Are you looking for the best zero-waste shampoo bars?
Once I realized how many plastic shampoo bottles I was throwing away every few months, I decided to look for a more eco-friendly option.
That’s how I discovered zero-waste shampoo bars and conditioners, and after trying them for a couple of months, I’m here to share my top 9 picks.
Just keep reading.
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Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Zero-waste shampoo bars are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional shampoos.
- Shampoo bars come in a wide variety of scents and sizes, suitable for different hair types.
- Zero-waste shampoo bars are easy to use but have a transition period.
Don’t have time? Check this comparison table of our top faves!
Table could not be displayed.ALSO CHECK: Best Eco Friendly Makeup Remover
Top 9 Zero Waste Shampoo Bars (Buying Guide)
Do you know that liquid shampoos contain around 70-80% water? If you don’t believe me, check the ingredient lists, and you’ll see the word “aqua” right away. And aqua is just water. (1)
Many shampoos also contain harsh chemicals that damage your hair and generate a lot of plastic waste. Not to mention that a single shampoo plastic bottle doesn’t last long!
But you have an alternative called zero-wasted shampoo bars. Think about them as a concentrated form of your usual liquid shampoo! And here are my top zero-waste shampoo bar reviews!
#1 Best Overall: Ethique Solid Shampoo Bar
No products found.Ethique is one of the best zero-waste shampoo bars because it’s long-lasting, has a pleasant ginger, orange, and cinnamon scent, and contains only natural ingredients.
Moreover, it’s an excellent choice for thin or fine hair because its unique formula nourishes and volumizes it. And it’s available in several scents, including one suitable for kids and babies!
Features & Attributes
Ethique’s solid shampoo bar is made from cocoa butter and coconut oil. It’s pH balanced so it won’t irritate your scalp or skin.
Measurements
- 3.88 oz bar with an orange scent
Benefits of Ethique Solid Shampoo Bar
- All-natural, paraben-free, palm oil-free, and has no harmful chemicals
- It adds volume to the hair and doesn’t become a sloppy mess after the shower
- Excellent cleansing effect with a pleasant sweet & spicy fragrance
- One bar can last up to 80 washes (the equivalent of three shampoo bottles)
- pH-balanced, so it’s perfect for thin or damaged hair
- Suitable for colored hair and all skin types
- Plastic-free shampoo bar packaging
- Available in several scents
Drawbacks
- Not completely sulfate-free
- The smell is too subtle for some users
How It Compares to Others
It has better cleansing power than similar brands, and the fragrance isn’t overwhelming, which is excellent for people with sensitive noses. But it’s not the cheapest zero-waste shampoo bar.
Expert Tips
- Don’t forget to use the best zero waste conditioner, especially if you have curly hair.
- Don’t wash your hair too often. As experts from Healthline say, “Shampoo strips the important oils the scalp produces and can leave the hair and scalp too dry.” (2)
Testimonials
Customers say that Ethique is one of the best alternatives to traditional shampoos, and I like its formula, ease of use, and cleansing effect.
And as this reviewer notes, Ethique has shampoo bars for different hair types, so you can pick the one that matches yours.
No products found.
#2 Best Plant-Based Shampoo Bar: Solid Shampoo Bar And Conditioner Effect Hair Soap
No products found.The Solid Shampoo bar is a perfect alternative to liquid shampoos. I love its scents, plastic-free packaging, and compact size.
Features & Attributes
The Solid Shampoo Bar pack contains lavender, honey, seaweed, and chamomile hair soap.
I also like that the company stands behind its product and will give you a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with the effect!
Measurements
- A pack of four bars with different plant essences (lavender, honey, seaweed, chamomile)
- 2.0 oz per bar
Benefits of Solid Shampoo Bars
- Organic ingredients with no harsh chemicals, so it doesn’t strip the hair from its natural oils.
- No palm oil, parabens, or other harmful ingredients
- Long-lasting
- Compact size, perfect for traveling
- Perfect for nourishing hair, preventing dandruff, and dealing with oily scalp
- 100% biodegradable packaging (paper box and paper wrap)
Drawbacks
- It contains some sulfates
- A bit oily and greasy
How It Compares to Others
- Smaller in size than other brands I’ve tried and made in China
Expert Tips
- You should store the shampoo bar on a dry surface and not apply it under water.
Testimonials
Nine out of ten users are satisfied with this hair soap and highly recommend it as one of the best zero-waste shampoo bars.
No products found.
#3 Best for Nourishing Hair: grüum Hår Zero Plastic Nourishing Shampoo Bar
If commercial shampoos make your scalp dry, then this zero-plastic nourishing bar is an excellent alternative.
Features & Attributes
- Nourishing coconut
- Sustainable packaging
Measurements
- 1.7 oz (50 grams) bar
- Suitable for all hair types
Benefits of the grüum Hår Zero Plastic Nourishing Shampoo Bar
- Coconut oil is excellent for nourishing hair and restoring its shiny looks
- A pleasant fragrance
- Eco-friendly ingredients
- Up to 60 washes with one bar
- Made in England
Drawbacks
- Expensive to deliver outside of England
- No sulfate-free
How It Compares to Others
Gruum’s shampoo bar has an excellent formula for nourishing hair, but it’s smaller in size than other brands and doesn’t last as long as Ethique’s bar.
Expert Tips
You can purchase tins to keep this natural shampoo bar dry between uses.
Testimonials
Customers say Gruum provides plenty of moisture and removes all dirt and oily residue. And as this reviewer notes, it has a strong coconut smell.
#4 Best Sulfate-Free: Viori Hair Shampoo Bar
I’ve been using Viori’s hair care products for a couple of months, and they do wonders for my damaged hair. And it’s one of the few zero waste beauty brands that doesn’t use sulfates.
Features & Attributes
- Made from Longsheng rice water, cocoa butter, and hydrolyzed rice protein. It has a garden-inspired scent (lavender, plumeria, and hints of bergamot)
Measurements
- 3.5 oz bar of soap
- Suitable for straight, coily, wavy, and curly hair
Benefits of the Viori Hair Shampoo Bar
- A great choice for repairing, strengthening, and moisturizing the hair
- Gluten-free, cruel-free, and vegan
- No sulfates or artificial fragrances
- 30-60 washes with one bar
- Recyclable packaging
- Affordable
Drawbacks
- It dries out the hair a bit
- Not all customers like its scent
How It Compares to Others
It contains no sulfates and has a strong rejuvenating formula to reduce hair breakage. It also creates more lathes than other brands I’ve tried.
Expert Tips
Consider Viori’s bamboo shower container to store the bar and keep it from dissolving.
Testimonials
As this reviewer says, her hair has become softer and easier to manage, thanks to Viori’s products. Customers also note that it helps with hair growth.
#5 Best Clarifying Shampoo Bar: Kitsch’s Clarifying Shampoo Bar
No products found.Kitsch doesn’t disappoint with its super cleansing formula, removing all dirt without stripping your scalp from its natural oils.
Features & Attributes
- Vegetable glycerin and castor oil
- Tea tree and mint essential oils
Measurements
- 3.6 oz bar
- Suitable for all hair types
Benefits of Kitsch’s Zero-Waste Bar
- All-natural ingredients without any sulfates, great for dealing with oily hair
- No synthetic fragrances
- Great for sensitive scalps or sensitive skin
- Color-safe, vegan, cruel-free
- Up to 100 washes
- Eco-friendly packaging
Drawbacks
- The scent is too strong for some customers
- It takes a while to get used to it
How It Compares to Others
Kitsch’s product lasts longer than similar hair bars and is one of the most affordable options.
Expert Tips
Leave the shampoo for a couple of minutes to give it time to work.
Testimonials
Customers say Kitsch performs better than expected and is great for itchy scalps and dandruff. And as these reviews say, one bar can last a couple of months, producing plenty of lather.
No products found.
#6 Best for All Hair Types: The Earthling Co. Shampoo Bar
No products found.The Earthling Co. shampoo is another favorite of mine, and it deserves a place among the best zero-waste shampoo bars because it’s affordable, long-lasting, and sulfate-free.
Features & Attributes
- Eco-friendly ingredients
- Four scents available
Measurements
- 3.0 oz bar
Benefits of The Earthling Co.
- No harsh ingredients, such as parabens or sulfates
- It uses a mild sulfate substitute to keep the hair healthy and remove excess oil and buildup.
- Compact and lightweight, perfect for traveling
- 2 to 6 months of usage
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Uses recyclable materials
Drawbacks
- Bar crumbles easily
- Messy
- Not the best for curly or coarse-textured hair
How It Compares to Others
- It’s available in various scents and keeps the hair soft and healthy, but it’s messier to use than other brands.
How Has It Evolved?
- New packaging to reduce waste as much as possible.
Expert Tips
You can combine the shampoo with the Earthling Co. conditioner bar for the best results.
Testimonials
As this reviewer says, her hair looks fantastic and feels soft, thanks to the Earthling Co. bar.
No products found.
#7 Best Zero Waste Bar and Conditioner: Zero Waste MVMT Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Set
No products found.MVMT won’t disappoint if you’re looking for a shampoo & conditioner bar set, thanks to its eco-friendly ingredients and ultra-concentrated formula.
Features & Attributes
- Made from plant-based ingredients (peppermint and eucalyptus)
Measurements
- The package includes one shampoo bar, one conditioner bar, and a cedar tray for storage.
Benefits of the Zero Water MVMT Set
- Designed to nourish and moisturize the hair and has a lovely scent
- Anti-hair loss
- No harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, or artificial scents
- No plastic packaging
- Suitable for all hair types
- 50 to 75 washes
Drawbacks
- Not the cheapest option
- It takes time to get used to it
How It Compares to Others
- It has a pleasant peppermint and eucalyptus scent and comes with a storage tray.
- It doesn’t last as long as other zero-waste shampoo brands but beats the competition in quality.
Expert Tips
For maximum results, don’t wash your hair with hot water. According to specialists from Healthshots, you should wash with warm water (around 100°F.) (3)
Testimonials
Customers say that the MVMT’s set leaves the hair soft and manageable and is perfect for curls.
No products found.
#8 Best for Frizz-Free Hair: Clever Yoga’s Vegan Shampoo Bar
No products found.If you have frizzy hair, you should try Clever Yoga. I like it very much because it’s available in an unscented variant.
Features & Attributes
- Available in argan, fresh, citrus, or unscented
- Made from natural ingredients
Measurements
- 2.2 oz bar
Benefits of the Clever Yoga Vegan Bar
- Compact size, perfect for travel
- Suitable for a body bar
- Great for frizz or damaged hair
- Cruelty-free, vegan, and no artificial ingredients
- Uses biodegradable materials
Drawbacks
- Small size
- Not the best choice for sensitive scalps
How It Compares to Others
- It doesn’t last as long as other similar bars
- An unscented model is available for people that don’t like strong scents
Expert Tips
If you’re not satisfied, you can ask the manufacturer for a full refund.
Testimonials
Customers say that Clear Yoga has one of the best hair products because it doesn’t leave any residue and that the hair soap bar is perfect for traveling.
No products found.
#9 Best for Dry Hair: Pacific Spirit Shampoo Bar with Argan Oil
No products found.Pacific Spirit has an excellent moisturizing effect, perfect for people with dry hair. And it’s suitable for straight or curly locks.
Features & Attributes
Made with fresh apricot extract, argan oil, and other natural ingredients
Measurements
A bar of 3.53 ounces
Benefits of the Pacific Spirit Shampoo Bar
- Great for dull, damaged, or dry locks
- No nasty chemicals
- Low pH level, perfect for colored hair
- 50 to 90 washes
- Dense foam for
Drawbacks
- Not all like the scent
- Not much sud
How It Compares to Others
- It has a lower pH index than other brands
- Designed for damaged hair
Expert Tips
Don’t wash your hair every day if it’s prone to drying. Frequent washing strips the natural hair oils from your scalp.
Testimonials
Customers say Pacific Spirit works great and provides moisture, extra nourishment, and hydration for the hair.
No products found.
How to Use Zero-Waste Shampoo Bars
Now that you know all about the best zero-waste shampoo bars, let’s talk about how to use them for maximum results. It’s not complicated at all:
- Wet your hair and the bar. Then take the zero-waste bar and rub it between your hands to get it foamy.
- Lather your hair from roots to tips and keep massaging with circular motions until your scalp is foamy.
- Rinse well. Apply a conditioner or a hair mask.
- Keep in mind that there is a transition period during which your hair may feel oily and greasy.
- Watch this video for a demonstration of a shampoo bar routine
But are zero-waste products better than traditional bottles of shampoo? Let’s find out!
Are Bars Better Than Liquid Shampoos?
Hair bars are more concentrated than traditional liquid shampoos because they don’t contain much water to dilute the ingredients. So, they provide a higher dose of ingredients to nourish and moisturize your hair.
Moreover, shampoo bars are compact, lightweight, and perfect for travel. They have a low carbon footprint and last longer than the average shampoo bottle.
But how do you store shampoo bars to prevent them from getting messy? It’s easier than you can imagine.
How to Store Shampoo Hair Bars?
A soap dish or tray is the easiest way to store a zero-waste bar. Some brands offer special eco-friendly container boxes to dry the bar and keep it from getting mushy.
FAQs
1. Do Shampoo Bars Reduce Waste?
2. How Many Bottles Does a Shampoo Bar Replace?
3. What Is the Most Eco-Friendly Bar Soap?
Conclusion
Zero-waste shampoo bars are an excellent choice if you want to reduce your carbon footprint. They’re also full-packed of natural ingredients that will keep your hair healthy and shiny.
I highly recommend that you try the Ethique shampoo bar for its eco-friendly formula, superb quality, and pleasant scent.
However, it takes time to transition from liquid to shampoo bars, and it’s normal for your hair to be dry or greasy in the first few weeks. Just don’t give up after 1-2 washes.
What do you think about the best zero-waste shampoo bars? Which one is your favorite? Share your experience in the comment section.
Resources:
1. Inside the Bottle, Shampoo [Internet]. susteau.com. Available from: https://susteau.com/blogs/blog/inside-the-bottle-shampoo
2. How Often Should You Wash Your Hair? [Internet]. Healthline. 2017. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-often-should-you-wash-your-hair#overwashing
3. Hot v/s cold: What’s the best temperature to wash your hair? Let’s settle the debate [Internet]. Healthshots. 2021. Available from: https://www.healthshots.com/beauty/hair-care/hot-v-s-cold-whats-the-best-temperature-to-wash-your-hair/
