Bar soaps had a significant moment recently, reemerging on the beauty market with more alternatives than ever before. But, while they were hogging the limelight, an unsung hero was silently waiting in the wings—shampoo bars. These solid sudsers, like soap, are prepared to give their liquid counterparts a run for their money.
“Shampoo bars are a solid kind of shampoo that is typically manufactured from a combination of raw or plant-based substances like oils,” explains stylist April Kayganich, owner of The Curl Whisperer Salon in Austin, Texas, and Puracy hair care specialist.
Shampoo bars, which are often free of sulfates and other harsh detergents found in liquid formulas, are also praised for being softer on the hair and, in many cases, quite moisturizing.
“They’re also ideal for travel since the waterless recipe makes them extremely easy to transport,” says New York City hairdresser Nunzio Saviano, proprietor of the eponymous salon.
“Shampoo bars also conserve water and don’t require unnecessary plastic packaging, making them an excellent alternative for individuals looking to make their beauty regimen more eco-conscious,” he adds.
Yes, massaging a bar on your head takes some getting used to, but if you’re looking to transition from liquid to solid, shampoo bars are the way to go. To identify the finest bottle-less shampoo, we tested a couple of the market’s top candidates.
Our testers put them through many washes, grading the texture and feel, ingredient list, and overall effectiveness. Our team then compiled this list by combining these findings with our own research and expert suggestions.
Continue reading for our selections for the finest shampoo bars.
1. J.R. Liggett’s Virgin Coconut & Argan Oil Shampoo Bar is the best overall.
This contains not only hydrating coconut and olive oils, but also strengthening argan oil to help maintain your hair long and strong.
According to the makers, this shampoo bar is made with vitamin E and sunflower oil and protects against pollution and UV damage. How adorable is the old packaging?
What We Enjoy
- Softens and smoothes hair and provides UV protection.
What We Dislike
- Dry storage is required.
2. Garnier Whole Blends Hydrating Shampoo Bar, Best Drugstore
This classic drugstore haircare brand has debuted multiple shampoo bar versions, but Saviano prefers this one. “I appreciate that it’s sulfate-free, which means it can be used on color-treated hair.”
“The mixture contains aloe vera, which moisturizes the hair without weighing it down,” he explains. However, there are repairing, strengthening, and softening solutions available—and at this price, you can easily afford to test them all to choose your favorite.
Furthermore, they all have a distinct form that makes them much simpler to grasp than standard squares.
What We Enjoy
- Affordably priced and 94 percent plant-based
- Shape that is simple to grasp
What We Dislike
- Fragrance is present.
3. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Clay Shampoo Bar is ideal for curly hair.
Some shampoo bars leave hair knotted, especially thick and curly hair. This is not the case with this one, which is designed to leave your curls soft and full of body and bounce. The mineral-rich bar also has a distinctive curved edge that makes it simple to massage into your scalp.
What We Enjoy
- Simple to include into the scalp
- Moisturizing
What We Dislike
- It has the potential to create a greasy residue.
4. Ethique Heali Kiwi Shampoo for Dandruff or Scalp Problems is the best for dandruff.
This company has some of the best shampoo bars on the market, including this one. It’s soap-free and made with neem and Karanja oils, and it claims to aid with scalp concerns; people rave about how effectively it fights flakes.
Soothing oats can help with itching, and the zero-waste business puts a specific emphasis on decreasing their environmental effect, which is always a good thing.
What We Enjoy
- Reduces itching and flaking
What We Dislike
- It does not lather well.
5. Davines MOMO Shampoo Bar is the best for frizzy hair.
Shampoo bars, in general, are not necessarily the greatest solution for individuals with thick, coarse, or frizzy hair; their less moisturizing compositions can cause tangles and snarls. Enter this option, which was created specifically to address all of those difficulties.
It’s really hydrating, so much so that when it bubbles up, it morphs into a frothy texture. Also, the paper wrapper it arrives in is completely recyclable.
What We Enjoy
- Lathers well when moisturizing
What We Dislike
- Pricey
6. Klorane Nourishing Shampoo Bar is the best long-lasting shampoo bar.
This alternative is also completely soap-free, making it an excellent choice for dry hair. It lasts for a staggering 80 washes.
Mango butter adds hydration to all hair types and may even be used on children aged three and up, making it a great alternative for the whole family. During the production process, it saves up to 34% more water.
What We Enjoy
- The entire family may utilize it.
- Moisturizing
What We Dislike
- Pricey
FAQ
What to Look for When Buying a Shampoo Bar?
Sulfate-Free
Although most alternatives are sulfate-free, bear in mind that, even if sulfates are stated, not all sulfates are made equal.
Many shampoo bars use plant-derived sulfates, which are less harsh and drying, according to Kayganich, who adds that it’s worth doing some research if you find sulfates stated on the label.
Fragrance-Free
Kayganich advises avoiding products with extra synthetic scent because it is a catch-all word that can conceal a plethora of components. Simply said, if you see that phrase on the list, it’s far more difficult to tell what you’re getting.
Charcoal (Active)
According to Sofie Pok, barber and co-founder of STMNT Grooming Goods, the famous skincare component is also fantastic for hair and should be sought out in a shampoo bar. She believes that it can help eliminate pollutants while also boosting volume.
What is the best way to use a shampoo bar?
Option one: Create a lather by rubbing the bar between your wet hands, then working it through your hair. Option two: Rub the bar directly on your hair (breaking it into little pieces helps), but always move downward, rather than stacking your hair on top of your head, which can cause knots.
How should a shampoo bar be stored?
You may store it in the shower like you would any other bar soap. However, to make it last longer, place it in a soap dish with some ventilation on the bottom so that air can circulate around it and it doesn’t get gunky below.
What is the shelf life of shampoo bars?
According to Kayganich, one bar can last as long as three plastic shampoo bottles. Some companies even promise that their soap bars would survive for 80 to 100 washes.
