Did you know that in Australia, around 179 million plastic bottles of personal care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion, are thrown away every year?

That's a staggering amount of waste—but the good news is that making small swaps, like switching to shampoo bars, can have a big impact! Not only do shampoo bars eliminate the need for plastic packaging, but they also last longer than traditional liquid shampoos, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective choice.

We know that finding the right shampoo bar for your hair type can feel overwhelming, so we’ve created a complete guide to help you choose the best shampoo bar for your needs! Let's dive in... 

Why Switch to Shampoo Bars?

Before exploring the best shampoo bars for each hair type, let’s ake a closer look at why making the switch is worth it. Here are the key benefits of shampoo bars:

1. Eco-Friendly: One shampoo bar replaces approximately three to four standard 250ml bottles of liquid shampoo. By removing all plastic packaging, shampoo bars help reduce waste and lower your environmental footprint, making them more cost-effective in the long run!

2. A little goes a long way: One ofthe major benefits of shampoo bars is that they don’t contain water. Without added water, shampoo bars are packed with concentrated, potent natural ingredients. This means they offer more washes per gram compared to traditional liquid shampoos. By using less product for more washes, shampoo bars are not only more eco-friendly but also more cost-effective, again!
3. Travel-Friendly: Shampoo bars are the perfect travel companion! Compact, spill-proof, and lightweight, they’re ideal for your adventures. Unlike liquid shampoos, they easily pass through airport security without any hassle, saving you space in your bag while reducing plastic waste.
4. Natural Ingredients: At Go For Zero, all our shampoo bars are carefully researched to ensure they’re free from harsh chemicals, fillers and harsh toxins. Our bars use natural, highly effective cleansing agents, along with nourishing oils and botanicals, to care for your hair and scalp. Choose nature over chemicals for healthier hair!

Choosing the Right Shampoo Bar for Your Hair Type

Now that we know the benefits of switching from bottled shampoo to a bar, let’s find the perfect one for your hair type:

1. Normal Hair

• Shampoo with a Purpose - The OG Shampoo & Conditioner Bar: A versatile bar that cleanses and conditions, leaving hair soft and manageable. Scented with a refreshing blend of natural botanicals.​

• The Australian Natural Soap Company - ORIGINAL Shampoo Bar: A straightforward, effective cleanser suitable for most hair types, with a clean, natural scent.​

• Beauty and the Bees - Bee Shiny pH Balanced Shampoo Bar: Formulated to enhance natural shine, this bar offers a subtle honey fragrance.​

• Beauty and the Bees - Voodoo Bamboo Charcoal & Honey Shampoo Bar: Infused with bamboo charcoal to detoxify the scalp, complemented by a light honey scent.​

• Beauty and the Bees - Tasmanian Apple Cider Vinegar & Honey Shampoo Bar: Balances scalp pH and adds shine with a subtle apple scent.​

• Beauty and the Bees - Tasmanian Beer Shampoo Bar: Utilises the natural properties of beer to balance oil production with a unique, malty aroma.​

• NueBar - Normal Hair Shampoo Bar: Crafted with gentle ingredients to maintain hair health, featuring a mild, earthy scent.​

• Ethique - Solid Shampoo Bar Pinkalicious: Restores softness and shine with creamed coconut and cocoa butter, leaving hair smooth and revitalised.

• Shampoo with a Purpose - VOLUME Shampoo & Conditioner Bar: Adds body and fullness to hair with a zesty citrus aroma.​

• Ethique - Solid Shampoo Bar Sweet & Spicy: Adds volume and bounce with orange, cinnamon, and ginger while nourishing with coconut oil.

2. Oily Hair

• Beauty and the Bees - Tasmanian Beer Shampoo Bar: Utilises the natural properties of beer to balance oil production with a unique, malty aroma.​
  

• Beauty and the Bees - Bee Clean pH Balanced Shampoo Bar: Targets excess oil while maintaining scalp health, offering a clean, fresh fragrance.​

• NueBar - Oily Hair Shampoo Bar: Formulated to cleanse deeply without stripping natural oils, with a subtle citrus scent.​

• Ethique - Solid Shampoo Bar St Clements: Balances oily hair with lime and orange oils, leaving it fresh, soft, and bouncy.

3. Curly, Dry, Frizzy or Damaged Hair

• Shampoo with a Purpose - DRY OR DAMAGED Shampoo & Conditioner Bar: Rich in conditioning agents to restore moisture, featuring a soothing lavender aroma.​

• The Australian Natural Soap Company - Conditioning Shampoo Bar: Combines cleansing and conditioning properties, leaving hair soft and nourished, with a mild herbal scent.​

• Beauty and the Bees - Bee Smooth pH Balanced Shampoo Bar: Designed to tame frizz and hydrate, with a gentle floral scent.​

• Beauty and the Bees - Voodoo Bamboo Charcoal & Honey Shampoo Bar: Infused with bamboo charcoal to detoxify the scalp, complemented by a light honey scent.​

• Beauty and the Bees - Tasmanian Apple Cider Vinegar & Honey Shampoo Bar: Balances scalp pH and adds shine with a subtle apple scent.​

• NueBar - Curly or Dry Hair Shampoo Bar: Packed with nourishing oils to define curls and hydrate dry strands, offering a sweet, nutty fragrance.​

• Ethique - Solid Shampoo Bar Professor Curl: Defines and nourishes curls with shea butter and betaine while gently cleansing.

• Ethique - Solid Shampoo Bar Frizz Wrangler: Tames frizz and nourishes dry hair with coconut oil and cocoa butter for silky, smooth locks.

4. Colour-Treated Hair

• Shampoo with a Purpose - COLOUR TREATED Shampoo & Conditioner Bar: Formulated to protect and extend the vibrancy of coloured hair with a delicate rose scent.​

• Ethique - Solid Shampoo Bar Tone it Down: Neutralises brassy tones with purple pigments while babassu oil adds softness and shine.

5. Sensitive Scalp

• Beauty and the Bees - Bee Pure pH Balanced Shampoo Bar: Free from fragrances and harsh additives, ideal for sensitive scalps.​

• Beauty and the Bees - Jojoba & Olive Oil Baby Soap Bar: Gently cleanses and nourishes sensitive baby skin with olive, jojoba, and coconut oils

• The Australian Natural Soap Company - SENSITIVE SCALP Shampoo Bar: Utilises gentle ingredients to soothe and cleanse without irritation, unscented for minimal sensitivity.​

• NueBar - Fragrance-Free Shampoo Bar: Perfect for those sensitive to scents, this bar cleanses effectively without any added fragrance.​

• Ethique - Solid Shampoo Bar Healing Kiwi: Soothes dry, itchy scalps with neem oil and oatmeal, reducing flakiness naturally.

• Ethique - Solid Shampoo Bar Minimum: Gently cleanses and soothes sensitive scalps with babassu oil and betaine, completely fragrance-free.

6. Scalp Care

• Beauty and the Bees - Bee Healthy pH Balanced Shampoo Bar: Exfoliates and revitalises the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth with a refreshing minty scent.​

How to use a shampoo bar correctly?

Okay, this is not rocket science, but when you use a shampoo bar correctly, you'll get the most out of its benefits, providing a more effective cleanse, and as a result, you will love it too! Here's how to use a shampoo bar effectively:

• Wet your hair thoroughly: Ensure your hair is completely saturated with water.​

• Lather the bar: Rub the shampoo bar between your hands to create a lather, or apply it directly to your scalp in gentle circular motions.​ I personally prefer to rub it directly onto my scalp but see what works best for you!

• Massage and rinse: Massage the lather into your scalp and hair. You will see it foams up perfectly. Then rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.​
  
  

Top Tips for Storing Shampoo Bars to Make Them Last Longer

Storing your shampoo bar correctly is key to maximising its lifespan and effectiveness. When exposed to water for long periods, the bar can become soft and wear down faster. To preserve its shape and potency, make sure to store it in a dry place between uses.

• Use a soap holder: This allows water to drain away, keeping the bar dry and extending its lifespan. We love these reclaimed wooden soap holders here!

• Travel tins: For on-the-go storage, think of using a travel tin. Find here some good plastic-free alternatives!

• Extra tip for soaps: Stop wasting soap ends by using soap saver bags that not only extend the lifespan of your soaps but also stimulate healthy blood circulation through their scrubbing texture. 

Join the Zero-Waste Movement Where Nothing Goes to Waste

By making the simple switch to shampoo bars, you’re not only reducing plastic waste but also supporting your hair’s health with natural, nourishing ingredients. With the right shampoo bar for your hair type and the proper storage and usage techniques, you can maximise the benefits and enjoy long-lasting, beautiful results.

Plus, by switching to sustainable alternatives, you're contributing to a more eco-friendly world. Ready to cut the bottle? Explore our range of pH-balanced shampoo bars —your hair and the planet will thank you! 

If you are still unsure, never hesitate to reach out to us at askusanything@goforzero.com.au, we're here to help you find the perfect match!

Lots of love,

Ellie xxx