As more people make an effort to cut down on single-use plastics, the once humble shampoo bar has been given a salon-worthy upgrade. There are dozens of high-quality solid shampoos on the market today, inspiring many to ditch traditional bottled shampoo once and for all. For travelers, the benefit of eliminating liquids means less hassle while going through security and zero risk of leakage in your suitcase or backpack. Moreover, these concentrated, waterless, and biodegradable formulations tend to last twice as long and are gentler on the planet than their bottled counterparts.
Fortunately, as interest grows, brands are creating shampoo bars tailored to different hair types—whether you have color-treated tresses or fine strands in need of extra volume. Below are some recommended shampoo bars that can help you achieve more good hair days while being eco-friendly.
Top Shampoo Bars
-
J.R. Liggett Original Formula Shampoo Bar
Best Multi-tasker
This multi-tasking bar is ideal for camping or backpacking trips. It contains 100% vegetable oils (coconut, castor, and olive oils) and works for all hair types. Additionally, it can be used as body soap, for shaving, or for hand-washing clothing items. The travel-ready original bar comes with a water-repellant and washable pouch, along with a paper mat that wraps around three sides of the bar, preventing debris from sticking. It’s perfect for light packing.
-
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing 3-in-1 Cleansing Bar
Best for Sensitive Scalps
This hypoallergenic cleansing bar is free of fragrance and essential oils, making it perfect for sensitive skin. It works well as a shampoo, facial cleanser, and body soap. The soothing ingredients like aloe and colloidal oatmeal naturally calm scalp irritation, providing nourished hair without frizz.
-
HiBar Volumize Shampoo Bar
Best for Fine Hair
This volumizing shampoo bar contains African dates and vitamin B5 to boost body and tame frizz. It’s suitable for those following the Curly Girl Method, encouraging sulfate-free shampoos for defining curls.
-
Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth
Best for Thinning Hair
This bar is enriched with rice water, shea butter, and coconut oil, helping to detangle hair and promote shine. It creates a satisfying, lightly scented lather, leaving hair feeling soft, shiny, and tangle-free.
-
Davines Momo Shampoo Bar
Best for Dry Hair
The made-in-Italy Momo bar contains vitamin-rich yellow melon extract, hydrating hair while leaving it smooth and fragrant. Ideal for dry ends, this bar balances moisture without heaviness.
-
Ethique Frizz Wrangler
Best for Curly Hair
Ethique’s eco-friendly brand offers a frizz-taming shampoo bar made with fair trade coconut oil and coconut butter. It effectively smooths flyaways, enhancing natural curl patterns.
-
Attitude Leaves Bar Detox Shampoo
Best for Oily Hair
This detox shampoo bar is rich in yellow clay, absorbing excess oil while leaving hair feeling deeply cleansed and fluffy. It also has sustainable initiatives, contributing to environmental efforts.
-
Klorane Hair Shampoo Bar
Best for Damaged Hair
Enriched with mango butter, this bar fortifies strands to reduce breakage and smooth split ends, ideal for thin or damaged hair. It provides nourishment without heaviness.
-
Odacité 552M Soap Free Shampoo Bar
Best for Colour-Treated Hair
This soap-free formulation uses argan and castor oils for color-treated hair, creating a creamy lather that leaves locks bouncy and silky-soft without stripping natural oils.
