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16 best eco-friendly shampoo bars for a more sustainable hair washing routine
Updated 3 years ago
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2 min read
Now that we’ve wised up to the eco-benefits of reusable coffee flasks and water bottles, it’s about time we addressed the waste that comes with washing our hair.
It’s safe to say there’s a fair bit of scepticism around shampoo bars. While people are on-board with reusable bottles and ditching plastic bags, for some, giving up the luxury of a frothy pump-action shampoo in favour of a soap-like bar is a step too far.
But opting to swap out your plastic shampoo bottle for a packaging-free shower routine can do a lot of good.
The average shampoo bar claims to offer the equivalent of two to three bottles of their liquid counterparts, due to the fact that liquid shampoo is about 80% water. Considering bars are mostly around the £5 or £10 mark, you could also save on money as well as plastic. Here’s all the information you need to initiate your move to the solid side of haircare…
Why should you use shampoo bars?
Shampoo bars are a great eco-friendly option for people who want to cut down their plastic footprint. They’re often full of natural and organic ingredients, too.
What’s the transition phase like?
When transitioning from liquid shampoo to a bar, it takes time and patience. It’s thought to take a few weeks for your hair to get used to the new cleanser, and this transition phase can be helped by a vinegar rise (more on this later).
Your hair might feel like it has residue left in it; in fact, it might even feel slightly sticky for a short period of time – but if you persevere, your scalp should reach a balance and feel normal again.
Is it necessary to also do a vinegar rinse when using a shampoo bar?
No, it’s not. While it might sound scary, a vinegar rinse isn’t as harsh as it sounds. It cuts through the product build-up and leaves hair surprisingly shiny. Suitable for coloured and virgin hair, the rinse also helps to balance out the pH of your scalp. However, it is absolutely not a necessity when using a shampoo bar. As with liquid shampoo, the choice of whether you skip to conditioner or prefer to add a rinse in-between is up to you.
If you do want to rinse, apple cider vinegar works well in a solution that’s one part vinegar to three plus parts water – but if you want a gentler version, just add more water. After shampooing, pour the mixture over your wet hair and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for five to 10 minutes and then rinse out. It’s recommended not to follow with conditioner, so dry it how you normally would and see the results for yourself.
How do you use shampoo bars?
There are two schools of thought on this. The first is to rub the wet bar between your hands and massage your scalp. The second is to use the bar directly on your head.
SLS-free bars won’t lather up in the same way as liquid shampoo but remember, foam doesn’t equate to clean hair. That being said, make sure you get as much product from the bar as you can to ensure you get a thorough clean.
Finally, make sure you allow your shampoo bar to dry out after each use. Storing it on a soap dish can help to drain excess water, which also helps it to last longer.
16 best shampoo bars 2022
Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar with Aloe Vera
A shampoo bar for the brand conscious, this Christophe Robin shampoo is gentle and calming on your scalp. Added castor oil will help nourish, condition and help to protect coloured strands.
Shop Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar with Aloe Vera at lookfantastic, £12
WeDo/ Professional No Plastic Shampoo Bar
With a lifespan of up to 80 washes, this red clay-enriched shampoo bar keeps hair shiny, nourished and cleansed.
Shop WeDo/ Professional No Plastic Shampoo Bar at Lookfantastic, £14.95
Centred Alter State Solid Shampoo Bar
Scalp-centric brand Centred (see what I did there) created this sensitive skin solid shampoo bar to invigorate hair follicles and promote growth (thanks to the caffeine), while also calming the scalp with aloe vera and organic flower waters.
Nuxe Gentle Solid Shampoo, Rêve de Miel
Gentle on the hair and scalp, French pharmacy brand Nuxe’s shampoo bar is part of its Rêve de Miel range – a honey-enriched collection of products that soften and soothe.
Shop Nuxe Gentle Solid Shampoo, Rêve de Miel at Lookfantastic, £8.50
Grüum Hår Coconut Shampoo Bar
Affordable, straightforward and gender-fluid, Grüum is a sustainable brand that focuses on creating brilliant plastic-waste-free skin and haircare products.
This shampoo bar, formulated with nourishing coconut oil, is suitable for all hair types, balancing hydration and efficiently cleansing.
Faith in Nature Coconut & Shea Butter Shampoo Bar
Currently on offer at Boots, this shampoo bar usually retails for £7 and packs a burst of deep moisture thanks to softening shea butter and organic coconut butter.
Shop Faith in Nature Coconut & Shea Butter Shampoo Bar at Boots, £4.34
Lush Angel Hair Shampoo Bar
Lush is famed for its colourful and effective range of shampoo bars. This one uses rose water and witch hazel to calm the scalp, while aquafaba (the liquid that is left over after cooking chickpeas or pulses) helps add life and volume to fine hair.
Bain & Savon Zesty Orange Solid Shampoo Bar
Refreshing grapefruit, orange and lemongrass give this bar a gorgeous scent to brighten your morning shower. The vegan-friendly formula has only nine natural ingredients, including olive oil and shea butter.
Shop Bain & Savon Zesty Orange Solid Shampoo Bar at Bain & Savon, £6
Wild Sage & Co Rosemary + Lavender Shampoo Bar
Made in a log cabin just outside Bristol, this is cold-pressed and full of mango butter, lavender oil and apple cider vinegar to provide a clarifying wash.
Shop Wild Sage + Co Rosemary + Lavender Shampoo Bar at Wild Sage + Co, £7.30
Friendly Soap Lavender & Tea Tree Shampoo Bar
Cruelty-free and free from palm oil, this bar is a force for good. The lavender and tea tree essential oils not only smell gorgeous but are anti-bacterial, too.
Shop Friendly Soap Lavender & Tea Tree Shampoo Bar at Friendly Soap, £2.95
Head & Shoulders Gentle Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Bar
A brand new product from the brand, this anti-dandruff solid shampoo bar is designed to be massaged directly onto the scalp – the small bumps were created to cleanse the hair more thoroughly.
Shop Head & Shoulders Gentle Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Bar, £9.99
Aussie Koality Volume Mate! Vegan Solid Shampoo Bar
Coming soon to Boots, Aussie’s first foray into solid shampoo bars is designed in the shape of a sweet Koala and is available in different formulations depending on your preference.
Shop Aussie Koality Volume Mate! Vegan Solid Shampoo Bar, £9.99
Percy & Reed Cleansing Shampoo Bar
A reparative shampoo bar enriched with vitamin E and avocado oil, its compact size is ideal for travel and lasts up to 50 washes.
Shop Percy & Reed Cleansing Shampoo Bar at Lookfantastic, £10
Garnier Ultimate Blends Strengthening Shampoo Bar
Trying to address damaged hair? This strengthening shampoo bar reduces the appearances of split ends and flyways while honey and beeswax help to restore and protect your hair from future issues.
Shop Garnier Ultimate Blends Strengthening Shampoo Bar at Boots, £6.39
John Frieda Volumising Shampoo Bar
A shampoo bar created for people with fine or flat hair, the uplifting quality of the Blue Lotus flower gives natural, non-crunchy volume to the hair.
Ethique Frizz Wrangler Solid Shampoo Bar
Another winner for heat-damaged hair, this solid shampoo bar is made with Samoan coconut oil and cocoa butter to smooth the hair shaft without adding excess weight. Follow with Ethique’s solid conditioning bar The Guardian for extra points.
Shop Ethique Frizz Wrangler Solid Shampoo Bar at Boots, £12.99
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