The 10 Best Shampoo Bars

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This wiki has been updated 17 times since it was first published in March of 2020. Unlike their liquid counterparts, shampoo bars only need a little water to get hair clean. They are highly concentrated, can last up to 80 washes, and many are the equivalent of three 8-ounce bottles. The selections on this list require minimal packaging, making them an eco-friendly choice, and, since you don't have to worry about them spilling, they are travel-friendly, too. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Hibar Shampoo and Conditioner Set

2. Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Color

3. Ethique Sweet and Spicy

Editor's Notes

March 17, 2020:

Generally, shampoo bars fall into three categories: cold-pressed, glycerin-based, and solid surfactant. Cold-pressed bars take about three weeks to cure, so they are harder and last longer. Options like the Bamboo Earth Set are loaded with natural oils for conditioning the hair. Still, some oils tend to remain on the hair, so you may need to rinse with apple cider vinegar.

Glycerin-based bars, such as Ethnique Sweet and Spicy, are more gentle on the hair. However, they don't lather as well and don't free the hair of build-up as well as other shampoo bars. Solid surfactant shampoo bars like Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Color produce a rich, creamy lather, but they tend to strip more oil from the hair, which can leave some manes feeling dry.

Most of the brands on this list offer a variety of options for specific hair issues like dandruff, damaged, oily, and limp hair. Keep in mind, your hair may undergo an adjustment period, and if you choose to combine the bars with other products, it may take a little trial and error before you discover the combination that works best for you.

Special Honors

Humankind Humankind's shampoo bars are loaded with a blend of scalp-healing oils and root cleansing extracts that leave the hair squeaky clean. byhumankind.com

Little Goat Soap Company Goat’s Milk and Neem Shampoo Bar The Little Goat Soap Company Goat’s Milk and Neem Shampoo Bar is made specifically to soothe sensitive scalps. It lathers easily, rinses well, and leaves hair soft without the use of conditioner. thelittlegoatsoapcompany.co.uk

Christophe Robin Christophe Robin shampoo bars work well for every type of hair texture. The hydrating shampoo bar is formulated with aloe, natural glycerin, and castor oil and contains no parabens, silicones, or sulfates. christopherobin.com

4. J R Liggett's Original Old-Fashioned

5. Grown Ass Man 3 in 1

6. Whiff Shampoo and Conditioner

7. Aspen Kay Naturals Rosemary and Peppermint

8. BamboEarth Set

9. Chagrin Valley Salve and Shampoo

10. Yucca Root from Wild Soap Bar


Christopher Thomas
Last updated by Christopher Thomas

Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.


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