DIY Massage Bar? Trust Me, it’s the Best Father’s Day Gift Idea!
Doesn’t every man love a massage? What if you could make one available anytime? DIY massage bars are a type of homemade lotion bar that can do just that!
And homemade gifts are my favorite to give and receive. A concept that I learned from my mother. I think my mother could craft up anything! She never runs out of ideas; the funny thing is, neither do I.
I remember the thrill of secretly hand-making a gift for my Dad, other family members, teachers, and best friends. And Father’s Day was one of those rare times when I was given money or supplies to make something special for someone else. Handmade gifts have always been a beautiful way to show someone how much you care.
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So, whether I’m hand pouring candles into an outdoorsman enamel mug for Dad or making easy coffee soap with my daughter for my husband – Father’s Day is always special around here.
These DIY massage bars are a great Father’s Day gift idea for dads of all ages!
What is a massage bar?
A massage bar is basically a solid lotion bar, but with one significant difference. Like lotion bars, a massage bar is solid at room temperature and resembles a soap bar. There aren’t any cleansers in the bar- only moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter or cocoa butter.
A massage bar is often made with only 3 to 5 ingredients total and acts like a lotion. What makes them unique is the mold you pour the ingredients into to make a massage bar. A massage bar mold is designed to make big round beads that stick out from the bar.
How does a massage bar work?
The beads created by the massage bar mold add a massaging sensation when rubbed directly over muscles. As you rub a massage bar across the body, heat from the skin will gradually melt the oil and butter that make up the solid lotion. With the help of beeswax, there is no drippy mess.
Homemade massage bars are a simple tool to soothe sore muscles and tension. Quite honestly, they feel amazing when applied to tired muscles! The organic butter and oils melt and moisturize the skin in the process, enhancing the massage benefits.
Related To: Easy Coffee Soap
Related To: Cedarwood DIY Hand Lotion for Men
Ready to make this unique homemade Father’s day gift? Here’s what you’ll need:
DIY Massage Bar Ingredients:
1 ounce coconut oil
2 ounces beeswax pastilles
3 ounces shea butter
⅛ teaspoon vitamin E oil
How to Make a Massage Bar:
Using the double boiler method, melt together 1-ounce coconut oil, 2 ounces beeswax pastilles, and 3 ounces shea butter on low heat.
Next, stir often with a heat-resistant silicone spatula. After melting, remove the mixture from heat and add ⅛ teaspoon vitamin E oil. Then, quickly stir to combine and pour into a massage bar mold.
After, allow to cool and set up for 30 minutes to an hour before removing the lotion bars from the massage bar mold. This massage lotion bar recipe makes up to 4 massage bars.
How do you store massage bars?
Store your DIY massage bar away from direct sunlight and preferably in a cool place. At room temperature, a massage lotion bar will stay firm. So, a small tin is a great place to store homemade lotion bars. I repurposed a salted caramel tin my husband was gifted at Christmas time. Any tin will do, allowing your massage bar to stay clean. They can even travel in a tin too.
How long do lotion bars last? While a typical lotion bar can last up to 18 months when only applied to hands. A massage bar won’t last as long because it is often applied to a larger body area – such as the back. After several uses, they may break up a little bit but can still be used to massage and nourish the skin.
Prefer a Printable Massage Bar Recipe?
DIY Massage Bar
Homemade massage bars are a simple tool to soothe sore muscles and tension. Here’s how to make massage lotion bars.
Materials
- 1 ounce coconut oil
- 2 ounces beeswax pastilles
- 3 ounces shea butter
- ⅛ teaspoon vitamin E oil
Tools
- massage bar mold
Instructions
- Using the double boiler method, melt together 1-ounce coconut oil, 2 ounces beeswax pastilles, and 3 ounces shea butter on low heat.
- Stir often with a heat resistant silicone spatula. Once melted remove from heat and add ⅛ teaspoon vitamin E oil. Quickly stir to combine and pour into a massage bar mold.
- Allow to cool and set up for 30 mins to an hour before removing from the massage bar mold. This massage lotion bar recipe makes up to 4 massage bars.
Notes
Store your DIY massage bar away from direct sunlight and preferably in a cool place. At room temperature, a massage lotion bar will stay firm.
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How do you use a massage bar?
Start by warming the massage bar between your hands for a few seconds. Then gently rub the massage bar across dry skin. During the massage, the bar will soften from body heat and may become slippery, so make slow long strokes or circular motions.
Some of the best areas to use a massage bar are the back of the neck, tops of shoulders, calves, length of the back, and soles of the feet. Where’s the first place you would use a DIY massage bar?
This massaging lotion bar recipe is incredibly easy to make and only requires four ingredients! And it makes a one of a kind Father’s Day gift idea.
Pin this DIY massage bar recipe to make one for the Dads in your life. Tag #lifenreflection on Instagram to share yours!
Hello I have made the massage bars and find it difficult to get out of the massage mold. Is there a way to without it breaking?
You can pop them in the fridge pr freezer for a few minutes to harden some more and then try popping them out again.
Can essential oil scents be added to these?
Absolutely you can add a blend of essential oils to these.