The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Hair Care: Why You Should Start Using Shampoo Bars

Switching to shampoo bars, such as Ethique shampoo bars, can completely transform your haircare routine. The alternative to traditional liquid shampoo bottles has become very popular recently.

And we all see why. They are a good environmentally friendly swap, they are more natural, chemical-free, and great for traveling. In addition to that, shampoo bars may last you longer than liquid shampoo bottles.

Find out why it’s good to get in on this little change.

The Impact of Bottle Shampoo

Liquid shampoos we buy (in plastic bottles) every month are a real threat to our planet. Millions of them end up in landfills each year, where they can take more than a thousand years to decompose, emitting toxic substances into our soil and water.

The permanent clogging of landfills is not the only problem; pollution also occurs in the oceans. Read our guide to learn more about microplastics and 3 ways you can help keep them out of the ocean.

We can easily fix this problem. One solution: the shampoo bar.

As opposed to liquid shampoos, shampoo bars can come with zero or minimum plastic packaging, and be wrapped in recyclable packaging material like paper. This simple action can have a significant positive environmental impact, one person at at time!

Benefits of Shampoo Bars for Your Hair

Shampoo bars don’t just save the planet, they can help you in other ways, too. For example, if you select an all natural shampoo bar you will get a chemical-free bar that doesn’t include sulfates that can dry your hair.

Natural ingredients like coconut and other oils can help nurture and protect your hair. Your hair will be healthier and cleaner, and you will help the world too.

Convenience and Portability

Anyone who has had a bottle of shampoo spill in their bag knows firsthand just how convenient a solid shampoo bar is for travel. Shampoo bars are compact enough to travel with and won’t spill over your favorite clothes due to shifting in the bag.

Also, great news for travelers and users at home: one shampoo bar equals roughly 2 – 3 months of liquid shampoo. This means you can save on waste and cash by making the switch.

How to Use a Shampoo Bar

You might think using a shampoo bar is challenging but really it’s quite easy to use. Simply follow these four steps:

1. Wet your hair.
2. Rub the bar in your hands until it foams.
3. Then massage this lather into your hair and scalp.
4. Rinse and feel fresh.

Like many changes, you might need a few washes for your hair to fully adjust, especially depending on the state of your hair and how often you wash it with conventional shampoos. But don’t worry—it’s worth it.

Transition Period: What to Expect

Your hair might have a transition period once you move to an all-natural shampoo bar. This transition is normal as your scalp has to adjust to not having those synthetic chemicals and begin to produce a natural oil again.

So, it’s okay if your hair feels or looks different during that transition time. Be patient, if you stick with it you will notice your hair is actually much healthier and manageable in no time at all.

Sustainability and Ethical Choices

While choosing a shampoo bar over bottled shampoo can be a more sustainable choice, not all brands are created equal. Therefore, be sure to see if the brand has a sustainability page, sustainability goals, or certifications like Fair Trade or B Corporation.

For example, Ethique shampoo bars are proud to offer safe ingredients and ensure fair-trade practices. Deciding to buy shampoo bars can not only be choosing to respect the earth, but also supporting the people involved in making such products.

At Eco-Stylist we research fashion brands for similar principles: transparency, fair labor, and sustainability in order to find the best brands on Earth. You can learn more about that here.

Versatility of Shampoo Bars

Given how versatile shampoo bars are, you can use them for more than just cleansing your scalp. Need facial soap or shaving soap? Some bars will cover all those needs.

Fewer bottles and jars of products are great for minimalists and people who are just tired of cluttered showers and sink space. Picture replacing multiple products in favor of a small bar that not only gives a good lather but also cleans your hair and skin well, while treading lightly on the earth too!

Tips for Choosing the Right Shampoo Bar

Just like you would any hair cleanser, choose a shampoo bar that meets the specific needs of your hair and scalp. There are shampoo bars for many hair types, including oily, dry, and balanced.

You may have to spend more time testing products as you search for the perfect bar for you. Look for reviews and decide what works best for your hair and scalp.

After you find one, be sure to store your bar properly to last as long as possible. Let it dry thoroughly between uses.

Embrace a Greener Routine

Switching to shampoo bars is a small part of living a more eco-conscious life, but it’s a mighty leap with some impressive effects. Using shampoo bars, such as those by Ethique, is a generous and loving action for your locks and the earth. Cut down the chemicals, and replace the plastic bottles with shampoo bars.

More Tips for Living a Sustainable Lifestyle

Looking to make a more positive impact in other parts of your day-to-day life? Check out our sustainable living guides to get started:

• Review of Blueland’s Plastic Free Cleaning Products
• Zero Waste Hacks for Doing Your Laundry

Our Team

We’re a team of change makers, writers, and editors dedicated to changing the world, one individual action at a time.