They’re small and kind of cute, but don’t let their size fool you. Shampoo bars are one of the most powerful upgrades you can make to your haircare routine. More and more people are trading bottles for bars, not just to cut down on plastic waste, but because they genuinely work.
Whether your hair is dry, fine, curly, or somewhere in between, there’s a shampoo bar out there that can cleanse, strengthen, and nourish! All without the need for synthetic foaming agents or bulky packaging. And with the right match, you may never look back.
What makes shampoo bars so different?
At their core, shampoo bars are just what they sound like: solid shampoo. But while traditional liquid shampoos often contain fillers, sulfates, and artificial fragrance, most shampoo bars take a cleaner, more concentrated approach. You get only the ingredients your hair actually needs. There’s no added water, no unnecessary preservatives, and also very important: no plastic.
Take, for example, a formula like the KITSCH - Rice Water Protein Shampoo Bar. It uses fermented rice water, rich in amino acids and B vitamins, to help strengthen the hair without buildup. For drier or textured hair, something more nourishing like the KITSCH - Castor Oil Nourishing Shampoo Bar can work wonders. Castor oil is known for its ability to lock in moisture, support healthy growth, and leave your scalp calm and flake-free. And the best part? One bar lasts longer than two bottles of shampoo, making it just as practical as it is planet-friendly.
How to use solid shampoo bars
If the idea of using a shampoo bar feels unfamiliar, don’t worry, the process is simple. Just wet your hair thoroughly, rub the bar between your hands or directly onto your scalp, and massage until you’ve built up a creamy lather. Rinse as usual, then follow with a conditioner bar.
A solid version of conditioner might surprise you. The KITSCH - Rice Water Protein Conditioner Bar glides over damp lengths to detangle and smooth, without that waxy residue some conditioners leave behind. If your hair tends to be frizz-prone or dry at the ends, the KITSCH - Castor Oil Nourishing Conditioner Bar is a great choice. It leaves hair soft, manageable, and lightly conditioned without weighing it down.
Pro-tip: let your bars dry fully between uses by storing them on a dish with drainage or in a travel tin with air holes. It’ll make them last even longer.
Good for our planet
Besides reducing plastic packaging, shampoo bars are better for the planet in more ways than one. Many traditional liquid shampoos contain synthetic polymers or so-called liquid plastics that rinse down our drains and contribute to microplastic pollution in oceans and waterways. Some formulas also include PFAS, a group of forever chemicals often added to create a smooth or water-resistant texture. These substances don't break down in nature and have been found in soil, drinking water and even marine life. Shampoo bars made with clean, plant-based ingredients, avoid these harmful additives completely. So by making the switch, you’re choosing something that’s better for your hair, your health and the environment. Want to learn more about PFAS in cosmetics? We wrote an article that dives into it: The forever chemicals: what you need to know about PFAS in cosmetics.
Are shampoo bars good for all hair types?
They can be, and often are, if you choose the right formula. If your hair is fine or prone to breakage, something protein-rich like rice water can help boost strength and volume without heaviness. If you have curls or dry ends, castor oil provides the kind of moisture that softens and defines without disrupting your natural texture. Even if you have a sensitive scalp, shampoo bars are usually free of common irritants like SLS and artificial perfume, making them a much gentler choice than many bottled shampoos.
What’s also helpful is that you can mix and match. Using a strengthening shampoo bar with a more hydrating conditioner can give you that perfect balance of clean roots and soft ends, without the need for four different products.
Clean, conscious and effective
It’s easy to assume that plastic-free or natural products might be less effective, but shampoo bars prove the opposite. With concentrated active ingredients, minimal waste, and results you can actually feel, they’re a long-term sustainable upgrade.
All four Kitsch bars are vegan, cruelty-free, travel-friendly, and designed to support both scalp and strands. They give you clean, healthy hair without compromise and make your routine a little simpler, a little more sustainable, and a lot more satisfying. Do you want to dive further into our haircare products? Check out our entire natural haircare collection!
