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!
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
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.
- Volumizing Shampoo Bar: Bring life, volume, and bounce to fine or flat hair with our Sweet & Spicy Volumizing Shampoo Bar; Great lather!
- Nourishing Ingredients: Fairly traded cocoa butter and Samoan coconut oil nourish and soften without weighing strands down, while a pinch of sea salt gives new life to hair
- Ethical & Sustainable Ingredients: Formulated using vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, paraben-free and renewable ingredients, sourced from sustainable producers paid a fair wage
- Cruelty-Free, Eco-Friendly, TSA Friendly, Compostable
#2 Best Plant-Based Shampoo Bar: Solid Shampoo Bar And Conditioner Effect Hair Soap
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.
- ✔️HIGHEST QUALITY AND NATURAL CARE! Being 100% organic and eco-friendly these shampoo bars are made of high quality all natural ingredients! Cold pressed to achieve the best quality these cute solid bars will naturally treat and restore your hair to its original shiny state without stripping it while the added conditioner effect will make your hair soft and light as a petal! You will notice a difference in the way your wet hair feels after washing!
- ✔️100% ECO-FRIEDNLY AND TRAVEL-FRIENDLY! These shampoo bars do not contain any chemicals or preservatives that can damage your hair while our packaging is 100% biodegradable and recycling! Their compact size and lightweight making these shampoo bars perfect choice for travel camping airplane or on the road helping you take a good care of your hair while being 100% waste free!
- ✔️PACK OF 4 FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY! This pack of shampoo bars comes with 4 unique essences – Lavender, Honey, Seaweed and Chamomile! Designed for all ages, our organic approach of plant-based butters and essential oils such as shea butter cocoa butter cocoa oil olive oil etc…makes these compact hair soaps a smart and safe choice for your kids as well! Each pack will last a person between 4 to 6 months! That’s approximately 2-3 bottles worth of shampoo!
- ✔️ZERO WASTE IS OUR MISSION! Green Earth is our goal! Everything from our products to our packaging is sourced with big care and consideration! We understand that millions shampoo and conditioner bottles are being thrown away each year in the U.S. Our focus and determination are fighting the plastic waste and being part of the solution to stop it for rocketing That is why our products are always 100% plastic and metal free, made of organic ingredients and zero-waste packaging!
- ✔️100% SATISFACTION OR MONEY BACK! Our Shampoo bars are 100 Organic and our packaging is 100% recyclable! We love using them and we know you will love them too! If for any reason or no reason at all you decide to return them we will refund you 100%!
#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
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.
- 2-in-1 SHAMPOO: Kitsch Clarifying Shampoo Bar is made with tea tree oil and mint, which help to remove any built-up oils or products from your hair. It also helps to soothe scalp irritation and combat dandruff.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: This hair shampoo bar is free from sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, and other harsh chemicals. Our clarifying shampoo for men and women is vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it on your hair.
- FOR ITCHY SCALP: The tea tree oil in this shampoo bar helps clarify and revitalize the scalp, while the mint leaves your hair smelling fresh and clean, making it the perfect combination for an anti-dandruff shampoo.
- CLEAN AND HEALTHY: Our shampoo for women and men is gentle enough for daily use and will leave your hair feeling clean and healthy.
- ECO-FRIENDLY: Kitsch Tea Tree & Mint Clarifying Shampoo Bar is made with natural ingredients and is estimated to last 100 washes. This bar will save two bottles of liquid shampoo, making it eco-friendly! The bar has a refreshing tea tree and mint scent and excellent shampoo for oily hair.
#6 Best for All Hair Types: The Earthling Co. Shampoo Bar
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.
- CLEANSE & SOFTEN: Create a luscious lather to wash away oil and build-up from your hair without stripping moisture; our nourishing natural shampoo bar leaves hair soft, clean and shiny
- VEGAN & CRUELTY FREE: No harsh chemicals to see here! Our plant-based shampoo is silicone, paraben, artificial fragrance, preservative and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)-free
- ALL HAIR TYPES: Available in a range of natural scents, our shampoo bars are suitable for men, women and kids, and all hair types including curly, dry, oily, frizzy, color-treated and bleached
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Coconut oil boosts moisture, apricot seed oil nourishes and softens, panthenol (Vitamin B5) restores strength and shine, and glycerin keeps hair hydrated and healthy
- PLASTIC FREE PACKAGING: Our hair shampoo bars are manufactured in the USA and supplied in 100% compostable packaging; each travel-convenient bar lasts 50-75 washes and replaces 2-3 bottles
#7 Best Zero Waste Bar and Conditioner: Zero Waste MVMT Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Set
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.
- PLASTIC-FREE: So long are the days of buying shampoo and conditioner in wasteful plastic bottles! Our waterless, ultra-concentrated shampoo and conditioner bars provide a rich lather that is moisturizing and nourishing for your hair and scalp. All while keeping plastic bottles out of our landfills!
- BUNDLE SET: We’ve assembled the perfect zero waste hair care bundle which includes 1x Shampoo, 1x Conditioner Bar and a Cedar Tray to help keep your bars dry.
- VEGAN-FRIENDLY & CRUELTY-FREE: Vegan-friendly bars made from plant-based ingredients. We never test on animals, and only use simple, natural ingredients.
- TRAVEL-FRIENDLY: Not only do these bars pack very lightly, they are also perfect for taking on trips or weekends away. The bars are packaged in recycled kraft paperboard containers which make them easy to travel with and are TSA compliant for flights!
- ZERO WASTE: Our Zero-Waste Bars are a plastic-free alternative to liquid shampoo and conditioner. They are packaged in recycled kraft paperboard containers and each bar can replace up to 2-3 bottles of shampoo and will last 50-75+ washes (depending on hair type and length).
#8 Best for Frizz-Free Hair: Clever Yoga’s Vegan Shampoo Bar
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.
- Great hair, no plastic bottles: Our concentrated solid shampoo bars will leave your hair feeling moisturized, full bodied and squeaky clean. They’re packaged in recyclable and compostable cardboard material, so no plastic is used in the product or packaging. Perfect for all hair types and suitable for everyday use. Available in Citrus, Argan, Fresh or Unscented.
- Made in the USA: Our bars are handmade in the USA with no animal testing, they are completely vegan, GMO and cruelty free. The bars are coconut oil based with natural ingredients no SLS, phthalates or parabens, so clean your hair without stripping natural oils or color.
- Small but strong: 2.5" x 1 " - At 2.2 oz our shampoo bar is concentrated so only a small amount is needed every wash. Just rub between your hands with water to produce a rich lather, which can also be used for shaving. Once rinsed the shampoo will leave your hair feeling soft, shiny and frizz free.
- Perfect hair on the go - Small and lightweight our bars are perfect for travel, it can easily fit into any carry-on luggage with no liquid spill worries. You can also use it as a body bar. A great addition to any gym, camping, beach or overnight bag.
- Order risk free: We want you to love your products and we only want to bring you the best, to support your yoga journey. If you decide you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, let us know and we’ll replace it or give you a full refund. Namaste
#9 Best for Dry Hair: Pacific Spirit Shampoo Bar with Argan Oil
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.
- Our naturally-derived, zero-waste shampoo bar is ideal for dry hair: it moisturizes and conditions, leaving hair hydrated and shiny
- For women with dry hair (straight or curly). Specially formulated for those with dull or damaged hair. Our Low pH (6) and gentle composition make it safe for coloured hair and great for daily use
- Your hair will appear being perfectly clean and soft thanks to our special blend of natural ingredients such as Fresh Apricot extract & Organic Argan Oil
- This concentrated bar (3.53 Oz.) is made to last for netween 50 to 90 washes. It is soap-free and specifically designed to produce a dense foam that cleans hair perfectly. It is also conditioning.
- Pacific Spirit's mission is to design eco-friendly shampoo bars that are good for the oceans and wonderful for hair - We support the Ocean Cleanup foundation through a percentage of all our sales
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?
Most shampoo bars are sustainable and eco-friendly, so they reduce plastic waste.
2. How Many Bottles Does a Shampoo Bar Replace?
A single shampoo bar can replace 2-3 bottles of shampoo, depending on how frequently you use it.
3. What Is the Most Eco-Friendly Bar Soap?
The most eco-friendly bar soap contains only natural ingredients and doesn’t contribute to global pollution. Ethique is a good brand for soap and shampoo bars.
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/
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