14 Best Shampoo Bars for Every Hair Type, According to Testing

These eco-friendly solid shampoos will help you ditch the bottle.

best shampoo bars

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Whole Blends Honey Treasures Restoring Shampoo Bar

Best Overall

Garnier whole blends honey treasures restoring shampoo bar.

Dry/Curly Hair Shampoo Bar

Best for Curly Hair

Good juju dry/curly hair shampoo bar.

Solid Shampoo & Body Cleansing Bar

Best Unscented

Mustela solid shampoo & body cleansing bar.

But can shampoo bars deliver the same performance as your favorite bottled shampoo? The chemists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab put that theory to the test. They regularly test shampoos, from thickening shampoos to shampoo for colored hair , hydrating shampoo for dry hair and beyond. To find the best solid shampoos, we recruited 10 testers with a variety of hair concerns — from curly to oily — to try the shampoo bars at home or while traveling.

With that in mind, we found the best shampoo bars and broke down all the ins and outs of how to use them. Our list of recommended picks consists of GH Beauty Award winners, expert-tested picks and staffer favorites.

Every GH Beauty Lab expert was impressed with this bargain-priced teardrop-shaped gem from Garnier. This is no small feat as our experts' strands cover a wide range, from oily to dry, thin to coarse and unprocessed to bleached. " T he lather is lush, it smells amazing, and it leaves hair feeling fully clean yet not dry , " said GH Beauty Director April Franzino .

We also like that it is cruelty-free certified by Leaping Bunny and packaged in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) -certified cardboard, meaning that the packaging is not only recyclable curbside but is also obtained responsibly from well-managed forests. A couple of shoppers online noted that once the bar reached its last few washes, it started to crack and break apart.

• Key ingredients : Honey, beeswax • Fragrance : Honey and musk • Number of washes : Up to 70-75 • Size : 2 oz.

Cleanse and condition with Good Juju's shampoo bar for dry, curly hair . Think a rich blend of conditioning ingredients, including natural butters and oils — sacha inchi oil, broccoli seed oil, snow mushroom extract and shea butter — to soften and reduce frizz in curly hair.

Former GH Analyst Jodhaira Rodriguez raved about this bar for curly hair, saying it "lathered up really well" and "the scent is very pleasant and light." While shoppers appreciated its detangling powers, others thought it wasn't as great at fighting frizz.

• Key ingredients : Coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, cocoa butter • Fragrance : Sweet orange and patchouli • Number of washes : Up to 75 • Size : 2.5 oz.

Mustela Solid Shampoo & Body Cleansing Bar

Gentle enough for children and adults with sensitive skin , this unscented cleansing bar uses a mild mix of olive oil and avocado, a.k.a., ingredients that are less likely to dry out skin. A GH Beauty Lab analyst appreciated that the shampoo lathered up easily and cleansed hair well.

"I like the leaf shape of the bar. It is easy to hold and lather up without it slipping from my hands," our expert added. Amazon reviewers agreed, but some reported that it melted faster than expected, lasting about three weeks.

• Key ingredients : Avocado oil, olive oil • Fragrance : Unscented • Number of washes : Up to 75-80 • Size : 2.64 oz.

Sunniemade Mighty Mango Moisturizing Shampoo Bar

Mighty Mango Moisturizing Shampoo Bar

Packing a pleasant citrus punch , Sunniemade's shampoo bar impressed our testers with its refreshing (not overly sweet) scent. It even made a believer out of a first-time shampoo bar user, GH Engineer Alec Scherma , who liked that it's pretty simple to use.

"I just lathered it in my hands, and it smelled great," he said. "[It] gave me just as good of a lather as my usual shampoo. My hair didn't feel weird afterward like it does with some new shampoos either!" One caveat is that it got much smaller quickly after continuous use.

• Key ingredients : Coconut oil, cocoa butter, panthenol • Fragrance : Mango • Number of washes : Up to 75 • Size : 2.1 oz.

Lush Seanik Shampoo Bar

Seanik Shampoo Bar

Famous for its next-level bath bombs, Lush's Seanick Shampoo Bar brings the beach to your bathroom with bits of real seaweed and fine sea salt granules to refresh those with oily hair .

A GH tester wrote, "I like its rough texture; it feels like I'm actually scrubbing away dirt. " She also praised the fresh scent, saying the bar "makes my hair and the shower smell like an ocean breeze." For $15, however, the bar is quite small.

• Key ingredients : Lemon oil, seaweed, sea salt • Fragrance : Citrus, mimosa and jasmine • Number of washes : Up to 70-75 • Size : 1.9 oz.

Blue Dunes Tangerine Dream Shampoo Bar

Tangerine Dream Shampoo Bar

Blue Dunes offers a citrus-infused lather with its Tangerine Dream shampoo bar. While first skeptical of its effectiveness, our tester was quickly blown away by its performance. "It lathered and foamed so quickly, even quicker than my regular shampoo," she said. The palm-sized bar glides easily across the scalp.

After rinsing, it did leave a strange squeaky feel on hair, but its matching conditioner bar helped make it silky again. " Once my hair air dried, it felt very light and clean with a nice shine to it ," added our tester, who has dry, damaged hair from heat styling. Plus, the jar packaging, per the brand, is made of compostable and biodegradable material.

• Key ingredients : Cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil • Fragrance : Orange, grapefruit and palmarosa • Number of washes : Up to 70 • Size : Not listed

Ethique Calming Solid Shampoo Bar

Calming Solid Shampoo Bar

Haircare brand Ethique offers a wide range of shampoo bars to target different hair types and concerns. Its calming option is formulated with karanja oil, which is used to treat scalp conditions like eczema and psoriasis . Testers also appreciated its "fresh scent."

One tester who has a dry scalp said the bar left her "hair and scalp feeling moisturized even before conditioning. I air-dried my hair, and it looked very voluminous after using this shampoo." However, compared to her normal shampoo, she needed a wash by day four rather than her typical day five.

• Key ingredients : Oatmeal, karanja oil, neem seed oil • Fragrance : Kiwi • Number of washes : Up to 80 • Size : 3.88 oz.

Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water Shampoo + Conditioner Bar

Coconut Water Shampoo + Conditioner Bar

Thanks to coconut oil in its formula, this Love Beauty and Planet pick both cleans hair and leaves strands with enough lubrication to double up as a conditioner . It's a favorite of former GH Analyst Jamie Spain who said, "I've used this bar for about a year, and it still isn't done, so I love that it truly has a lot of product."

Made with sulfate-free surfactants, this bar is formulated for fine hair, so those with thicker hair may want to follow it with a conditioner.

• Key ingredients : Coconut oil, coconut water • Fragrance : Creamy coconut and delicate floral notes • Number of washes : Up to 80-85 • Size : 4 oz.

L'Occitane Intensive Repair Solid Shampoo

Intensive Repair Solid Shampoo

If your hair is dry, brittle and parched for moisture, consider this nourishing pick from L'Occitane. Their sulfate-free bar claims to treat damaged strands with oat amino acids, sunflower oil and olive oil.

GH Beauty Lab experts were impressed by how it left hair feeling soft and shiny. They also love that it comes in a 100% recycled cardboard box. Others online thought the scent's intensity wore off the bar when kept out of its package.

• Key ingredients : Vitamin B5, sunflower oil, amino acids, olive oil • Fragrance : L avender, ylang ylang, sweet orange and geranium • Number of washes : Up to 70-75 • Size : 2.1 oz.

HiBAR Moisturize Shampoo Bar

Moisturize Shampoo Bar

A favorite among reviewers with thick hair, HiBar's shampoo bar is molded into an asymmetric bullet shape, which allows for easy lathering and reaching the roots of thick strands . Plus, the conditioning formula with rice protein leaves hair "shiny and hydrated," according to a GH tester.

The bar earned overwhelmingly positive reviews across our consumer surveys. A tester who struggles with frizziness was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and soft it left her hair. One small con that online reviewers noted is that its orange scent is strong.

• Key ingredients : Coconut oil, rice protein, vitamin B5 • Fragrance : Citrus and ginger • Number of washes : Up to 80-85 • Size : 3.2 oz.

BRIXY Shampoo Bar

Shampoo Bar

Suds up hair with the soft, fluffy lather of this BRIXY shampoo bar. Its combination of coconut oil, argan oil and vitamin B help clean without leaving hair feeling stripped . "It works well on my curly hair, and it rinses cleanly," said Deputy Editor Sarah Wharton .

She added: "The eucalyptus-mint scent is so refreshing in the morning. I've been using it for months, so I can say it's reasonably long-lasting (though disclaimer that my hair is pixie short!)." Those who shopped the bar online were more divided on the scent, with some not smelling the coconut or vanilla.

• Key ingredients : Coconut oil, argan oil, vitamin B • Fragrance : Mint eucalyptus • Number of washes : Up to 80-85 • Size : 4 oz.

Foamie Hibiskiss Solid Shampoo Bar

Hibiskiss Solid Shampoo Bar

Rising to the top in a test of bar shampoos carried out by our sister lab at Hearst Institute in the UK, this Foamie bar won praise for leaving hair smooth and being great for travel. The brand offers a novel travel box that can be purchased separately . Its built-in cloth loop makes it easy to hang it up to dry wherever you are, and the travel box ensures the bar arrives at your destination mess-free.

The bar's shape is also easy to hold, preventing accidental drops. One online reviewer recommends lathering up the bar first, then applying it to the hair; otherwise, applying directly to hair may leave a waxy residue on hair ends.

• Key ingredients : Hibiscus extract • Fragrance : Tropical hibiscus • Number of washes : Up to 70-75 • Size : 2.8 oz.

HIBAR Maintain Shampoo Bar

Maintain Shampoo Bar

HiBar's fragrance made from citrus oils will please every family member. It's a favorite of GH Director Dan DiClerico , who enjoyed that this bar "has a nice, neutral scent and leaves my hair feeling clean." Another tester echoed that sentiment and added they "liked the sustainability [aspect] of the product."

A past winner of our Sustainable Innovation Awards , the bar comes in a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)–certified paper pouch wrapped in a soy wax-coated inner pack to help maintain the bar's integrity during shipping and storage. Our consumer tester was just unsure that the bar would last as long as the packaging claimed because they used up quite a lot in a few short washes.

• Key ingredients : Shea butter • Fragrance : Lime, orange, lemon, grapefruit and ginger • Number of washes : Up to 75-80 • Size : 3.2 oz.

Ethique Pinkalicious Uplifting Solid Shampoo Bar

Pinkalicious Uplifting Solid Shampoo Bar

Fine hair types, rejoice! Ethique's Pinkalicious shampoo bar lathered well and left hair feeling nice and smooth after each wash . Our tester with fine hair and frizziness appreciated its light grapefruit scent, noting that it wasn't "overwhelming or overly perfumey."

The bar is molded into a thick, square shape designed to be rubbed directly onto wet hair. However, our tester flagged that it made it a tad difficult to hold and thus, she applied it to her hair in sections.

• Key ingredients : Coconut oil, grapefruit oil, creamed coconut • Fragrance : Pink grapefruit, vanilla • Number of washes : Up to 80 • Size : 3.88 oz.

Other shampoo bars we tested

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In our research, we also considered the Ethique Volumizing Shampoo Bar . A GH tester appreciated its lather and how it made hair feel clean even after a day at the beach. However, they noted that their hair was harder to brush out than when washing with a bottled shampoo. Most notably, they found that the product stung if it gets into your eyes.

We also tried the popular Kitsch Shampoo Bar . Our consumer panel enjoyed how easy it is to use and its pleasant scent. Their caveat was that its texture felt "waxy and sticky" on hair. "When I washed out my hair and dried it, my hair was less frizzy, but overall felt more dry than I would have liked," a tester said.

How we chose the best shampoo bars

a group of opened shampoo bars on a table

Each year, the GH Institute tests hundreds of products, including shampoo bars, during our Beauty Awards and Sustainable Innovation Awards . When evaluating shampoo bars, we look at their lather quality, whether they leave hair feeling clean and soft and whether they last a reasonable amount of time in shower conditions .

Our list of recommendations also includes shampoo bars that our beauty editors love and use regularly at home. Most recently in 2024, we gathered a group of 10 testers who each completed a survey on their at-home experience. Our editors then sifted through those 120 data points and included the top-performing picks.

What to look for when shopping for a shampoo bar

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Here's how to choose the best shampoo bar for your hair and needs, according to hair experts:

✔️ Pick one that's formulated for your hair type. Shampoo bars, like liquid shampoos, are formulated with both cleansing surfactants to wash away dirt and conditioning ingredients to leave hair soft and manageable. Bars for curly or thick hair will be more conditioning, while bars for fine hair will be lighter on conditioners to prevent weighed-down strands. Some brands also have bar conditioners to go with their shampoos for those who need more conditioning.

✔️ Check the ingredients to avoid soap-based bars. "Know what is in your bar," advises April Kayganich , a hairstylist, hair educator and hair texture expert in Austin, Texas. Shampoo bars might look like bars of soap, but they won't perform the same on your hair. For the best results, avoid soap-based shampoo bars. These may list ingredients such as saponified vegetable oils, sodium palmitate, sodium cocoate or sodium hydroxide. While not harmful, they might cause unpleasant dryness, dull strands and a feeling of residue on the hair.

Are shampoo bars better than bottle shampoo?

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Shampoo bars aren't necessarily better for your hair than traditional shampoos, but they can be just as effective at cleansing strands. "Bar shampoo formulations have gotten quite sophisticated since they first appeared in the market and now there are variants that can possibly meet the needs of all sorts of hair types and textures," says Birnur Aral, Ph.D. , the former GH Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab executive director. "It is more of a preference for the consumer and less that one type is better for hair than the other."

"With any new shampoo your hair will take time to adjust," Kayganich says, so give yourself some time. "Most people take about one to two weeks to see an adjustment in how their hair feels, especially when it comes to sebum, the natural oil your scalp produces."

Are shampoo bars damaging?

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They shouldn't be: Well-made shampoo bars like the picks on this list contain similar gentle surfactants as those in liquid shampoos. The main ingredients found in the bars on our list, such as sodium cocoyl isethionate and sodium lauryl- or coco- sulfate, are very common cleansers in liquid shampoos. Just as in liquid shampoos, these do a great job at cleaning hair without leaving residue.

Are shampoo bars good for the environment?

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Shampoo bars have a few eco-friendly advantages over bottled shampoos:

✔️ Many shampoo bars boast plastic-free packaging , which means you can reduce the plastic waste created by your routine. "Their cardboard boxes are more likely to end up being recycled once being collected at the curbside since there is more value in recycling cardboard than recycling plastic," Aral explains. Overall, "bar shampoos are less likely to contribute to waste that goes to landfills," she says.

✔️ They're lighter-weight and take less energy to ship. "The main difference between liquid shampoos and bar shampoos is the water content in the two formulas," says Aral. "Whereas liquid shampoos may contain as much as three quarters or more water, solid bar shampoos contain much less," she adds. That means a solid shampoo bar can also give you the same number of washes as a bottle, but in a lighter format. Thus, as Aral notes, less energy is required to ship bar shampoos compared to liquid shampoos.

Headshot of Chiara Butler

Chiara (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she conducts hands-on testing of health and beauty products. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Columbia University. Before joining GH in 2022, she worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of brands and learning to decode ingredient lists, evaluate ingredient efficacy and scrutinize product claims.

Headshot of Jacqueline Saguin

Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute . Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

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These Are the 6 Best Shampoo Bars on the Market (We Tested Exactly 22)

Effective and sustainable.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

In This Article

  • Our Top Picks
  • What to Look For
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

If you’re ready to make the switch to bar shampoo, we recommend J.R. Liggett’s Old Fashioned Shampoo Bar . It’s formulated with a blend of nourishing oils and vitamins and allowed us to go longer without washing our hair. For a deep clean, Odacité Shampoo Bar removes buildup while being safe for color-treated hair.

With personal hygiene, there are  bar soap  people and body wash people. But even if you’re usually a liquid soap or shampoo person, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by the performance and convenience of a shampoo bar. “Shampoo bars are a solid form of shampoo usually made from a blend of raw or plant-based ingredients like oils,” explains hairstylist  April Kayganich . Typically made without  sulfates  and other harsh detergents common in liquid formulas, shampoo bars are gentler on your hair—and many are hydrating, too. 

Plus,  shampoo bars  are great for traveling because they’re compact, leak-proof, and fantastic for people who want to adopt a more sustainable beauty routine. To find the best shampoo bars available, we  tested  them in place of our go-to shampoo over two weeks, evaluating their ease of use, comfort, performance, and durability. After consulting with experts and researching online reviews, here are the very best on the market.

Best Overall

J.r. liggett's all-natural shampoo bar.

Lathers nicely 

Moisturizing formula 

Bar is very durable

Thick, rectangular shape could be challenging for some to hold and maneuver across the scalp

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 3.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A great option for people with varying hair and skin types, this moisturizing shampoo bar is formulated with a blend of coconut oil , aloe vera , almond oil , mango butter , and vitamins A, B, and E to nourish the scalp as it cleanses. Just one bar is equal to 24 ounces of liquid shampoo, making it an excellent value and a compact product to keep in your shower.

We loved how easily it lathered when we massaged it across our head and that it didn’t leave us with a greasy look or feel. Our second-day hair looked just as good as the first day, so we were able to extend the time between washes . It's also worth noting that after two weeks of consistent use, the J.R. Liggett shampoo bar remained in pretty perfect shape. While we found the bar easy to hold, we do wish the shape was more curved to help people with limited mobility achieve a more comfortable grip. 

Byrdie / Jenna Igneri

Best Hydrating

Kitsch castor oil nourishing shampoo bar.

Kitsch 

Does an excellent job at hydrating the hair and scalp

Great for an everyday cleanse

Has a neutral, pleasant scent

Can be difficult to work into thick hair

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 3.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s no surprise we really enjoyed this highly rated shampoo bar. The formula features nourishing castor oil and is free from harsh surfactants that can dry out the hair. While we had a bit of trouble getting to the roots of thicker hair with the bar during testing, we loved that a few swipes across the hair or rubbing it in our palms created a really effective lather that ultimately got the job done. The non-stripping formula is great for an everyday cleanse, but if we needed a deeper clean on sweaty gym days, we could rinse and repeat effectively. Unlike other similar products we've used in the past, we loved that you could truly feel how conditioning this formula was—it left our strands and scalp feeling moisturized. 

Byrdie / Sophia Noulas

Best Gentle

Christophe robin hydrating shampoo bar.

Christophe Robin

Effectively cleanses scalp and hair leaving them feeling balanced

Bar is extremely durable

100% vegan formula

Takes a bit of effort to lather 

We recommend this gentle shampoo bar that will leave your hair feeling clean and not stripped. The formula contains aloe vera, coconut oil, and olive oil , making it a nourishing option for those with dry hair. Getting the product to lather did take a bit of effort (we found rubbing it straight on the hair worked best), but once we got used to it, it lathered nicely and effectively cleansed our hair and scalp. The bar itself was easy to grip while washing, and it left our hair feeling similar to how our go-to liquid shampoo would. While it didn’t provide an incredibly deep cleanse that left our scalp free from excess oil for an extended period of time, it worked beautifully as a day-to-day type of shampoo.

Best for a Deep Clean

Odacité 552m soap free shampoo bar.

Creates squeaky clean result

Easy to lather 

Bar is quite durable 

Suitable for color-treated hair

Can be a bit stripping

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 1.25 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you deal with greasy roots and product buildup, we recommend getting your hands on this shampoo bar. It works to rid your hair and scalp of excess oil and buildup, and the soap-free formula is safe for color-treated hair, too. It lathered nicely—just like a traditional bar soap would—and we really liked that it provided a squeaky-clean result. Just be aware that we did find it to be so effective at cleaning that it could be a little bit stripping on the scalp and slightly drying on the ends. We’d recommend it to people with balanced or oily hair because you likely won't feel stripped, especially considering that the formula contains hydrating argan and castor oils. After cleansing with this shampoo and using a deep conditioner , we were truly impressed with the results. If you’re looking for a shampoo bar that will provide a deep clean, this is the one for you. 

Byrdie / Lindsey Reynolds

Best for Curly Hair

Ethique curl-defining solid shampoo bar.

Leaves curls looking healthy and bouncy

Effectively cleanses excess oil

Quickly creates a rich lather

Could be better at removing product buildup

Hair Type: Curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 3.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

People with curly hair know that it can be tricky to find shampoos that strike the right balance between effective cleansing and moisturizing, and this shampoo bar does that. In addition to lathering really well, we were super impressed with how effectively it removed a hair oil that we had applied prior to shampooing. It worked to give our scalp and strands a nice, thorough cleanse without compromising on moisture. We were even able to go a day or two longer without washing our hair than normal. After using the bar consistently for two weeks, it remained in pristine condition—no crumbling in sight. 

While we were really pleased with the results we achieved with this shampoo bar, we would have loved for it to have some more clarifying benefits that could help rid curly hair of product buildup. If you’re struggling with buildup, we recommend using a clarifying shampoo after every couple of washes with this bar. 

Byrdie / Hira Srinivasan

Best Scented

Davines love shampoo bar.

Has an invigorating, floral scent

Lathers well 

Bar is durable

Provides gentle and effective cleanse

Bar prone to breaking

Hair Type: Coarse, Static | Sulfate-Free: No | Size: 3.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

For some people, the way their shampoo smells is equally as important as how well it cleanses their hair—it’s simply part of the experience. If this sounds like you, we recommend checking out this shampoo bar that features an invigorating, floral fragrance that’s bold but not overpowering. In addition to the fragrance, we loved that the formula worked to provide a nice cleanse while remaining gentle on the scalp. This shampoo bar was formulated with coarse and static hair types in mind, so it's a great choice if you want hydrated, smooth hair. We also appreciated how well it lathered in our hands, making it effortless to distribute across the scalp and through the lengths of our hair. 

Byrdie / Allison Vancura

What to Look for in a Shampoo Bar

  • Sulfate-free formula : While sulfates are not entirely bad, they can be the culprit of stripping the hair and scalp of necessary oils and moisture. Most options are sulfate-free here—but keep in mind that even if sulfates are listed, not all sulfates are created equal. Many shampoo bars rely on plant-derived sulfates, which aren’t as harsh or drying, says Kayganich, who adds that it’s worth doing a little investigating if you do see sulfates listed on the label.
  • Bar shape : There are many benefits of using a shampoo bar, but it’s true that some of them can be tricky to hold and maneuver due to their shape or texture, which can lead to them slipping around. If you have limited hand mobility, you’ll want to consider the size, shape, and texture of the bar you purchase.

This isn’t a simple yes or no answer—but because many shampoo bars contain no parabens , sulfates, phthalates , silicone, or synthetic fragrances, they are less drying on your hair than liquid shampoo formulas that contain these ingredients. 

Beside the beauty benefits, shampoo bars are more sustainable. “Shampoo bars save water and don’t require excess plastic packaging, making them a good option for those who want to make their beauty routine more eco-conscious,” says stylist Nunzio Saviano , owner of the Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York City, New York. 

It’s always best to follow the directions on the packaging of the shampoo bar you’re using, but in general, you can either create a lather in your palms and apply it from your hands or apply the bar directly to your hair and scalp.

You can store it as you would any other bar soap, so in the shower is fine. But to help increase the longevity, try putting it on a soap dish that has some ventilation on the bottom so that air can circulate around it and it doesn’t get gunky underneath.

According to Kayganich, one bar can replace up to three plastic bottles of shampoo—so quite a while. Some brands even claim that their bars last for 80 to 100 washes or up to six months.

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty including makeup, skincare, fragrance, haircare, and more.

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s a daily shampooer, and after writing this article realized how beneficial shampoo bars can be.

They interviewed two experts for this article to learn more and give better recommendations. Those experts include:

  • April Kayganich, a licensed cosmetologist, stylist, and owner of The Curl Whisperer Salon in Austin, Texas.
  • Nunzio Saviano, a stylist and the owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York City, New York, with 20+ years of experience.

According to our  Diversity Pledge , 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any shampoo bars from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at [email protected] and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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The Hair Care Products Our Editors Never Travel Without

By Meaghan Kenny

A collage of hair products.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When your luggage is limited to a carry-on or weekender bag , every item counts. And when you’re experiencing a new destination, be it gloomy London or the white-sand beaches in St. Lucia , every moment counts. That’s why it’s important to have a few tried-and-true hair care products you can rely on to cut down your packing list and the time spent styling while on a trip. Since we all have different hair types and needs, we asked a dozen of our editors and favorite frequent travelers to share their own holy-grail hair products. They came back with recommendations for everything from double-duty balms to anti-frizz treatments and easy-to-use thermal brushes. Below, 17 of the best hair products to travel with, from trusted brands like Ouai, Biosilk, Ceremonia, and more.

Leave-in conditioners

  • UV protectants  
  • Shampoo and conditioner bars  
  • More hair care favorites  

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Leave-in conditioner is essential for me when I’m traveling, as I tend to plan adventurous trips that put my hair through the ringer— surfing , camping , hiking , and long international flights that dry everything out—so I go heavy on thick conditioning products that can counteract all that exposure. Swedish brand Sachajuan makes products that fit the bill, and its leave-in conditioner (applied to wet/towel-dried hair) noticeably improved my hair during a busier-than-ever travel season; I swear it also extended the time I was able to go before needing a haircut. The bottle doesn’t meet carry-on size requirements at 8.4 ounces, but it’s liquid enough that you can easily pour it into a reusable travel-size bottle . — Megan Spurrell , senior editor

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Give me Biosilk or give me death. No, really. There hasn’t been a hair-washing day in the last 15 years in which I, owner of a significant head of the stuff, haven’t used this saving grace product—even when I go to the hair salon. I apply a dime-sized dollop of the serum to my mane once it’s had about 30 minutes to towel dry, and almost immediately, it reduces my natural frizz by a factor of 10, rendering my hair shiny and healthy even once I begin to lay on the heat tools . Ordinarily, I draw my dose from an extra-large bottle, but I always remember to bring this nifty travel-size version along when I travel. Bonus: It softens dry hands, too, and isn’t sticky or goopy in the least. — Betsy Blumenthal , features and franchises editor

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

I’m in the process of regrowing my hair from the buzz cut I’ve had for the past two years and I’ve fallen right back into step with a product I began using a few years ago and am a big fan of: Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross’s leave-in conditioner. It works well as a conditioner and it’s great for detangling my 4C coils when I’m between styles or traveling on assignment and needing to do a wash-and-go. It doesn’t flake, clump, or leave white streaks in my hair. The Pattern shampoo, conditioner, and my beloved leave-in come in a travel-friendly size, which is, well, perfect! — Tariro Mzezewa , contributo r

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

It's a 10 is one brand I truly swear by. I always spritz on its standard leave-in product after I wash my hair to help with shine, and I'll use it as needed to help with flyaways and frizz throughout the day—needless to say, the travel-size bottle is a must after sitting in a staticky plane seat for six hours. — Caitlin Morton , contributor

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

I'm loving this duo from Ouai—honestly, they're making all of my favorite products right now. I keep my hair in a protective style 99 percent of the time, but still find it important to condition my braids for maximum shine and to avoid a dry scalp. They also serve as a heat protectant for when I do blowouts. — Candace Molatore , contributor

UV protectants

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

When I’m spending a day in the sun, I cautiously lather my face and body in sunscreen, but I somehow always forget about my scalp. I regret this as soon as my scalp starts to peel and flake. I’m not a big hat wearer, so last summer I decided to try Supergoop’s Poof mineral part powder. The consistency is similar to baby powder or other dry shampoos I’ve used and it actually protects my scalp from the sun. It’s great for beach days and is compact enough to fit in my Dopp kit . The only con: The powder color is a bit orangey (I lightly massage it into my scalp which helps the color fade). — Meaghan Kenny , associate commerce editor

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

I’m a broken record on Ceremonia’s products—I love every one I’ve tried, they work like magic and smell amazing, and I think the brand’s mission to bring ancestral Latinx haircare traditions to all is worth celebrating. In addition to its leave-in conditioner , the UV protectant is crucial when I’m traveling. I spray it on my hair before long days in the sun (in an ideal world, that’s every day on every trip), and even pack it in my beach bag to reapply after swimming. I use a little Tangle Teezer to work it through. My hair feels softer throughout the day, and I always get compliments on the scent. — M.S.

Shampoo and conditioner bars 

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

I love how they smell, first and foremost. They also make my hair feel soft and moisturized, without weighing it down. I originally got them for camping trips , but I loved them so much that I just started tossing them into my suitcase for all other types of trips, too. I don't usually check my luggage, so the containers make them super easy and convenient to travel with in a carry-on. — Sarah Kuta , contributor

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

I always travel with HiBar's Moisturize conditioner bar and Moisturize shampoo bar. I'm in the ocean a lot, so I like to have a hydrating shampoo and conditioner on hand. Solid shampoo bars have a concentrated, waterless formula, so they're a great, eco-friendly alternative to traveling with liquid products in plastic containers. I usually pop them in HiBar's Travel Pouch , which easily fits into my carry-on and keeps the bars secure and dry. — Julia Eskins , contributor

More hair care favorites

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

After years of trying and failing to find a strong-hold cream that tames stubbornly frizzy flyaways without looking greasy, I recently stumbled across Bumble and Bumble’s Sumotech Lo-Shine cream in a sample bag and now can’t go anywhere without the stuff. It stays in my purse for ample ponytail touch ups, whether I’m in my home city or jetting to the humid Caribbean —where it truly worked miracles on my insanely frizz-prone curls so I could (for once) forget about what my hair was doing and enjoy my trip. A little goes a very long way, so it’s travel-friendly even as a full-size jar at under two ounces. — Shannon McMahon , destinations editor

Image may contain: Bottle, and Cosmetics

Perfect hair day is right. I rely on a high-performing mini dry shampoo like this one from Living Proof to save me from having to rewash my hair every single day when I’m traveling. A little bit goes a long way—just a few sprays around my scalp and a quick bit of blending with my hands is all it takes to refresh my hair and eliminate excess oil. It smells divine and fits in my small toiletry bag. —M.K.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

More often than not, I travel with check-in luggage, so bringing along all my hair products is rarely an issue for me. But when I need to economize and keep things light, I'm not afraid to say that I use Aesop hand balms like this one to style my hair in a pinch. Of course, I say this with short-hair privilege, so your mileage may vary. But they smell great and do the double-duty of moisturizing my mitts while I'm at it. — Matt Ortile , contributor

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

I can’t trust hotel conditioners. Some of it makes my strands so limp that my hair ties will fall off. Supermilk keeps my wavy-straight hair’s texture just the way I like it, and strangers compliment me on the key lime pie scent. — Alexandra Sanidad, research director

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Sometimes, there just isn’t the time (or accommodations) for a proper shower on the road. My trusty hack for the past few summers has been this super affordable pre-braided headband that gives me a cute updo in less than five minutes and transforms my limp, flat hair into a chic style. You just slip it on over your head, tuck in your surrounding hair into the band, secure with a few bobby pins, and voila, you look like an IG influencer (or, at least, not a showerless swamp monster). Plus, it's lightweight and takes up essentially zero bag space. — Lara Kramer , global director of audience development, social, and analytics

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Rather than bringing a slew of styling tools, I always travel with the Harry Josh Pro Tools Magnesium Round Thermal Brush. This lightweight round brush smooths frizz and gives me a salon-worthy blowout, even if the hotel room hair dryer isn't the highest quality. I like that it heats up quickly, so I can dry my hair faster, which is always a bonus on a busy trip. —J.E.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

  • By Destination
  • By Trip Type
  • Luggage Expertise
  • Packing Tips

Best Shampoo Bars That Simplify All Your Travels

  • 1 Best Overall Shampoo Bar
  • 2 Best Shampoo Bar for Curly Hair
  • 3 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo Bar
  • 4 Most Hydrating Shampoo Bar
  • 5 Best Shampoo Bar for Dandruff
  • 6 Best Fancy Shampoo Bar
  • 7 Best Conditioning Bar
  • 8 Best Shampoo Bar Travel Case

The Best Shampoo Bars That Simplify All Your Travels

If you're sticking to a carry-on, then you have a classic travel conundrum on your hands: nailing down your hair-product plan. Are you going to buy a new batch of drugstore minis? Siphon your regular stuff into TSA-approved bottles? Scrap hair products altogether and go for the hot mess look? We have two words: Shampoo. Bars. Read on to discover why these alternatives to bottled liquid shampoo are genius for travel.

See recent posts by Betsy Farber

Why Shampoo Bars?

Why Shampoo Bars?

How Do Shampoo Bars Work?

  • Wet the bar.
  • Swipe over your hair from your hairline back towards your ends a few times.
  • Work into a lather.

Our Favorite Shampoo Bars

Best overall shampoo bar.

Ethique Pinkalicious Shampoo Bar for Normal Hair

Ethique Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bar for Normal Hair with Grapefruit & Vanilla Scent, Pinkalicious 3.88 oz

Best Shampoo Bar for Curly Hair

LUSH Brazilliant

LUSH Brazilliant Shampoo Bar for Curly Hair

Traveling somewhere with lots of rain and humidity in the forecast? LUSH's cult-favorite Brazilliant bar may be the difference between sexy, manageable beach waves and a frizzy jumble. Packed with non-toxic ingredients (some natural), including andiroba oil, vitamin C, and whole organic oranges, this solid shampoo lathers well and keeps all types of curls—from loose waves to tight ringlets—moisturized, smooth, and in-tact. Plus, the juicy citrus scent is perfect for morning showers.

Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo Bar

Chagrin Valley Neem & Tea Tree Shampoo Bar

Organic Natural Shampoo & Soap Bar, Neem & Tee Trea 2X Pack, Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve

Hotel shampoo is convenient in a pinch, but it can also be a little dicey. The bottles rarely list every ingredient, and the formulas—even at luxury hotels—almost always include harsh chemicals (like parabens and sulfates) that leave hair dry and brittle. Leave the plastic bottles and hair damage behind by bringing your own brick of  Chagrin Valley’s 100 percent natural, hand-cut solid shampoo . The ingredients check every single box that green beauty lovers look for: non-toxic, non-GMO, cruelty-free, sustainable, and preservative- and sulfate-free. And more ingredients are organic—like coconut and jojoba oils and walnut and comfrey leaves—than not.

Most Hydrating Shampoo Bar

Daughter of the Land Morning Glory Bar

Daughter of the Land Morning Glory Shampoo Bar

This handmade-in-Seattle soap smell so good, it might just activate your salivary glands while you're busy lathering up. Each bar is packed with super-moisturizing cocoa butter, goat milk, and honey, which dry strands eat up. Hair is left feeling soft, fresh, and not a bit stripped of its natural moisture.

Best Shampoo Bar for Dandruff

The Yellow Bird Peppermint Shampoo Bar

The Yellow Bird Peppermint Shampoo Bar Soap

Dandruff is a bummer, but the good news is that there are many, many ways to keep it under control. This peppermint-scented shampoo bar by The Yellow Bird is one of the most natural and earth-friendly solutions we've tried. Economical for your wallet and your dopp kit , this handmade multi-tasking cleanser is designed for the scalp and body, gently removing the day's grime without drying out hair or skin. The vegan, silicone-free slab is made with eight natural oils (including organic sunflower and olive), kaolin clay, sea salt, and menthol crystals, and packaged in a recyclable box.

Best Fancy Shampoo Bar

Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar

Christophe Robin  HYDRATING SHAMPOO BAR

If you want to use less waste, but be fancy about it, this vegan, aloe vera-based bar from a legendary French hairstylist may just be the way to go. The earthy citrusy scent is grounding, and olive fruit, coconut, linseed, and castor oils lead the way in terms of moisture.

Best Conditioning Bar

Ethique Eco-Friendly Conditioner Bar for Oily/Normal Hair

Ethique Eco-Friendly Conditioner Bar for Oily-Normal Hair, Wonderbar 2.12 oz

Every shampoo bar on this list stars hydrating oils on its ingredient list, but those with especially dry or unruly hair will want to follow up with conditioner (especially when visiting a destination with hard-on-hair hard water). Cue Ethique’s eco-friendly Wonder bar . Similar to the brand's beloved Pinkalicious bar and most forms of solid shampoo, this conditioning bar saves big on plastic packaging (the brand purports it is the equivalent to five plastic bottles). 

Best Shampoo Bar Travel Case

Lush Metal Shampoo Bar Tins

Shampoo bars fall high on our "travels well" list. Add in a mess-free container, like LUSH’s handy tins , and shampoo bars' place on our game-changing travel toiletries list is all but secure. Available in square, round, and oval shapes, these reusable aluminum cases keep soapy bars dry and reusable. Breezing through security with a chic shampoo bar conveniently stashed in a TSA-approved little tin? A much cuter look than pulling out a bottle of Pantene wrapped in a double-knotted plastic bag.

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  • The Ultimate Toiletries Packing Guide

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  • InStyle Picks

The 12 Best Shampoo Bars of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

It's a sustainable, solid bar that sudses hair like a typical shampoo.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

In This Article

  • Our Top Picks

Other Options You Might Like

Our testing process, what to keep in mind, your questions, answered, what is instyle picks, why shop with us.

InStyle / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

In a world where people are trying to be evermore sustainable, traditional shampoo bottles filled with liquid formulas are being replaced with solid solutions to cleanse and hydrate hair . A bar is good to the last sliver and without bulky packaging, there's no confusion about recycling versus garbage when you're done. Plus, their petite size makes them more eco-friendly to produce and ship.

While all that is well and good, you still need the product to work to fully make a sustainable swap, well, sustainable. That’s where we come in: We tested 21 top-rated shampoo bars to determine the best of the category. When testing the shampoo bars, our team of testers paid close attention to how convenient the bars were to hold, how easily they lathered, how well they worked to clean hair, how they smelled, and how they held up with weeks of use. Throughout the testing process, we were able to weed out the less stellar products to determine the 12 best shampoo bars.

Best Overall

J.r. liggett's all-natural shampoo bar.

  • Ease of Use 5 /5
  • Performance 5 /5
  • Comfort 5 /5
  • Durability 5 /5

This shampoo bar hydrates without weighing hair down, and it lasts for a long time.

While usage is pretty straightforward, we wish the bar included clear instructions.

From the softening and moisturizing benefits to its affordable price and old-school packaging, we completely fell in love with J.R. Liggett's Moisturizing Formula Shampoo Bar. Where many shampoo bars are round, this bar is squared off which makes it particularly easy to hold and maneuver through the hair. “I have a lot of fine hair which generally means it's hard to get shampoo all the way to my scalp,” our tester reveals. “This bar solved that problem beautifully — not only is it easy to use, but rubbing it directly into my hair produces an impressive lather.”

Beyond its ease of use, we love the results this bar delivers. “My scalp is so much happier when using this — more so than anything I have ever tried before. I find myself loving my second-day hair as much as I love my first-day hair, which is rare,” our tester shares, noting that the bar works well to hydrate her dry, flaky scalp while keeping greasy-looking strands at bay.

What’s more, the value of this bar is undeniable. “The bar is durable and still very much intact after two weeks of use,” our tester adds. “I washed my hair seven times during the testing period. Based on the lather and how the bar barely looks used after seven washes, I think this will not only replace my shampoo bottles and ultimately last longer, too.”

Hair Type: All | Scents: 6 | Size: 3.5 oz.

Best for Curly Hair

Ethique curl-defining solid shampoo bar.

  • Performance 4 /5
  • Comfort 4 /5

It lathers quickly and easily and works well to keep hair looking fresh for days post-wash.

It could be slightly more clarifying.

Ethique Professor Curl Curl-Defining Solid Shampoo Bar is a fan favorite for its easy-to-use block shape that smells delightfully (but subtly) of citrus. Shape and scent aside, this shampoo bar is easy to use, works well to deeply clean hair, and helps define curls . “It easily creates a rich lather that gets my oily scalp and hair clean without drying it out,” our tester reveals. “After using, my hair feels soft and manageable, and it makes my waves and curls pop.”

As much as we enjoy the shape, scent, and ease of use of this shampoo bar, the one thing we would change is how clarifying it is. “Since I have curly hair, I use a lot of [styling] products, and I typically need a shampoo that will clarify to get all of the product out without stripping my hair,” our tester explains. “All things considered, though, I definitely recommend this to friends and family with curly or wavy hair. It's easy to use, eco-friendly, and keeps hair clean and healthy!"

Hair Type: Curly | Scent: Coconut Lemongrass | Size: 3.8 oz.

InStyle / Hira Srinivasan

Best for Thick Hair

Kitsch castor oil nourishing shampoo bar.

You can feel the bar conditioning your hair as you wash.

It’s round, which makes it slightly harder to hold when wet.

Kitsch Castor Oil Nourishing Shampoo Bar has earned high praise for its ultra-hydrating, velvety lather that gets hair squeaky clean without drying it out. Plus, even after months of use it looks like new, so you can count on it lasting through countless wash routines.

Aside from being a bit difficult to hold because of its round shape, the only other downside of this shampoo bar is that it sometimes takes a few lathers to really cleanse hair. “Sometimes after a particularly sweaty day, I find I have to lather, rinse, and repeat to get to my scalp,” our tester explains. Still, she says that she recommends it — especially in unison with the Conditioner Bar — as it leaves hair looking and feeling ultra soft and fresh.

Hair Type: All | Scent: Sugared amber and shea | Size: 3.2 oz.

InStyle / Sophia Noulas

Best for Fine Hair

Bar none hydrating shampoo bar.

This bar breathes new life into dirty hair.

It doesn’t have any engravings or a logo, so it’s easy to mistake for a regular bar of soap.

Bar None Hydrating Shampoo Bar may not look like much, but our tester swears it’s the best haircare product she’s ever used. “I was a little skeptical on how this product would work, but it ended up being my own personal ER room — it gave my hair new life,” she exclaims. “After using this, someone said I should be a hair model!”

When used on fine hair , we find that this shampoo bar works well to maintain an every-other-day wash cycle. “I use the bar about three to four times a week, and it looks like it's never been touched before,” our tester marvels, applauding its durability. “The box notes say it lasts two times longer than regular shampoo bottles, and I believe it!”

The only thing she’d change? Its appearance. Without a logo or any engravings, it’s easy to mistake for a ho-hum bar of soap.

Hair Type: All | Scent: Coconut and shea butter | Size: 3.52 oz.

Best for Oily Hair

Lush cosmetics montalbano shampoo bar.

  • Performance 3.5 /5

It’s textured, which makes it particularly easy to use and lather.

It’s not the most moisturizing, and the scent is strong.

Lush was a pioneer in shampoo bars, so it makes sense that the brand’s Montalbano Shampoo Bar is a top pick among shoppers and our testers alike. The yellow puck has a slightly textured feel that makes it easier to hold despite its round shape. Ease of use aside, the bar naturally exfoliates the scalp with rosemary (which also adds to the scent), and leads to less oil production, so hair still looks fresh on day two (and three!). That said, our tester admits that the slightly clarifying nature of the bar also means that her hair feels less hydrated than it does when using her normal shampoo.

Still, if your goal is to cut down on a greasy-looking mane, this bar can help. Plus, it will smell like a Mediterranean getaway in the process. (Of course, if strong citrus scents aren’t your thing, this bar may not be a good pick for you.)

Hair Type: All | Scent: Citrus | Size: 1.9 oz.

InStyle / Michal Hanover

Best for Frizzy Hair

Davines love shampoo bar.

It smells subtle yet delicious, and leaves hair feeling soft and clean.

It doesn’t come with instructions on the packaging.

Davines LOVE Shampoo Bar happens to be the bar version of the brand’s cult favorite bottled shampoo . It’s an ultra-gentle, super-hydrating formula designed to tame coarse, frizzy hair. “The shampoo bar is gentle on my strands and scalp, and my hair feels soft and clean after each use,” our tester assures us, remarking on how durable the bar feels after two weeks of use.

Our only gripe with this bar is that it doesn’t come with instructions on the packaging. Since shampoo bars are still rather new-fangled, some shoppers may not know how to properly use them and thus misjudge them based on misuse. “It took me a couple of washes to get used to the bar and ensure I distributed product evenly throughout my scalp and hair, but after that, it was smooth sailing,” our tester admits.

Hair Type: Coarse, frizzy | Scent: Subtle Herbal | Size: 3.53 oz.

InStyle / Allison Vancura

Best for Damaged Hair

Christophe robin hydrating shampoo bar.

  • Ease of Use 4.5 /5

It’s easy to grip and deeply hydrates hair.

It doesn’t lather well in your hands — but it does on your head.

The Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar, which is infused with aloe vera, coconut oil, and olive oil, is renowned for its deeply hydrating benefits. While it was a bit overwhelming for one of our testers with finer, oilier hair, she assures us that it’s her new go-to recommendation for friends with thick, dry, and damaged hair because of the ultra-nourishing ingredients.

Her one complaint? It’s not the easiest to lather. “At first, I found this shampoo bar hard to lather, but as soon as I started putting the bar directly on my head, it lathered very easily and I felt comfortable using it,” she shares. “It isn't difficult to grip, but it did take me a few washes to feel like I got enough product in my hair with a proper lather.”

Hair Type: Dry, damaged | Scent: Citrus | Size: 3.3 oz.

Best for Color-Treated Hair

Odacité 552m soap free shampoo bar.

  • Comfort 3.5 /5

It leaves hair feeling squeaky clean.

It’s on the drier side, so it’s best to follow up with a deep hydrating conditioner.

The Odacite 552M Soap Free Shampoo Bar is powered by argan and castor oil to leave hair feeling extra soft and clean and looking shiny. According to our tester, it’s easy to lather up strands for a squeaky-clean rinse. In fact, it leaves hair feeling so clean, that her hair maintained its refreshed luster until the fourth day. That said, she admits that part of why the effects last so long is because this bar isn’t the most hydrating. As such, we recommend following up with a hydrating conditioner post-rinse.

Hair Type: All | Scent: Subtle Citrus | Size: 3.7 oz.

InStyle / Lindsey Reynolds

Best Natural

Aari & co. loretta herbal shampoo bar.

  • Ease of Use 4 /5
  • Performance 3.8 /5
  • Comfort 4.5 /5
  • Durability 4.5 /5

It’s a plant-based natural shampoo bar that deeply cleans hair.

It’s not very hydrating.

If you like to only use natural products in your beauty and haircare routines , Aari & Co Loretta Herbal Bar is a great option. The plant-based shampoo bar is made with organic shea butter, saponified oil, organic plantain, and organic honey to leave hair feeling, looking, and smelling fresh.

Despite being infused with shea butter and other hydrating ingredients, we found that this bar, while effective for cleansing strands, doesn’t moisturize them as much as we’d like. That said, our tester points out that it’s advertised for use with the coordinating conditioner bar. “Overall, this shampoo bar works well and cleans my hair, but more moisture could be added to the bar if they want this shampoo to be a one-stop shop,” she says. “Still, it works great and I will continue to use it."

Hair Type: All | Scent: Natural | Size: 4 oz.

InStyle / Emma Tollefson

Superzero Hydrating Repair Shampoo Bar

We got a really nice, deep clean feeling on our hair, as expected, plus it left our strands softer. We estimate one bar is the equivalent of two or three bottles of shampoos, since it looked barely touched at the end of our testing period. We do wish it had a bit more of a milky lather to really suds up and cleanse dirty hair.

Lush Honey I Washed My Hair

The fragrance of this bar can't be beat—honey, of course, but there's another sweet element. If they could bathe in this scent, we would. The bar claims to last 80 shampoos and since we experienced no crumbling or issues with the bar disintegrating, we believe it. It really lathered to distribute through our long, thick hair and gave us a good level of clean. We did dock a few points because of the texture of the bar: The nubby texture sometimes got caught in our hair and tugged. It wasn't painful, but was an annoyance to the washing process.

Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Restoring Shampoo Bar

For a budget-friendly price and available at your local drugstore, this is great pick. The bar was comfortable to hold, easy to use, and it lathered better than some other options on our list. It would be nice if the formula was a little more moisturizing; we found our thick hair felt a bit dry after using. We followed up with a conditioning mask to counteract those effects and that helped.

While the category may be newer and less common than liquid shampoo, there are still an overwhelming number of products on the market. We took 21 of the most popular shampoo bars and had our most knowledgeable editors and beauty obsessives put them to the test. Each product was sent to a different person and incorporated into their hair care routine for a minimum of two weeks (many kept using for nearly two months of insights before this article was completed).

After the trial period, our testers reported back with every last detail of their findings; keeping ease of use (how it felt in their hands, how well it lathered), performance (was their hair clean, but not stripped, how did hair look and feel after), comfort (was it scented), and durability (how long did a bar last, did it crumble or stay whole) top of mind. We gathered the details insights, making notes of any pros/cons or hair type specific comments to make our selections. From there, we settled on the 9 best-performing shampoo bars.

Just like traditional shampoo, your hair type matters when shopping for a shampoo bar. Where more hydrating, oil-based formulas (like Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar ) will work well for drier, curlier, and color-treated hair types, they can overwhelm fine and thin hair. With this in mind, be sure to consider the specific hair type listed on the bar while shopping. If it says it’s great for all hair types, take note of how many butters and oils are present, as those can be too heavy for finer hair types. Try the Bright Organix Bar None Hydrating Shampoo Bar if you have fine hair.

Size and Shape

Even though shampoo bars are significantly smaller than bottles of shampoo, they’re more concentrated: Made with less (or zero water) to make the formula more potent. The water from your shower hits the bar, causing it to lather, so minimal water is needed in the actual formula. Because of this, they’re designed to last longer than most liquid formulas.

When shopping for a shampoo bar, think about what will be most comfortable to hold. Typically, square bars give you more grip, but if you don’t have a preference, you’ll have a world of options before you.

How do you use a shampoo bar?

Much like a bar of soap! According to Isfahan Chambers-Harris, M.D., trichologist and founder of Alodia Hair Care , you can either lather it in your hands and transfer the lather to your strands, or directly lather the bar in your hair, against your scalp, and down your strands. Obviously, you’ll want to do this while your hair is wet. Otherwise, the solid shampoo bar won’t be able to lather at all.

If you’re not sure which method is best for your hair type, know this: “If your roots are very oily, rub the shampoo bar directly on your hair,” says LA-based celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, who works with A-listers like Megan Fox and Camila Cabello.

How should you store shampoo bars?

Like bars of soap, shampoo bars can get slimy if not properly stored. For the longest-lasting use, Dr. Chambers-Harris says to store your shampoo bar in a cool, dry place when not in use. (AKA, don’t leave it in a puddle on your shower shelf.) Another option, Giannetos says, is to plop it in a mesh bag and hang it from a hook in your shower to dry.

How long do shampoo bars last?

Shampoo bars can last surprisingly long. When used a few times a week, you can expect your bar to last around three months, Dr. Chambers-Harris says. Though, some of our testers report that their bars became more crack-prone around the 2-month mark.

Are shampoo bars better for your hair than traditional shampoo?

From a sustainability stance? Yes. From a results perspective? It’s a personal preference. “One of the major pros is that shampoo bars contain less harsh ingredients, however, a con is that the pH of shampoo bars tend to be a bit higher than traditional shampoos — which can cause dryness and frizz,” Dr. Chambers-Harris reveals. It depends how your hair reacts to the individual formulas, but if you find a hydrating formula that cleanses to your liking, you can still achieve great results.

Do shampoo bars dry out your hair?

It depends on the bar. That said, because shampoo bars tend to contain fewer chemicals, Giannetos says that they’re known for being quite hydrating. If you really need a boost of hydration, try our best overall pick J.R. Liggett's Moisturizing Formula Shampoo Bar .

Did you notice the  InStyle Picks seal of approval  at the top of this story? That means our team of testers has reviewed every product on this list using a unique methodology to ensure it's really worth your time, money, and attention. We may get samples for free to try but we never promise positive (or any!) coverage in exchange. Put simply:  InStyle  Picks are products we love, and we've put them to the test to be sure you will too.

Rebecca Norris has covered beauty for nearly 10 years. For this story, she compiled the insights and reviews of 21 InStyle testers to determine the best shampoo bars of 2024. She also spoke with trichologist Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris , and LA-based Celebrity Hairstylist, Dimitris Giannetos to learn the top benefits and drawbacks of shampoo bars.

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Top 10 Travel-Friendly Shampoo and Conditioner Sets

Unravel the secret to enviable hair on the go with our guide to the top 10 travel shampoos and conditioners! Say goodbye to bad hair days and hello to luscious locks, no matter where your adventures take you.

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Ever found yourself wrestling with a full-sized bottle of your favorite shampoo at airport security?

Well, you're not alone!

And that's why the universe handed us the boon of the "best travel shampoo and conditioner" sets.

This article is your guide to the top 10 sets that not only meet travel regulations but also give your hair the love it deserves while you're globetrotting.

We'll dive into the world of portable hair care, exploring sets that will keep your locks lush without taking up half of your suitcase!

So, fasten your seatbelts, folks.

We're about to embark on an exciting journey that guarantees good hair days, even on the go.

Why stick to hotel basics when you can carry salon-quality care in your carry-on?

Stick around, and you'll discover some compact, travel-friendly gems that your hair (and your luggage allowance) will thank you for!

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

TRESemme Shampoo & Conditioner

Enjoy salon-quality hair care on your travels with this compact set!

  • Deeply moisturizes dry, damaged hair for revitalized locks.
  • Sulfate-free formulation, ensuring gentle, non-harsh hair care.
  • Convenient travel size, perfect for on-the-go hair maintenance.
  • Infused with a delightfully aromatic scent for refreshing experience.
  • May not be suitable for those preferring unscented hair products.

This set stands out in the market for its impressive moisture restoration and gentle care compared to more generic travel hair care products.

Learn more…

The TRESemme Shampoo & Conditioner, Sulfate-Free, Travel Size - Moisture Rich Hair Treatment provides an exceptional hair care experience for travelers.

It is specifically formulated to rejuvenate dry, damaged hair, restoring its natural shine and smoothness.

The aromatic scent adds a refreshing touch, making your hair care routine a truly enjoyable experience.

Materials Used

The TRESemme set showcases a rich blend of ingredients, including vitamin E and biotin.

Vitamin E helps to moisturize and repair damaged hair, while biotin strengthens hair strands, reducing breakage and promoting healthier hair growth.

Quality of Materials Used

TRESemme is renowned for its commitment to superior quality.

The vitamin E and biotin used are of premium grade, ensuring effective results.

The formula is made without sulfates, further endorsing TRESemme's commitment to gentle, non-harsh hair care.

How It Has Evolved From Previous Models

While TRESemme's earlier ranges provided excellent hair care, this particular set takes a step further by focusing on moisture restoration for dry and damaged hair.

The inclusion of vitamin E and biotin is a significant evolution, offering improved repair and strength to hair strands.

TRESemme's Sulfate-Free, Travel Size - Moisture Rich Hair Treatment is a fantastic choice for maintaining healthy, shining hair during your travels.

Its premium ingredients combined with a gentle, sulfate-free formulation ensure effective and enjoyable hair care.

It's a simple yet efficient solution.

Offering salon-quality results in a travel-friendly package, it stands as a reliable hair care companion for your journey.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

GK HAIR Global Keratin Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

Give your hair the love and care it deserves with this phenomenal set.

  • Infuses hair with essential moisture, combating dryness and damage.
  • Specifically designed for color treated hair, maintaining vibrancy and shine.
  • Suitable for all hair types, enhancing versatility for men and women.
  • Free from sulfates and parabens, ensuring gentle and non-harsh treatment.
  • Not ideal for those preferring heavily scented hair products.

It competes effectively in the market, providing unmatched hair nourishment and color preservation without the use of harsh chemicals.

The GK HAIR Global Keratin Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner Sets is a perfect solution for revitalizing color treated hair.

The ultra-moisturizing formula nourishes your hair, maintaining its color and shine.

It's a unisex product, suitable for all hair types, and is free from sulfates and parabens.

This set incorporates keratin, a protein naturally found in hair, and Juvexin, a special blend of proteins and peptides optimized to restore hair's elasticity and reduce breakage.

These ingredients work together to help repair damage, restore health and shine, and preserve color in treated hair.

The GK HAIR set uses the highest quality keratin and Juvexin, sustainably sourced to maintain their natural potency.

These ingredients are blended in a precise formulation that provides maximum benefits to your hair without causing any harm due to harsh chemicals.

Compared to previous editions, GK Hair has enhanced the formula by adding Juvexin, a game-changing ingredient that provides extra strength and elasticity to your hair.

This new formula ensures that every wash leaves your hair feeling healthier, shinier and more vibrant than ever before.

GK HAIR Global Keratin Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner Sets is a fantastic choice for color treated hair.

Its superior ingredients and sulfate and paraben-free formula make it a gentle, effective solution for maintaining your hair's health and color vibrancy.

This set is a simple and effective hair care system that's easy to understand and use, making it ideal for teenagers and adults alike.

It's a product that truly delivers on its promise, giving you salon-quality results.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Collection

Say goodbye to dry, discolored hair and hello to vibrant, shiny locks.

  • Moisturizing elements restore dry hair to healthy, lustrous state.
  • Protects and prevents hair discoloration from exposure to pool chemicals.
  • Formulated for swimmers, offering comprehensive hair care solution.
  • Delivers shine, enhancing hair's natural vibrancy and health.
  • Not specifically designed for non-swimmers or dry scalp conditions.

This collection surpasses others by simultaneously addressing swimmers' unique hair needs and maintaining hair's natural shine and health.

The Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Collection is a game-changer for swimmers grappling with hair damage from pool elements.

It offers a complete hair care regimen designed specifically to protect and restore hair exposed to chlorine and other pool chemicals.

With its moisturizing and shine-restoring capabilities, this collection gives your hair the protection and care it thoroughly deserves.

The collection uses a blend of antioxidants, UV absorbers, and eco-friendly ingredients like Glucose, Ascorbic Acid, and Sodium Gluconate.

These ingredients work together to protect the hair from chemical damage, restore its natural shine, and maintain its color.

Malibu C uses high-quality, eco-friendly ingredients, ensuring your hair gets the best care without harming the environment.

The materials are carefully chosen for their ability to protect, restore, and enhance the health and vibrancy of the swimmer's hair.

This collection has evolved by introducing more powerful, eco-friendly ingredients designed to combat the harsh effects of pool chemicals on the hair.

It now offers better protection against discoloration and more intense hydration than previous iterations.

The Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Collection is an exceptional, comprehensive hair care solution for swimmers.

Its specialized formulation, high-quality materials, and enhanced features make it an effective answer to the unique challenges posed by swimming on hair health.

With its easy-to-understand benefits and usage, it makes complex hair care issues simple and manageable, even for a teenager.

It's a product that truly delivers on its promise, giving you salon-quality results after every swim.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

UltraSwim Shampoo and Conditioner

Unleash the power of dynamic duo for a truly invigorating swimmer's hair care experience.

  • Assures an intense cleanse, eliminating chlorine and impurities.
  • Actively repairs hair, restoring the natural structure and shine.
  • The compact size offers convenient portability for on-the-go use.
  • Specially crafted for swimmers, providing targeted care and protection.
  • The scent may not appeal to all users.

UltraSwim sets itself apart in the market by providing specialized care and protection for swimmers' hair, unmatched by regular hair care products.

UltraSwim Dynamic Duo Repair Shampoo and Conditioner is your ultimate hair repair solution post-swimming.

The powerful duo works together to cleanse away chlorine and impurities, while restoring the natural shine and vitality of your hair.

It's designed with swimmers in mind, ensuring your hair remains healthy despite frequent exposure to pool water.

The UltraSwim set combines a unique mix of vitamin E, aloe, and protective conditioners that work in synergy to repair and restore the hair structure, while neutralizing chlorine, oxidation, and environmental damage.

Quality is determined in UltraSwim products.

The vitamin E, aloe, and protective conditioners utilized are of the highest quality, ensuring effective hair repair and protection against harsh pool chemicals.

In comparison to previous models, UltraSwim Dynamic Duo now offers improved chlorine neutralization and optimized hair repair capabilities.

The improved formula offers enhanced effectiveness, making your hair feel healthier and more vibrant after each wash.

UltraSwim Dynamic Duo Repair Shampoo and Conditioner is a fantastic product that delivers as promised.

It is a simple, yet effective hair care solution that can be easily understood and used by teenagers and adults alike.

With its high-quality materials and advanced formula, it provides a comprehensive hair care solution for swimmers, ensuring healthy, vibrant hair no matter how often you swim.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Biolage Hydra Source Shampoo

A salon-quality, vegan solution for dry hair that provides hydration and helps repair split ends.

  • Delivers exceptional hydration to dry, thirsty hair.
  • Aids in repairing and preventing split ends.
  • The weightless finish leaves hair soft and manageable.
  • Cruelty-free and vegan, promoting ethical beauty practices.
  • May not be as suitable for those with oily hair.

In a saturated market, this product stands out, offering superior hydration and repair without compromising on ethical values.

Biolage Hydra Source Shampoo is your go-to for combatting dry, brittle hair.

It moisturizes effectively, leaving your hair feeling soft and looking vibrant.

Its reparative properties target split ends, fostering healthier, more resilient hair over time.

Biolage Hydra Source Shampoo uses a blend of natural ingredients, including aloe and passion fruit.

These elements work together to hydrate and repair hair strands, ensuring a smooth, shiny finish.

Rest assured that only the highest quality ingredients are used in this shampoo.

The natural extracts included are rich in essential nutrients, offering your hair the nourishment it craves and deserves.

Improvements from its predecessor models include a more effective formula for combating dryness and split ends, as well as an enhanced, lighter finish that leaves hair bouncy and full of life.

Biolage Hydra Source Shampoo is an excellent choice for those seeking to hydrate and repair their dry hair.

Its superior quality, ethical standards, and salon-grade results make it a standout product.

The simplicity of its usage, coupled with its effectiveness, makes it a heaven-sent solution for teenagers and adults alike who are struggling with dry hair and split ends.

It turns the complex issue of hair care into a simple, manageable routine, delivering shiny, healthy hair with every wash.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Biolage Hydra Source Conditioning Balm

Replenish, hydrate, and transform damaged hair into luxurious locks.

  • Provides intense hydration to restore dry, lifeless hair.
  • Nourishes each strand, promoting overall hair health.
  • Repairs damage and fortifies hair strength.
  • Sulfate-free and vegan, supporting ethical beauty practices.
  • Might be too heavy for fine hair types.

This product shines among its rivals with its superior hydration, repair capabilities, and ethical standards.

Biolage Hydra Source Conditioning Balm is an essential product for bringing dry, damaged hair back to life.

It deeply conditions, hydrates, and nourishes your hair from root to tip, transforming it into vibrant, shiny locks.

Its vegan, sulfate-free formula ensures healthy hair without compromising your values.

This conditioning balm features natural ingredients such as aloe and cupuaçu butter.

These elements deliver intense hydration, nourishment, and damage repair, ensuring soft, healthy hair.

The high-quality, natural ingredients used in this conditioner provide optimum hair health benefits.

Aloe and cupuaçu butter are known for their hydrating and repairing properties, ensuring the best for your hair.

Compared to its predecessors, this balm offers enhanced hydration and fortifying properties.

The updated formula is more efficient, leaving hair feeling exceptionally soft and looking incredibly healthy.

Biolage Hydra Source Conditioning Balm is a remarkable product for transforming dry, damaged hair.

Its straightforward application and effective results make it an ideal choice.

Its ability to simplify the complex task of hair care into an easy routine is its standout quality.

The result is healthier, shinier hair with every use - an outcome sure to be appreciated by all, regardless of age.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Sun Bum Curls & Waves Shampoo

Experience the magic of nature in a bottle for your curly, wavy hair.

  • Delivers refreshing cleanliness to wavy and curly hair.
  • Hydrates and nourishes hair for a healthier appearance.
  • Vegan and cruelty-free, supporting responsible beauty routines.
  • Engenders softness and shine in each strand.
  • Might not be as suited for straight hair types.

This shampoo outshines other options with its special attention to wavy and curly hair, offering a distinctive blend of care and nourishment.

Sun Bum Curls & Waves Shampoo is a unique solution for those with curly or wavy hair.

This vegan and cruelty-free product effectively washes your hair, leaving it hydrated and nourished.

Its light, gentle formula brings out the best in your curls and waves, making them soft and shiny.

This shampoo showcases natural ingredients such as Kukui Nut Oil and Monoi Coconut Oil.

These components work together to moisturize and enhance your curly or wavy hair, providing a healthy, shiny finish.

The materials used, such as Kukui Nut Oil and Monoi Coconut Oil, are of top-notch quality and are known for their nourishing properties.

They work together to provide your hair with the hydration it craves, leaving it soft and shiny.

The enhanced formula of this shampoo offers superior care for curly and wavy hair types compared to previous models, resulting in more defined and healthier-looking curls.

Sun Bum Curls & Waves Shampoo is a standout product that delivers on its promises.

Its simple yet effective formula makes it an ideal choice for those looking to embrace and enhance their natural curls or waves.

Its commitment to vegan and cruelty-free practices further amplifies its appeal, making it not just a product, but a responsible choice for your hair care routine.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Sun Bum Curls Conditioner

Unleash the full potential of your wavy and curly hair with nourishing care.

  • Restores essential hydration to your wavy and curly hair.
  • Nourishes each strand for improved health and shine.
  • Crafted with a vegan formula and cruelty-free practices.
  • Enhances hair’s natural texture, emphasizing your waves and curls.
  • Might not deliver the same benefits for straight hair types.

When stacked against its competition, this conditioner scores high marks for its specific focus on nourishing and defining wavy and curly hair, all while upholding ethical beauty standards.

Sun Bum Curls Conditioner is a game-changer for those with wavy or curly hair.

This vegan and cruelty-free treatment saturates your hair with moisture and nourishing ingredients, enhancing its natural texture.

The result is soft, shiny curls or waves that are truly your own.

Noteworthy ingredients include Monoi Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, both known for their conditioning and hydrating properties.

Through their combined effect, they help to redefine your curls or waves, leaving them feeling soft and looking shiny.

The high-quality natural ingredients, especially Monoi Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, are well-known for their superior conditioning effects.

These elements work together to provide your hair with the hydration and nourishment it needs, ensuring a healthy, shiny appearance.

This conditioner represents an upgrade from previous models with its enhanced capabilities to hydrate and define wavy and curly hair, resulting in healthier, more vibrant curls or waves.

Sun Bum Curls Conditioner is a star performer when it comes to refreshing and revitalizing wavy and curly hair.

Its simplicity of use, effectiveness, and commitment to ethical practices make it an exceptional choice for those seeking to nourish and enhance their natural hair texture.

It turns the complex world of hair care into an easy, manageable routine, delivering shiny, healthy hair with each use.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

TRISWIM Shampoo & Conditioner

Experience the ultimate hair revival with this dynamic duo designed to combat chlorine damage.

  • Effectively eliminates chlorine, leaving your hair refreshed and revitalized.
  • Restores moisture to dry and damaged hair, promoting health and shine.
  • Suitable for all hair types, making it a versatile choice.
  • Comes as a set, offering integrated hair care solution.
  • Might not work as effectively on non-chlorine damaged hair.

When compared to other products, this set uniquely targets and neutralizes chlorine damage, offering comprehensive care in a league of its own.

TRISWIM Chlorine Out Shampoo & Conditioner Gift Set is a complete hair care solution, specifically designed to fight the harmful effects of chlorine.

It effectively cleanses and conditions your hair, restoring its natural shine and health.

The result is soft, shiny, and manageable hair that feels just as good as it looks.

The shampoo and conditioner set features an innovative blend of ingredients, including organic Aloe Vera and Vitamin E.

These naturally derived components work together to repair, hydrate, and protect your hair from further damage.

The superior quality of organic Aloe Vera and Vitamin E used in this product ensures effective chlorine removal and intensive hair nourishment.

These natural, high-quality materials help restore your hair's vitality, leaving it feeling smooth and looking shiny.

TRISWIM set represents an upgrade from previous models, boasting an improved formula that more effectively removes chlorine, hydrates, and repairs hair.

This enhanced capability offers superior results, ensuring healthier, shinier hair with every wash.

TRISWIM Chlorine Out Shampoo & Conditioner Gift Set is a complete hair revival solution.

It simplifies the complexities of haircare, offering an easy-to-use, effective system that combats chlorine damage and promotes healthy, shiny hair.

The simple, clear language used in this description should make your decision easy - this is a top-notch product for anyone keen on comprehensive and effective hair care.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Kristin Ess Shampoo + Conditioner

Unleash softness, shine, and manageability in your hair, wherever you travel.

  • Deeply moisturizes hair, combating dryness and enhancing smoothness.
  • Tames frizz, offering a sleek, controlled hair appearance.
  • Safe for color-treated hair, preserving your vibrant hues.
  • Travel-friendly set, bringing salon-quality care on every journey.
  • May not provide the same benefits for untreated hair.

When set side by side with other products, this set’s travel readiness and color-safe features give it a unique edge, without mentioning specific competitors.

The Kristin Ess Signature Travel Size Salon Shampoo + Conditioner Set is your portable salon-grade solution for hair care.

Ideal for those who are always on-the-go, it delivers essential hydration and frizz control, all while being safe for color-treated hair.

Its vegan and sulfate-free formulation underscores its commitment to your hair’s health and the environment.

The set’s formulation includes key ingredients like Zip-Up Technology™, Chia Seed Oil, and Hydrolyzed Keratin, each contributing to moisturizing, softening, and strengthening your hair.

The high-quality, carefully selected materials like Zip-Up Technology™, Chia Seed Oil, and Hydrolyzed Keratin work in synergy to offer superior conditioning and strengthening effects, ensuring your hair retains its softness, shine, and resilience.

This travel set has evolved from its previous versions, now featuring an enhanced anti-frizz formula and improved moisture retention, promising better hair manageability and shine.

The Kristin Ess Signature Travel Size Salon Shampoo + Conditioner Set is a remarkable product, combining convenience, high-quality ingredients, and exceptional performance in one handy pack.

It simplifies the hair care process, making it a straightforward routine that delivers polished, salon-like results wherever you may be.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

HiBAR Shampoo & Conditioner

Travel-friendly hair care solution that leaves your hair soft, shiny, and manageable.

  • Formulated to effectively cleanse and condition your hair.
  • Convenient travel size for easy packing and usage.
  • Three different formula sampler set to cater to different hair types.
  • Promotes plastic-free hair care, supporting environmental sustainability.
  • May not suit all hair types equally.

Unlike other brand offerings, this set stands out due to its travel-friendly packaging, diverse formulas and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

The HiBAR Shampoo & Conditioner Set, with its travel-friendly bar formulation, has revolutionized the hair care industry.

Offering three different formulas in a sampler set, it caters to varied hair needs - be it moisture, volume or balance.

Its commitment to plastic-free hair care makes it an ideal choice for those seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

This set utilizes natural ingredients such as coconut oil, essential oils, and plant extracts.

It is free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, ensuring gentle and beneficial hair care.

The high-quality, all-natural ingredients used in these bars provide effective cleansing and conditioning.

They ensure gentle care for your hair, promoting health, shine, and manageability without harsh chemicals.

The HiBAR set has evolved to include three different formulas in one sampler set, allowing you to experience and choose the most suitable option for your hair type and concerns.

The HiBAR Shampoo & Conditioner Set offers a unique and convenient solution to hair care.

Its simple, travel-friendly design, combined with high-quality, natural ingredients, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking effective and environmentally conscious hair care.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Living Proof Smooth Me Over Discovery Kit

Experience salon-quality hair care right in your home with this comprehensive kit.

  • Ensures smooth, frizz-free hair for a polished look.
  • Provides long-lasting hydration to combat dryness.
  • Protects against heat and UV damage, ensuring hair health.
  • Suitable for all hair types, enhancing versatility and convenience.
  • Might not suit those with extremely sensitive scalp.

Given the market flooded with hair care kits, Living Proof Kit stands out with its comprehensive approach to hair health, without naming specific competitors.

The Living Proof Smooth Me Over Discovery Kit is a comprehensive hair care solution designed to deliver salon-quality results.

From cleansing to conditioning to styling, it meets all your hair care needs.

Its patented Healthy Hair Molecule technology ensures you enjoy smooth, hydrated, and protected hair.

This kit includes products formulated with the proprietary Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA), patented Volumizing Molecule (PBAE), and nourishing ingredients like glycerin and Panthenol.

The quality materials used in this kit, like OFPMA and PBAE, work to combat frizz, add volume, and protect hair. Meanwhile, glycerin and Panthenol hydrate and nourish for healthy, vibrant hair.

Unlike previous versions, this kit now comes with an additional Heat Styling Spray to provide heat and UV protection, enhancing the overall hair care routine.

The Living Proof Smooth Me Over Discovery Kit is a fantastic hair care solution, delivering professional results in an easy-to-use format.

With its carefully selected, high-quality ingredients and comprehensive approach to hair care, it simplifies and improves your routine, making great hair days a regular occurrence. I

t provides practical, actionable results, breaking down the complex world of hair care into a simple, effective routine.

The simple language and clear instructions make this kit suitable even for beginners in hair care.

How We Choose

To select the top contenders for "best travel shampoo and conditioner," we rolled up our sleeves and dove into hours of intensive research.

We scrutinized countless customer reviews, comments, and ratings on various online platforms.

It's important to us that real users get the chance to weigh in.

We also poured over detailed product information to understand what sets each product apart.

To find the cream of the crop in travel-sized hair care.

We kept our language simple and our explanations clear so you can feel confident in understanding why our selections truly shine.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Buyers Guide

Key considerations when buying the best travel shampoo and conditioner.

When embarking on a journey, whether for business or leisure, one essential aspect that often gets overlooked is haircare.

Selecting the best travel shampoo and conditioner is crucial to maintaining shiny, healthy, and manageable hair, even on the road.

Let's discuss some key considerations to bear in mind while making your selection.

Size and Portability

Travel-size toiletries should be compact and easy to carry.

Imagine having to fit a full-size shampoo bottle in your toiletry bag!

That would not only take up a lot of space but could also lead to unwanted spills and messes.

Formula and Ingredients

The formula of the shampoo and conditioner is paramount.

Products that contain nourishing ingredients.

An ideal shampoo will effectively cleanse your hair, removing excess oil without stripping it of its natural moisture.

A good conditioner will replenish this moisture, leaving your hair soft and manageable.

A conditioner bar or shampoo conditioner bar can be a great choice for travel.

They are easy to use, last long, and there is no risk of spills.

Suitability for Your Hair Type

Just like with regular hair care products, it's essential that your travel shampoo and conditioner cater to your specific hair type.

Deep moisturizer and frizz control, possibly with ingredients like a leave-in conditioner or heat protectant.

Ease of Use

Travel can be hectic, and the last thing you want is your haircare routine becoming an added stressor.

Choose a shampoo and conditioner that are easy to use - ones that lather well, rinse cleanly, and leave your hair feeling refreshed and renewed.

Key Features of the Best Travel Shampoo and Conditioner

An excellent travel shampoo and conditioner will be more than just portable.

They will also effectively cleanse and condition your hair, leaving it looking and feeling its best.

Here are some key features to look for:

Moisturizing Properties

Travel can often lead to dry hair, thanks to changes in water and climate.

A shampoo and conditioner with deep moisturizing properties to combat this issue.

A product with UV protectant can also be beneficial, especially if you're traveling to a sunny location.

Frizz Control

If your hair is prone to flyaways and frizziness, look for a shampoo and conditioner that offer frizz control.

Products with ingredients like Chia Seed Oil and Hydrolyzed Keratin can be beneficial in this regard.

If you have color-treated hair, it's essential that your travel shampoo and conditioner are safe for color.

Some products may strip the color from your hair, leaving it looking dull and lifeless.

Additional Considerations

Other features to look for include the presence of natural ingredients, absence of harmful chemicals, and a pleasant scent.

Some products even come with additional accessories like bobby pins or hair ties, which can be handy while traveling.

Investing in the best travel shampoo and conditioner set that caters to your specific hair type and needs can make all the difference in maintaining the health and beauty of your hair while on the go.

Never underestimate the power of good haircare, even when you're far from home.

It can be as simple as having the right products in your toiletry bag.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Understanding Dry Shampoo Conditioner Bars

Dry shampoo conditioner bars are a unique alternative to traditional liquid shampoos and conditioners.

These products work like regular shampoo and conditioner, but they come in a solid bar form instead of a liquid.

The use of these bars can be considered more environmentally friendly as they generally come packaged in recyclable materials, eliminating the need for plastic bottles.

The Benefits of Dry Shampoo Conditioner Bars for Travel

When planning for travel, the weight and size of your luggage matter.

Dry shampoo conditioner bars are lightweight and compact, making them an ideal hair care solution for travelers.

Worries about liquid restrictions at the airport or potential spills in your luggage are eliminated too.

These bars are highly concentrated, meaning they can last longer than their liquid counterparts, which is perfect for extended trips.

Air Drying: The Perfect Complement to Travel Shampoo and Conditioner

Air drying is another practical hair care technique that pairs exceptionally well with the use of the best travel shampoo and conditioner.

Allowing your hair to dry naturally, you can reduce the chances of heat damage from blow dryers, particularly when you're traveling and do not have the time or resources for a full hair care routine.

Air dry helps retain the hair’s natural moisture, making it look healthier and shinier.

Choosing the Best Travel Shampoo and Conditioner: Real-Life Examples

Consider Jane, an avid traveler who often finds herself in different climates and environments.

She struggled with maintaining her hair health on her trips until she discovered dry shampoo conditioner bars.

They were not only convenient to carry but also effective in maintaining the health and cleanliness of her hair, no matter where she was.

The best travel shampoo and conditioner can be a game-changer for your next trip.

Incorporating products like dry shampoo conditioner bars and techniques like air drying into your hair care routine can ensure that no matter where you travel, your hair remains at its best.

Just remember, it's important to choose the products that best cater to your specific hair type and needs.

Considering the Climate of Your Destination

Understanding the climate of your travel destination is essential when choosing the best travel shampoo and conditioner.

Different climates can have varying effects on your hair.

A humid climate may cause your hair to frizz, while a dry climate could leave your hair feeling thirsty and brittle.

It's crucial to choose a shampoo and conditioner tailored to combat these potential issues.

For dry climates, look for products with deep moisturizing properties.

If you're going to a humid location, choose products that offer frizz control.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Adhering to TSA Regulations

When traveling, especially by air, it's paramount to adhere to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations to avoid any hiccups at the security lines.

The TSA limits the amount of liquids you can carry in your carry-on bags.

Each liquid must be in a 3.4 ounce (100 milliliters) bottle or less, and all bottles must fit in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

This is where dry shampoo and conditioner bars come in handy.

Since they're solid and not liquid, they bypass these restrictions, making them a convenient choice for air travel.

Not only do they make your travel experience smoother, but they also save valuable space in your luggage.

The key to perfect travel hair care is preparation.

Consider the climate of your destination, adhere to TSA regulations, and choose products that best suit your specific hair needs.

With this approach, you can ensure your hair remains healthy and radiant, irrespective of where your journey takes you.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Price Range

Inexpensive.

In the budget-friendly range, you can find travel shampoo and conditioner sets for under $10 .

These products may not have the fanciest ingredients or the most advanced formulas, but they can still do a good job of cleaning and conditioning your hair.

They often contain basic, yet effective ingredients which can adequately cater to your hair needs during travel.

If you're willing to spend a bit more, you can get travel shampoo and conditioner sets in the price range of $10 to $20 .

These products often contain a better selection of ingredients, which could include natural oils and proteins.

These components work together to not only clean your hair but also provide additional benefits like moisturizing and strengthening.

For those who don't mind splurging for the sake of their hair care, travel shampoo and conditioner sets costing above $20 are available.

These products are often formulated with high-quality, premium ingredients, such as exotic natural oils, plant extracts, and scientifically proven hair care technologies.

These superior ingredients and formulations provide an enhanced hair care experience, offering deeper nourishment and protection for your hair.

FAQs: Travel Shampoo and Conditioner

Q. what makes a good travel shampoo and conditioner.

A. A good travel shampoo and conditioner should effectively clean and condition your hair, be compact for easy packing, and comply with TSA guidelines on liquid size if you're flying. It's also useful if the formula is tailored to your hair type, whether that's dry, oily, colored, or normal. High-quality ingredients, such as natural oils or proteins, are a bonus.

Q. Can I use travel size shampoo and conditioner daily?

A. Yes, you can use travel size shampoo and conditioner daily. These products contain the same ingredients as their full-sized counterparts, just in a smaller package. However, because of their size, they may run out more quickly if used daily at home.

Q. Is it cheaper to buy travel size shampoo and conditioner?

A. Not necessarily. Travel size shampoo and conditioner are convenient, but they often cost more per ounce than full-sized products. If you travel frequently, it may be worth investing in reusable travel bottles that you can fill with your preferred shampoo and conditioner.

Q. Are there eco-friendly travel size shampoo and conditioner?

A. Yes, there are eco-friendly options available. Some brands offer travel-size shampoo and conditioner in biodegradable packaging, or solid bars that require no packaging at all. Others formulate their products without harmful chemicals that can damage the environment.

Q. Can travel size shampoo and conditioner be carried in hand luggage?

A. Yes, as long as each bottle is 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, according to TSA guidelines. All your bottles need to fit into a single, clear, quart-sized zip-top bag.

Q. Are travel size shampoo and conditioner safe for colored hair?

A. Some travel size shampoo and conditioners are safe for colored hair, but not all. Always check the product's description or label. The best options will include a mention of being color-safe, meaning they won't strip the color from your hair.

Q. How long does travel size shampoo and conditioner last?

A. The longevity of travel size shampoo and conditioner varies based on the frequency of use and the length and thickness of your hair. On average, a travel size bottle can last for around a week of daily use.

Q. Do travel size shampoo and conditioner work as well as regular size?

A. Yes, travel size shampoo and conditioner should work just as well as regular size. The size of the bottle has no impact on the quality or effectiveness of the product inside.

Q. Can I find travel size shampoo and conditioner for specific hair types?

A. Yes, you can find travel size shampoo and conditioner for virtually all hair types. Whether your hair is dry, oily, curly, thin, thick, colored, or natural, there's likely a travel size product suited to your needs.

Q. Can I refill travel size shampoo and conditioner bottles?

A. Yes, many travel size shampoo and conditioner bottles are designed to be reusable. You can refill them from your regular-sized products, which can be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

And there you have it, folks!

We've shampooed our way through the maze of travel-size hair care, untangled the knots of price ranges, and rinsed off any lingering doubts with our FAQ splash.

Whether you've got coins jingling in your pocket or bills flapping in the wind, there's a travel shampoo and conditioner set waiting just for you.

No matter where your travels take you, from the steamy jungles of Amazon to Mars' dusty plains, your hair deserves the best.

Now that's what we call truly 'head-turning' advice!

Enjoyed this rollercoaster ride through the world of travel-size hair care?

Don't fret, the fun doesn't stop here.

Pop over to our other articles for more delightful reads sprinkled with pearls of wisdom.

Cheers to ravishing hair on the road!

Stay sassy, stay classy!

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The Essential Travel Toiletry Items: Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

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Table of Contents

What are Shampoo and Conditioner Bars?

Simply put, shampoo and conditioner bars are solid forms of the liquid form that we are all used to applying. They typically come in the shape of a small round puck that fits nicely in the palm of your hand.

Why Use Shampoo and Conditioner Bars?

TSA Compliant

The biggest reason we decided to use shampoo and conditioner bars is that they are not considered a liquid for going through TSA security. And if you’re like us and prefer to travel carry-on only, reducing your liquids is important . Not only that, the solid form gets you a lot more uses than the 3 ounces of liquid that TSA allows. If the TSA liquid rule is new to you, read about it here .

Packing shampoo and conditioner bars eliminate the risk of them spilling onto the rest of your luggage contents, whether that be your clothing or electronics.

Environmentally Friendly

Most brands do not use any plastic in the making or packaging of shampoo and conditioner bars.  Additionally, the ingredients used are all-natural without any chemical additives . This is all around great for the environment and your hair!

How to Use Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

The first time using shampoo and conditioner bars can be a little odd since it’s different than what you’re used to. But don’t let that stop you.

  • Wet your hair and the bar
  • Glide bar over your hair multiple times until you feel there’s enough product
  • Set bar aside and massage the lather into your scalp
  • Once you feel it’s massaged enough into your scalp, rinse
  • Repeat with conditioner bar
  • Tip: you can also use the shampoo bar as a body soap bar (further reducing the amount of toiletries)
  • Once done, store away from water in between showers (this allows the bars to last longer)

What to Look for When Buying Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

How well does each bar lather? If it’s a shampoo bar do you get a good sudsy, frothy lather? If it’s a conditioner bar, do you get a nice creamy, smooth lather? We associate these lathers when the product is working well. Some brands lathered better than others.

Each bar has some sort of scent. Some floral, others sweet, or even funky scents that you may not typically think would be used in a shampoo or conditioner. This really comes down to personal preference what you may be drawn to, so obviously we reviewed it based on how well we liked the scent and if we thought it was overpowering or mild.

Cleanliness & Residue

Do you get that squeaky clean feel once you rinse out the product? Or does the bar leave behind a residue? Unfortunately, even if a bar lathers well and smells great, it may still leave your hair feeling dirty even though you just washed it.

Soap/Body Wash Use

Does the shampoo bar lather enough that it also works well as a soap bar for the entire body? (Only applicable for shampoo bars)

Eco-Friendly

Does the packaging consist of any plastic? Are the ingredients used naturally derived without any added chemicals? Both these factors contribute to how eco-friendly the shampoo and conditioner bars are.

Shape/Size comfort and packability

How well does the bar fit and feel in your hand as you use it? Does the size pack well?

The overall quality of the bar considering the cost, as well as, how many showers each bar allows.

Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Review

We put 10 different shampoo and conditioner bars to the test and evaluated each one based on their: lather, scent, cleanliness, soap use, eco-friendly, shape/size, and value. Depending on how each bar scored for each of these categories we then gave them an overall Go Score of 1 to 5 – 1 being bad and 5 being excellent.

Before we get into the review, we should note both of our hair types since that could change how it works on your hair if it’s different than ours.

RJ’s Hair – Short (typical man haircut), curly, thick density, coarse texture, and prone to be frizzy

Megan’s Hair – Shoulder length, straight, thick density, fine texture, and prone to be greasy

As you can see, our hair types are quite opposite so we took this into consideration as we reviewed each bar.

Read on to see the complete review of shampoo and conditioner bars.

Shampoo Bar Brand Ratings

Conditioner bar brand ratings, combo bar brand rating, lush shampoo and conditioner bars.

Lush Shampoo Go Score : 4.71 out of 5

Lush Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

What We Like: This bar lathers up really well, smells clean and refreshing with floral and citrus scents. Additionally, you get the squeaky-clean feel and it pulls double-duty since it works great as a soap bar as well.  We got 28 uses out of it using it twice daily for two weeks and using it each time as both a shampoo and body soap bar. The bar is round in shape with a diameter of about 2 inches and a thickness of half an inch. Lush doesn’t use any plastic in their packaging and each bar is made from naturally derived ingredients.

What We Dislike: Nothing, we love these shampoo bars!

Lush shampoo bars are by far our favorite since it hits the mark on all categories. The only category it received a lower score is the value because compared to the other bars we reviewed and the cost for size it scored the worst, but because it scored so well on everything else, the increase in cost is worth it. We’ve tried all of their shampoo bars and love each and every one of them.

Lush Conditioner Go Score : 2.6 out of 5

Lush Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

What We Like:  It has a nice subtle, clean scent. As with Lush’s shampoo bar, the conditioner bar doesn’t use any plastic in their packaging and each bar is made from naturally derived ingredients.

What We Dislike: Unfortunately, there are a lot more dislikes for this bar than there are likes. This bar didn’t condition, in fact, it’s better to not use at all and save on space. It didn’t matter how much we put on; we never felt a creamy lather that you would expect with a conditioner. Due to its large oval shape, it’s a bit harder to handle to begin with. Also, if left in the bathroom, the humidity makes it soft and hard to manage as a conditioner bar. Due to this, we ended up not using the bar completely and only got about 12 showers out of it.

Even though we didn’t like this conditioner bar, that’s not to say all the conditioner bars Lush makes are bad. We haven’t tried their other ones yet, but we’d like to since we think so highly of all their shampoo bars.

Lush Combo Shampoo/Conditioner Bar

Lush Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Lush Combo Bar Go Score : 1.93 out of 5

We end our Lush brand review with the Lush Avocado Co-Wash Bar which is both a shampoo and conditioner combined into one bar.

What We Like: The only thing going for this bar is that it’s eco-friendly – no plastic and made from naturally derived ingredients.

What We Dislike: The lather is more of a conditioner creamy lather and not a shampoo soapy lather which also means there isn’t a squeaky clean feel, so it’s hard to tell if your hair is actually clean. Since it doesn’t have the nice soapy lather, it doesn’t work well as a soap bar. The scent is odd and really hard to define, it doesn’t stink, but smells tart like you’re about to eat the tartest fruit bar or pie. We got a total of 6 showers out of it, doesn’t go nearly as far as others, probably the shortest lifespan for the size. Each shower we used it three times since by the third time we had more of a soapy lather. The shape is a little funky which makes it hard to store and travel with. It comes packaged as a wedge with red wax around it – looks like Babybel cheese. The shampoo/conditioner inside the wax is pretty soft, so the wax probably keeps it together. But due to the wax, it has you question how you’re supposed to use it.

The rest of the review is geared for the ladies since it has to do with longer hair. Megan did not enjoy this bar at all, it fails at all levels! It doesn’t glide over hair like others have, instead it pulls out hair leaving behind strands of hair on the bar – pretty gross. This bar definitely isn’t good for long hair – as mentioned above, Megan’s hair is shoulder length and the struggle was hard enough. Megan’s hair didn’t feel clean or conditioned, she actually had to use another conditioner bar in order to run her fingers through her hair. As you use the bar, wax pieces come off in your hair. After Megan dried her hair there was evident residue left behind making her hair feel dirty and hard to manage. Megan ended up having to take another shower after drying her hair because it felt so gross.

We really wanted to like this one since it would have been the ultimate space saver for toiletries, but in the end, it was the worst bar we reviewed [sad face].

On a happier note, Lush has TONS of different solid toiletry items ranging from toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, body/soap, and makeup. We haven’t tried them yet, but we’ve heard great things about them.

Nature Skin Shop Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

We assessed both the Coconut Milk Shampoo Bar and the Coconut Milk Conditioner Bar . We’re a sucker for coconut, so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to check these babies out! Both are eco-friendly made from naturally derived ingredients and recycled packaging. We separated our review of each in different categories for the shampoo and conditioner bars below.

Nature Skin Coconut Milk Shampoo Go Score : 4.57 out of 5

Nature Skin Shop Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

What We Like: This bar smells amazing straight from the box with a rich coconut scent, but once on your hair, it’s a nice subtle yet clean scent. It has a nice frothy lather and squeaky-clean feel on both hair and body, so be sure to use it as a soap bar as well. The shampoo bar is rectangular in shape (approximately 3 inches by 2 inches), pretty large for travel, so you can easily cut into smaller sizes. This is the only shampoo bar we reviewed that came with ridges which we thought was pretty cool because it allows you to grip the bar easily; however, after the first shower the ridges disappear.

What We Dislike: Surprisingly for its size, it only provided 15 showers, which we would have expected more. Due to this, the value score is knocked down, but ultimately that’s the only thing lacking.

Nature Skin Coconut Milk Conditioner Go Score : 4.7 out of 5

Nature Skin Shop Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

What We Like: Just like the shampoo bar, this bar has a divine scent of coconut and a wonderful creamy conditioning lather. The amount of uses this bar provides seems endless and we’ve honestly lost track, but to give you an idea we’ve pretty much used this bar daily since March 2019 and it’s still going strong at the beginning of November 2019. Out of all the conditioner bars we reviewed, this bar beats them all.

What We Dislike: At first glance, the price might be daunting as it is the most expensive but it has also lasted the longest by far, which makes it so worth it. This conditioner bar is a large puck in shape (approximately 3 inches in diameter), again pretty large for travel and doesn’t fit as well in the palm of your hand, but that’s just a minor inconvenience.

Sweet & Sassy Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Sweet and Sassy Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

The Sweet and Sassy Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Set comes with two shampoo bars and one conditioner bar. This is perfect because in general, you get quite a bit more washes out of the conditioner than the shampoo. You also have the option of three scents: Sun Kissed (what we reviewed), Coconut Lime, or So Sumptuous. Each bar fits nicely in the palm of your hand as they are round with a diameter of about 2.5 inches and 1.5 inches thick. It’s also convenient that the set comes with two recyclable plastic containers (one for the shampoo and the other for the conditioner) – great for on-the-go travel! Some may say that the plastic containers that it comes with are not eco-friendly, so because of this we knocked one point off for the eco-friendly category, otherwise, the bars are naturally derived and chemical-free.

Sweet and Sassy Shampoo (Sun Kissed) Go Score : 4.64 out of 5

What We Like: This shampoo has a great lather with a squeaky-clean feel. Additionally, it makes a great soap bar, but ladies be careful around the genitals – this one burns. It has a great scent of peach even though it doesn’t have peach in it (ingredients include orange, tangerine, lime, and coconut). It has the same consistency as the Lush Shampoo bars that we love and pretty much the same experience. We got a total of 29 showers out of it.

What We Dislike: Nothing to note.

Sweet and Sassy Conditioner (Sun Kissed) Go Score : 4.5 out of 5

What We Like: This conditioner conditions really well and it doesn’t take much to feel the lather working.  We received a total of 38 showers out of it due to the little amount you need to use to get the conditioning lather. Just like the shampoo, it has a peachy scent, but not as strong.

Beauty and the Bees Tasmania Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

We tested a few of the Beauty and the Bees Tasmania bars: Real Beer Shampoo Bar , Real Beer Conditioner Bar , Lemon and Chamomile Shampoo Bar , and Honey Silk Hair Conditioning Bar .  All of Beauty and the Bees Tasmania bars are eco-friendly with recycled packaging and the bars are made from naturally derived ingredients. We separated our review of each in different categories for the shampoo and conditioner bars below.

Beauty and the Bees Tasmania Shampoo Go Score : 4.64 out of 5

Beauty and the Bees Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Each of the shampoo bars are rectangular in shape measuring about 2 inches wide by 4 inches long and 1 inch thick, skinnier than any of the others but great for sharing if you need to cut in half (like in Iceland at the campground showers). Each bar lasted 19 showers with shampooing twice in one shower and using it as a soap bar.

What We Like: Both shampoos ( Real Beer and Lemon and Chamomile ) lather wonderfully and it doesn’t take much at all to get a nice lather. These shampoo bars have a great squeaky-clean feel which also makes for a nice soap bar.

Beauty and the Bees Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

On the other hand, the Lemon and Chamomile Shampoo has a nice and refreshingly clean lemon scent. So if cloves are not your thing, this lemon bar is better. Also, there aren’t any pieces in the bar so this could be better in this regard too if you don’t want any of the exfoliating features that the Real Beer shampoo bar had.

What We Dislike: No complaints with these Beauty and the Bees Tasmania shampoo bars.

Beauty and the Bees Tasmania Conditioner Go Score : 4.4 out of 5

Beauty and the Bees Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

The conditioner bars are circular in shape with a diameter of about 2.5 inches and half an inch thick. Each bar lasted 30 showers.

What We Like: Both conditioners ( Real Beer and Honey Silk ) have a nice creamy lather as you would expect from a conditioner and just like the shampoo bars, it doesn’t take much to feel it doing its job.

Beauty and the Bees Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

The Honey Silk Conditioner doesn’t have any real scent. You would expect a sweet scent, but there’s not much there, which could be good for sensitive scalps.

What We Dislike: No complaints with these Beauty and the Bees Tasmania conditioner bars.

Ethique Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Ethique Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Ethique Shampoo Go Score : 4.36 out of 5

Each of the shampoo bars lasted 4 showers with shampooing twice in one shower and using it as a soap bar.

  • Frizz Wrangler (shampoo for dry/frizzy hair) doesn’t lather well, nor do you get the squeaky-clean feel, but it does its job. Makes a better shampoo bar than a soap bar. Smells good with a mixture of sweet (coconut) and citrusy (lime).
  • Heali Kiwi (shampoo for dandruff) lathers better than the Frizz Wrangler but takes a little bit more product to get it to lather. You do get the squeaky-clean feel without any residue left behind. Not too much of a scent and not a great soap/body bar. It’s designed for sensitive scalps but seems to work fine for regular use also.
  • Saint Clements (shampoo for oily hair) is the best shampoo bar in the sampler. It lathers really well with the squeaky-clean feel. It’s both a great shampoo and soap bar. Smells good with citrusy essences. Very comparable to Lush’s Jumping Juniper, that we liked so well.

Separately, we purchased and reviewed a regular-sized Ethique Shampoo Bar (Pinkalicious) to test the size of a regular bar. It’s a square block about 2 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick and fits in your palm nicely. It smelt great with scents of vanilla and a hint of fruitiness (grapefruit). The lather and soap were great and we got a total of 30 showers using it.

Ethique Conditioner Go Score : 4.5 out of 5

Each of the sampler conditioner bars lasted 22 showers.

  • Wonderbar (conditioner for oily-normal hair) does good conditioning the hair, but The Guardian (mentioned below) does it better. The Wonderbar takes a little more product before you feel it conditioning. Smells great with a coconut scent. After a shower and once the hair is dried, Megan’s hair felt fuller (good for fine hair) and her fly-a-ways weren’t nearly as noticeable as usual.
  • The Guardian (conditioner for normal-dry hair) does a fantastic job conditioning the hair with just a little bit of the product. You can feel the conditioner lather on and run your fingers through your hair. It smells okay, not bad, just reminds us of a household cleaner like pine-sol. After a shower and as the day went on, hair felt great and hair had a subtle nice clean scent.

We have not tried the full-size conditioner bars to know how long they last.

Ethique also provides multiple other solid toiletries like deodorant, lotion, and body soap. We haven’t tried these items, so we can’t confidently recommend them.

Whiff Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Whiff Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Whiff Shampoo Go Score : 4.57 out of 5

What We Like: The shampoo lathers extremely well and can be used as a soap bar, but as with some of the others, it may be sensitive to the female genitalia. It fits nicely in the palm of the hand and has the same consistency as our favorite Lush shampoo bar.

What We Dislike: The peppermint scent reminded us of candy canes or gum, they smell good, but Megan would prefer a different scent because she doesn’t associate peppermint to clean hair. Also, due to its smaller size, we only received 10 total showers out of it, because of this the value score is dropped since the cost for size is still pretty pricey.

Whiff Conditioner Go Score : 4.4 out of 5

What We Like: The conditioner has a nice creamy lather and it doesn’t take much to feel it working. It also has a nice size that fits in the palm of your hand well as you glide it through your hair. It’s still on the smaller side, but as with all the conditioners you get a lot more uses out of it than shampoo and so far, we have received 16 showers with half the bar used.

What We Dislike: As with the shampoo bar, it also has a peppermint scent that Megan isn’t really fond of for clean hair.

J.R. Liggett Shampoo Bars

J.R. Liggett Shampoo Bars

We purchased the J.R. Liggett shampoo set that comes with three (3) shampoo bars of different scents – coconut and argan oil, jojoba and peppermint, and tea tree and hemp oil. Besides the scent, the review for each bar is the same. Each bar is rectangular in shape and measures about 2 inches wide by 2.5 inches long and 1.5 inches thick – definitely hearty bars! We got 20 uses out of each bar.

What We Like: These shampoo bars are probably the most budget-friendly due to their size and the quantity that you get. Basically, for the price of one bar from other manufacturers, you get three bars. Additionally, these bars definitely lather up really well on your hair and when rinsed out you get the squeaky-clean feel. None of the scents are very strong, the only one that had the strongest scent was the peppermint (reminiscent of candy canes), but still very subtle. All of them have somewhat of a scent that reminded us of the paste we used in elementary school for paper projects or a starchy scent like pasta. We feel very neutral about the scent.

What We Dislike: The heartiness of these bars makes it a little hard to hold the first few uses, but it’s not bad, just a minor inconvenience compared to other bars. These shampoo bars aren’t good as soap bars since they don’t lather up as well on your bodies as it does on your hair, and ladies beware, it burns if used around your genitals. Unfortunately, after the shower and once our hair dried, we both noticed our hair was harder to manage. For Megan’s longer and fine hair, she noticed it was hard to brush and style (even with conditioner use) because her hair kept getting tangled. RJ mentioned it was hard to tame his curls. Even though these bars are budget-friendly, the quality is definitely lacking, so you get what you pay for. As far as being eco-friendly, each J.R. Liggett bar is made from naturally derived ingredients; however, they all came packaged in plastic, which dropped their score a little bit in this category.

Yellow Bird Shampoo Bar

Yellow Bird Shampoo

The Yellow Bird Shampoo is a large rectangular bar (the biggest that we reviewed) and will cut into smaller pieces nicely if needed. It’s packaged in a biodegradable/recyclable box and made from all naturally derived ingredients. The packaging states it has scents of grapefruit, rosemary, and lavender and it is quite strong out of the box, but when used on the hair it’s pretty subtle and has the starchy scent that we mentioned with the J.R. Liggett shampoo bars. In fact, the whole experience is identical to the J.R. Liggett shampoo bars even though it is a completely different brand. It left our hair hard to manage. The higher Go Score relates to the higher eco-friendly and shape/size scores, but it’s one of our least favorite bars. We didn’t use the entire bar before stopping use, so we can’t comment on how many uses we got out of it. However, by its size, you should get a lot of uses, probably close to 40, if not more.

Tree Naturals Conditioner Bar

Tree Naturals Conditioner

The Tree Naturals Conditioner is also a large rectangular bar, the same size and same packaging as the Yellow Bird Shampoo. So, it’s also the largest conditioner bar we reviewed and, if preferred, can be cut into smaller pieces.  It conditions really well and doesn’t take much before you feel it working. The scent is subtle and starchy – we couldn’t smell the green tea or coconut, so we give it a neutral score for scent. We haven’t used up the bar, so we’re unable to state how many uses, but based on its size our guess would be around 80 uses.

Page Break Watercolor 4

So there you have it, our honest review of the many shampoo and conditioner bars that we tested and why we think they are an essential toiletry item.

We absolutely love shampoo and conditioner bars . We initially tested them out for travel only thinking we would stick to the liquid form outside of travel; however, we love them so much that we’ve now converted to using them each and every day regardless of travel. We’re pretty sure you will love them too!

If you have used them before, feel free to let us know in the comments below your thoughts on them, or shoot us as an email . We’d love to hear from you!

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By Arden Fanning Andrews

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As I write, I’m listening to the first ear-splitting flights of Chicago’s pandemic-modified Air and Water Show. Since 1959, the city’s “second most popular” festival (versus 2021’s nauseating summertime swell of 400,000-ish Lollapalooza attendees) has offered Lake Michigan’s beachside onlookers aerial military plane maneuvers above parades of boats. When it began, phrases like “emissions” and “carbon offset fee” had yet to enter the layperson’s dialect. After this month's earth-shaking United Nations climate assessment (“ code red for humanity ”), I wonder how much longer we’ll want to use traditional fossil-fuel consumption as entertainment—or matters of routine. 

How should we go about reconfiguring life in order to step into the future? Or, better yet, the present?

Let’s consider the everyday basics. Shampoo, for instance, is one of those universal, genderless products that many restock again and again throughout a single year. There have been meaningful strides in reducing waste when it comes to packaging: bottles made from post-consumer-recycled plastic or reusable aluminum, along with refill systems. But perhaps it’s time to consider a package-free—and water-free—version. “Most shampoo is around 80%—to upwards of 95%—water,” says Jaclyn Tracy , the Ohio-based founder of Sistain , a digital marketplace for products geared toward sustainability. She points out the irony that water is the number one ingredient in the $500 billion beauty and personal care industry, all while eight million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans each year. “It is not surprising that this category is going through its own ‘clean’ transformation,” says Tracy. One such evolution arrives in a familiar format: A shampoo bar fit for your palm—or a hand-polished Binu Binu blue marble soap dish. 

Insiders cite multiple reasons they’ve already made the switch: “I like to cut off a little piece of my shampoo bar off rather than bring the entire thing with me on trips. A tiny square is all I need for multiple washes,” shares Amy Chang, who educates her million-plus TikTok followers about the beauty products she vets in real-time from her home in Santa Monica. She talks about research published in the University of Washington’s Conservation Magazine , which found that, compared to bar cleansers, liquid shampoos require five times more energy for raw-material production, and almost twenty times more for packaging production. “They are a little tricky to get the hang of at first,” she admits of hitting her groove lathering the solid cleansers through her strands. Still, she insists they “produce silky, shiny, clean hair just as a liquid shampoo would.” 

That’s what Brooklyn-based hairstylist Dhairius Thomas has found, to say the least. “My experience with shampoo bars has been life-changing,” says Thomas, who jets to shoots with artists and models (including Jazmine Sullivan and Winnie Harlow ) “always” with waterless cleansers in his kit. Growing up, Thomas remembers reaching for regular bar soap when he ran out of liquid shampoo—something he no longer advises, given the harsher surfactants often used—but he now plans to “get rid of the bottle forever” thanks to updated formulas suitable for all hair types. “I usually use bar shampoo when I have to wash a client’s hair on set,” he says. “What’s great is that they can take it home.” Sharing fruits of the waterless revolution makes sense when products are “easy to store without spilling or exploding while in transit,” he adds, echoing a concern that lots of travelers share at this tail end of summer vacation. Here, a dozen options to further lighten 2021’s environmental load. 

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Davines Love shampoo bar

The olive oil extract sourced from Slow Food Presidia in Davines’s Love formula is one of the (CO2-offset) ingredients that makes it ideal if “you’re looking to tame frizz and combat dehydrated hair,” says Thomas. The scent—described in reviews as “to die for,” “lavender laundry detergent,” and “I want to slather my entire body in this smell”—has become its own star. As for Thomas, his favorite part is the “rich, creamy lather that leaves hair silky smooth.” 

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Christophe Robin hydrating shampoo bar

Reactive scalps might enjoy Christophe Robin’s hydrating formula infused with aloe vera, an ingredient that Tracy suggests can “reduce itching, redness, and inflammation, and also has antifungal properties.” And if you’re dealing with hard water, Chang points out that the stabilizer sodium phytate can be of help, since the chelating ingredient “binds to heavy metals and removes them from strands.” 

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Klorane shampoo bar with mango butter

Klorane’s nourishing, sulfate-free formula “gets the most reactions from my clients because of its mango scent,” says Thomas. “‘What is that?’ is the question I always get when using this shampoo.” Packed with plant-based fatty acids, the palm-size bar does the work of a thirteen-ounce bottle of traditional liquid cleanser.  

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Viori shampoo bar

Taking inspiration from the prized long hair of the Red Yao women in China’s Huangluo mountains, Viori created its shampoo bar with a give-back mission: 5% of proceeds go toward initiatives that directly benefit the community. According to Chang, the formula may provide a surprising benefit: “It includes [vitamin] B8 (inositol), the ingredient in rice water that is thought to help with hair loss,” she explains. “This would be a great option for someone with damaged hair from coloring or frequent heat styling, as it contains hydrolyzed rice protein which can strengthen strands.” 

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Superzero shampoo bar for thinning hair

Superzero’s bar features rosemary oil, which is thought to help stimulate hair growth naturally. Thomas recommends it to clients that have age-related thinning, as well as superfine hair. “Lightweight oils like avocado prevent the hair from being too oily or weighed down,” he shares.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Peach volumizing shampoo bar

For customers new to the waterless scene, Grove explains that one of these shampoo bars is the equivalent of two plastic bottles. The line’s three versions are made in small batches with subtle variations to its triangular pebble shape. The volumizing one, which smells faintly of honey, is designed to promote keratin production. “I love that this formula contains coconut-derived surfactants,” says Chang of the sulfate-free solution to a gentle lather. 

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HiBar Maintain shampoo bar

HiBar’s color-safe formula goes long on shine, thanks to its shea butter base. “I am a big fan of HiBar shampoo and conditioner ,” says Tracy, who stocks both at Sistain . “The bars work particularly well with curly hair because of its ingredients that help [promote] elasticity and lock in moisture.” It generates the level of lather you can expect from a salon visit, but without the silicones, parabens, and stripping surfactants. 

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Fischersund lavender and sitka spruce shampoo bar

Joanna Czech

“This is the equivalent of an oil cleanser but for your hair,” says Chang of this shampoo bar scented with Icelandic sitka spruce. “The three main oils used—coconut, castor, and olive—are able to penetrate the hair shaft, nourishing the strand from within as well as coating the outside for overall shine,” she explains, adding that it’s good for removing buildup. She recommends it for thicker, coarser hair types “that can benefit from a formula this rich and not be weighed down.” 

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Ethique Professor Curl solid shampoo

One of the first brands to commit to waterless, plastic-free products, Ethique has become an industry favorite for its low-impact production methods. Stylists also approve. Their Professor Curl formula “won’t strip the hair of its natural moisture,” says Thomas of the shea-butter-rich recipe that skips harsh wax, alcohol, and sulfates.

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Rowse The Perfect Balance shampoo bar

This formula by the Spanish label Rowse relies on antioxidant-rich curcuma extract, which also helps maintain a balanced scalp. Chang points out its multipurpose blend of beneficial oils, including “rich penetrating oils, like olive, that will nourish the strands within,” she says, alongside jojoba to lend “amazing shine.” Meanwhile, the beta-sitosterol could interest those who are experiencing thinning, she adds, since “phytosterols are thought to help with hair loss, keeping hair full and thick.” 

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Sade Baron Baden moisturizing shampoo bar

A multi-use vegan formula that’s also safe for hands and body, Sade Baron’s shampoo bar is even moisturizing enough to double as a conditioner. Thomas notes that it's “awesome for beards and facial hair,” with a unisex scent that smells faintly of tea tree oil, which provides its own antibacterial benefits.  

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Naples Soap Company Boyfriend shampoo bar

The Boyfriend shampoo bar by Naples Soap Company is pH-balanced for all hair types. While it mentions that it’s safe even for color-treated hair, Chang still provides a gentle warning: “The lemon juice and lemon peel in their formulas can [potentially] fade colored hair,” she says, though she does like the pro-vitamin B complex in the mix. “B vitamins are really beneficial for strengthening hair, helping with hydration, and soothing the scalp.” 

Tony Awards 2024 Red Carpet: See All the Fashion, Outfits, and Looks

By Kase Wickman

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The 7 Best Toiletry Bottle Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These toiletry bottles proved completely leakproof after rigorous testing.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

In This Article

  • Our Top Picks
  • Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

  • Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Every traveler knows the harrowing moment when you reach into a toiletry bag and feel the leakage from toiletry bottles that failed to do their job. To help you avoid the frustration of cleaning up potentially expensive liquids on your next trip, we lab-tested 14 sets of toiletry bottles to uncover the best, most leak-proof options for hassle-free travel. 

After we filled up each container with shampoo, lotion, and micellar water, we squeezed, shook, tossed, and dropped the bottles to see which ones prevailed, and which (quite literally) cracked under the pressure. At one point, it looked like the Bellagio fountain show in our lab with micellar water shooting every which way out of a tube. While we don’t recommend that particular bottle, we discovered seven other sets that stood up against our rigorous (but very effective) testing methods.

Best Overall

Liquisnugs premium leak-proof silicone travel bottles.

  • Ease of Use 5 /5
  • Quality 5 /5
  • Design 5 /5
  • Performance 5 /5

The durable and flexible silicone bottles prevent leaks even on long flights.

The suction cups often fall off shower walls.

Simple yet very effective, this set of four toiletry bottles comes with two 3-ounce bottles and two 2-ounce bottles. The lids can be unscrewed to easily fill the containers with all types of liquids thanks to the wide-mouth opening that makes cleaning out and drying the bottles a breeze, too. While watery liquids can be risky to pack, these silicone bottles kept oily and runny micellar water perfectly contained, even after we applied intense pressure to the bottles. Plus, the squishy silicone material is ideal for squeezing out every last drop of the product from the dripless valve, which makes them a money-saving travel product .

We tried several silicone bottles over our six-month test to determine which ones were the best. These stood out by being completely leak-proof, pliable yet sturdy, and durable. One of our favorite features is the removable sticker labels that help identify the contents of each bottle with common products like lotion, conditioner, and shampoo pre-printed. If you’ve been searching for no-frills toiletry bottles that get the job done, these are the best ones.

The Details: 4 pieces | Silicone | Removable labels | Suction cup

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Size Range

Morfone 16 pack travel bottles.

  • Ease of Use 4.5 /5
  • Quality 4.5 /5
  • Performance 4.5 /5

The set comes with different-sized silicone tubes, plastic bottles, jars, and accessories.

The lid on one of the small jars broke when we tossed the containers onto the ground.

For short or long trips and everything in between, the Morfone travel bottle set comes with all of the containers you’ll ever need. The 16-piece kit includes silicone bottles, plastic spray bottles, screw-top jars, a funnel, mini spatulas, and a scrub brush for cleaning but, of course, you can easily mix and match the containers to fit your exact needs. Not all of the bottles are the same size with 1- to 3-ounce capacities for storing as much or little product as desired, and all of the bottles have removable lids and wide openings for pouring liquids in or cleaning them out. Plus if you need some help getting liquids into the bottle or extracting the last drops, the mini funnel and spatulas are extremely helpful extras.

When it comes to durability, most of the bottles had no spillage with some rough handling except for one of the plastic jars where the lid did break off. Still, we brought these bottles in carry-on luggage as well as checked bags during our six months of tests and were impressed by their overall quality and the variety in bottle size.

The Details: 16 pieces | Silicone | BPA-free plastic | Bag included

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Lightweight

Matador flatpak toiletry bottle.

  • Ease of Use 4 /5

The three containers are made with a lightweight nylon material that can be hooked to a bag or packed nearly flat.

It’s difficult to get thicker products into the baggies.

Matador’s toiletry bottles are the ultimate space-saving containers thanks to the fabric pouch design that can lie nearly flat after being filled with liquids. Our favorite part of these 3-ounce pouches is the snap hook at the end of the bag to attach to a backpack or bag . We also loved that the hooks double as labels that can be written on with a permanent marker to quickly identify the contents of each bag.

While we had a bit of trouble getting thicker creams into the bottom of the rectangular-shaped pouch, it was effortless to fill the smaller opening with watery liquids like shampoo. After beating up the bags a bit, there weren’t any spills, ruptures, or breakage so we feel confident that these rugged toiletry pouches have a long life ahead.

The Details: 3 pieces | Cordura nylon | Snap loop with labels

Best Budget

Vitog travel bottles kit.

The clear bottles make it easy to see when one needs a refill.

The largest bottle is only 1.3 ounces.

One of the best parts of testing a variety of toiletry bottles is discovering that the least expensive set can still rival a pricier alternative. This 11-piece kit has spray, pump, and screw-top bottles so you can fill each one with various liquids or use the two jars for jewelry and medication. The clear bottles are ideal for being able to see how much product is in each container and when it needs to be refilled. 

We had no issues filling each container with micellar water and shampoo but we had a bit of trouble getting the thicker lotion to filter through the funnel. However, once everything was filled up, these budget-friendly bottles stood up against our drops and tosses without even the tiniest droplet escaping. All of the bottles are 1.3 ounces so we wish there was a bit more variety in the capacities but, considering this set is under $1 per bottle, we’re plenty satisfied with the durable and easy-to-use selection.

The Details: 11 pieces | PET | Removable labels | Bag included

Best Large Capacity

Insfit tsa carry-on approved containers.

Each of the four included bottles can fit 3 ounces of liquids.

During a two-week trip, the provided stick-on labels came off of the bottles.

For longer trips, you may want some toiletry bottles that can hold the maximum capacity to be TSA-approved so we recommend these hefty 3-ounce ones. The four silicone tubes come with handy label stickers and a zippered case that fits all of the containers for excellent organization. With the wide-mouth openings, it was a breeze to fill up each bottle with shampoo, micellar water, and thick lotion. You can even see all the way inside the bottle when the lid is off which makes filling it up and cleaning it out even easier.

We put quite a bit of pressure on these easy-squeeze bottles and we’re happy to report that, even when filled to the brim, the contents remained in the bottles without any spillage. After six months of regularly using these bottles on weekend and long-term trips , we never suffered any spills and found the bottles to hold plenty of product.

The Details: 4 pieces | Silicone | Removable labels | Bag included

Best Color-coded

Mrsdry travel bottles.

  • Ease of Use 3.5 /5
  • Design 4 /5

The bottles are all different colors to keep track of what product is in each tube.

It’s difficult to get all of the product out of the bottle when it’s low and it can be hard to clean the bottles after they've been emptied.

The color palette of this set of four toiletry bottles is one of the prettiest and most helpful of all the toiletry bottles we tried. Each silicone tube is a different shade so it’s easy to designate a specific color to a liquid and tell them apart; and, after six months of use, we loved that we didn't have to worry about missing labels. (There are also additional sets with more colors so you're not limited to just four different hues.) The 3-ounce capacity is ideal for bringing plenty of shampoo, conditioner, or other liquids on both short and long trips, and the squishy silicone material makes it easy to dispense from the no-drip valve.

We did find it a little difficult to squeeze out the remaining product when the bottle was almost empty but that was our only slight issue. However, we’re big fans of the wide-top opening for loading up any product into the tube and cleaning it out after a trip. Best of all, the tubes didn’t leak at all after rough handling, and they’re easy to pack in the included zippered bag.

The Details: 4 pieces | Silicone | No removable labels | Bag included

Best Splurge

Cadence the originals set.

  • Design 4.5 /5
  • Performance 4 /5

The six magnetic capsules make it convenient to change the shape of the set to fit in a variety of toiletry case sizes.

The cap of one capsule cracked after six months of use.

These aesthetically-pleasing magnetic capsules are the most unique set of toiletry bottles we tried. The small capsules each hold 0.56 ounces and the set comes with six hexagon-shaped containers that conveniently stick to one another via magnets on every side. This allows travelers to alter the shape of the set as needed to fit it into a toiletry bag. And, after six months of near-constant use, the magnets and labels are all holding up. The capsules remained completely sealed when we dropped them onto the floor several times and the thick plastic material wasn’t dented or damaged at all. We love that when you order the set of capsules, you can customize the label printed onto each removable tile so they can be switched between the capsules as needed. Our only gripe is that the capsules are very small so you may need to use multiple to bring enough of the same product for a week-long trip, or opt for one of their larger options instead.

The Details: 6 pieces | BPA-free plastic | Comes with custom labels | No bag included

Other Toiletry Bottles We Liked

While the containers below didn’t leak badly, the biggest issue we had with these still-high-scoring toiletry bottles is that their quality felt a bit lower than our top performers. 

Cosywell Travel Containers : These ultra-compact screw-top containers are ideal for thicker products like gel or creams but the micellar water leaked ever so slightly, and we wish the set came with a few other bottle types for variety.

Kitsch Travel Bottles : Designed for saving space and lying flat, these baggie-style containers are super easy to fill with product but the quality feels a bit flimsy and we worried that the bags could break open if too much pressure was applied while traveling.

We do some pretty serious testing in our New York City lab when it comes to determining the best of the best travel products and this toiletry bottle test was no exception. For this test, we poured travel essentials like shampoo, micellar water, and lotion into the toiletry bottles, tubes, and capsules to see how easy it was to fill each one up. Then, we squeezed, dropped, tossed, and shook the containers to simulate the rough handling and pressure when you travel by air, car, train, or even on foot with toiletry bottles. Did shampoo explode from one bottle and shoot several feet in the air? Maybe. But don’t worry, we didn’t recommend that one. 

After some rigorous (and occasionally messy) lab testing, we brought each set of toiletry bottles out on real trips to utilize over a six-month period. Arguably, the most important thing when it comes to toiletry bottles is that they safely contain the potentially pricey skin and hair care products held inside wherever you go, so we closely examined each bottle post-testing for any leaks or damage. Our favorite, winning toiletry bottles are easy to fill up, completely leakproof, and compact enough to pack in toiletry cases. 

Tips for Buying Toiletry Bottles

Prioritize leak-proof containers.

The most important thing to look for in a toiletry bottle is that it performs as expected which means all of the liquid remains sealed in the container. It’s hard to tell whether or not toiletry bottles are leak-proof until you travel with them so it’s important to read reviews and seal the bottles as tightly as you can before you pack them away for a trip. 

Know the types of bottles 

It’s amazing how many types of miniature containers there are for travel these days so it can be helpful to know which type of bottle you need depending on which products you’ll bring. There are silicone squeeze bottles that are ideal for shampoo or conditioner but if you’re packing any type of spray product, you’ll want a hard plastic bottle that comes with a spray cap. For pills, vitamins, or even jewelry, a capsule or container with a screw lid are a great option for storing smaller items. For face wash or lotion, a hard plastic bottle with a lockable pump lid can be helpful.

Consider the capacity 

The TSA restricts carry-on liquids to 3.4-ounce containers so if you’re planning to only carry a bag into the cabin, you need bottles at or below the size limits. Smaller 1- or 2-ounce containers can be easier to pack but that means you’ll have less product to work with so be sure to pack accordingly depending on the length of your trip and the amount of product you think you’ll need.

For carrying liquids onto a plane, the TSA requires all containers to be at or under the 3.4-ounce size limitations. All bottles must fit in a quart-sized bag and, if a bottle is larger than 3.4 ounces, it must be checked before going through security. According to the TSA, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols, all count as liquids and must be in approved bottles.

In general, silicone toiletry bottles are more durable than hard plastic bottles, as they aren’t prone to cracking or breaking like harder plastic materials. However, when it comes to leaking, both can have the potential to expel liquids so it depends on the quality of each product. 

Cleaning out toiletry bottles can be extremely difficult depending on the style of the container. Bottles with wide mouths can be easily rinsed out and dried but other bottles with smaller necks or no cap can make it difficult to switch products. In some cases, it might be easier just to keep refilling the same bottle with the same thing but some sets will come with brushes or spatulas to clean out all of the product. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer, Anna Popp , writes most of the team's tested content where we recommend products we got our hands on in the lab or out in the world. Anna participated in this test and evaluated two types of toiletry bottles. She’s currently long-term testing the Cadence capsules while traveling and looks forward to reporting back on how they hold up over time. 

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Review: LUSH Solid Shampoo And Conditioner Bars

  • by Lauren Haas

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

A detailed review of my experiences using LUSH solid shampoo and conditioner bars, including Jungle, Godiva, Seanik, Honey I Washed My Hair, and Big Solid, as well as some other LUSH products. 

Carrying liquids is a major problem for a digital nomad .

Dealing with airline restrictions on liquids is a nuisance — but the real problem is the risk of spillage. When everything you own is packed in a bag that will be handled by airport gorillas, the idea of finding your belongings doused in foamy shampoo or slimy conditioner is horrifying.

LUSH shampoo and conditioner bars are spill-proof, worry-free, and easy to carry to the shower — even when I’m in a hostel and the shower is down the hall. But the real surprise is how happy I am with my baby-fine, stick-straight hair. It is transformed!

Lovin’ the solid hair products!

I am so happy with my hair these days!  (I have never used all those words together in a sentence in my life). I finger comb it and let it air-dry most days, and it comes out full, silky-soft, and with a hint of natural wave I never knew it had before. I no longer feel like I need any products to make my hair manageable other than a little spritz of salt water.  I’ve left my travel curling iron and blow dryer behind.  I honestly don’t need them anymore.

Before I share the reviews, here’s my best tip for keeping these products dry and fresh (they will melt away if you let them get wet, so this is important!)

Best storage for Lush shampoo bars

Best way to store & carry shampoo bars

These  Humangear GoTubbs  work so much better for me than the LUSH tins. They pop open one-handed, don’t leak, and don’t dent when dropped.

Translucent lids and color coding make it way easier to grab the right product in the shower. 

The “medium” size is a perfect fit for standard-size LUSH shampoo bars like Godiva, and Seanik, and I’m able to force the conditioner bars in there as well with a bit of determination.

I also use these for bobby pins, hair ties, pills, and other small items in my travel bag.

And here’s my current obsession: a castor-oil shampoo bar I found on Amazon that leaves my hair soft and manageable an actually seems to be helping it grow faster!

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Kitsch Castor Oil So lid Shampoo : Is it making my hair grow faster?

I decided to give this one a try based on the reviews. I was hoping for clean, shiny hair — I didn’t actually expect it to make my hair — which has always been extremely slow-growing — grow faster. I’m 100% happy with this bar, and I use it even when I’m not traveling now. My hair is soft, bouncy, shiny, and clean. My scalp doesn’t have itchy spots anymore. After the first two months, I suddenly realized that my hair is growing noticeably faster! My shampoo is the only thing I’ve changed, so maybe it’s this? I can’t say for sure. But I’m not going to stop using it!

The Winning LUSH Products

I didn’t find the perfect products for my hair right away, and YMMV, unless you have the same hair as me. But these two products are perfect for me, and all I use at the moment.

Lush shampoo bar Seanik

Solid Shampoo Bar: Seanik

I’m on my third bar now (the first two each lasted more than four months). It seems impossible, but stroking it over my scalp three times— like Fonzie’s comb, side, side, middle— gives me enough for a rich lather. The sea salt in the bar is supposed to add body and volume. Seems to be working for me, better than any product I’ve ever tried. The scent isn’t strong, but it smells of sea breezes without the fish. I wouldn’t use this on dry or damaged hair, though.

Lush shampoo bar Honey I Washed My Hair

Solid Shampoo Bar: Honey I Washed My Hair

I didn’t try this for a long time because I just hate the name so much. But now I’m a huge fan.

As much as I love Seanik, it is a little drying to my hair. This Honey bar lathers just as well, makes my hair feel clean and soft, and also feels moisturizing to my hair and scalp. The scent is really mild and pleasant, too.

Lush Godiva shampoo conditioner bar

Godiva Shampoo/Conditioner Bar

Godiva is great if you only have room to carry one bar, because it’s shampoo and conditioner in one product. The smell is super strong and I hated it at first, but I ultimately grew to crave it, and now I’ve made room in my pack for a Godiva just for the smell.

The jasmine fragrance scents the entire bathroom, even when the bar is dry, and I can smell it on my hair all day. However, Godiva has a tendency to melt and get gummy if you don’t keep it immaculately dry, and it doesn’t last as long as the Seanik/Jungle combo. I also feel like shampoo/conditioner combos don’t get my hair quite as clean as separate products. But the smell… and it leaves my hair super shiny and soft.

Lush Jungle hair conditioner bar

Discontinued: Jungle Solid Conditioner Bar

It took longer to sell me on LUSHconditioner bars, but now that I’m used to it, I love it. I stroke this down the length of my hair four or five times, then work it through the ends. It disappears . I have to trust that there’s any product at all going onto my hair because I can’t feel it.  But after I rinse and dry, my hair feels incredibly soft and smells mildly herbal.

I’m not alone in this. The most frequent complaint about conditioners on the Lush website is that people don’t think they’re getting any product on their hair — and yet they say their hair comes out soft, full, fluffy, and manageable. I think people are looking for that handful of goo they get with liquid conditioners; this isn’t like that at all. But it works. Trust the results.

Jungle was a great product for fine hair, very light and nongreasy with a fresh grassy scent. I’m still looking for something to replace this in my life.

The Ones I Left Behind

Lush Big hair conditioner bar

Big Solid Conditioner Bar

I’m not sure I gave this product a fair chance. It was my first conditioner bar, and I never felt like I was getting enough product on my hair. I alternated it with liquid conditioners because I just didn’t trust it. Now that I understand you don’t need handfuls of cream to condition your hair, I’d like to give it another shot.

But Big was a huge chunk of product that didn’t fit in a case or tin, and became a mess inside a plastic baggie. I left it behind somewhere in South America, and wouldn’t have tried a solid conditioner again if I hadn’t received the Jungle bar for Christmas. Moral of the story: Conditioner bars don’t give you that handful of slimy goo you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean they’re not working. Give it a chance.

Update: I did give the Big bar another chance. I liked it better the second time, but it doesn’t leave my hair nearly as soft and full as Jungle does.

Lush Rose Jam shampoo bar (aka Jason and the Argan Oil)

Rose Jam Shampoo Bar

Rose Jam smells like heaven, but it didn’t do much for my hair and crumbled to dust even though I treated it very gently. I can’t recommend this one for anybody unless they fix the formula so it holds together better. NOTE: Rose Jam has been discontinued. I think “Jason and the Argan Oil” is an improved version of this product, but I haven’t tried that one yet.

Other Brands from Amazon

I had such good experiences with shampoo bars that I started trying some of the brands available on Amazon. I’ve had really good experiences so far!

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

V iori Hidden Waterfall Shampoo Bar & Conditioner

Wow, did I fall in love with this! The”Hidden Waterfall” smell is light and alluring (it comes in other fragrances as well). The shampoo makes a thick, luxurious lather and leaves my hair soft and clean. I feel very indulged when I use this beautiful bar.

The square conditioner bar is too big to fit in my waterproof case, so I cut it in half with a kitchen knife. It’s very soft, so it needs to be kept dry so it won’t melt away. It did lightly condition my hair and left it soft and shiny.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

K itsch Hair Growth Castor Oil Nourishing Shampoo Bar

This is what I’m currently using, after noting that it has over a thousand five-star reviews. The castor oil formula is very hydrating. My hair is smooth, bouncy and shiny, and I think it’s growing faster. I feel like this bar will last a long time.

Kitsch also comes in strengthening and clarifying formulas. I’m curious to try them!

Other LUSH Products For Travelers

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Silky Underwear Dusting Powder

I also carry & use LUSH’s  Silky Underwear Dusting Powder , which contains grated cocoa butter & fresh jasmine. I’m addicted to the smell.

I use it in hot countries to prevent chafing & sweating, and sprinkle it in my shoes periodically and on my sheets when I’m feeling indulgent. I’ve even used it as a dry shampoo in a pinch.

It’s expensive but lasts forever. The only downside is the lid tends to pop open on flights, so I have to keep it in a ziplock baggie.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Hottie Massage Bar

I love this bar.  It smells like vanilla and black pepper, and has a warming effect on the skin.

All the Lush massage bars are great for travel — especially if you’re traveling with a friend and you can rub each other down after a long day of walking.

They are also the perfect spillproof moisturizers for hands, feet, and legs.

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

My Favorite Travel Gear from Amazon

If you have wanderlust in your soul, you already know that travel is glorious — when it’s not a pain in the ass. Luckily, people keep inventing brilliant travel gear that takes our travels to a whole new level of ease and fun. These are some of my favorite travel problem-solvers, and I think you…

Continue Reading My Favorite Travel Gear from Amazon

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

SUITEDNOMAD Compression Packing Cubes Review

I’ve been using the SUITEDNOMAD Compression Packing Cubes Set for over a year now, and these ultralight cbags are making my travel life easier. Here’s my review.  Read More »SUITEDNOMAD Compression Packing Cubes Review

Continue Reading SUITEDNOMAD Compression Packing Cubes Review

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

What to Pack for Peru

What to bring — and what to leave home — if you’re traveling to Peru!

Continue Reading What to Pack for Peru

Gregory Deva 60L Women's Backpack

Gregory Deva 60L Backpack Review

My Gregory Deva 60L Women’s Backpack is my home away from home. I love it. Read More »Gregory Deva 60L Backpack Review

Continue Reading Gregory Deva 60L Backpack Review

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Scrubba Review

A review of the Scrubba Wash Bag for travelers

Continue Reading Scrubba Review

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Review: Eagle Creek Compression Sac Set

I’ve been using the Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Sac for three years of hard travel, and it’s proven to be the best compression sack I could own. Here’s my review.  Read More »Review: Eagle Creek Compression Sac Set

Continue Reading Review: Eagle Creek Compression Sac Set

Lauren Haas

I’m Lauren, the founder of Indie Travel Guru. I’m living proof that a life of travel and adventure is available to anyone who wants it.

At 40, I was a single mom with no passport, a poverty-level income, and big dreams. At 48, I started traveling the world with everything I own in a backpack.

After 7 years of living as a digital nomad, I’ve settled down. But I still love to travel the world on a shoestring budget, and I especially love to empower others to travel!

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How To Travel With Shampoo Bars. Ultimate Guide To Packing Your Shampoo Bars For Air Travel

Sharing is caring!

As someone who loves to travel, I know the struggle of packing all the necessary toiletries without exceeding the weight limit or taking up too much space in my luggage. That’s why I’ve recently switched to using shampoo bars instead of traditional liquid shampoo bottles.

Not only are they more eco-friendly and cost-effective, but they’re also perfect for air travel. In this ultimate guide, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about traveling with shampoo bars.

From choosing the right bar for your hair type to packing them efficiently and using them on-the-go, I’ve got you covered. So if you’re ready to simplify your travel routine and enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle, keep reading!

Table of Contents

Introduction to Shampoo Bars

Let’s explore the benefits of switching to a more sustainable and eco-friendly option for your hair care routine. Have you ever considered using shampoo bars instead of traditional liquid shampoos?

Shampoo bars are solid bars that are made with natural ingredients and come in minimal packaging, making them an excellent alternative for those who want to reduce their environmental impact while still maintaining healthy hair. Not only are shampoo bars better for the environment, but they also have many benefits for your hair.

They’re often made with nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils that can help improve the overall health of your hair. Plus, they tend to last longer than traditional liquid shampoos since you only need a small amount each time you wash your hair.

When it comes to traveling with shampoo bars, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to pack them in a travel container or wrap them up in a cloth so they don’t get squished or break apart during transit. It’s also important to check the size restrictions on liquids if you plan on bringing any other toiletries with you on your trip.

With these tips in mind, choosing the right shampoo bar can be an easy and practical way to maintain healthy hair while reducing your environmental impact.

Choosing the Right Shampoo Bar

Finding the perfect shampoo bar for you can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but don’t worry, there’s one out there that will make your hair feel like it’s been kissed by an angel.

When choosing a shampoo bar, consider your hair type and texture. If you have oily hair, look for bars with ingredients such as tea tree oil or charcoal to help absorb excess oil. For dry or damaged hair, choose bars with nourishing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil.

Another important factor to consider is the scent of the shampoo bar. Do you prefer floral scents or something more earthy? Some bars also come unscented if you have sensitive skin or prefer no fragrance at all.

It’s also important to read reviews and check the ingredients list to ensure that the bar doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that could strip your hair of its natural oils.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to try different brands and types of shampoo bars until you find one that works best for you. Remember that everyone’s hair is unique and what may work for someone else may not work for you. Experimenting with different bars can be fun and rewarding when you find the perfect one!

Now that we’ve found our perfect shampoo bar, let’s talk about how to pack it for air travel without any fuss.

How to Pack Shampoo Bars for Air Travel

When you’re jetting off to your next adventure, make sure you don’t leave behind the secret to luscious locks by safely stowing away your favorite solid hair cleanser in a compact and convenient way.

Here are some tips on how to pack shampoo bars for air travel:

Use a sturdy container: Invest in a durable plastic or metal container that can protect your shampoo bar from being crushed or damaged during transit. Make sure it has a tight-fitting lid to prevent any leaks.

Wrap it up: To avoid getting your other belongings soapy, wrap your shampoo bar in a small towel or cloth before placing it inside the container. This will also help absorb any excess moisture.

Keep it separate: If you plan on bringing multiple shampoo bars, keep them separate from each other by using individual containers. This will prevent them from sticking together and potentially becoming unusable.

With these tips, packing shampoo bars for air travel is easy and worry-free. But what about when you arrive at your destination? Read on for some helpful tips on storing your shampoo bars while traveling!

Tips for Storing Shampoo Bars

Now that you’ve safely packed your solid hair cleanser, it’s important to properly store it during your travels to maintain its effectiveness and prevent any mess.

One of the best ways to store your shampoo bar is by using a soap dish or container. This will not only keep your shampoo bar dry but also protect it from getting squished in your luggage. When choosing a soap dish or container, look for one with drainage holes at the bottom.

This will allow any excess water to drain out and prevent your shampoo bar from becoming mushy. You can also opt for a travel-sized tin container that specifically fits the size of your shampoo bar. These containers are usually made of metal or plastic and come with lids that snap on tightly to keep the contents secure.

Another tip for storing your shampoo bar is to wrap it in a small towel or cloth before placing it in the soap dish or container. This extra layer of protection will absorb any excess moisture and prevent any residue from sticking onto other items in your luggage.

With these simple storage tips, you can enjoy clean hair on-the-go without any hassle. As you prepare for using shampoo bars on the go, remember that they work differently than traditional liquid shampoos. In the next section, we’ll explore how to use them effectively while traveling and address some common questions about their usage.

Using Shampoo Bars on the Go

To effectively use solid hair cleansers while on-the-go, you’ll want to know some key tips and tricks. First of all, make sure to pack your shampoo bar in a reusable container that is both leak-proof and breathable. This will ensure that your shampoo bar doesn’t get soggy or melt in transit, but also allows it to dry out between uses.

Next, consider investing in a travel-sized tin or soap dish specifically designed for shampoo bars. These containers are often lightweight and compact enough to fit into your carry-on luggage or purse without taking up too much space. Plus, they can help protect your shampoo bar from getting crushed or damaged during travel.

Finally, remember that using a shampoo bar is slightly different than using traditional liquid shampoos. To get the most out of your product while traveling, wet your hair thoroughly before rubbing the shampoo bar directly onto your scalp and hair. Lather up as usual, then rinse thoroughly with water.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy clean hair even on the go! As you prepare for your next adventure with your trusty shampoo bars in tow, don’t forget about cleaning and maintaining them once you arrive at your destination. By keeping them clean and dry between uses with proper storage techniques like those mentioned earlier, you’ll ensure that they last longer and continue working effectively throughout all of your travels!

Cleaning and Maintaining Shampoo Bars

Ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your solid hair cleanser by properly maintaining and cleaning it using simple yet effective techniques.

After each use, rinse your shampoo bar thoroughly to remove any excess product buildup. Use lukewarm water to help retain the bar’s shape and avoid hot water, which can cause it to melt.

After rinsing, allow your shampoo bar to air dry completely before storing it in a container or travel case. Avoid keeping it in a damp environment, as this can cause bacterial growth.

You can also extend the life of your shampoo bar by cutting it into smaller pieces and only using what you need for each wash.

Lastly, consider giving your shampoo bar a deep cleanse every few weeks by soaking it in warm water with a bit of vinegar or baking soda. This will help remove any stubborn residue and leave your hair feeling refreshed.

With proper care, your shampoo bar can last up to 80 washes, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for traveling light.

Extend the benefits of using shampoo bars beyond just their convenience for travel. In addition to being environmentally friendly and budget-friendly, many options are also free from harsh chemicals found in traditional liquid shampoos that can damage hair over time. By switching to a solid hair cleanser, you may notice improved scalp health, reduced irritation, and more manageable tresses overall – all while reducing plastic waste!

Other Benefits of Shampoo Bars

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that shampoo bars offer more than just convenience for your hair care routine. They can also provide a range of benefits such as improved scalp health and reduced irritation, all while being eco-friendly and budget-friendly. For example, Sarah noticed a significant improvement in her dandruff after switching to a natural shampoo bar made with tea tree oil.

Here are some other benefits of using shampoo bars:

  • They’re gentle on the hair and scalp, making them ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
  • They come in a variety of scents and formulations to meet different hair needs, such as moisturizing, volumizing, and clarifying.
  • Shampoo bars tend to last longer than liquid shampoos since they don’t contain any water or fillers.
  • They’re easy to pack for travel since they take up less space and don’t count towards your liquid allowance.
  • Many shampoo bar brands are cruelty-free and vegan, making them a great choice for ethical consumers.

Overall, using shampoo bars is a smart choice for those who want an effective yet sustainable hair care option. Not only do they offer various benefits for your hair and scalp health, but they also contribute positively to the environment by reducing plastic waste. So next time you’re shopping for hair care products or packing for your travels, consider giving shampoo bars a try – you might be surprised at how much you’ll love them!

In the next section about the "conclusion and final tips," we’ll discuss some additional pointers on how to make the most out of your shampoo bar experience.

Conclusion and Final Tips

In the conclusion and final tips section, I’ll share some extra advice to help you maximize the benefits of using shampoo bars. One important tip is to invest in a good travel case for your shampoo bar. This will protect it from moisture and damage during transit. Look for a case that’s compact, lightweight, and easy to clean.

Another tip is to pack your shampoo bar in a separate baggie or container. This will prevent it from getting mixed up with other items in your luggage and potentially causing a mess. It’s also helpful to label the baggie or container so you can easily identify it.

Lastly, don’t forget to let your shampoo bar dry completely before packing it away for travel. This will help prevent any mold or bacteria growth and ensure that your bar lasts longer overall.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy all the benefits of using shampoo bars while on-the-go!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can shampoo bars be used on all hair types.

Yes, shampoo bars can be used on all hair types. They’re versatile and won’t strip natural oils or cause irritation. Shampoo bars come in different formulations for oily, dry, curly, or color-treated hair. They contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and essential oils that promote healthy hair growth and leave locks soft and manageable. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and easy to use. Simply wet hair, rub the bar onto your scalp until it lathers up, then rinse thoroughly. Say goodbye to plastic bottles and hello to a sustainable hair care routine!

How long do shampoo bars typically last?

I absolutely love using shampoo bars! They’re so convenient and eco-friendly.

One thing I always wonder about is how long they’ll last me. Well, the answer to that question depends on a few factors like how often you use them, how well you store them, and the size of the bar itself.

On average though, a good quality shampoo bar can last anywhere from 60-80 washes! That’s pretty impressive considering most liquid shampoos only last around 20-30 washes.

So if you’re looking for a cost-effective and sustainable hair care option, give shampoo bars a try!

Are there any specific brands of shampoo bars recommended for air travel?

When it comes to traveling with shampoo bars, I’ve found that not all brands are created equal. Some tend to get mushy and messy during transit, while others hold up well.

After trying out a few different options, my top recommended brand for air travel is Ethique. Their bars are compact and sturdy, and they come in handy tins that make packing a breeze. Plus, they have a wide variety of scents and formulas to choose from so you can find the perfect one for your hair type.

Trust me, when you’re on the go and looking to simplify your travel routine, Ethique’s shampoo bars are a game-changer.

Can shampoo bars be used as body soap as well?

Yes, shampoo bars can definitely be used as body soap as well. In fact, many people prefer to use them for both purposes because they’re gentle on the skin and environmentally friendly. When using a shampoo bar as body soap, simply lather it up in your hands or on a loofah and apply it to your body like you would with any other soap.

It’s important to note that some shampoo bars may not be suitable for all skin types, so be sure to check the ingredients before using them on your body. Overall, if you’re looking for an easy and sustainable way to simplify your travel toiletries, packing a multi-purpose shampoo bar is definitely worth considering.

Are there any potential disadvantages to using shampoo bars instead of traditional liquid shampoo?

I’ve been using shampoo bars for quite some time now and I must say, they’re a game-changer. However, there are a few potential disadvantages to using them instead of traditional liquid shampoo.

One major issue is that they may not work as well in hard water areas. Also, if your hair is prone to dryness, you may need an additional conditioner after washing with the shampoo bar.

Additionally, some people may find it difficult to get used to the transition from liquid shampoo to solid bars, hence leading to a build-up of residue on the hair or scalp. Nonetheless, with proper usage and storage techniques, these concerns can be easily avoided and the benefits of using shampoo bars will far outweigh any potential downsides.

So there you have it, my ultimate guide to traveling with shampoo bars! I hope that this has been helpful to you as you plan your next adventure.

Remember that shampoo bars are an amazing alternative to traditional bottled shampoos and can make your travels more eco-friendly and convenient.

One final anecdote to leave you with: on a recent trip, I brought along my trusty shampoo bar and was able to wash my hair in the middle of a beautiful forest while camping. As I lathered up my hair with the soap, I couldn’t help but think about how much easier it was than trying to pour liquid shampoo out of a bottle without spilling it all over the ground. It was like having a little piece of home with me wherever I went.

So go forth and pack those shampoo bars with confidence, knowing that they will keep your hair clean and save space in your luggage. Happy travels!

Scott-Robinson-The-Cultural-Connoisseur-of-Seek-Traveler

Meet Scott Robinson, a seasoned traveler with 28 countries under his belt, has immersed himself in diverse cultures around the world. His articles are a window into the rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and local flavors he has encountered on his globetrotting escapades. Scott’s deep appreciation for the beauty of cultural diversity shines through his writing, allowing you to embark on a virtual journey that celebrates the vibrant mosaic of humanity.

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travel shampoo and conditioner bars

Discover the Best Natural Shampoo Bars for Sustainable, Healthy Hair

Explore the world of natural shampoo bars, where eco-friendliness meets luxurious haircare. Our guide delves into the benefits of these bars for both your hair and the planet. From gentle cleansing to sustainable packaging, discover guilt-free, gorgeous haircare options for all types of hair.

I’ve watched with excitement as natural shampoo bars gain traction in the world of personal care. Why? Because  shampoo bars offer a practical, zero-waste alternative to the plastic shampoo bottles that typically crowd our bathroom shelves.

Since I know that most of you here at Mindful Momma are  looking to reduce plastic  in your lives, I thought it would be helpful to do a little overview of the benefits of shampoo bars and a review of the best shampoo bar brands (and the accompanying conditioner bars). 

So I hit the shower with a bunch of different shampoo bars in order to test them out and evaluate the pros and cons.

We’ll also have a discussion about how to best use shampoo bars, because let’s face it, a shampoo bar is quite different than a bottle of liquid shampoo, but definitely a habit change you can adopt. So let’s get into it…

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Shampoos

As you comb through the beauty aisles, you are confronted with aisle after aisle of plastic bottles.  Traditional liquid shampoos come in single-use plastic bottles , and they are piling up in our landfills and oceans. We know that a dismaying amount of this plastic never sees the recycling bin, and worse yet, it can take centuries to break down. 

On top of the plastic dilemma,  traditional shampoos are often  teeming with harsh chemicals . Some of these, like certain sulfates and parabens, are known to cause harm when they wash down our drains and enter waterways. The chemical runoff from these products can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and harm wildlife. They can also infiltrate our soil and, eventually, our food supply. 

My shift towards more  eco-conscious choices  has made me keenly aware of the domino effect our daily actions can have. Acknowledging the environmental impact of traditional shampoos was the nudge I needed to explore alternatives, like zero waste shampoo bars, that are better for both people and the planet.

RELATED: A Roundup of Zero Waste Bathroom Products

Why Use Shampoo Bars Over Conventional Shampoo?

Switching to shampoo bars is like giving your haircare routine a green makeover. Say goodbye to bulky plastic bottles, and hello to compact, solid shampoo with minimal packaging. 

The benefits of shampoo bars over liquid shampoo include:

Reducing Plastic Use:  One of the standout perks of solid shampoo bars is how they help us cut down on plastic consumption. Every bar is one less plastic bottle in landfills or oceans, making a dent in the global plastic problem.

Natural Ingredients:  Many shampoo bars are free from sulfates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals, however it’s important to read the ingredients label to assure you are buying a natural and non-toxic shampoo bar. High-quality shampoo bars are packed with nourishing ingredients that are kinder to your scalp and promote hair health without stripping away natural oils.

Travel Convenience:  The beauty of waterless shampoo bars is that they won’t spill in your bag or take up much space, making them perfect for travelers looking to streamline their toiletries. Plus, without liquid to worry about, they’re airplane-friendly, saying goodbye to TSA’s liquid restrictions.

Less Waste:  Bonus! Shampoo bars last longer than their liquid counterparts because you use exactly what you need, resulting in less waste and more savings over time. The bars’ concentrated form means they require less water to produce and possess a smaller carbon footprint during transport, directly trimming the environmental toll. 

Taking all these benefits into account, it’s clear that making the switch to plastic free shampoo bars can be a small step for you but a giant leap for sustainable living. 🌎

RELATED: Favorite Clean Shampoo Brands

Understanding Shampoo Bar Ingredients

As the popularity of shampoo bars grows, it’s important to understand that not all shampoo ingredients are healthy for people and the planet. Let’s take a look:

Ingredients to AVOID in Shampoo Bars

Because shampoo bars are solid and not liquid, they typically don’t need strong preservatives, but they may still have some harsh, artificial ingredients. Try to avoid the following ingredients in the shampoo bars you choose:

  • sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryth sulfate (SLES)
  • ethoxylated ingredients ending in eth like ceteareth and oleth
  • polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds
  • artificial fragrances or parfum (often contain parabens)
  • artificial colors

A note about sulfates: Many shampoo bars use a gentler surfactant called sodium coco sulfate (SCS), which is less irritating than sodium laurel sulfate (SLS). It is derived from the fatty acids of coconuts and is a mild cleanser that makes the bars lather. Other shampoo bars use a surfactant called sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI), which is not a sulfate but still does create lather. If you are looking for a completely sulfate-free shampoo bar, look for sodium cocoyl isethionate.

Here’s a good explanation about sulfates in shampoo if you are interested.

Beneficial Ingredients in Shampoo Bars

On a positive note, there are many ingredients in shampoo bars that work hard to keep your hair looking it’s best, no matter what your hair type.

  • Conditioning Agents: To help soften and detangle hair, most shampoo bars include some type of conditioning agent. These can include ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, or various plant-based oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, argan oil or castor oils.
  • Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant that helps to retain moisture in the hair, leaving it hydrated and smooth.
  • Essential Oils: Many shampoo bars include essential oils for fragrance, as well as for their potential benefits for the hair and scalp. For example, tea tree oil is often added for its antibacterial properties, while lavender oil may be included for its calming effects.
  • Herbal Extracts: Shampoo bars may also include herbal extracts such as nettle, horsetail, chamomile or rosemary, or other natural additives like aloe vera, activated charcoal or sea salt which are believed to have benefits for the hair and scalp.
  • Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Panthenol is known for its moisturizing properties and is often added to hair care products to enhance hydration and promote a smoother texture.
  • Clays: Clays like kaolin or bentonite may be included to help absorb excess oil and impurities from the hair and scalp.

How to Choose the Best Natural Shampoo Bars for YOU

Finding the ideal shampoo bar for your locks might seem daunting, but with a focus on your hair’s unique characteristics such as porosity and texture, you’ll discover a match that feels like it was crafted just for you.

Bonus: Many brands offer a hair quiz to help you figure out which formula will work best for your hair.

Keep in mind that some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients, so it’s advisable to check the ingredient list before using a new product.

Here are some general guidelines to help you find the best shampoo bar for your needs:

  • Dry hair – Look for a moisturizing shampoo bar made with nourishing oils and hydrating extracts.
  • Oily hair – Try a shampoo bar that contains activated charcoal or clay to absorb excess oil and detoxify the scalp.
  • Curly hair – Look for a bar that is rich with shea butter or cocoa butter and squalane to control frizz.
  • Colored hair – A bar with Panthenol (Vitamin B5) is helpful for color-treated hair.
  • Flaky scalp – Try out a soothing shampoo bar made with neem oil and tea tree oil or rosemary essential oils to help soothe an itchy scalp and control flakes.
  • Dull hair – To remove buildup and invigorate limp, lifeless hair, try a clarifying shampoo bar made with clay, activated charcoal, dandelion root or apple cider vinegar.
  • Fine hair -To strengthen and volumize fine hair look for a shampoo bar with keratin or soy protein extract.
  • Grey hair – To tone down brassiness and brighten up grey, white or blond hair, look for a purple shampoo bar made with ultra-violet pigments.

Given all the shampoo bars available today, I have no doubt you’ll be able to find the perfect bar for your specific type of hair!

Top 12 Natural Shampoo Bar Brands

To be clear, I haven’t tested out ALL of these brands, but I have tried quite a few of them. I personally have thick, wavy/curly hair so obviously I’m not going to be the best expert on shampoo bars for oily hair or thinning hair.

However, I’ve done the research to help identify the best-of-the-best shampoo bars for all hair types. If you are looking for a vegan shampoo bar, rest assured, most of these bars are vegan. And be sure to check out the related conditioner bars too – because you are probably going to want to have both.

Best Suds: ATTITUDE Leaves Bar Shampoo Bar

  • Made in: Canada
  • Types: Volumizing, Nourishing, Hydrating, Detox
  • Certifications: EWG VERIFIED™, PETA Certified
  • Sulfate-free: NO
  • Price: $14.95 for 4-oz bar
  • Pros: One of the best suds of all the bars I’ve tried.
  • Cons: Both the shampoo bars and conditioner bars are the same square shape so it’s hard to tell the difference between them.
  • Take 15% off with code MINDFULMOMMA15

Most Options: Ethique Shampoo Bars

  • Made in: New Zealand
  • Types: Calming, Clarifying, Smoothing, Curl-Defining & more
  • Certifications: PETA Certified, Certified Palm Oil Free, B-Corp
  • Sulfate-free: Sulfate-free option available
  • Price: $16 for 3.88-oz bar (80 uses)
  • Pros: Lots of options for different types of hair
  • Cons: Formulas include lab-made, certified natural fragrances (along with essential oils)

Best Detox Shampoo Bar: B.O.B Shampoo Bar (Bars Over Bottles)

  • Made in: Brazil
  • Types: Moisturizing, Purifiying, Detox, Purple Toning & more
  • Certifications: PETA Certified
  • Sulfate-free: YES
  • Price: $15 for 2.8-oz bar
  • Pros: Detox formula with black clay is a great clarifying shampoo bar for all hair types.
  • Cons: Conditioner bars don’t directly match up with shampoo bar formulas

Best Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Combos: Superzero Shampoo Bars

  • Made in: USA
  • Types: formulas for dry, oily, fine, curly, thinning hair and more
  • Certifications: Climate Neutral Certified
  • Price: $28 for 2.15-oz bar (includes travel bag)
  • Pros: Both shampoo and conditioner bars have unique, easy-to-grip shapes.
  • Cons: A bit more expensive than other brands.

Best Luxury Shampoo Bar: Conscia Solid Shampoo

  • Types: Fortify, Hydrate, Heal, Sensitive, Detox
  • Certifications: many USDA certified organic ingredients are used
  • Price: $65 for 4.23-oz shampoo stone ($28 for travel size)
  • Pros: Shampoo stones are beautiful, luxurious and smell amazing
  • Cons: Quite expensive

Best Scented Shampoo Bars: The Earthling Co. Shampoo Bars

  • Types: One formula works for all hair types but a variety of scents (and unscented) are available.
  • Price: $15.99 for 3-oz bar
  • Pros: A variety of scents available, including limited edition scents.
  • Cons: Only one shampoo formula, natural fragrances used along with essential oils.

Best Simple Shampoo Bar: Package Free Shampoo Bar

  • Types: One type only (lavender scented)
  • Certifications: All ingredients rated as safe by the Environmental Working Group (EWG)
  • Price: $19 for 3.5-oz bar
  • Pros: Made with only 5 natural ingredients
  • Cons: Only one formula and scent available
  • Take 10% on your first order with code Micaela10

Best Affordable Natural Shampoo Bar: J.R. Liggett’s Shampoo Bars

  • Types: formulas for dry, oily, colored and curly hair
  • Certifications: none
  • Price: $7.99 for 3.5-oz bar (mini bars available for $1.99 each)
  • Pros: Lowest cost shampoo bar
  • Cons: Rectangular shape is very similar to a regular bar soap.

Best Easy-to-Grip Shampoo Bar: HiBar Solid Shampoo Bars

  • Types: Moisturize, Maintain, Curl, Soothe & more
  • Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified
  • Vegan: YES (except for Maintain which contains honey)
  • Price: $13.95 for 3.2-oz bar
  • Pros: Unique shape fits comfortably in your hand.
  • Cons: Was hard to tell shampoo and conditioner apart but they just started putting an “S” and “C” on the bars.

Easiest to Find Zero Waste Shampoo Bar: Acure Shampoo Bar

  • Types: One type only (targets frizz & flyaways)
  • Certifications: working towards Climate Neutral Certification
  • Price: $9.99 for 5-oz bar
  • Pros: Very affordable and easy to find
  • Cons: Looks similar to a bar soap in the shower.

Most Unique Shampoo Bars: Beauty and the Bees Shampoo Bars

  • Made in: Australia
  • Types: formulas for normal hair, dry hair, oily hair and more
  • Vegan: NO (but cruelty-free)
  • Price: $14.95 for 4.2-oz bar
  • Pros: Unique ingredients like apple cider vinegar, Moroccan mud, activated charcoal and beer.
  • Cons: Square shape can be hard to grip

Best One-Size-Fits-All Shampoo Bars: EcoRoots Shampoo Bars

  • Types: bars work for all types of hair (a variety of different scents are available)
  • Certifications: 1% for the Planet
  • Price: $12.95 for 2.25-oz bar
  • Pros: Shampoo and conditioner bars are both round but easy to tell apart.
  • Cons: Only one hair formula available.

Looking for plastic free deodorant ? We’ve got that too!

Usage Tips for Natural Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Ready to make the switch to natural shampoo and conditioner bars? Bravo for choosing a sustainable path in the haircare department! Let’s chat about how to use shampoo and conditioner bars to get squeaky clean hair and make the most of their eco-friendly potential!

  • Get Wet: Begin with thoroughly wet hair. Unlike liquid shampoo, natural shampoo bars need a bit of moisture to lather up properly.
  • Lather it Up: Swipe the bar a few times through your hair, from roots to tips, or lather it up in your hands before applying. Massage gently to encourage the suds to form into a rich lather.
  • Conditioning Call: After shampooing, glide the conditioner bar over damp hair, concentrating on mid-lengths to ends. Don’t overdo it; a little goes a long way. Allow the conditioner to work its magic for a few minutes before rinsing.
  • Rinse Right: Make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any residue. Natural shampoo bars leave hair squeaky-clean without unwanted ingredients like silicones or parabens.
  • Between Uses: Keep your shampoo and conditioner bars high and dry in the shower buy using a raised soap dish , a self-draining soap holder or a Soap Lift . By doing so, you’ll extend the life of your bars and make your investment last even longer.
  • Storing Secrets: If you’re on the move, pop your bars into a travel soap container or a breathable cloth bag. Good news: no need to pull them out for airport security!
  • Patch Test Power: Got sensitive skin? Do a patch test. Natural ingredients are gentle, but it’s always smart to ensure they harmonize with your skin type.
  • Patience is Key: Transition periods can be real. Your hair may take a moment to get used to the change, especially if it’s been accustomed to synthetic ingredients. Give it a few washes before making a judgement about your bar.

Include these tips in your regimen, and you’re all set for good hair days and an even better planet!

Shampoo Bar FAQs

Do shampoo bars later as well as traditional shampoo.

You may wonder if natural shampoo bars lather as well as liquid shampoos. No sweat, they certainly do! Once you add water, the surfactants will lather up when you rub the bar in a circular motion on your hair or in your hands.

Is there a transition period for shampoo bars?

If you are making the switch from conventional shampoo to a natural shampoo bar, there can be an adjustment phase as your hair and scalp kick the habit of synthetic ingredients. Give it some time—you’ll likely find your hair happier than ever after this brief recalibration.

Do shampoo bars work for all hair types?

Absolutely. Whether your hair is dry, oily, or somewhere in between, there’s a bar out there for you. The trick is to look for bars with ingredients that align with your hair’s needs.

How long do shampoo bars last?

A common question about shampoo bars is how long do they last? If you keep them dry between uses, they can outlast two to three bottles of liquid shampoo. That’s not just economical, it’s a big step towards less waste.

Are shampoo bars travel-friendly?

Shampoo bars are a traveler’s best friend – I love bringing mine on trips! Solid bars mean no accidental spills and they are a breeze to take through airport security because they can stay snuggly in your bag the entire time.

Are shampoo bars OK for a sensitive scalp?

Fear not. Most natural shampoo bars are formulated with gentle, natural ingredients that are kind to sensitive skin. Just peek at the label for soothing components like aloe vera or chamomile. I recommend trying the Calming Shampoo Bar from Ethique .

The Wrap Up

Making the switch to zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars is a great step toward being a good steward of the planet. And as I’ve explained in this post, shampoo bars can work wonders for your hair once you find the shampoo bar formula that works best for your hair type.

Personally, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how well my shampoo and conditioner bars have worked – and they are absolutely brilliant for travel!

At risk of sounding corny, keep in mind that your individual contribution might seem like a mere drop in the ocean, but think of the ripples it creates. Each choice is a step towards a future where our personal well-being and the planet’s health stride hand in hand. Together, let’s nourish our locks and love for the earth, one shampoo bar at a time. 😀🌎

The post Discover the Best Natural Shampoo Bars for Sustainable, Healthy Hair appeared first on Mindful Momma .

Explore the world of natural shampoo bars, where eco-friendliness meets luxurious haircare. Our guide delves...

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

  • Beauty & Personal Care
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HiBAR Fragrance-Free Moisturize Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Set, Unscented Shampoo and Conditioner, Suitable for Color-Treated Hair & Eco-Friendly

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HiBAR Fragrance-Free Moisturize Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Set, Unscented Shampoo and Conditioner, Suitable for Color-Treated Hair & Eco-Friendly

Sustainability features.

This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.

Reduced air and/or water in the product or packaging for more efficient transportation.

Compact by Design (Amazon-developed Certification)

Compact by Design identifies products that, while they may not always look very different, have a more efficient design. By reducing water and/or air in the product or packaging, these become more efficient to ship. At scale, these small differences in product size and weight lead to significant carbon emission reductions.

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travel shampoo and conditioner bars

( $8.83 / Ounce )

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About this item.

  • Fragrance Free Formula: Our fragrance free shampoo and conditioner set is perfect for those with sensitive skin and noses. Without any added fragrances or essential oils, it offers a gentle, irritation-free clean.
  • Gentle on Scalp and Hair: This fragrance free moisturizing shampoo and conditioner is specially formulated to be gentle, making it ideal for all hair types including sensitive scalps. Enjoy the soothing benefits of an unscented shampoo.
  • Intense Moisturization and Hair Protection: This unscented shampoo and conditioner bar set provides intense hydration without weighing down your hair. It's even suitable for color-treated hair, making it a versatile choice.
  • Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Choose our plastic free shampoo bars and conditioner set for an environmentally conscious choice. These long-lasting bars reduce waste and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
  • Nourishing Natural Ingredients: Our unscented hair conditioner and shampoo fragrance free set is crafted with nourishing natural ingredients. They provide intense moisture and reduce scalp irritation for a healthier hair and scalp.

Additional Details

travel shampoo and conditioner bars

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HiBAR Fragrance-Free Moisturize Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Set, Unscented Shampoo and Conditioner, Suitable for Color-Treate

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Product Description

Shelf with selection of hibar products. Salon-quality shampoo and conditioner bars

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Compact by design from Climate pledge friendly. Certified by Amazon.

Small changes in product size & weight lead to lower carbon emissions.

We created Compact by Design to identify products that, while they may not always look very different, have a more efficient design. With the removal of excess air and water, products require less packaging and become more efficient to ship. At scale, these small differences in product size and weight lead to significant carbon emission reductions.

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Product details.

  • Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.34 x 4.25 x 3.43 inches; 9.59 ounces
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ HiBAR
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09PN8W7KH
  • #119 in Shampoo & Conditioner Sets

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