Viori Rice Shampoo & Conditioner Bar: 2025 Update, Long-Term Results & Tips
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Over the past few years, I’ve been on quite the haircare journey, experimenting with everything from Viori Beauty’s Rice Shampoo Bar and Conditioner Bar in the scent Hidden Waterfall to Lush’s shampoo bars and even Polish-made haircare products. What started as a six-month trial with Viori turned into a long-term exploration of sustainable, effective haircare—and let me tell you, there’s a lot to unpack!
My first impressions of Viori were amazing, but as time went on, I noticed changes—both in the products and in my hair. Fast forward to 2025, and I’ve decided to give Viori another chance after two years of being a loyal Lush user. In a new post, I’ll be diving deeper into my experiences with multiple bars, the modifications I’ve made to my routine, how my hair has evolved over time.
In this post, I’m not only sharing my updated thoughts on Viori (hair updates, 2nd bar 6-month review, and 3rd bar 2 years later), but I’ve also included some helpful tips and tricks you probably don’t know about!
Special Discount Code for My Readers
Great news! The Viori team just reached out and kindly offered my audience a 10% discount code to try their products. I've had my honest, unsponsored review of their shampoo bars up on my blog for over three years now—completely unpaid and just sharing my genuine experience.
Since you're here reading this, you're likely curious about these bars or already interested in giving them a try. Use code DREAMLIKEDIANA at checkout to get 10% off your order!
Just a heads-up: None of my blog posts are not sponsored! Every post is honest and straight from the heart, sharing information and value that I believe could genuinely benefit you. This post does include affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!). Want to know more about the brands I’m affiliated with? Click here to learn more! 😊 ALSO, I was JUST recently gifted my affiliate code for Viori. I feel very honored! Hair & Scalp Update
I’ve dealt with hair thinning in the past, and sometimes still do. It was a hard journey to figure out the root cause. Stress, hormones, and just life in general have taken a toll on me, and unfortunately, my hair has been the one paying the price.
In my first post about Viori’s rice shampoo bars, I initially thought my hair thinning was due to chlorine exposure. I used to swim often. However, I’ve since realized that couldn’t be further from the truth. While chlorine did make my hair less manageable, the real issue was much deeper.
What I’ve come to understand is that my hair thinning has been influenced by a combination of factors, including burnout from life’s challenges. Running this blog, while it doesn’t generate income (though I do earn a small commission if you shop through my affiliate links—at no extra cost to you!), is a passion project for me. It’s something I love doing, but it doesn’t make the stress of life any easier.
Another major factor I discovered was the shampoo I was using before completely switching to sustainable hair care, I was using OGX shampoo after my swims, which, as it turns out, is notorious for causing hair loss. There’s even a lawsuit against the brand for this very issue. Who knows how long it took to fully cleanse my scalp of all the buildup from that product! The hair thinning slowed down quite a bit, and I haven’t had much consistent issue since. I only notice hair falling out when I’m crazy stressed which is often paired with a late period. I’ve been managing it better through snowboarding, routines, and continuing to being mindful of the products I use.
Because of this, my hair journey is going to look very different from someone else’s.
With that said, I’ll leave this here and move on to the rest of the review. Most of the following sections are from my original review, written at the time of posting. While everyone’s results will vary, these are my honest thoughts and opinions after six months of using Viori’s products. I’ve also added with a 2025 update since I’m using the bars again.
Modifications I Made
Next, I want to share the changes I’ve made to my haircare routine because there’s been quite a bit of trial and error along the way.
First, I stopped using traditional hair elastics that made my hairstyles feel too tight. I noticed they were pulling on my hair and causing unnecessary stress. I switched to fabric elastics instead, and the difference has been noticeable—no more hair getting stuck or pulled when I put my hair up. That said, I’ve also stopped doing high, tight ponytails or buns as often as I used to. They were definitely contributing to the pulling and breakage.
A lot of people have asked if I use a swim cap when I swim. The answer is no. My hair was in a fragile state, and when I tried using one, it was snapping and pulling my hair in certain areas. It just felt too tight and damaging for my hair’s condition.
Instead, I’ve coated my hair with a protective oil I purchased from Etsy before swimming. This helped prevent chlorine from sticking to my strands. After swimming, I used Viori’s shampoo and conditioner bars to cleanse away any buildup, oils, or residue.
I’ve never been big on using hair sprays or heat styling tools, so those haven’t been part of my routine. Additionally, I haven’t dyed my hair in over two years, which has helped maintain its health.
In December 2021, I got a trim to remove dead ends. It wasn’t anything drastic, but it made a noticeable difference in how healthy my hair looked. It’s funny because, without those dead ends, some people thought I had dyed my hair. My hair naturally lightens during the spring and summer, and in the winter, it tends to darken. Trimming off the lighter, sun-bleached ends made my hair appear darker, even though it’s just my natural color responding to the seasons.
This was my hair prior to my trim. It looks like I got it colored, but I didn't. My hair color changes quickly and easily, and Viori has always made my hair brighter, but chlorine also changes your hair color.
Going back to the oil, I also use it for full hair treatments on days when my hair needs some extra care. I spread the oil evenly and massage it into my scalp, leaving it on for about 4-6 hours before washing it out. I stumbled upon a dermatologist’s recommendation that rosemary oil is incredibly beneficial for hair and scalp health. Instead of making my own blend, I decided to purchase a pre-made oil from a trusted seller.
What other modifications have I made?
I’ve stopped rubbing my hair with a towel after showering, which was a habit I used to have. Rubbing your hair with a towel can cause breakage, so I’ve switched to a gentler approach. I now use a microfiber towel wrap—I keep two at home and one I take with me on the go. After showering, I gently pat my hair dry, wrap it up, and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
Once I take the towel off, I usually let my hair air dry, even in the winter time. I only use a blow dryer if I have heat protectant spray on hand, or I just use Lush’s Super Milk spray. While it’s not a heat protectant it can help protect your hair from the heat. It also just smells amazing, is a leave-in conditioner for my hair, and make it more manageable to brush after it’s dry. I’ve made it a rule not to brush my hair until it’s at least 70-75% dry. Wet hair is more prone to breakage, so I wait until it’s mostly dry before running a brush through it. At the gym, I blow dry and then brush; at home, I air dry and then brush.
I’ll dive into how I use the Viori rice shampoo bar and conditioner bar, as well as the results I’ve seen, in the next section. I don’t want to mix that into the modifications I’ve made.
At this point, I think I’ve covered all the changes I’ve implemented for my hair and scalp. It’s been a lot of trial and error, and I’ve done a ton of research because this issue has really affected me. It’s become a bit of an insecurity, especially when I look back at photos from December 2020 and January 2021. My hair was in a completely different state back then, and it’s been a struggle to get it back to where it was or better.
Viori Shampoo Bar & Conditioner Bar
Now that I’m on my second rice shampoo bar and rice conditioner bar from Viori, I have a few thoughts to share.
To give you some context, Viori made a production change to their products without notifying their customers. When I reached out to ask about one of the changes—specifically, the scent—this was the response I received:
"Thanks for your patience! It does look like there was an update in the scent. With our team pushing for cleaner and more natural—as well as sustainable—ingredients, the fragrance underwent a slight change. We apologize if there was any sort of inconvenience to the experience with our products! Other than the scent, the formula has remained consistent so far and should not affect the product's ability to perform."
If you’re a new customer, you probably won’t notice a difference. However, as someone who’s been using these bars for a while, I can tell you that my first bar and second bar feel vastly different. The only reason I’m not second-guessing myself is that I still have my first bar to compare.
To break it down, let’s separate this section into two parts: my experience with the first rice shampoo and conditioner bar and my experience with the second rice shampoo and conditioner bar.
First Viori Rice Shampoo Bar & Rice Conditioner Bar
My first Viori bars arrived in August 2021, and as I mentioned earlier, I still have them. While they’re not as big as they once were, they lasted me an incredibly long time—and I saw great results from them. Here’s what I loved about my first bars:
Made my hair more manageable after swims.
Effectively removed oils, buildup, and even chlorine.
Smelled amazing (a divine scent!).
Lasted me 5 months, which is impressive considering I was using them exclusively for both home and gym hair washes.
Lathered beautifully.
The photo shows how much is left of my first shampoo bar after 5.5 months of use, washing my long hair 2-3 times a week.
That said, I didn’t notice any significant growth or volume results. My hair did stop thinning, but I attribute that to being back on a birth control method that works for me.
The baby hairs I have are likely due to my collagen intake, which I started back in 2020. While the science behind collagen isn’t fully conclusive, I noticed a significant improvement in areas where I had dealt with sun poisoning. Those areas used to constantly erupt in hives, but after starting collagen, the issue completely stopped. If any scientists are reading this and want to reach out, feel free to use my contact form!
Overall, I loved the sustainability of the bars, how they made my hair more manageable after swims, the scent, and the company’s mission. These factors made me want to continue supporting Viori, even though the bars aren’t cheap. I figured it would be worth it in the long run—though I’m not so sure about that anymore.
Second Viori Rice Shampoo Bar & Rice Conditioner Bar
When I purchased my second set of bars, I noticed a problem right away. While the packaging and design were still for the Hidden Waterfall scent, the bars themselves had a strong floral scent. The packaging was also heavily perfumed, which seemed to have rubbed off onto the products.
Hidden Waterfall is supposed to have a strong musky warm vanilla-like scent, or so I thought. When I reached out to Viori about the issue, they replaced the products and let me keep the original bars (even though I offered to send them back). The replacement bars had a different scent again—this time, a strong amber fragrance—and the packaging was still heavily floral-scented.
Interestingly, I only saw one other person mention the scented packaging issue. When I asked Viori about it, they claimed they don’t scent their packaging. However, their media team also didn’t know about the production changes, so I’m inclined to think they weren’t aware of what was happening on the packaging side.
This brings me to my next point.
Company, Branding, & Marketing Issues
If the teams within the company aren’t communicating, it raises some red flags.
The Push for Sales
I started noticing Viori pushing for more sales than ever before. While I understand that businesses need sales to survive, focusing solely on sales can compromise product quality, the company’s original mission, and lead to cutting corners for higher profits.
Brand Partnerships and the Lack of Diversity
Previously, in 2022, Viori was partnering with more Caucasian influencers than Asian influencers, which I found odd given that the recipe comes from an indigenous Asian tribe. I’m not saying they should only work with Asian influencers, but there should be a more balanced representation. The American market is incredibly diverse—it’s not just white people. It includes Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and multiracial communities.
I believe it’s important for a brand’s PR team to reflect this diversity, especially when the product is rooted in the traditions of an indigenous Asian tribe. While many cultures appreciate others partaking in their beauty secrets, there’s a fine line between appreciation and what felt like a lack of inclusivity.
For example, Viori’s marketing heavily features the Red Yao women, yet their influencer partnerships didn’t reflect that same diversity. Out of 30 branded posts in one month, 20 featured Caucasian influencers, while only 9 featured influencers of other races. That’s a significant disparity.
It would have made more sense to partner with a diverse group of influencers—Asian American, Caucasian, Black, Latinx, etc.—rather than focusing on a single demographic.
Although I was happy to see in 2024, that Viori’s brand partnerships have become much more diverse! I believe I’ve even seen Lavendaire mentioning their products! I’m not sure if it was an official collab or not, so don’t quote me on it. This positive change, though, made me want to give them another chance. As a first-generation Polish American with a Dominican American partner, I truly believe natural products can benefit people of all races and ethnicities while still honoring their roots.
2025 Update
For the past two years, I’ve been using Lush’s Soak and Float Shampoo Bar, along with Glory and American Cream Conditioner (switching between them based on how my hair feels). In total, I’ve gone through about three Soak and Float bars and still have one in storage. I also decided to try Lush’s “New” Shampoo Bar, which smelled like Big Red gum and contained hair-growing ingredients. While it didn’t cause any damage, I didn’t see noticeable results either. My hair felt like it lacked life, but by then, I was already a dedicated Lushie!
I even introduced my boyfriend to Lush, who was struggling to figure out how to nurture his curls without over-conditioning. Lush helped him more than chemical shampoos, but we were both still searching for something better.
Since I had such great results with Viori initially, I’ve always wanted to give it another try. I believe in giving things three chances—even if those chances aren’t consistent.
So, I bought both of us the Hidden Waterfall scent, and to my surprise, the new packaging had the same amazing scent as the first bar! I was instantly obsessed all over again. I’m glad I took a two-year break from Viori, as it gave me a fresh perspective. While I do find their consistent 5-star reviews on their website a bit questionable and lacking transparency, I think that’s where honest reviews like mine, on a blog, Reddit, YouTube, or where ever, can make a difference.
This isn’t a cure-all product for everyone. Our skin, hair, nails, bones, and even joints are affected by external factors in our lives. What doesn’t work for you now might work in the future—or it might work, stop working, and then work again. It’s similar to how our bodies build up a tolerance to medication over time, requiring higher doses for the same effect. The same principle applies to hair care and skincare. While Lush was great for two years, Viori was great for me for six months, and now it’s working wonders for both my boyfriend and me. We’re going on four months of using the product, and so far, so good.
This time, I also invested in Viori’s bamboo containers, and they’re absolutely beautiful! I haven’t had any issues with mold, but I make sure to keep them out of the shower and let them ventilate properly after each use.
I’ll be sharing a full updated hair care routine post soon, complete with all my empties and recommendations from the past few years. This will include Lush products to try if you’re not sold on Viori. One thing to note: Lush is significantly cheaper than Viori.
Fun fact: The Hidden Waterfall Shampoo and Conditioner Bar smells just like Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male Elixir Parfum. My boyfriend owns the perfume, and I couldn’t help but notice the similarity. It’s definitely a unisex scent! He’s even mentioned that after using the bars, he doesn’t need any additional products because his hair feels soft and silky. He’s also noticed fewer gray hairs on his head (though his beard, which he doesn’t use the bars on, still has the same amount). I think Viori could expand their product line to include a beard wash for men using their rice water formula. While they do have a men’s line scented with whiskey, I didn’t want to take any chances and knew my boyfriend would love the original Hidden Waterfall scent.
All in all, if I had to give Viori a final rating, it would be 4 out of 5 stars. It’s hard to say if it will remain amazing long-term, but for now, my boyfriend and I are loving it. That said, I know our bodies might build up a tolerance to it over time, or external factors could lead us to try other products.
We’ve also been using products from Miodowa Mydlarnia, a Polish brand, during our travels instead of Viori. If you’re interested in my full updated post with new photos, hair care empties, and products I wouldn’t repurchase, make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter!
Shampoo Bar & Conditioner Bar Tips
Keep Them Dry: To extend the life of your shampoo and conditioner bars, store them in a dry area after use. If they stay wet or in a moist environment, they’ll dissolve faster. I like to bring my bars into my room, open their plastic containers (or bamboo containers from Viori), and set them on a shelf to dry. Not only does this keep them in great shape, but it also makes my room smell amazing!
Revive Broken Conditioner Bars: When your conditioner bar starts breaking into pieces, don’t toss it! Melt it down and pour it into a silicone mold. You can use a wax warmer on low heat, stirring frequently in a well-ventilated area. This process kills any bacteria and gives your bar a new lease on life. I love using every last bit of my products!
Repurpose Extra Pieces: If you have small leftover pieces of your conditioner bar, melt them down and reshape them into a new bar using a silicone mold. It’s a great way to reduce waste and get the most out of your purchase.
Maximize Conditioner Benefits: When using the conditioner bar in the shower, bring a hair tie and shower cap with you. After applying the conditioner, let it sit for a few minutes while you shave or cleanse your skin. This extra time allows the product to deeply nourish your hair, and I’ve noticed the results last longer throughout the week.
Haircare is part of self-care, and I believe that should be cute too. That’s why I made these self-care themed stickers—gentle reminders for your mirror or planner.
Wrapping It Up
If there’s anything specific you’d like to know about these rice shampoo bars, feel free to ask! I’ll do my best to answer your questions.
If you’re considering trying Viori, I say go for it! It’s never a bad idea to experiment with new products. Just because it didn’t work for me at times doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. As I’ve mentioned, so many factors come into play—our bodies, lifestyles, and even the seasons can affect how a product performs. I’m glad I gave Viori another try in 2024/2025, especially during the winter months when my hair needed extra vitality. I was pleasantly surprised!
That said, I’m not a fan of the fact that Viori’s website only showcases 5-star reviews. It lacks transparency. I’ve experienced this with another brand, where I left a detailed, constructive review that never got posted—only glowing 5-star reviews made the cut. While I still use their products, I’m much more cautious about what’s worth the investment. This is where bloggers, Reddit threads, and honest customer feedback come in handy!
I’ve also used Lush bars and am curious about other brands. Right now, besides Viori, I’m using products from Miodowa Mydlarnia, a Polish brand. If you’re interested in my full update—including empties, my current hair care routine, and where my hair is at now—make sure to sign up for my newsletter and subscribe to my YouTube channel!
Before I go, I want to remind you that the Viori team has generously offered my audience 10% off their purchase. Use code DREAMLIKEDIANA at checkout to claim your discount!
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, leave them below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Bye for now!
Till next time!
~Diana
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