits perfectly in the palm of my hand and I am able to glide it down easily without almost dropping it. I am very accident-prone and drop shampoo bars quite often so I’m really happy with this bar. I am considering going up a star but I’m waiting until I’ve finished it because of the size.
Price: ****
After using liquid conditioner for so long, it’s hard to adjust to the price of this bar. At 80 washes per bar, I should be using it for well over a year though. EDIT: I’ve gone up to 4 stars in this rating because half a year later and I have still got half the bar left. I’m impressed at how cost-effective it is, the reason I haven’t given it 5 stars is due to the upfront cost not being accessible to those on a low income. EDIT2: KIND2 have taken on this feedback and created a smaller size bar.
Scent: ****
A subtle, earthy scent. I feel more confident in a product when it doesn’t have a powerful fragrance.
Conclusion:
I am impressed with KIND2’s conditioner bar. It leaves my hair feeling hydrated and soft without using silicones. Although the price is steep, I am happy that it saves money in the long run (I’m sure it is more than 80 washes). I would prefer to pay more up-front and not have to keep purchasing over and over. I keep it on a Friendly soap rack which allows the water to drain off after each use and helps it last longer.
If you liked this post, tap the image below to pin it to your eco-friendly Pinterest board:
If you’ve tried solid conditioner bars and haven’t gotten on with them, please could you let me know what you’ve tried in the comments below? I’m hoping to create a conditioner bar guide and it would be helpful to know which bars are ineffective.
Have a great day!
Sophie xx
