If you want to use less plastic in your life, one of the easiest things you can do is to change your hair products. Nowadays, you can find zero waste shampoo and conditioners so you can have a plastic-free hair care routine.
Before I made the switch to plastic-free shampoo and conditioner bars, one bottle of shampoo and a tube of conditioner would last me 1.5 months. That’s roughly 16 plastic bottles in a year just to keep my long hair beautiful.
I have been using bottled shampoo and conditioner ever since I could remember so I’ve probably thrown out hundreds of shampoo plastic bottles my whole life. Can you imagine how much plastic that is when you multiply that to the billions of people around the world doing the same?
At this point, can we even quantify how many plastic bottles we’ve used just to clean our hair? And more importantly, how can we justify this? Is our hair so important that we ignore what it’s doing to our planet?
The regular shampoo category generated sales amounting to about 467 million units in the United States in 2020.
Statista
This is just for regular shampoo. In the United States. In one year.
Just think about that.
What’s troubling is that most likely these are not only made of harsh chemicals but they also come in disposable containers. Once we use up the shampoo, the single-use plastic it comes in ends up in landfills or pollutes our ocean.
The number of resources used and the amount of waste generated to make our hair beautiful is some of the reasons why I switched to plastic-free shampoo and conditioner.
And this is why you should make the change too.
Beauty at the expense of our planet is not beautiful at all.
So if you would like to care for your hair while taking care of the environment, you should make the switch to zero waste shampoo and conditioner. Continue reading for the best plastic-free hair products you should start using today.
If you are dealing with certain hair issues, you can check these quick links for some recommendations:
Best liquid form: Plaine Products
Best over-all: Hi-bar Moisturize
Best for normal hair: EcoRoots Mint or Superfly Soap Mango
Best for curly hair: Natural Wisdom Spa Blue Jungle
Best for oily hair: Aspen Kay Citrus
Best for itchy scalp: Ethique Kiwi
Best for dry: Sudshine Seaweed
Best for both gender: EcoRoots Forest Mist
Most convenient: Miztag Shampoo Set
Best for gifting: Battle Green Box
- 1. Plaine Products Refillable Shampoo and Conditioner
- 2. Hi-bar Moisturize Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
- 3. Ethique Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Itchy Scalps
- 4. Aspen Kay Citrus Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
- 5. Miztag Shampoo Bar and Conditioner Bar
- 6. EcoRoots Forest Mist Shampoo and Conditioner
- 7. EcoRoots Mint Shampoo and Conditioner
- 8. Zero Waste Zen Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle
- 9. Me Mother Earth Zero Waste Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
- 10. Sudshine Seaweed Set for Dry and Damaged Hair
- 11. Natural Wisdom Spa Blue Jungle Natural for Perfect Curly Hair
- 12. Superfly Soap Mango Solid Shampoo and Conditioner
- 13. Battle Green Box Zero Waste Hair Kit
- Zero Waste Shampoo and Conditioner Frequently Asked Questions
1. Plaine Products Refillable Shampoo and Conditioner
Size: 16 oz (473 ml)
Scent: Citrus Lavender | Rosemary Mint Vanilla
Shampoo Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Saponified Oils of Coconut and Safflower Seed, Guar Gum and Irish Moss (Red Algae Extract – Carrageen). Organic Camellia, Sunflower and Ricebran Oils. Extracts of Chamomile and Quillaja Saponaria. Papaya and Pineapple Pulp Extracts. Rosemary Oleoresin, Vitamin E Complex, Organic Green Tea, Geogard Ultra and Potassium Sorbate.
Conditioner Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vegetable Emulsifiers and Glycerin, Alpha Hydroxy Acids from Sugarcane and Fruit Extracts of Bilberry and Olive. Shea and Mango Butters, Guar Gum, Irish Moss (Red Algae Extract – Carrageen), Organic Camellia, Sunflower and Jojoba Seed Oils. Papaya and Pineapple Pulp Extracts, Rosemary Oleoresin, Vitamin E Complex, Organic Green Tea, Geogard Ultra and Potassium Sorbate.
Product Packaging Materials: Reusable aluminum bottles that can be returned or reused. Option for a pump that can be kept and reused.
What you will love about these zero waste shampoo and conditioner
- Great for all hair types, including those with sensitive scalp
- Organic, hypoallergenic, color safe, baby safe, biodegradable, and cruelty free, with no animal testing
- Bottles can be sent back to Plaine Products to be reused
- Good option for those not ready to use shampoo and conditioner bars but still want to go plastic free
What you might NOT like:
- Bulky form that may be inconvenient for traveling
- Liquid formulation can be more wasteful on each use compared to bars
2. Hi-bar Moisturize Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Size: 6.1 oz (173 grams)
Scent: Fresh Citrus
Shampoo Bar Ingredients: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (Coconut Oil*), BTMS (Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol (Vegetable Based*)),Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cetyl Alcohol (Vegetable Based*), Glycerin Stearate (Vegetable Based*), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Stearic Acid (Vegetable Based*), Polyquaternium 7, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Natural Fragrance (Lime Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Ginger Root Oil), Mineral Pigment CI 77007. (*Derived Source)
Conditioner Bar Ingredients: Cetearyl Alcohol (Vegetable Based*), Behentrimonium Methosulfate (Vegetable Based*), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Stearyl Alcohol (Coconut Oil*), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Glyceryl Stearate (Vegetable Based*), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Coconut Oil & Glycerin*), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate (Olive Oil*), Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Mineral Pigment CI 77510, CI 77891, Mica. (*Derived Source)
Product Packaging Materials: Fully recyclable box with compostable paper inner packaging
What you will love about these plastic free shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Great for dry and thicker hair
- 100% safe for colored or treated hair.
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, silicone-free, Leaping Bunny certified
- The ergonomic design is easy to hold and use
What you might NOT like:
- Odd shape may be hard for travel
- Been reports of the shampoo falling apart due to its shape
3. Ethique Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Itchy Scalps
Size: 6 oz (173 grams)
Available Scents: Kiwi | Coconut
Shampoo Ingredients: Sodium coco-sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, stearic acid, aqua (water), decyl glucoside, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, glycerin, avena sativa kernel (oatmeal) meal, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, lactic acid, caprylic/capric triglyceride, sodium isethionate, Azadirachta indica (neem) seed oil, Pongamol (karanja), Citrus aurantifolia (lime) oil, behentrimonium methosulfate, limonene* *component of essential oils.
Conditioner Ingredients: Cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behentrimonium methosulfate, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, fragrance^, benzyl alcohol, panthenol, dehydroacetic acid, aqua (water), coumarin*. *component of essential oil ^certified natural. Ethique is 100% palm free. All our ingredients are derived from non-palm sources such as rice bran or coconut oils.
Product Packaging Materials: Compostable paper box made with PEFC-certified paper stock from sustainably sourced forestry in New Zealand
What you will love about these zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Chock full of oatmeal and a selection of ancient ayurvedic oils, the Heali Kiwi shampoo helps calm and nourish touchy scalps – highly recommended for those struggling with dandruff
- 100% soap-free, pH-balanced, and super gentle
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Produced by a carbon-neutral company that plants trees for every purchase
What you might NOT like:
- Some have reported that it made their dandruff worse
4. Aspen Kay Citrus Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Size: 3 oz (85 grams) shampoo and 2.3 oz (65.2 grams) conditioner
Scent: Lemongrass and Sweet Orange
Shampoo Ingredients: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Distilled Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Horsetail Extract, Organic Nettle Extract, Organic Hibiscus Extract, Organic Chamomile Extract, Organic Calendula Extract, Organic Turmeric Extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Sweet Orange Essential Oil, Lemongrass Essential Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Organic Argan Oil, Citric Acid, Organic Turmeric Powder
Conditioner Ingredients: Cetearyl Alcohol, Organic Cocoa Butter, Behentrimonium Chloride, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Argan Oil, Organic Horsetail Extract, Organic Nettle Extract, Organic Hibiscus Extract, Organic Chamomile Extract, Organic Calendula Extract, Organic Turmeric Extract, Sweet Orange Essential Oil, Lemongrass Essential Oil, Vitamin E (Non-GMO), Sea Buckthorn Oil
Product Packaging Materials: Paper Kraft Box
What you will love about these plastic free shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Great for dry hair, oily hair, and thin hair
- Made with Organic Argan oil and scented with sweet orange and lemongrass essential oils
- Perfect for traveling, camping, washing up after the gym or a trip to the beach.
- 1 Bar is equivalent to 3 12-oz bottle of shampoo/conditioner
What you might NOT like:
- Might melt in hot weather
5. Miztag Shampoo Bar and Conditioner Bar
Size: 2.12 oz (60 g)
Scents: Lavender and Chamomile
Shampoo Bar Ingredients: Shea butter, Glycerin, Olive oil, Fatty & Citric acid, Coconut oil derivatives, fragrance
Conditioner Ingredients: Cocoa butter, Shea butter, Jojoba seed oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Vegetable oil derivatives ,Vitamin B5 derivative, fragrance
Product Packaging Materials: Boxed and shampoo and conditioner bars tin can
What you will love about these shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Great for all hair types
- Perfect for everyday use
- Deeply cleanses and moisturizes without detergents or harsh chemicals.
- Set includes 2 tin storage for traveling and a double wooden soap holder to dry the soap between showers
What you might NOT like:
- Lavender bits that may get stuck in your hair
6. EcoRoots Forest Mist Shampoo and Conditioner
Size: 2.25 oz (64 grams) shampoo or 1.75 oz (50 grams) conditioner
Scent: wild berries, bright woodsy notes, and blue flowers
Shampoo Bar Ingredients: Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Lemon Juice, Powdered Lemon Peel, Cocoa Butter, Jasmine Oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Patchouli Oil, Essential Oil Blend, Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Provitamin B Complex, Clay Powder, D-panthenol, FD&C Blue #1 Lake.
Conditioner Bar Ingredients: Behentrimonium methosulfate (non-sulfate derived from rapeseed oil), Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Olive Oil, Lemon Peel, Lime Oil, Jasmine Oil, Patchouli Oil, Jojoba Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Vitamin E, Clay Powder, D-panthenol, FD&C Blue #1 Lake.
Product Packaging Materials: Package-free bars with plastic-free shipping materials
What you will love about these plastic free shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Soft enough to be a woman’s scent, yet woodsy enough to be used by men
- Silicone Free, Phthalate-free & Paraben Free, Vegan Shampoo – made of coconut oil and cocoa butter based
- Color-Safe
- Will leave your hair soft, clean, and nourished without stripping away your natural oils or hair color.
What you might NOT like:
- Contains blue dye that you may not like while lathering
7. EcoRoots Mint Shampoo and Conditioner
Size: 2.25 oz (64 grams) shampoo or 1.75 oz (50 grams) conditioner
Scent: Fresh Mint
Shampoo Ingredients: Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, D-panthenol
Conditioner Ingredients: Behentrimonium methosulfate (non-sulfate derived from rapeseed oil), Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Peppermint Essential oil, Tea Tree Oil, Glycerin, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, D-panthenol, Vitamin E.
Product Packaging Materials: Package-free bars with plastic-free shipping materials.
What you will love about these plastic free shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Great for all hair types.
- Silicone Free, Phthalate-free & Paraben Free, Vegan Shampoo – made of coconut oil and cocoa butter based
- Peppermint essential oil can help promote hair growth, opens up your pores, and stimulates your scalp
- Tea tree oil helps reduce dandruff and flaking, improves blood flow, and prevents excess oil production
- The pro-vitamin complex and lemon peel strengthen hair and add shine
What you might NOT like:
- Conditioner bar needs getting used to and might feel like it’s not working at first
8. Zero Waste Zen Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle
Size: 2.25 oz (64 grams) shampoo and 1.75 oz (50 grams) conditioner
Scent: Available in lavender, orange, tea-tree & rosemary, cedarwood, peppermint, lavender rose, eucalyptus, patchouli, unscented,
Shampoo Ingredients: Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Organic/Fair-Trade Cocoa Butter, BTMS-50, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Germall Plus, Mica & Essential Oils
Conditioner Ingredients: BTMS-25, BTMS-50, Shae Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocoa Butter, Honeyquat, Keratin, Vitamin E, Mica, Essential Oil
Product Packaging Materials: Paper
What you will love about these zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Hand-made in the USA
- Cruelty-Free and Paraben-Free
- Eco-Friendly and ethically-sourced ingredients
- Choose from a variety of scents
What you might NOT like:
- Shampoo might run out faster than the conditioner
9. Me Mother Earth Zero Waste Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Size: 2 oz (57 grams) shampoo and 1.75 oz (50 grams) conditioner
Scent: Desert Moon, Tropical Sun, Mother Earth, Deep Blue Sea, Pink Sand Beach, Cloud Forest, ARctic Circle, Lavender Fields, Herb Garden
Shampoo Ingredients: sodium coco sulfate, organic lemon juice, organic powdered lemon peel, cocoa butter, coconut oil, apricot seed oil, hemp seed oil, red raspberry seed oil, pro vitamin b complex, scented with essential oils, and contains clay, seed powder, flower powder, and may contain oxides for coloring.
Conditioner Ingredients: Behentrimonium methosulfate (rapeseed oil), cocoa butter, coconut oil, glycerin, olive oil, scented oils depending on what you choose
Product Packaging Materials:
What you will love about these shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Works well for all hair types to leave hair soft, clean, and naturally shiny
- Variety of Scents
- Vegan & cruelty-free and palm oil free with responsibly sourced ingredients
- Handmade in the USA by a female-owned company
What you might NOT like:
- May melt during summer months / hot temperatures
10. Sudshine Seaweed Set for Dry and Damaged Hair
Scent: Seaweed
Shampoo Bar Ingredients: Water, glycerinum butyrospermum parkii (shea butter oil), Bio Seaweed, Glycyrrhiza uralensis.
Conditioner Bar Ingredients: Water, glycerinum butyrospermum parkii (shea butter oil), Seaweed, Cocoa Seed Butter, Shea Butter
Product Packaging Materials: Paper bag
What you will love about these plastic free shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Made with 100% natural ingredients
- Safe and gentle enough to be used on kids and pregnant women
- Last up to 90 washes depending on the length and type of your hair
- Contains organic seaweed that is rich in essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. This combination will not only strengthen your hair but leave your hair feeling silky.
- The natural shea butter is excellent for dandruff and flaky skin while promoting strong hair growth.
What you might NOT like:
- Conditioner bar needs getting used to and feels ineffective at first
11. Natural Wisdom Spa Blue Jungle Natural for Perfect Curly Hair
Size: 3.5 oz (100 grams) shampoo and 2.8 oz (80 grams) conditioner
Scent: Blue Jungle – a classic calming Ayurvedic blend with heart lifting notes of Lemon & Lavender
Shampoo Ingredients: **Brassica Alcohol, **Cetyl alcohol, *Glycerin,**Decyl Glucoside,*Acetic acid, (Apple cider vineger), *Shea nut (Butyrospermum Parkii) butter, **Coco-Glucoside **Glyceryl Oleate, *Indigofera Tinctoria (Indigo) Root Extract, **Clitoria ternatea (Blue Butterfly Pea) powder, **Betaine, Sicilian Lemon, Bourbon Rose Geranium, French Lavender & Organic Indian Patchouli
Conditioner Ingredients: **Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride (and) **Cetearyl Alcohol, *Shea (butyrospermum parkii) butter **Coco-Glucoside (and) Glyceryl Oleate, *Apple cider vinegar (acetic acid), *Glycerine *Lecithin, *Avena Sativa (Colloidal Oat flour) *Cocus nutria (coconut oil), Betaine, Essential oils of Lemon, Rose Geranium, Patchouli, Lavender & Cedarwood. **Indigofera Tinctoria (Indigo) powder.
*Organically grown ingredient **COSMOS & Ecocert approved & readily biodegradable
Product Packaging Materials: Paper
What you will love about these plastic free shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Great for all types of hair including curly hair and dry hair
- Shampoo can be used as body wash bar and conditioner bars can also be used as facial cream cleanser or shaving cream
- Versatile bar is eonomical and a wonderful alternative especially when traveling
What you might NOT like:
- faster to consume especially if also used as body wash bar or shaving cream.
12. Superfly Soap Mango Solid Shampoo and Conditioner
Size: 3.5-3.8 oz (100-110 grams) shampoo and 1.4 oz (40 grams) conditioner
Scent: Mango
Shampoo Ingredients: Sodium Ricate (rice bran oil), Sodium Cocoate (coconut butter), Sodium Cocoa Butterate (cocoa butter), Sodium Macadamiate (macadamia oil), Sodium Castorate (castor oil), Glycerin, Parfum, Citronellol, Citral
Conditioner Ingredients: Cetearyl Alcohol, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter (cocoa butter), Cetyl Alcohol, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil (rice bran oil), Behentrimonium Methosulfate (emulsifying wax), Panthenol, Parfum, Aqua, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Phenoxyethanol (Keratin), Citronellol, Citral
Product Packaging Materials: vegan friendly paper, printed with eco inks but you have the choice of wrapped or unwrapped (naked)
What you will love about these low waste shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Vegan
- Unique mango scent
- suitable for normal to dry hair
What you might NOT like:
- Product is produced in a nutty environment so something to keep in mind if you’re allergic to nuts
13. Battle Green Box Zero Waste Hair Kit
Size: 1.9 oz (55 grams) shampoo and 1.7 oz (50 grams)
Scent: Mint Shampoo and Citrus Conditioner
Shampoo Ingredients: Sodium cocoate* (coconut oil); Sodium grapeseedate (grapeseed oil); Sodium olivate* (olive oil); Aqua; Glycerin; Mentha viridis leaf oil (spearmint essential oil); Mentha piperita oil (peppermint essential oil); Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil (rosemary essential oil); CI 77288; Limonene^. *Organic ^ Occurs naturally in essential oil.
Conditioner Ingredients: Theobroma cacao seed (cocoa) butter*; Behentrimonium methosulfate (vegetable derived conditioning agent); Cetyl alcohol (derived from coconut oil); Simmondsia chinensis seed (jojoba) oil; Vitis vinifera seed (grape seed) oil; Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil (lemongrass essential oil); Citrus aurantifolia peel oil expressed (lime essential oil); Limonene^; Citral^; Geraniol^; Linalol^. *Organic ^ Occurs naturally in essential oil.
Product Packaging Materials: Tin can
What you will love about these zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Each set contains one solid shampoo bar, one solid conditioner bar, two travel tins, and a wooden comb, which makes them practical gifts for environmentalists
- The bars are PETA-certified vegan friendly and cruelty free, and free from SLS, SLES, palm oil and parabens
- One little bar of soap will last you around 80 washes
What you might NOT like:
- fine-tooth comb that is included is not great for tangles
You may also check out these sustainable lifestyle online stores that sell eco-friendly shampoos and conditioners:
USA: Life without Plastic | Zero Waste Store | Zero Waste Outlet | Bamboo Switch | Well Earth Goods
Canada: Etee Shop | Plantish Future
UK: Battle Green Box | Plastic Free Zone | Bambootique UK
Australia: Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Philippines: Human Nature | Eco Shop Ph | EcoShoppe Ph
For more recommendations, you may also search my List of Zero Waste Stores Online to find the best eco-friendly shop nearest you.
Zero Waste Shampoo and Conditioner Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using zero waste shampoo and conditioner?
The main benefits of using zero waste shampoo and conditioner are it is better for you and the environment. These plastic-free hair products will significantly cut down the amount of waste you generate while giving you beautiful and healthy hair.
If you are consciously making an effort to say no to plastic every day, these eco-friendly hair care alternatives is the way to go.
With many of the plastic bottled liquid shampoo, you are essentially buying chemicals mixed with water. This means that more carbon emissions are produced by manufacturing and transporting these bulky products. Because these zero waste hair care products usually come in a concentrated, bar form, the amount of carbon emissions per product made is significantly reduced.
Each bar of shampoo or conditioner also lasts longer than shampoo in a plastic bottle. A shampoo or conditioner bar can last 2-3 times longer than your usual bottle, so you end up buying less frequently. This means less waste and fewer expenses.
Shampoo bars and conditioner bars are almost always made of natural, organic, or vegan ingredients, which are healthier and better for your body. The absence of harmful chemicals also means that it is better for the environment. With these eco-friendly shampoos and conditioners, you don’t have to worry about the harsh ingredients polluting our planet.
Traveling with shampoo and conditioner bars is also convenient. Not only is it smaller and light weight, you also don’t have to worry about toiletries making a mess in your bag. You also don’t have to worry about the 100-ml liquid limit for hand-carry when you bring a solid, eco-friendly shampoo and conditioner bar with you.
Then, once you finish your plastic-free hair care bar you will be left with nothing. You don’t have to worry about how and where you will dispose the plastic bottle.
How do I choose zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars?
When choosing zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars, one of the important considerations is the type of hair you have. Most manufacturers will have different formulations for different hair types. You can find plastic-free shampoo and conditioner bars for oily, dry, normal, curly, colored, and even itchy scalps. So make sure that you match the hair products to what you need.
Next, check the ingredients used on the products, you want to avoid anything with parabens and sulfates. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are some of the ingredients you don’t want to see on the label. You might also want to check if you are allergic to some of the ingredients.
Scent is another thing to consider when buying. Some love stronger fragrances while others prefer unscented options. The ingredients listed will also give you an indication of what the product might smell like.
Many times, people complain that the products because they did not read the label. If is not working as it should or your having a reaction, double check the labels or reach out to the manufacturers. You should also read instructions on how to use the zero waste shampoo and conditioner.
How do I use zero waste shampoo bars?
There are two ways to use your shampoo bars. The first method is to create a lather by using the bars directly on your hair and the second is by creating a lather in your hands first.
Here are the steps you want to take when using your shampoo bar:
Step 1: Completely soak your hair from the roots to tips
Begin by completely soaking your scalp and hair with warm water.
Step 2: Create a lather.
Grab your shampoo soap and dampen it.
With the first method, gently run it 3-4 times, up and down the length of your hair. This should be enough to create some suds on your head.
You can also create a lather in your hands first. Rub the shampoo bar between the palm of your hands like you would do with a regular bar of soap. You should be able to create a thick lather in your hands. Once you have enough suds, run your hands through your scalp and hair.
Step 3: Massage your scalp and clean your hair
Once you have the shampoo on your hair gently massage your scalp to clean it from impurities. You can run your fingers through your hair to help spread the shampoo. Add water to your head to help create more lather and spread the shampoo around.
If you have long hair, avoid pilling your hair on the top of your head as this creates more tangles
Natural shampoo bars tend to be less bubbly than your typical chemical shampoo because of the absence of sulfates. Don’t worry if it’s not sudsy as you’re normally used to. Just because your head is not bubbly it doesn’t mean it is not getting cleaned.
Step 4: Rinse
Once you’re done shampooing, completely rinse off the shampoo. Use the conditioner bar next if needed.
How do I use zero waste conditioner bars?
After cleansing your hair with your shampoo bar, you can use conditioner bars to further treat it. Begin by dampening your conditioner bar. Then, thoroughly but gently rub it in through your hair.
Focus on the hair ends especially if you are prone to split ends and tangles. But also apply some conditioner at the roots. If your hair feels stripped out instead of silky then you haven’t used enough conditioner.
Allow the conditioner to sit and do its works for 1-3 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly to remove any excess.
Why does my hair feel greasy or waxy after using shampoo bars?
Many people who switch to shampoo bars often complain about their hair feeling greasy or waxy after use. It is not because the shampoo bar is not working but rather it is your scalp and hair adjusting to the new formulation. Most shampoo bars make use of organic and natural ingrediets, which is unlike the chemical shampoo you’ve been using most of your life. This is just part of the transition period and once your scalp has adjusted to the new shampoo bar you should have gorgeous hair in no time.
If you hair feels waxy from using shampoo bars you can try using an apple cider vinegar rinse to help with the transition period.
What is an apple cider vinegar rinse and should I use it?
An apple cider vinegar rinse is a mixture you can use to help clear up any product build-up on your hair and restore your scalp’s natural pH balance. It works like a hair detox to remove any excess residue, minerals, and oils. Other’s claim that using an apple cider vinegar rinse has also helped with their scalp and dandruff problems.
You can easily make an apple cider vinegar rinse by mixing 1-3 tablespoons of raw, organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with 8 oz (1 glass) of water. The amount of ACV will depend on how oily or dry your hair is. You do not want to put too much apple cider vinegar if your hair is already dry.
After you shampoo and conditioner, pour your apple cider vinegar rinse onto your scalp and hair. Allow it sit for a minutes to enjoy the full benefits. Rinse your head with fresh water to remove any remaining apple cider vinegar.
The apple cider vinegar rinse should only be used a few times a month. Using it every day can irrirtate your scalp and dry out your hair. Only use it as needed to help remove impurities and restore your scalp’s natural pH balance. To learn more about this, you can read this article on the benefits of apple cider vinegar on your hair.
How often should you use your shampoo bars?
You can use your shampoo bars as often as you would use your bottled shampoos. There is no reason for you to change your shower routine simply because you switched to a shampoo bar. Shampoo bars work similarly to regular shampoo except that it is better for the environment!
How long do shampoo bars last?
Depending on the size of the bar and the length of your hair, a 3 oz shampoo bar can last between 50-80 washes. This is one of the reasons why you should switch to shampoo bars instead! Compared to an 8oz shampoo bottle which can give you around 25 washes, shampoo bars will last you longer. It is more friendly on the planet and on you pocket.
Are shampoo bars safe to use on color-treated hair?
Some shampoo bars are safe to use on color-treated hair while there are some that are not. You can check with each manufacturer on whether or not their formulation is safe to use on hair that has been dyed. You can also check the ingredient list for sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and sodium chloride. If it contains any sulfate, it is best to stay away from this shampoo bar as it can cause your hair color to fade.
How do I travel with shampoo and conditioners bars?
The best way to travel with shampoo and conditioner bars is by using a plastic free container to protect it while in transit. Some shampoo and conditioner bars may come with tin containers already, but you can also buy these separately if you need to. You want to avoid using plastic, not just because it is bad for the environment but also because some plastics are more fragile. Plastic cases can break and crack while in your luggage and you might end up with broken or smooshed shampoo and conditioners bars.
For more tips on plastic free adventures, check out my post on zero waste travel essentials .
How do I store shampoo bars in the shower?
When you are using shampoo or conditioner bars, it is important that you allow them to dry between use. You can get soap containers that will allow the water on the bars to drain. You do not want the shampoo or conditioner bars to be left soaking in water. This softens the shampoo bar which makes it difficult to use.
Here are some wooden shampoo and conditioner bar trays you can use to keep your plastic free hair products dry between baths.
For a more plastic-free hair care routine, check out this post on the best eco-friendly hair brushes and combs.
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The zero-waste shampoos will leave your hair cleansed, without stripping your hair and scalp of natural oils. Zero waste conditioners will leave your hair tangle-free, shiny, and moisturized. Made with eco-friendly ingredients and packaged with plastic-free materials, it’s not surprising that more and more people are making the switch.
If you haven’t done so, what is stopping you from choosing eco-friendly shampoos and conditioners?
This is one of the easy plastic free swaps you can easily make to help our environment. Feel good about your hair and feel even better for the planet by using these plastic-free hair care products beginning today!
Zero waste and eco-friendly guides you might want to read:
60+ Best Online Zero Waste Stores and Eco-friendly Shops
45 Easy Zero Waste Swaps for a Plastic Free Life
15 Best Zero Waste Starter Kits and Bundles
21 Zero Waste Travel Essentials
101 Ways to Say No To Plastic
Best Zero Waste Subscription Boxes
Best Zero Waste Reef Safe Sunscreen
Best Zero Waste Shampoo and Conditioners
Best Eco-friendly Hair Brushes and Combs
Best Zero Waste Period Products
Amazing Ocean Companies Saving Our Seas
10 Saving the Ocean Bracelets
27 Best Environmentalist Gifts: What To Get An Eco-friendly Person
Have you tried plastic free hair care products before? What was your experience like? Leave a comment below!
Zero waste and eco-friendly guides you might want to read:
60+ Best Online Zero Waste Stores and Eco-friendly Shops
45 Easy Zero Waste Swaps for a Plastic Free Life
15 Best Zero Waste Starter Kits and Bundles
21 Zero Waste Travel Essentials
101 Ways to Say No To Plastic
Best Zero Waste Subscription Boxes
Best Zero Waste Reef Safe Sunscreen
Best Zero Waste Shampoo and Conditioners
Best Eco-friendly Hair Brushes and Combs
Best Zero Waste Period Products
Amazing Ocean Companies Saving Our Seas
10 Saving the Ocean Bracelets
27 Best Environmentalist Gifts: What To Get An Eco-friendly Person
