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It’s inevitable: we all have to wash our hair at some point. But you know what’s not inevitable? Wasting bottles and bottles of plastic each year on your shampoo. By opting for a shampoo bar, you are limiting plastic waste, removing clunky bottles from your shower, and allowing a little extra space in your toiletry bag when you travel. What’s not to like?
Shampoo bars are made in a similar way to hard soaps, just with hair-loving ingredients. Oftentimes, a thicker substance like shea butter acts as the base to help create a mold and then other ingredients like tea tree oil or jojoba oil may be added depending on the hair concern. With shampoo bars that come in all shapes and sizes on the market, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best options for an array of hair concerns, as well as some tips and tricks from our expert. Scroll on for beautiful hair that happens to be environmentally friendly.
Pros
- Equivalent to three bottles of shampoo
Cons
- Requires shipping
Nolé is the expert when it comes to creating effective and gentle shampoo and conditioner bars. Founder Alida Boer created the brand after dealing with postpartum hair loss. In the midst of that experience, she discovered batana oil, which helped her strands grow back. She ultimately decided to create a bar-only haircare brand with this as the hero ingredient.
“Our main ingredient is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, a derivative of coconut oil and a gentle emulsifier. This allows our bars to have a pH of 5.5, which balances with human skin’s natural levels. Together with other natural ingredients like batana oil, arnica extract, and shea butter, they provide a balanced cleanse explicitly made for hair, and that protects the oils in your scalp, leaving strands silky, smooth and shiny,” says Boer.
This $30 set includes the frizz taming shampoo and conditioner if you want to go fully plastic-free with your haircare routine.
Pros
- Easily accessible
Cons
- Rose scent may not be for everyone
If you’ve been browsing the aisles at Target recently, you may have seen Love Beauty And Planet’s products, specifically their shampoo bar. This easy accessible option is packed with murumuru butter which provides a natural gloss effect. Plus, it is infused with Bulgarian rose petals for a light, floral scent.
Christophe Robin Aloe Vera Hydrating Shampoo Bar
Pros
- Can be used on the body
Cons
- May not be suitable for an oily scalp
This shampoo bar from hair expert Christophe Robin is packed with aloe vera to soothe the scalp and castor oil to hydrate strands. This bar can also be used on the body making it a perfect travel essential.
Kitsch Rice Water Protein Shampoo Bar
Pros
- Promotes hair growth
Cons
- May not last as long as other options
Rice water has been trending on TikTok over the past year and for good reason. The hero ingredient is filled with vitamins and antioxidants that help promote hair growth and strength. This bar makes it easier than ever to implement the repairing ingredient into your routine.
Pros
- Soothes the scalp
Cons
- May take a bit longer to lather
Nolé’s chamomile-infused bar is formulated for those with color-treated and blonde hair. The ingredient helps to brighten faded strands and bring dull-looking hair back to life. Along with the brand’s signature batana oil ingredient, this shampoo bar helps to revive damaged hair, leaving it looking fresh and vibrant. Reviewers note their hair looked shinier after just a few uses.
Pros
- Provides a deep clean
Cons
- May not be suitable for dry hair
Rosemary is one of the key ingredients for soothing a dandruff-ridden scalp. This shampoo bar will help to remove flakes, soothe the scalp, and prevent future irritation. Also, if you’re experiencing lots of buildup from sweat and dry shampoo, rosemary can help deep clean and reset the scalp.
Davines LOVE Shampoo Bar
Pros
- Smooths frizz
Cons
- May not be suitable for an oily scalp
If you’re looking to attain the glass hair look à la Kim K and Naomi Campbell, look no further. This shampoo bar is specifically formulated with smoothing ingredients like olive extract to help tame thick, coarse, and frizzy hair. Reviewers note it left their hair soft and shiny.
Pros
- Comes in a pack of three
Cons
- May not be suitable for all hair types
Packed with lavender and rosemary oil, this shampoo bar provides a deep clean, a bit of volume, and a long-lasting smell. Plus, this bar doesn’t include any synthetic fragrances so it’s safe for sensitive scalps.
Viori Hair Shampoo Bar
Pros
- Packed with rice water
Cons
- Floral scent may be overpowering for some
With rice water and proteins to strengthen the hair and reverse damage and cocoa butter to add softness and shine, this bar packs a serious punch. Reviewers noted that they noticed stronger strands and less hair fall out when using this bar.
Pros
- Smells like fruit loops
Cons
- May not suitable for dry hair
Lush’s Jumping Juniper is perfect for anyone looking to scrub away buildup and get their scalp squeaky clean. The hero ingredient juniper berry oil helps to clear away oil, product, and impurities from the scalp. Lemon and lime add a nice citrus scent, while leaving strands looking shiny and refreshed.
Pros
- Comes in an array of scents
Cons
- Only available online
Keep things ultra-simple with these shampoo bars from By Humankind that are developed for all hair types. With super gentle ingredients like coconut oil and oat amino acids, this bar will nourish your scalp without causing any irritation. Plus, it comes in an array of scents for you to choose from including citrus-lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass.
Pros
- Provides 60-80 washes
Cons
- May take a bit longer to lather
With manuka honey and almond extract, this cleansing bar offers a warm, comforting scent perfect for fall. Reviewers noted this option is a great gentle clarifying shampoo, as it swept away buildup and sweat without irritation.
What hair types are shampoo bars suitable for?
“Shampoo bars are suitable for everyone,” explains Boer. As with regular liquid shampoo, bars are made with specific hair concerns in mind, so it’s a matter of finding the right one for you!
What are the benefits of using a shampoo bar?
They are super eco-friendly says Boer. And in the case of Nolé bars and many others, they are often made without water and don’t include any plastic packaging, making them a more sustainable option. Plus, you get more bang for your buck! Shampoo bars typically last much longer than the typical liquid option. In fact, some like Nolé last up to three times as long.
How do you use a shampoo bar?
“Lather shampoo bars either directly on your scalp, or if you prefer, release the product on your hands and then massage it with your fingertips on to the scalp. The important thing is to get the ingredients on your hair follicles so they can do their job,” explains Boer.
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