Thinking of making the switch to a bar shampoo, but not sure if it’ll work for your hair type? We’ve got you (and we’ve got your solution too!).
Since the first solid shampoo bar back in 1987, they’ve come a long way. They’re no longer the “one-size-fits-all” formulas you may have seen years ago. They’re carefully designed to suit different hair types, whether you’re battling oily roots, soothing a sensitive scalp, or looking to give your curls extra definition.
And you don’t have to look too far to find your match either! At EarthHero, we have shampoo and conditioner bar options for every haircare need.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits of bar shampoos, what to look for in a formula, and our top picks for every hair type. By the end, you’ll feel confident about finding a bar that not only works but might just outperform your beloved bottled shampoo.
Contents
- Why Switch to Bar Shampoo?
- What to Look For In a Shampoo Bar?
- The Best Shampoo Bars for Every Hair Type
- Volume
- Oily Hair
- Dandruff
- Sensitive Scalps
- Dry & Damaged Hair
- Curly Hair
- Gray Hair
- Do I Need Conditioner with a Shampoo Bar?
- How to Store Your Shampoo Bar
- Final Thoughts
Why Switch To a Bar Shampoo?
Before we get to the good stuff, for those still sitting on the fence, here’s why so many people are making the swap:
1. Sustainability
The beauty industry creates over 120 billion units of packaging every year. Most of it is plastic that’s rarely recycled. Shampoo bars skip the single-use packaging, offering a simple way to reduce waste in your daily routine.
2. Effectiveness
Bar shampoos are highly concentrated. Unlike bottled shampoo (which is up to 80% water), bars deliver pure active ingredients directly to your hair. That means better cleansing, more nourishment, and results tailored to your needs.
3. Travel-Friendly
No more leaky bottles in your luggage or stressing over TSA liquid limits! A shampoo bar is solid, compact, and perfect for on-the-go.
Check out our guide: Can You Bring Bar Soap On a Plane? 10 Low-Waste Travel Hacks
4. Money-Saving
One bar lasts as long as 2–3 bottles of liquid shampoo, making it a budget-friendly option over time.
5. Cleaner Ingredients
Many natural shampoo bars are made without sulfates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. Instead, they feature nourishing oils, butters, and botanicals that keep your hair and scalp healthy.
What To Look For In A Shampoo Bar?
When finding the right shampoo bar for you, think about matching ingredients to your hair type. Dry hair loves shea butter and coconut milk. Oily scalps do well with rosemary or citrus. Sensitive skin benefits from fragrance-free formulas.
Or cut out the work, and choose from our curated list below!
The Best Shampoo Bars for Every Hair Type
Below, we’ve rounded up the best shampoo bars for different needs.
Big Hair Energy – Shampoo Bars for Volume
- HiBAR Volumize Shampoo Bar – Adds body and texture with African dates and vitamin B5.
- Suds & Eco Bloom Shampoo Bar – With rosemary oil, to promote hair growth.
📌 Best for: Fine or limp hair that falls flat.
Fresh Roots, No Grease – Shampoo Bars for Oily Hair
-
Good Juju Oily + Fine Hair Shampoo Bar – Refreshes without stripping.
Meow Meow Tweet Rosemary Avocado Shampoo Bar – Rosemary balances oil; avocado nourishes lightly. - Suds & Eco Driftwood Shampoo Bar – Clarifying with a grounding scent.
📌 Best for: Hair that gets greasy within a day or two.
Flake-Free Zone – Shampoo Bars for Dandruff
- HiBAR Soothe Shampoo Bar –Calms with itching white willow bark extract & kukui nut oil
- Suds & Eco Peppermint Breeze Shampoo Bar – Infused with peppermint oil for natural relief for flaky scalps.
📌 Best for: Flaky scalps that need gentle soothing.
Sensitive but Strong – Shampoo Bars for Sensitive Scalps
- Good Juju Scalp Care Shampoo Bar – Calms irritation with soothing botanicals.
- HiBAR Moisturize Fragrance-Free Shampoo & Conditioner Bars – Gentle hydration, no added scent.
- Suds & Eco Simply Unscented Shampoo Bar – A mild, simple formula.
📌 Best for: Sensitive scalps or fragrance allergies.
Thirsty Strands Rescue – Shampoo Bars for Dry & Damaged Hair
- HiBAR Moisturize Shampoo Bar – Restores hydration.
- Meow Meow Tweet Lavender Coconut Milk Shampoo Bar – Coconut milk hydrates, lavender soothes.
- Suds & Eco Sunkissed Shampoo Bar – Nourishing oils help revive dry hair while giving it a healthy, sun-brightened shine.
📌 Best for: Dry, frizzy, or heat-damaged hair.
Curls That Pop – Shampoo Bars for Curly Hair
Curly hair thrives on moisture and definition. Shea and cocoa butters are key.
- HiBAR Curl Shampoo Bar – Defines curls, keeping bounce.
- Good Juju Dry + Curly Hair Shampoo Bar – Richly moisturizing for frizz-free curls.
- Suds & Eco Maui Melon Care Shampoo Bar – Enhances curl pattern naturally.
📌 Best for: Wavy, curly, or coily textures needing definition.
Silver & Strong – Shampoo Bars for Gray Hair
- Suds & Eco Oasis Shampoo Bar – Brightens and tones silver hair.
📌 Best for: Gray or silver hair prone to dullness or brassiness.
Do I Need Conditioner with a Shampoo Bar?
In most cases, yes. Shampoo bars cleanse, but conditioners seal the cuticle, add slip, and lock in hydration. They add the final (super soft) touch!
Options to try:
- Conditioner Bars – Plastic-free, easy to pair with your bar shampoo.
- Hair Oils – Great for frizz control and shine.
- Refillable Conditioners – For those who prefer liquid, but want less waste.
How to Store Your Shampoo Bar
Good storage helps your bar last months instead of weeks.
Keep dry between uses
Don’t let bars sit in puddles or they’ll turn to mush quickly! You can hang it out to dry in an Agave Soap Saver Bag.
Use draining soap dishes
Soap Dishes keep air flowing.
Try:
Pack in a Soap Tin after drying fully
We love the Suds & Eco Travel Tin!
Final Thoughts
Switching to a bar shampoo is more than a trend. It’s a way to simplify your routine, treat your hair with nourishing ingredients, and help the planet along the way.
Whether you need volume, scalp care, or moisture, there’s a bar for you.
Pair with the right conditioner, store it properly, and enjoy a low-waste routine that’s as kind to your hair as it is to the Earth.
