Sustainable Haircare: Why You Need to Try Plastic-Free Shampoo Bars

You may have heard about shampoo bars trending recently, but they are actually not a new invention. Before the invention of commercial liquid shampoos in the mid-20th century, people used various forms of solid shampoos made from plant extracts and natural oils. Liquid shampoos were marketed as more convenient, leading to a decline in the use of solid shampoo bars.

Shampoo bars are growing in popularity because they’re a plastic-free, environmentally-friendly, travel-friendly, natural, and hair-healthy alternative to “traditional” bottled shampoo.

However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in shampoo bars due to the growing awareness of plastic pollution, harsh chemicals, and the desire for more sustainable alternatives. As a result, shampoo bars are making a strong comeback. Today, you can find a wide variety of options to cater to different hair types and preferences.

Shampoo bars come in different shapes, sizes, and formulas for different hair types.

At Scrappy’s Workshop, we love our plastic-free shampoo bars so much that we recommend them to everyone we know. We can’t shut up about them!

Watch this video below and tell me you aren’t impressed. They actually do lather that well! It’s amazing!

Washing your hair with shampoo bars is easy, luxurious, and great for the planet. Look at that lather! Keep reading or check out shampoo bars on scrappysworkshop.com to learn more.

But what exactly is a shampoo bar, what are the benefits, and are they right for your hair? Keep reading to learn more!

What is a Shampoo Bar?

Shampoo bars are solid bars of concentrated shampoo that cleanse and nourish hair, just like their liquid counterparts. It is like the comparison between bar soap and liquid body wash.

Shampoo bars come in various shapes, like round or rectangular bars.

Shampoo bars are typically crafted with natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on your scalp and hair. Free from harsh chemicals and unnecessary additives, these bars are often handcrafted, cruelty-free, and vegan, making them a conscientious choice for your haircare routine.

Today, shampoo bars have become a popular choice for individuals seeking a plastic-free, eco-friendly alternative to bottled shampoos. They combine the convenience of a solid form with the benefits of natural ingredients, making them a viable option for those looking to reduce waste and adopt a more sustainable haircare routine.

What are the Benefits of Shampoo Bars?

There are many benefits to using shampoo bars instead of bottled liquid shampoos.

No harsh chemicals

Liquid shampoo often contains harsh chemicals like plastics, preservatives, phthalates, parabens, potentially hormone-disrupting ingredients, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other toxins and irritants. They can dry out your hair and scalp, negatively impact your health, and pollute our waterways and environment.

Why would they include these things in common liquid shampoos? That is a lot to get into! But some reasons might be cheap manufacturing, increased shelf-life, and marketing so that they can always sell you the next “better, foamier, extreme-ier” product. 

Unlike their liquid counterparts, shampoo bars are generally formulated with natural ingredients like plant-based oils that are gentler on your body and better for your health. The ingredients are also typically biodegradable and grey-tank/septic-safe so they have less environmental impact.

These shampoo bars at Scrappy’s Workshop are made of just five simple ingredients: coconut oil, purified water, sodium coco sulfate (derived from coconuts), minerals for natural coloring, and essential oils. They are sodium lauryl sulfate-free (SLS-free), paraben-free, phthalate-free, phosphate-free, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free!

Fewer tears

Since shampoo bars are formulated with gentle ingredients, they are not as irritating if the lather accidentally gets into your eyes. This makes shampoo bars a great option for kids or adults who might have physical challenges with washing. 

This kids’ shampoo bar doesn’t need a different formula to be kid-friendly — it is the same as the regular bars just with cute packaging and a scent kids love!

Good for your hair

Shampoo bars are formulated with natural ingredients that promote healthy hair. They are often enriched with essential oils, vitamins, and minerals that nourish and strengthen your hair from root to tip. By avoiding harsh chemicals like SLS, your hair is less likely to suffer from dryness, breakage, or excessive oil production, resulting in hair that looks and feels healthier.

And for hair that needs a little extra nourishment (like mine!), natural conditioner bars are the perfect companion to shampoo bars.

Allows you to go longer between washes

Since natural shampoo bars are gentler on hair and reduce excessive oil production, people often find that they can go multiple days between washes. If you are looking to cut down on water usage and save time every day, shampoo bars can help give you a break from daily washing. This can also be convenient when you are traveling, camping, or in any situation where you can’t wash your hair every day but don’t want to be greasy.

Reduces waste and plastic

One of the most significant advantages of shampoo bars is their minimal packaging. Unlike liquid shampoo bottles that contribute to the global plastic waste crisis, shampoo bars are typically packaged in compostable or recyclable boxes or wrapping. By switching to a shampoo bar, you can significantly reduce your plastic waste and contribute to a cleaner, greener planet. 

Furthermore, by eliminating the need for plastic bottles, you help conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of plastic packaging.

Read more about how one of our partners, Tangie, is reducing their environmental impact and helping reduce plastic waste.

Saves water

Did you know that liquid soaps and shampoos are mostly made of water? Many liquid shampoo bottles come in 16–32 oz sizes so it might seem like a lot more shampoo than a 2–4 oz shampoo bar. However, that’s not true!  

Shampoo bars are highly concentrated, water-free formulations that foam up when you lather them with water in the shower. A single 2 oz shampoo bar can last for months and replace 2–6 bottles of liquid shampoo (depending on size).

Saves you money

Since you are not paying for excess water or plastic packaging, natural shampoo bars can save you money. They might seem more expensive because 1 bar can cost more than 1 bottle, but the bar should last longer and save you money in the long run.

Camping and travel-friendly

Forget about the 3 oz liquid requirements at the airport and say goodbye to leaky shampoo bottles in your luggage! Since they contain no liquid, shampoo bars comply with TSA requirements and are spill-proof while traveling. They are also compact and lightweight, making them the perfect travel companion.

Furthermore, since they are biodegradable and grey-water safe, you can use them guilt-free while camping or RVing. 

Whether you're going on a weekend getaway or embarking on a long-haul adventure, shampoo bars offer convenience and ease without compromising your sustainable lifestyle.

 Great for all hair types

Everyone’s hair is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the right shampoo bar for you (just like with any personal care product). Luckily, many shampoo bars are great for all hair types and there are many options out there for people with certain hair types and requirements. There are great options for men, women, kids, curly hair, straight hair, processed hair, natural hair, and more!

Sulfate-free shampoo bars are a great option for anyone with dry, processed, or damaged hair who are looking for an extra-gentle shampoo alternative.

For example, we also sell a 3.5 oz sulfate-free shampoo bar that is great for dry, processed, or damaged hair. It is also great for those with psoriasis or anyone trying to “no-poo” method. It gives hair a great clean without removing the hair’s natural oils.

Conclusion: Why everyone should try natural shampoo bars

Shampoo bars have numerous advantages over bottled liquid shampoos. While bottled shampoos often contain synthetic ingredients, preservatives, and artificial fragrances, shampoo bars are typically free from these additives. Additionally, shampoo bars last longer than liquid shampoos, giving you more value for your money. By making the switch, you'll reduce clutter in your bathroom and support a more sustainable approach to personal care.

There’s a different scent for everyone! Find the shampoo bar that’s right for you.

Make the switch today and experience the wonders of shampoo bars for yourself — your hair and the planet will thank you!