Shopping For A Liquid Shampoo Alternative? Read On For The Best Shampoo Bars For Every Hair Type
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Are you ready to swap out the liquid shampoo bottle in your shower for something more sustainable? You’ve come to the right place!
We’ve put together a women’s shampoo bar guide that contains the best solid shampoo bar brands that focus on both quality and sustainability.
Every shampoo bar in this guide contains organic and plant-based ingredients that nourish hair without the need for harsh chemicals, and are all cruelty-free and sustainably packaged.
What Are The Benefits Of Switching To A Shampoo Bar?
Shampoo Bars Are Multipurpose
If you’re a minimalist or someone who’s always in a hurry, you’ll be happy to know that shampoo bars serve a purpose beyond your scalp. They can be used from head to toe as body wash, and many women love using them as shave soap since they produce a luxurious lather that’s perfect for shaving your legs. In fact, men use shampoo bars as a beard shave!
Shampoo Bars Are Eco-Friendly
Traditional liquid shampoo is packaged in single use plastic-bottles which just ends up in a landfill once you’re through with it. Shampoo bars don’t require any plastic packaging, and they’re typically wrapped in recyclable paper, cardboard, or reusable tin cases. They’re also biodegradable because they’re made with non-toxic and plant-based ingredients that don’t harm your skin or the environment.
Shampoo Bars Save Space And Money
Plastic shampoo bottles take up a ton of space in the shower, but shampoo bars can stay kind of hidden, and they last as long as 2-3 bottles of shampoo, saving you both space and money! Store them properly on a ventilated soap dish, and it will last you up to 30 washes!
Shampoo Bars Are Travel-Friendly
Solid shampoos are TSA approved and perfect for travel because they won’t spill all over the items in your suitcase. They also moisturize much better than those tiny little hotel shampoos, and you can keep them in your purse and take them with you just about anywhere!
What Are Some Cons Of Switching To A Shampoo Bar
- Shampoo bars are not everyone’s cup of tea, and it can take a while to get used to—especially since you’ve spent years using liquid shampoo which strips away your natural oils. Because of this, your hair might feel waxy during the first few weeks until you get used to the change.
- Shampoo bars are made from natural ingredients and do not contain preservatives, which means that they have a limited shelf life and must be used within a certain time limit or they’ll go rancid.
- Shampoo bars can seem expensive, but you have to remember that one bar lasts as long as 2-3 bottles of liquid shampoo, which actually makes them more affordable!
How Do Shampoo Bars Work?
Shampoo bars are pretty simple to use. Whether you’re in the shower or prefer to wash your hair in the sink, you basically wet your hair, then take your shampoo bar and create a lather between your hands (or rub directly onto your hair) and proceed to massage your scalp with your fingertips.
Some shampoo bars are so moisturizing that you don’t need to follow up with a conditioner. However, if your hair is long and absolutely needs some extra hydration, you can always get a conditioner bar to accompany your solid shampoo.
Below is a video on how to use a shampoo bar brought to you by Viori Beauty Shampoo Bars which happen to be on this list!
For the most part, you can use any shampoo bar for any kind of hair, but certain ingredients can be super effective for problematic scalp conditions as well as color treated hair, and so on.
With that said, below are the best shampoo bars for every hair types!
The Best Shampoo Bars That Focus On Beauty And Sustainability
1. Good JuJu Shampoo Bar
Perfect For | Oily Hair
The Good Juju Shampoo Bar fights excess oil production and is made from all-organic ingredients that are vegan, cruelty free and color-safe. Made with rich antioxidants, polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory ingredients, this zero waste bar leaves hair nourished while stimulating hair growth.
2. Viori Native Essence Shampoo Bar
Perfect For| Curly + Wavy Hair
The Viori Native Essence shampoo bars are handcrafted with ethically sourced Longsheng Rice from the Red Yao tribe in China. The creators were inspired by the women in the tribe, who, even at 70 and 80 years of age, had incredibly thick, long hair with zero gray. If you have curly hair, the Viori bar will reduce frizz and add shine without drying out your strands.
3. Ethique Heali Kiwi Shampoo Bar
Perfect For| Dandruff + Itchy Scalp
If you’re suffering from dry, itchy scalp, then you’ll love Ethique’s best selling Heali Kiwi shampoo bar for touchy scalps. This shampoo bar contains coconut oil, neem oil, oats, fair-trade coco butter and other natural ingredients that calm the scalp and smooth strands.
4. B.O.B Detox Shampoo Bar
Perfect For | Sweaty Hair
The B.O.B (Bars Over Bottles) detox shampoo bar is made with activated charcoal which absorbs impurities and pollution residues. This bar also contains black clay which controls scalp oils and improves blood circulation, and eucalyptus oil which calms the scalp and prevents dandruff. It’s safe for all hair types and great for everyday use, especially if you’re a gym addict or work outdoors. Available in sample packs!
5. HiBAR Shampoo Bar
Perfect For | Dry Hair
HiBAR is fantastic for dry, brittle hair that’s over processed or hair that just needs some moisture. Each HiBAR contains high-quality, naturally-derived ingredients like nutrient-dense coconut oil, moisturizing shea butter, and fragrant essential oils. No added water means that these shampoo bars are super concentrated and a little bit goes a long way.
6. Peach Not Plastic Volumizing Shampoo Bar
Perfect For | Thin Hair
If your fine hair needs a little volume, then the Peach Not Plastic volumizing shampoo bar is the right formula for your hair! This solid bar is packed with amino-acid rich Hibiscus oil to help promote keratin production from the roots to help create full, voluminous hair. You’ll also find that your hair will smell lovely like a fine summer day in a peach orchard!
7. The Grey Hair Care Shampoo Bar By Apple Valley Natural Soap
Perfect For | Mature Hair
Mature hair needs extra tender care, so Apple Valley Natural Soap formulated a shampoo bar with rich conditioners, vitamins, and protecting oils. This shampoo bar has vitamin E-saturated wheat germ, avocado and jojoba oils, moisture packed unrefined organic cocoa butter, and is enriched with pro-vitamin B—everything grey hair needs. And should you decide to purchase this shampoo bar, please take 10% off using code AVNSDIARIES10 at checkout!
8. JR Liggett’s Coconut + Argon Oil Shampoo Bar
Perfect For | All Hair Types
You’re in for a treat with this centuries old shampoo bar recipe by JR Liggett’s. Made with Coconut and Argon oil, this all-natural shampoo bar creates a luxurious lather that leaves hair feeling fresh and hydrated. It’s perfect for all hair types, and everyday use. You’ll also love the subtle scent of coconut that smells more like a sugar cookie in our opinion! Also available in a sampler pack.
9. SuperZero Purple Perfection Shampoo Bar
Perfect For | Blonde + Color Treated Hair
The SuperZero Purple Perfection Shampoo Bar is great for both natural blondes to elevate your blonde, and dyed or highlighted hair to remove unwanted yellow or brassy tones! It’s made with a blend of moisturizing avocado oil and tone enhancing chamomile extract. This solid bar is also perfect for ladies with silver/ white hair!
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