In recent years, shampoo bars have been gaining in popularity as a sustainable and earth-friendly alternative to traditional shampoo. Shampoo bars are exactly what they sound like—bars of soap that are designed specifically for washing your hair. These solid bars are filled with natural oils and ingredients that cleanse and nourish your hair, just like traditional shampoo.

You will find a shampoo bar for all kinds of hair types. Whether you have frizzy hair, fine hair, damaged hair; curls or straight; oily scalps and sensitive scalps; long or short. There is a solid shampoo bar for you.

But what are the other benefits of switching from plastic shampoo bottles? Let's take a look.

What is a shampoo bar and what are its benefits over traditional liquid shampoo

Shampoo bars are more sustainable and eco friendly than traditional shampoo.

Solid shampoos are not only better for the environment—they're also better for your wallet. One shampoo bar can last up to 80 washes, which is the equivalent of two and a half bottles of liquid shampoo. That means that over the course of one year, you would use just three shampoo bars, while you would use 30 bottles of liquid shampoo. Not only do fewer shampoo containers end up in landfills, but you also save money by using them!

solid shampoo bars contain biodegradable packaging or are package free

It is estimated that about 60% of plastic ever produced ended up in a landfill somewhere, but what tops that 60% is plastic packaging. Think about it. Out of all plastic ever created, plastic product packaging serves the purpose for the shortest amount of time. If you take the following stats into consideration

• more than 552 million shampoo plastic bottles could be ending up in landfills every year;
• if the above estimate is close to the truth, that would mean that the plastic bottles (average length of 8") could circumvent the Earth about 3 times EACH YEAR from USA alone; and
• only 1 in 5 people consistently recycle items from the bathroom

the numbers are staggering, and that's just USA alone.

By switching to shampoo and conditioner bars, you can help reduce the amount of plastic waste created every year.

Solid shampoo is made with natural ingredients

Besides the fact that it is much better for your hair, all natural and organic ingredients means no harmful chemicals will end up in our water system.

solid shampoo bars are much lighter in weight

Shampoo bar contains all the necessary ingredients to clean your hair, but without all the water. Think about a truck transporting 10,000 bottles of liquid shampoo, compared with 10,000 of small shampoo bars. Now think about all the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The carbon footprint is much smaller in production and transportation of waterless shampoo bars.

Shampoo bars are more concentrated than traditional shampoos, so you use less per wash.

One of the reasons that shampoo bars are so sustainable is that they are more concentrated than traditional shampoos. This means that you don't need to use as much per wash, so each bar lasts longer. And because you're using less product overall, your hair will be less likely to feel weighed down or oily.

Shampoo bars are gentle on your hair and scalp.

Shampoo bars are made with plant based ingredients that are gentle on your hair and scalp. This is important because harsh chemicals can strip your hair of its natural oils, causing it to become dry and brittle. Simple check of the ingredient list will show you how much less reading you'll have to do of pronounceable ingredients comparing to the traditional bottle shampoo.

These bars do not contain any harsh chemicals, like sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, or silicones. Mostly, the formula is pretty simple: some fat like coconut oil, lye (also called sodium hydroxide) and some fragrances for added scents.

By using a shampoo bar, you can avoid these harsh chemicals and keep your hair soft, healthy and hydrated.

Shampoo bars are much smaller in size

Shampoo bar is great for travel because it doesn't take up much space at all and is very lightweight. This makes them perfect for packing in your carry-on bag or suitcase and they're less likely to spill. Plus, they're easy to store in a small bathroom or even in your luggage.

How to use a shampoo bar

1. Wet your hair and the shampoo bar.
2. Rub the shampoo bar directly on your scalp in a circular motion.
3. Continue to do this until your hair is lathered.
4. Rinse your hair thoroughly.
5. Repeat if necessary.

You can use a conditioner after you use the shampoo bar, or you can opt for a 2-in-1 solid conditioner bar. To use the 2-in-1 solid conditioner bar, wet your hair and the bar. Run the bar down your hair from root to tip. Rinse your hair thoroughly.

The best way to store a shampoo bar so that it lasts as long as possible

When it comes to storing a shampoo bar, there are a few things you can do to make sure it lasts as long as possible. The best way to store a shampoo bar is in a cool, dry place. Make sure it's away from flowing water. Always place it on a dish rack with open bottom or holes to allow the excess of water to drip and allow for proper ventilation. Make sure it is placed away from direct sunlight.

You can also store it in the fridge or freezer. If you do this, make sure to thaw it out before using it, as the cold will make it difficult to lather up. You can also store it in a shampoo bar container. These containers are specifically designed to keep your shampoo bar from drying out and becoming brittle.

A few popular shampoo bars that you can try

Best shampoo bars are the ones that work best for you and your hair type. You can check out our shampoo bar collection. You can filter them by brand, scent, or even hair type.

Some of the most popular brands on the market are: HiBAR, good juju, Bottle None, Jack 59, LONG WKND, The Earthling and many more.

Shampoo bar does not have to be dedicated shampoo. There are 2 other popular soap bars that do an excellent job at washing you hair and your skin at the same time.

Savon de Marseille olive soap is an excellent, no gimmick hair washing soap bar. Made, using the same technique for the past 600 years in Marseille, France. Another great all round soap is made by Dr. Bronner. Dr. Bronner's solid soaps are one of the best shampoo bars.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a sustainable and earth-friendly alternative to traditional liquid shampoo, look no further than shampoo bars! These solid bars of soap are good for any hair type and are filled with natural oils and ingredients that cleanse and nourish your hair, just like liquid shampoo— but with fewer harsh chemicals. Plus, one shampoo bar can last up to 80 washes, which means less waste ending up in landfills.

So why not give solid shampoo a try? Your hair—and the planet—will thank you!