Plastic-Free Haircare: The Benefits of Using Shampoo Bars for Sustainable Living

Earth Day may have just come and gone, but that doesn't mean we should stop thinking about our impact on the environment. Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to sustainability. That's why I am writing a series of blog posts on sustainability swaps you can make at home. I'll cover everything from floss to reusable Swiffer pads, so you can feel good about the purchases you make for yourself and your family. After all, every day is a chance to make a positive impact on the planet.

Plastic-Free Haircare

Today, let's talk shampoo bars. The environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic bottles of liquid shampoo. One of the biggest benefits of using a shampoo bar is the reduction in waste. Did you know traditional shampoos and conditioners are about 80% water? By switching to a shampoo bar, you eliminate the need for a plastic bottle and can instead opt for a biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable packaging option. This not only reduces your environmental impact, it also saves space in your bathroom.

You want to feel good about your commitment to sustainability, but you also want to look good. Fear not, with these shampoo bars, you can have both!

This article contains affiliate links to products I feel good about endorsing, meaning I may earn commission from qualifying purchases. Check disclaimers for more info.

Best for Matching Your Hair Type: HiBar Shampoo
This brand currently boasts six different shampoo bars in their line-up. In addition to the ones that target typical haircare woes–oily, dry, and limp–they've also added bars for color-treated hair, curly hair, and a fragrance free bar. HiBar shampoo bars are sulfate-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. But let’s get real, the only thing that matters is whether or not it actually cleans your hair. And I gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised. With just 4-5 swipes against my wet hair, I was able to achieve a rich and luxurious lather, and my hair felt clean without feeling stripped. The scent was also nice and subtle, which I appreciated. They even offer a sampler set in case you aren't exactly sure which type you need, or you want to try it out without committing to a single full bar.

Best for Sustainable Product Brand Recognition: Earthling Co. Shampoo Bar
This brand offers a line of several differently scented shampoo bars. Their haircare quiz suggested I start with Citrus and Simple Fresh. So far I am a fan of the Simple Fresh which had a pleasant minty, cooling effect. These bars have also been gentle enough to use on my 5 year old daughter, only a couple swipes to her wet hair is more than enough to develop a nice lather. Finally, while she loved the scent they do offer an unscented version for those who are sensitive to fragrance.

Best for Hair Loss: Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar
If you're a mom, you probably experienced shocking post partum hair loss for the first year or two after your babies were born. You may have tried everything under the sun to improve the situation–changing your diet, taking vitamin supplements, trying a short hairstyle–well, here's one more that can't hurt. Kitsch claims this shampoo bar is formulated with rice water proteins to help repair damaged hair follicles & prevent split ends, and thousands of positive reviews seem to support their claim!

Save the Planet & Save Money

For those doing some comparison shopping you might be thinking "These little bars costs 4 times more per ounce than my bottle of Paul Mitchell!" But since shampoo bars are highly concentrated, they last much longer than traditional liquid products, saving you money in the long run. They often contain more high-quality ingredients, and a little goes a long way. One HiBar shampoo bar lasted me over six months (I have long hair and shampoo at least every other day). Don't even get me started on the conditioner bar I bought two years ago... I don't know when I'll ever need to buy conditioner again.

To get the most life out of your shampoo and conditioner bars, it's important to store them properly. Placing them on a rack or soap dish where they won't be directly sprayed by water is key to preventing them from dissolving too quickly. This allows the bars to dry out between uses, which not only prolongs their life but also helps to prevent bacteria growth. By taking this small step, you can ensure that your shampoo and conditioner bars last as long as possible, saving you money and reducing waste in the process.

Since 2018, just HiBar alone has eliminated almost 5 million plastic bottles, and saved over 800,000 gallons of water. You too can be a part of that change! Stay tuned for more sustainable swaps.