Do Shampoo Bars Work? Digging Into Soap For Your Hair

By: Jennifer Okoye

June 7, 2024

The TL;DR: Shampoo bars foam up and clean just as well as drugstore liquids—and they crush them on sustainability— For everyday eco-friendly washes, bars are a keeper! For professional level salon results they're not quite on par 

In the rush to reduce plastic waste, a rush you know I'm passionate about, shampoo bars have become a bathroom MVP. In the last couple years alone tons of options have exploded onto bathroom shelves and Instagram feeds as the zero-waste holy grail of hair care.  Solid, no-spill pucks promise a squeaky-clean lather without a single plastic jug. Many eco-minded folks report that their hair emerges feeling just as clean as after a liquid wash—minus the bottle clutter. But beyond the minimalist chic and earthy vibes, the real question remains: what's the downside?

Let's start with those foam suds. They're usually the result of plant-derived cleansers like coconut-based detergents, and for most hair types, bars cut through oil, sweat, and styling products with ease. You don’t need lab equipment or a chemistry degree to appreciate natural ingredients that are effective, and most bars deliver a good, safe wash—with way less packaging.  Win number 1!

Where bars truly earn their stripes is sustainability. One solid bar replaces two to three 10-ounce plastic bottles over its lifespan, chopping shampoo-related waste dramatically. Brands shipping waterless bars slashed shipping weight and fuel miles, and packaging usually comes in recyclable paper or compostable sleeves. It’s a small swap with big environmental impact.

Gentle by design, all of the bars I've tested skip sulfates, silicones, and synthetic dyes—so there’s no risk of over-stripping or chemical buildup. Your scalp stays balanced, and you won’t find hidden irritants lurking in the formula. It’s an everyday rinse that respects both your hair and the planet.

The limitations? 

Let’s be blunt: bars can get messy. Left in a shallow soap dish or puddle, they turn into a soft, gooey puck that clings to the surface—and your shower shelf—making cleanup a chore. Store yours on a raised, ventilated rack (or a slotted tin) so it dries between uses. Even then, expect a bit of residue if you skip a weekly rinse of the dish.

When it comes to the results, these puppies will get your hair clean- but they generally don't deliver Salon Quality results when it comes to moisturization, shine or softness.  Think Pantene, not Oribe.  Bars aren’t engineered for targeted salon-grade treatment —like deep color protection or advanced keratin care.  But for all of the environmental upside, I'm not complaining.

(Small Wonder Plug Alert: for those days when you need a professional-strength cleanse, powder shampoo is the next frontier for uncompromising results and sustainability.)

My Conclusion: Shampoo bars match drugstore liquids on cleansing, beat them on sustainability, and carry zero chemical risk—but demand proper storage to avoid that sticky puddle problem. For everyday green washes, bars are a winning swap. When your hair calls for pro-level performance without the plastic, reach for a powder shampoo—zero waste, zero compromise.