In recent years, shampoo bars have surged in popularity as a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional bottled shampoos. Not only do they offer a plastic-free option for the eco-conscious consumer, but they also come packed with natural ingredients designed to nourish and rejuvenate all hair types.
We’ll share our thoughts on the best shampoo bars on the market right now, highlighting their benefits and how to seamlessly integrate them into your hair care routine.
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Our Top Picks At a Glance
- Best Detox Shampoo: ATTITUDE Leaves Bar Detox Shampoo, Sea Salt
- Best for Grey Hair: Apple Valley Natural Soap, The Grey Hair Care Shampoo Bar
- Best Multi-Use Bar: Dr. Bronner’s All One Hemp Pure Castile Soap, Tea Tree
- Best Deep Cleansing Shampoo Bar: B.O.B Bars Over Bottles Shampoo Bar, Purifying
- Best for Curly Hair: EcoRoots Shampoo Bar, Lavender
- Best Unscented Shampoo Bar: /liv/ Nature Shampoo Bar, Unscented
ATTITUDE Leaves Bar Detox Shampoo, Sea Salt: Best for Detoxing Dull Hair
The ATTITUDE Leaves Bar Detox Shampoo, infused with sea salt, offers a refreshing and deep cleansing experience that leaves your scalp feeling rejuvenated. Ideal for those exposed to urban pollution or product buildup, this bar not only cleanses but also imparts a healthy shine and keeps hair soft. The natural sea salt ingredient helps to detoxify the scalp, effectively removing impurities.
Price: $14.95
Pros:
- Deeply cleanses and detoxifies the scalp
- Made with natural and sustainable ingredients
Cons:
- May be too harsh for daily use on dry hair types
Apple Valley Natural Soap, The Grey Hair Care Shampoo Bar: Great For Greys
Tailored for the unique needs of grey hair, this shampoo bar from Apple Valley Natural Soap enhances the natural beauty of silver strands. Its blend of nourishing oils and butters moisturizes, leaving hair softer while also adding a luminous shine. This bar is especially great for reducing the yellowing that can often plague grey hair, keeping it looking vibrant and healthy.
Price: $10
Pros:
- Specially formulated for grey hair
- Moisturizes and adds shine
Cons:
- Limited availability compared to other brands
Dr. Bronner’s All One Hemp Pure Castile Soap, Tea Tree: The Bar That Does it All
Dr. Bronner’s is renowned for its versatile, multi-use products, and this tea tree bar soap is no exception. While not exclusively a shampoo, it’s incredibly effective for hair care, particularly for those with scalp issues like dandruff. The tea tree oil acts as a natural antiseptic, helping to soothe and cleanse the scalp. Plus, its multi-use formula means you can simplify your beauty routine, using this one bar for everything from hair washing to body cleansing.
Price: $4.99
Pros:
- Multi-use formula for hair and body
- Soothes and cleanses the scalp with tea tree oil
Cons:
- Might be drying for some hair types when used too frequently
B.O.B Bars Over Bottles Shampoo Bar, Purifying: For a Deep Clean
For those in need of a deep clean that doesn’t strip hair of its natural oils, the B.O.B Purifying Shampoo Bar is a game-changer. It effectively removes buildup without drying out the hair, thanks to its blend of natural ingredients. This bar is perfect for those looking to refresh their hair and scalp while maintaining moisture balance.
Price: $12
Pros:
- Deeply purifies without stripping hair
- Sustainable packaging
Cons:
- May require a conditioner for extra moisture
EcoRoots Shampoo Bar, Lavender: For Girls (and Guys) With Curls
Curly-haired individuals will rejoice at the nourishing formula of EcoRoots’ Lavender Shampoo Bar. Designed with curly and wavy hair in mind, this bar gently cleanses while providing the hydration curls crave. The lavender essential oil not only soothes the scalp but also imparts a calming fragrance to your hair care routine.
Price: $12.95
Pros:
- Hydrates and defines curls
- Soothing lavender scent
Cons:
- Those with very tight curls or extra thick hair may need additional detangling products
/liv/ Nature Shampoo Bar, Unscented: Just The Basics
For sensitive scalps and noses, /liv/ Nature’s Unscented Shampoo Bar is a blessing. Free from fragrances and essential oils, this bar provides a gentle cleanse that respects the scalp’s natural balance. It’s perfect for those who prefer their beauty routine to be as minimalist and non-irritating as possible.
Price: $14.99
Pros:
- Gentle and unscented for sensitive scalps
- Free from harsh chemicals and fragrances
Cons:
- May not provide enough cleansing power for very oily hair
What is a Shampoo Bar?
Shampoo bars are essentially concentrated bars of shampoo that can do everything their traditional shampoo counterparts can—cleanse, nourish, and rejuvenate your hair—without the excess packaging. They’re typically made from natural ingredients like oils, butters, and essential oils, which are saponified (a process that turns fats and oils into soap and glycerin) to cleanse hair. They’re compact, travel-friendly, and, given their solid form, they last much longer than traditional shampoos.
Clean Beauty Benefits of Shampoo Bars
Shampoo bars are at the forefront of the clean beauty movement for several reasons. These compact, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional hair care products are gaining popularity not just for their environmental impact but also for their nurturing effects on hair health.
- Significant Reduction in Plastic Waste: Each bar shampoo can replace two to three plastic bottles of liquid shampoo. This simple switch by consumers can lead to a substantial decrease in the number of plastic bottles that end up in landfills and oceans each year.
- Packed with All-Natural, Non-Toxic Ingredients: Shampoo bars boast formulations enriched with natural, non-toxic ingredients. These ingredients are not only kinder to the environment but also gentler on the hair and scalp. By avoiding harsh chemicals, shampoo bars help maintain the natural oils of the scalp and hair, promoting a balanced, healthy hair ecosystem.
- Nourishing for Healthier, Stronger Hair: Most shampoo bars are crafted with a blend of essential oils, plant extracts, and natural butters that provide key nutrients to the hair. These ingredients work together to strengthen hair from root to tip, improve texture, and enhance shine.
- A Sustainable Choice for Every Hair Type: There’s a bar for every hair type and concern. Whether you’re looking to hydrate dry hair, add volume to fine hair, define curls, or soothe a sensitive scalp, there’s a shampoo bar that meets your needs.
- Convenience Without Compromise: The compact and solid nature of shampoo bars makes them incredibly travel-friendly and convenient for use at home or on the go.
How to Train Your Hair With Shampoo Bars
Transitioning to shampoo bars from liquid shampoo can be a bit of an adjustment. Initially, your hair might feel different due to the absence of silicones and sulfates, which can leave your hair feeling squeaky clean or slightly waxy.
Here are some tips for adding bar shampoos into your hair routine:
- Start with a clarifying wash to remove any residue from your previous hair care products.
- Use a vinegar rinse once a week to balance your scalp’s pH and remove buildup.
- Avoid using dry shampoo between washes, even if your hair feels oily.
- Be patient as your hair and scalp adjust to the new formula. It can take a few weeks for your hair to fully adapt.
Tips For Using Shampoo Bars by Hair Type
- Thin Hair: Choose volumizing shampoo bars and use gentle lathering techniques to avoid weighing down your hair, ensuring a thorough rinse for added volume.
- Thick Hair: Opt for moisture-rich shampoo bars, apply in sections for thorough coverage, and consider a double rinse to fully cleanse and hydrate dense strands.
- Curly or Wavy Hair: Select hydrating bars that define and nourish curls, apply primarily to the scalp, and detangle gently to maintain curl integrity without frizz.
- Straight Hair: Go for clarifying shampoo bars to control oil without stripping, using minimal lather and finishing with a cool rinse for sleek, shiny hair.
- Color-Treated Hair: Use color-safe shampoo bars with gentle, natural ingredients to protect your color, and rinse with lukewarm water to prevent fading.
Conditioner Bars
Conditioner bars work on the same principle as shampoo bars but are formulated to deliver moisture and manageability to your hair. They’re packed with natural oils, butters, and essential oils to deeply condition, detangle, and leave your hair feeling silky smooth. The absence of silicones and sulfates means that they don’t weigh your hair down or coat it with artificial substances. Instead, they allow your hair to absorb the natural benefits of the ingredients, leading to healthier hair over time.
Here are some tips to get the most out of your conditioner bar:
- Wet hair and conditioner bar thoroughly. Wetting both the bar and your hair well will help the bar glide more smoothly and distribute the product more evenly.
- Apply directly to the lengths and ends of your hair. Rub the bar between your hands or directly on your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to the ends where moisture is needed the most. Avoid applying directly to the scalp.
- Use a wide-tooth comb. After applying the conditioner, use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product through your hair evenly. This step helps in detangling and ensures that every strand gets coated.
- Rinse well. Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after conditioning to prevent any residue.
FAQs About Shampoo Bars
How long does a shampoo bar last?
One shampoo bar can last anywhere from 50 to 100 washes, depending on the length and thickness of your hair, and how often you wash it.
Can I travel with a shampoo bar?
Absolutely! Shampoo bars are solid, so they’re TSA-friendly and perfect for travel, eliminating the need for plastic bottles in your luggage.
What are shampoo bars made of?
Shampoo bars are typically made of natural ingredients such as argan oil and coconut oil, combined with other nourishing components to cleanse and moisturize the hair.
Are shampoo and conditioner bars suitable for all hair types?
Yes, there are shampoo bars and conditioner bars formulated for every hair type, from oily to dry, curly to straight. It’s all about finding the right bar for your hair’s specific needs.
Do hair stylists recommend shampoo and conditioner bars?
Many hair stylists recommend shampoo and conditioner bars for their eco-friendliness and natural ingredients, recognizing their effectiveness in promoting healthy hair. If you are curious which type of shampoo bar is best for your specific hair type, consult a hair stylist.