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We all want to help the environment in some way. Still, it can be difficult when so many aspects of our daily lives are environmentally unfriendly. What if we told you that a specific type of shampoo helps lessen the carbon footprint? It’s called zero waste shampoo bars!

Zero waste shampoo bars are made with organic ingredients and are packaged in recyclable containers or metal tins. They’re also free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, etc., which often pollute waterways and harm marine life.

If you are not familiar with shampoo and conditioner bars, you’re in for a treat!

This blog post will give you an overview of zero waste shampoo and how it can make your hair healthier while protecting our planet.

What is the zero waste movement?

The zero-waste movement is a philosophy that aims to reduce consumption and promote recycling. The movement is in direct opposition to the “throwaway society,” in which waste is generated and discarded rapidly without much thought.

Additionally, the zero-waste movement is not simply about throwing away less trash – it’s also a lifestyle that encourages people to think critically about their consumption habits and their effects on the environment.

Advocates of a zero-waste lifestyle try to produce less trash by finding ways to use items more than once.

For example, many people in the movement will purchase food in bulk and bring their own containers when shopping at markets instead of accepting pre-packaged goods that are wasteful on a number of levels. Others patronize zero waste products made from ethically sourced ingredients, recycled materials, and sustainable packaging to minimize pollution. One of these eco-friendly products is zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars.

What is a zero-waste shampoo bar?

A zero-waste shampoo bar is a solid, non-liquid form of shampoo that comes in a recyclable tin, box, or jar.

Ingredients of a zero waste shampoo bar are typically certified organic and sustainably harvested.

Zero waste shampoo bars are typically made of a combination of distilled water, sodium hydroxide (also known as lye), a natural soap base like coconut oil or olive oil, castor seed oil, and essential oils for fragrance.

What makes zero waste shampoo and conditioner better?

Zero waste shampoo bars are better for the environment in a number of ways.

Eco-friendly and Sustainable

First, they’re packaged in recyclable containers or metal tins instead of plastic shampoo bottles that can take up to a thousand years to degrade in a landfill. Most of them are also cruelty-free and use raw materials that are ethically sourced.

Contains zero chemicals and fragrances

Secondly, zero-waste shampoos typically do not contain sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and other chemicals that wash off into the water supply.

Gentle on all hair types

Lastly, zero-waste shampoos can be used on all hair types without stripping out natural oils or leaving a heavy residue behind, like traditional shampoo bars that rely on chemical ingredients.

Come in a variety of fragrances

Zero waste shampoos also come in a range of fragrances, including a light lavender scent, a floral blend that includes jasmine and rosemary oils, and an unscented version for people with sensitive skin.

If you’re drawn to the zero waste movement but have been hesitant to adopt it entirely because of your concerns over hair care products, you should seriously consider opting for shampoo bars.

As you can see, zero-waste shampoo bars are better for the environment and your hair.

How To Use Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Using zero-waste shampoo and conditioner bars is a relatively straightforward process.

First, leave your hair wet and massage the bar directly onto it to create a lather. You can use your fingertips to work it into your scalp or use a gentle hairbrush to evenly distribute the shampoo or conditioner.

Be sure not to leave shampoo and conditioner bar residue in your hair when you rinse it out.

12 Best Zero Waste Shampoo And Conditioner Bars

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint while giving yourself a luxurious zero waste hair care experience, check out our list of zero waste companies that offer shampoo and conditioner bars!

#12 Lush Cosmetics

Lush Cosmetics is a popular zero-waste skincare and haircare brand known for its unique fragrances and handmade products. Their wide range of products are cruelty-free, made from fresh and natural ingredients, and are packaged in eco-friendly materials.

We love Lush Cosmetics for its array of zero waste shampoo bars that smell amazing. All their bars are infused with natural essential oils like lavender, grapefruit oil, chamomile extract, rosemary oil, argan oil blend, and more!

However, if you’re a vegan, it’s best to take note that not all of Lush’s products are vegan-friendly.

#11 Ethique

Ethique is a well-known brand that makes zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars that are palm oil-free, cruelty-free and vegan.

We love their products because they’re made with ethically sourced ingredients and are packaged in recyclable containers. If you’re on the lookout for plastic free shampoo, then this brand is your best bet!

Ethique zero waste shampoo bars also target typical hair and scalp issues such as oily hair and dandruff, making them one of the best zero waste shampoo bars for all hair types.

Check out their Ethique Hair Sampler

#10 EcoRoots

Ecoroots is a zero-waste hair care online store that uses only plant-based ingredients to create its products.

Their shampoo bar contains coconut oil and cocoa butter, making them ideal for dry or damaged hair types. EcoRoots shampoo bars are also cruelty-free, vegan, and palm oil-free.

We also love that EcoRoots shampoo bars come in a range of lovely fragrances including lavender and citrus fresh.

If you’re looking for an all-natural zero waste shampoo bar with no chemicals, this is your best bet!

#9 Humankind

humankind shampoo bars

Humankind is a zero-waste online store that makes shampoo bars with natural and sustainable ingredients.

We love the fact that their products are biodegradable and free of harmful chemicals. Since most Humankind hair care products are plant-based, they’re great for people who have sensitive skin.

Humankind shampoo bars also come in various fragrances like lemongrass, peppermint, and lavender that will leave your hair fresh all day long.

If you’re not a fan of shampoo bars, the brand also has an all-natural liquid shampoo line that you can look into.

#8 Plaine Products

Plaine Products is a natural beauty company that makes vegan, cruelty-free, and palm oil-free zero waste shampoo and conditioners for all hair types.

If you still love using a traditional liquid shampoo but would love to make the switch, Plaine Products has your back.

Their refillable bottled shampoo is made with natural ingredients like aloe vera gel, making them an excellent shampoo for those who have dry and dull hair.

Plaine Products also makes their zero waste conditioners in several fragrances, including citrus lavender and rosemary mint vanilla.

#7 Peet Bros

Peet Bros is a zero-waste skin and hair care company that makes handmade shampoo bars and conditioner bars.

We love their products because they’re made with only plant-derived ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, and essential oils, which leave your hair super soft!

The best part about Peet Bros shampoo bars is the fact that they don’t contain any harmful chemical additives or artificial fragrances. In fact, they are strong advocates of palm oil production, which is why all of their products are palm oil-free and cruelty-free.

#6 Friendly Soap

A zero-waste soap brand based in the UK, Friendly Soap is a vegan-friendly brand that makes shampoo bars with natural ingredients such as castor oil, coconut oil, and tea tree.

We love their shampoo bars because they’re made with coconut oil that is known to nourish the hair while removing dirt and excess oils without damaging the scalp or stripping color from dyed locks.

Friendly Soap also uses recyclable packaging, which is excellent for the environment.

If you’re looking for a shampoo bar that has similar properties to traditional shampoos, this brand makes it work!

#5 Faith in Nature

Faith in Nature is a zero-waste hair care company that makes vegan, palm oil-free, and cruelty-free products that are sustainable to the environment.

Their natural ingredients like shea butter leave your hair feeling super soft, while the scents of lavender and geranium provide an aromatherapy experience!

The UK brand also has liquid shampoo and conditioner for those who prefer to use liquid shampoo.

#4 Lavera

Lavera shampoo bars are great for those who have sensitive scalp because of their plant-derived ingredients and gentle formula.

Lavera shampoo bars are made with aloe vera and quinoa, which leave your locks feeling super soft and nourished.

Their shampoo bars also contain no parabens, sulfates, or artificial fragrances, making them a great choice for sensitive skin.

#3 Beauty and The Bees

If you are on the lookout for a unisex zero waste shampoo bar, then you’d better check out Beauty and The Bees.

This palm oil-free and cruelty-free brand make shampoo bars from fruit clays, herbs, and spices designed for a specific hair type.

The zero-waste shampoo bars from Beauty and The Bees also come in various fragrances, including rosemary and mint, leaving your hair smelling fresh and clean.

#2 KIND2

KIND’s Two in One Solid Shampoo Bar is great for those who are always on the go because it doubles up as a shampoo bar and a conditioner bar.

This zero-waste product contains chia seeds, macadamia oil, and upcycled hemp oil that untangles your hair while leaving it feeling soft and shiny.

This company also has a solid conditioner bar that’s free of parabens, sulfates, and other chemicals, making their products great for those with sensitive scalp!

#1 Katiemae Naturals

If you still don’t know yet, there is such a thing as a zero-waste dry shampoo bar, and Katiemae Naturals makes the best ones!

Their dry shampoo bars are made with organic ingredients like arrowroot powder, non-GMO cornstarch, and kaolin clay that absorb oil without stripping your hair of its natural oils.

Katiemae Naturals is also a zero-waste beauty and haircare company which makes their products even more appealing to consumers who are looking for affordable and high-quality alternatives to traditional shampoos.

Final Thoughts

As more and more people shift to a zero-waste lifestyle, the need for zero waste skin and haircare has also risen.

Fortunately, zero waste haircare brands like those we’ve mentioned above make it easy for consumers to reduce their carbon footprint and live a more sustainable lifestyle!

Do you know of any zero waste shampoo and conditioner brands that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!