Viori Review 2024: Shampoo and conditioner bars are rapidly becoming a popular choice in the realm of sustainable hair care. As someone who has always preferred my liquid hair-wash routine, I had my doubts about how effective these bars would be and how long they would last. So, when I was given the opportunity to test a set of shampoo and conditioner bars from Viori Beauty, I eagerly accepted, albeit with some nerves!
That initial trial took place over a year ago, so I’ve had ample time to get accustomed to the Viori routine. No first impressions to share here! Allow me to provide you with all the essential information about the Viori shampoo and conditioner bars!
What is Viori Beauty?
Viori is a haircare brand based in Utah that specializes in using Longsheng rice water in their formulations, which they source exclusively from the Red Yao Tribe in China (more on that later). Viori provides a range of shampoo and conditioner bars designed for all hair types, including options for purple toning and sensitive scalps. In addition to their bars, they also offer body soap, pet wash, dry shampoo, and various accessories for your washing routine.
A significant part of Viori’s brand identity is their collaboration and ongoing relationship with the Red Yao people. While it’s important to critically assess the ethics of using ancient traditions for commercial purposes, Viori appears to approach this relationship with genuine respect and care for the culture involved.
Who Are the Red Yao Tribe?
To truly appreciate Viori and its products, it’s essential to understand the inspiration behind them—the Red Yao Tribe.
The Red Yao Tribe has resided in the mountains of southern China for more than 2,000 years. Known for their incredibly long and healthy hair, the women in this tribe credit their luxurious locks to the shampoo made from the Longsheng rice they cultivate. For the Red Yao women, hair care is not just a beauty routine; it is deeply intertwined with tradition and social standing.
Sadly, like many small and traditional communities, the Red Yao people are facing economic challenges and cultural erosion as younger generations leave in search of better job opportunities. In response, some villagers have started to showcase their hair to tourists as a way to generate additional income.
How Does Viori Contribute?
According to the Viori website, their mission is “to help preserve the Red Yao culture and share their haircare traditions with women worldwide.” They achieve this in several ways:
The rice water used in Viori products is sourced from Longsheng rice, which they buy “from Red Yao families at double the market price.” Additionally, their bamboo containers are handcrafted and “sourced directly from local villagers.”
Every year, Viori donates 5% of its profits back to the Red Yao community, supporting initiatives in rural education, ecological sustainability, and elder care.
While the company is relatively small, it maintains a degree of diversity, which helps mitigate any perceptions of a “white savior” complex.
Viori Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Now, let’s dive into the details. All of Viori’s shampoo and conditioner products come in solid bar form. They are packaged in paper (with no plastic in sight!) and are both vegan and cruelty-free. Additionally, their products are free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. If you’re looking for clean and sustainable beauty options, Viori is a great choice!
I personally use the Hidden Waterfall shampoo and conditioner bars. This specific formula is designed to suit all hair types, and I’ve encountered no issues using it on my fine, easily dehydrated hair. Plus, it smells absolutely fantastic!
Presentation and Design
The shampoo bar is crafted in an elegantly pressed round shape with an embossed design, making it almost too attractive to use. My initial conditioner bar was a slightly uneven rectangle, reminiscent of handcrafted soaps found at farmers markets, though I believe the shape has been improved since then. The different shapes are the sole means of telling the two bars apart, and this system is quite effective.
Some of the Viori starter kits come with a bamboo holder that resembles a rice steamer, intended to keep your bars safe and dry. While I love the concept, each holder is only large enough to fit one bar comfortably (unless you lay them on their sides and leave the lid off). On the upside, these holders are stackable, so you can neatly store both bars with two bases and one lid.
The holder has a round shape and is about five inches in diameter, making it too large for most shower shelves. Personally, I keep mine on the floor next to the tub.
How to Use the Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
If you’ve ever used a bar of soap, you’re already equipped with the necessary skills! I typically glide the shampoo bar over my hair a few times before working it into a lather in my hands and massaging it into my scalp. One of my main concerns about using shampoo bars was whether they would lather well, but Viori quickly alleviated that worry. It takes just a few swipes of the shampoo bar to create a rich, foamy lather. When I’m finished, it rinses out easily, leaving no noticeable residue behind.
Viori’s conditioner bars operate similarly. I prefer to apply the product primarily to the ends of my hair before distributing it up to my scalp. It instantly detangles and smooths my hair, leaving it feeling exceptionally silky and hydrated. My dry hair requires a rich conditioner that won’t weigh it down—a delicate balance to achieve, but the Viori conditioner bars provide the ideal lightweight hydration.
One downside is that the bars can be difficult to hold onto. Like any soap bar, they can become slippery! Additionally, as the bars shrink, they become more challenging to use and distinguish from one another. While these issues can be frustrating, they are common with shampoo and conditioner bars and are not specific to Viori.
Outcomes
After using the shampoo and conditioner bars together, my hair is consistently noticeably softer! It feels clean without being stripped of moisture, and the scent is pleasant yet subtle and elegant.
Is Viori Worth It?
Regardless of how wonderful a shampoo bar may be, its value diminishes if it doesn’t fit your budget.
Viori shampoo and conditioner bars are priced at $18 each. However, with an auto-ship subscription, the cost drops to $12, which you can cancel before the next shipment if you prefer (but that’s just between us).
A $40 haircare routine isn’t exactly cheap. HOWEVER…
Each Viori bar offers roughly the same amount of product as three bottles of liquid shampoo. So, when you consider that $18 gets you three hypothetical bottles, that’s just $6 each, which is quite reasonable! If you can manage a larger upfront expense, these shampoo and conditioner bars could save you money in the long run.
Final Words
If you have a haircare routine that you’re satisfied with, there’s no reason to change it. I wouldn’t say these shampoo and conditioner bars are revolutionary, but Viori could be worth trying if:
- You’re aiming to reduce your plastic waste.
- You need TSA-friendly haircare that won’t leak in your bag.
- You want to add rice water to your hair care regimen.
- You’re simply looking to try something new.
What do you think? Would you consider giving these shampoo and conditioner bars a chance?
If you do decide to try Viori, I’d love to hear your thoughts! I’m interested in how the products perform across different hair types.