When you’ve done something the same way your whole life—like, say, shampooing your hair—it can be hard to break the cycle. But shampoo bars are becoming an increasingly popular zero-waste alternative to the liquid shampoos you’re used to. First of all, they’re much more eco-friendly: Not only do they skip the plastic packaging altogether, but they also require less water, and tend to last longer than multiple bottles of shampoo. They’re also far more convenient for travel (no spills or 3.4-ounce bottles!). And finally, they can actually be pretty great for hair, too.
But if you aren’t used to cleansing with a solid shampoo bar, it can take some getting used to—for both you and your hair. Thankfully, there are more and more formulas hitting the market that are both great for your hair care routine and for the environment. Keep reading below for the best shampoo bars to try for every hair type.
1. Best for all hair types:
ODACITE 552M Argan + Coconut Soap Free Shampoo Bar
The triple threat of coconut, castor, and argan oils gives this bar major moisturizing abilities, so it won’t strip away hair’s natural oils as it cleanses. Plus, it develops a creamy lather that rivals any cleanser in a bottle.
2. Best for color-treated hair:
SUPERZERO Shampoo Bar for Dry, Colored, Frizzy Hair
Superzero has developed a cult following for its range of vegan shampoo and conditioner bars, including this sulfate-free and pH-balanced option, making it a great option for color-treated hair. Oh, and blondes, the brand makes a purple-tinted bar too!
3. Best for oily hair:
KITSCH Tea Tree Mint Clarifying Shampoo Bar Extra Strength Scalp Refreshing
One common complaint with shampoo bars is that they can leave the scalp and hair feeling oily. Not with this formula. It helps get rid of excess oil and product buildup, while the tea tree and mint essential oil leave behind a refreshing tingle.
4. Best for curly hair:
LUSH Avocado Co-Wash
For the uninitiated, co-washing is essentially washing hair with conditioner, and is a gentle way to cleanse curly, coily, and kinky strands. This ultra-rich bar, enriched with avocado, cupuaçu butter, cocoa butter, and olive oil to moisturize curls, is designed for just that.
5. Best for dry hair:
KLORANE Nourishing Shampoo Bar with Mango
With the same mango butter to hydrate dry, damaged hair, this bar is a dead ringer for the brand’s popular Nourishing Shampoo with Mango. Even better, it’s biodegradable and vegan.
6. Best for fine hair:
CHRISTOPHE ROBIN Hydrating Shampoo Bar with Aloe Vera
With hydrating aloe vera and volume-boosting castor oil, this fan-favorite bar is a savior for finer strands. And good news if you like the fresh scent: It can be used as a bar soap for the body as well.
7. Best fragrance:
SHEAMOISTURE 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Rhassoul Clay Shampoo Bar
If you’re not totally sold on shampoo bars yet, the tropical, coconutty scent of this one might just seal the deal. Just be sure to give it an extra-thorough rinse in the shower, as the white product can leave behind a residue in darker hair.
8. Best for frizz:
DAVINES Love Shampoo Bar and Case
Davines has several different shampoo bar formulas targeted to different hair types, including this smoothing formula for frizz-free, shiny hair. As a bonus, it comes with an aluminum case for easy travel.
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