For decades, liquid shampoo has been the standard in barns, grooming salons, and wash racks. It was simply the way things were done.

But over the last several years, professional groomers, horse owners, dog groomers, and environmentally conscious consumers have begun making a noticeable shift.

Instead of reaching for another plastic bottle, they're picking up a shampoo bar.

At first glance, it might seem like an old-fashioned idea making a comeback. In reality, today's shampoo bars are anything but old-fashioned. Modern formulations combine high-quality ingredients, concentrated performance, and eco-friendly packaging to create a grooming product that's often more practical than traditional liquid shampoo.

So what's driving the change? Let's take a closer look.

Less Packaging. Less Waste.

Professional groomers go through an incredible amount of shampoo. That also means going through an incredible number of plastic bottles. Every empty bottle has to be:

• Manufactured
• Shipped
• Stored
• Disposed of
• Recycled—or sent to a landfill

Shampoo bars eliminate nearly all of that unnecessary packaging. A single concentrated bar replaces a bulky plastic bottle while generating significantly less waste. For professionals who bathe dozens of animals every week, that reduction adds up quickly. Horse owners may not bathe as many animals, but the same principle applies - every bottle you don't buy is one less bottle to throw away.

More Product. Less Water.

Here's something many people don't realize. Most liquid shampoos are made primarily of water. Water is necessary in the bottle to keep the ingredients suspended, but it also makes the product:

• Heavier
• Bulkier
• More expensive to ship
• Less concentrated

A shampoo bar removes most of that unnecessary water. Instead of paying for a bottle that's largely liquid, you're getting a concentrated cleanser that lasts far longer than most people expect.

With Bex Bar, one compact bar provides approximately:

• 12–15 full horse baths
• 20–30 medium-sized dog baths
• 60–70 human hair washes

That's impressive value in a product small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

Easier to Control

Anyone who's accidentally poured half a bottle of shampoo into a bucket knows how easy it is to waste product. A shampoo bar gives you complete control. Need to clean one muddy leg? Rub the bar directly where you need it. Giving your horse a full bath? Work the bar over the entire coat. Need to spot-clean a dog after a rainy walk? No problem.

You're using exactly as much product as the job requires—and nothing more.

Rich Lather Without the Waste

One misconception about shampoo bars is that they don't lather as well as liquid shampoo. Modern shampoo bars prove otherwise. When combined with water, Bex Bar creates a rich, creamy lather that spreads easily through the coat. Because the formula is concentrated, you don't need to use excessive amounts of product to achieve excellent coverage.

The result?

A satisfying lather that rinses cleanly and efficiently.

Faster Cleanup

Professional groomers know that time matters. Every extra minute spent rinsing shampoo is another minute before the next appointment. One reason many groomers appreciate shampoo bars is that concentrated formulas often rinse more quickly than heavily foaming liquid shampoos.

Less residue means:

• Faster rinsing
• Less water used
• Cleaner coats
• More efficient grooming sessions

Horse owners appreciate that same benefit after a long ride or before a show.

Easier to Travel

Whether you're headed to a horse show, camping with your dog, or traveling across the country, shampoo bars solve one very common problem. Leaks. Liquid bottles have an unfortunate habit of opening inside grooming totes and trailer tack rooms. Shampoo bars don't. They're compact, lightweight, and easy to pack without worrying about spills.

That's one reason many professional groomers keep shampoo bars in their travel kits.

Better for Busy Barn Life

Barns are tough on equipment. Bottles get knocked over. Caps disappear. Containers crack. Shampoo bars eliminate many of those everyday frustrations. Simply allow the bar to dry between uses, and it's ready for the next bath. Stored on a draining soap dish, a quality shampoo bar remains clean, convenient, and long-lasting.

One Product for the Whole Family

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons horse owners love Bex Bar is its versatility. Instead of carrying separate shampoos for:

• Horses
• Dogs
• Yourself

You can simplify your grooming routine with one thoughtfully formulated product.

Bex Bar is safe for:

• Horses
• Dogs
• Humans

(Not recommended for cats.)

Whether you're washing your horse after a clinic, rinsing your muddy Labrador, or showering after a day at the barn, one bar does it all. That's less clutter, less waste, and fewer bottles to buy.

Gentle Ingredients Matter

Professional groomers know that healthy skin produces beautiful coats. That's why many are moving away from products that rely on harsh detergents or heavy silicone coatings. Bex Bar is formulated with nourishing ingredients that help support healthy skin while cleansing effectively.

These include:

• Shea Butter to moisturize and soften
• Cocoa Butter to help retain moisture
• Jojoba Oil, which closely resembles the skin's natural oils
• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) to improve hydration and coat softness
• Hydrolyzed Rice Protein to strengthen hair and enhance natural shine

The result is a coat that feels clean, healthy, and naturally soft—not stripped or coated with residue.

Better Value Over Time

At first glance, a shampoo bar may seem small compared to a large bottle of liquid shampoo. But appearances can be deceiving. Because shampoo bars are concentrated, they typically last much longer than expected. Used properly and stored on a draining soap dish between baths, one Bex Bar delivers dozens of washes before it needs replacing.

That means:

• Fewer purchases
• Less packaging
• More value per bath
• Less product wasted

It's one of those rare products that benefits both your wallet and the environment.

Why We Created Bex Bar

At Kensington, we wanted to rethink what a grooming product could be. Instead of asking, "How do we make another bottle of shampoo?" We asked:

How do we make bath time simpler?

The answer became Bex Bar. A concentrated, eco-friendly shampoo bar that:

• Cleans horses, dogs, and people
• Produces a rich, creamy lather
• Rinses quickly
• Helps maintain healthy skin and coats
• Eliminates unnecessary plastic bottles
• Travels easily to shows, trails, and competitions

It's everything you need—and nothing you don't.

The Bottom Line

The growing popularity of shampoo bars isn't about following a trend. It's about solving everyday problems. Professional groomers have embraced shampoo bars because they reduce waste, simplify bath time, travel easily, and deliver outstanding results. Horse owners are discovering those same advantages in the barn.

Whether you're preparing for a horse show, cleaning up after a muddy trail ride, or simply giving your dog a bath, a quality shampoo bar offers a smarter, more sustainable way to groom.

Once you experience the convenience of a concentrated bar like Bex Bar, you may never look at a plastic shampoo bottle the same way again.