Shampoo Bars: Good for Hair or Just a Gimmick?
Two years ago, I worked on a sponsored post with a brand called EcoRoots. Though I was reviewing one of their safety razors, they sent along a couple shampoo and conditioner bars to try out. I didn’t touch them until I ran out of my normal shampoo about a month ago.
While shampoo bars are often recommended as a low waste, sustainable alternative to bottled shampoo, I wasn’t convinced.
The people who recommended them often didn’t seem to care very much about their own hair (I know it sounds harsh, but if someone with unhealthy-looking hair tells me I should use their method, I’m not going to listen).
Or, if they did, they had drastically different texture, thickness, or cleaning preferences than me.
I have very fine, dandruff prone hair. I have often dealt with shampoo being either irritating or too moisture-rich. The result is itchy, flat hair. I never would have tried a shampoo bar if I hadn’t been desperate.
But I’m glad I did!
My Experience with Shampoo Bars
What I use: EcoRoots Shampoo Bar in Forest Mist | Moroccan Oil Conditioner Bar
How It Works
To apply shampoo to hair, you fully saturate your hair and the bar, then rub the bar gently over the top of your head. Begin to lather and rub into your scalp. Add more shampoo if needed. Then rinse.
My Review
This post contains affiliate links and I may make a small commission if you shop through my links
By the time I got around to reordering my bottled shampoo, I was already hooked on this shampoo bar. It’s gentle, smells nice, and adds subtle volume to my hair. I haven’t noticed any buildup, either, which is sometimes a complaint with shampoo bars.
Since my hair is short and fine, I typically wash my entire head every other day and just my bangs on alternate days. I have found that my hair feels less oily and lays better than it did before.
I use a conditioner bar a couple times a week.
While I can’t speak for every hair type, I can say that my experience with a shampoo bar has been overwhelmingly positive. I feel like my hair is healthier than before and needs less product to have texture and body.
If you do notice buildup after using a shampoo bar, you can always use a clarifying shampoo once a month. I love The Body Shop’s Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo (this is what I was using before).
Where to Buy Shampoo Bars
EcoRoots
EcoRoots carries shampoo and conditioner bars with different formulations and scents to accommodate a wide variety of hair needs and preferences. The colors are very fun, too.
$11.50
The Earthling Co.
Made for all hair types, the Earthling Co. offers a nourishing shampoo bar in seven scents – including fragrance free. They also have seasonal fragrance packs.
$15 (subscription savings available)
Public Goods
Known for their high quality, natural goods and minimalist packaging, Public Goods carries a lavender and rosemary scented shampoo bar made with RSPO-certified palm oil.
$6.50
Package Free Shop
Specializing in all things zero waste, Package Free carries a few kinds of shampoo and conditioner bars for different hair care needs.
$14
By Humankind
Made with simple ingredients and scented with essential oils, By Humankind’s shampoo and conditioner bars come in four varieties.
$15 (subscription savings available)
I am trying the Eco Roots shampoo bar also, but in the UNSCENTED version. It is working quite well so far. It can be very difficult to find shampoo that doesn’t have any irritating extras, and this one is very basic.
I’m actually surprised I didn’t have an adverse reaction to the fragrance in mine, because it is very strong. I’m glad yours is working well so far!
Have you noticed that your hair is frizzy after using these unscented bars?
Wow, I got the EcoRoots shampoo in the citrus scent, and it completely cleans my hair without stripping! Thanks for the recommendation!
I’m so glad! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I like it!