Shampoo Bar Pros and Cons - All You Need To Know

To bar or not to bar? That is the question. And the answer? Yes! Absolutely!

But like everything, there are pros and cons.

Let’s go over the top misconceptions about shampoo bars and what the benefits of shampoo bars are while weighing up the pros and cons:

Shampoo Bar Pros

Shampoo bars are better for the environment

Damn right shampoo bars are better for the environment.

As shampoo bars are solid, they can be packaged in cardboard. Our packaging is plastic-free and home-compostable. One shampoo bar is the equivalent of three 350 mL liquid shampoo bottles, meaning one bar saves three plastic bottles from being made or disposed of in landfills around the world. And conditioner bars? One single conditioner bar is the equivalent of five 350 mL liquid conditioner bottles!

Sure, you could recycle your plastic bottles, but sadly only 9% of plastic worldwide has been recycled.

Like all Ethique products, the ingredients for shampoo bars are cruelty-free, vegan, and directly traded. Ethique products are 100% biodegradable under typical use conditions. Whilst we don't encourage using excessive amounts in small bodies of water, their effect is minimal with normal use. Our bars are very popular camping companions because they’re compact and easy to transport!

Furthermore, a typical bottle of liquid shampoo contains up to 70% water in the formulation alone — and the actual plastic bottle also uses water to produce. One HDPE 350ml bottle (about the size of a typical supermarket bottle) requires 700ml of water to make.

One of our shampoo bars contains less than 1% water, meaning little to no water waste is involved in the formulation or packaging.

Shampoo bars are easy to use

Yup! Shampoo bars are easy to use and don’t add any extra time to your shower routine. But like anything new, it can feel a bit tricky at first.

Never fear! We’ve got you covered with our how to use a shampoo bar guide for a smooooooth transition.

Shampoo bars are good for curly hair

Curly, coily, and wavy hair thrives with the right care — and yes, shampoo bars can be a fantastic option.

Our Curl-Defining Shampoo and Conditioner Duo is specifically formulated in line with curl care principles. It’s free from sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols to gently cleanse while maintaining moisture and curl definition.

Clinically tested, the Curl-Defining Duo has been shown to:

• Increase shine by 70%
• Improve manageability by 6x*

*All claims are based on clinical testing or consumer studies. Results shown when using shampoo and conditioner pairs together versus damaged hair. See product pages for full testing details.

If you’re looking for a curl-friendly, plastic-free alternative, our Curl-Defining bars are a great place to start.

Shampoo bars can be sulfate-free

If you're looking for a sulfate-free shampoo bar, you're in luck — Ethique offers a full range to choose from.

Some of our shampoo bars are formulated with sodium coco sulfate, a coconut-derived surfactant that creates a rich, fluffy lather while being gentle enough for sensitive scalps.

We never use sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLeS), or any palm oil-derived sulfates. All our ingredients are certified palm oil-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.

Prefer sulfate-free? Our sulfate-free shampoo bars are:

• Soap-free and pH balanced
• Safe for colour-treated hair
• Available in options like the Curl-Defining Shampoo Bar, Repairing Shampoo Bar, Gentle Shampoo Bar, and Purple Shampoo Bar

No matter which bar you choose, you’ll enjoy a great clean without compromising on performance.

Shampoo bars can be used on coloured hair

Yes! Absolutely. Our shampoo and conditioner bars are soap-free, pH balanced and safe for color-treated hair, meaning they won’t strip the color out of your hair.

However, shampoo bars won't prolong the life of your hair color either.

If you’re using something other than an Ethique shampoo bar, you’ll need to check the ingredients to make sure your colour-treated hair is in safe hands.

Shampoo bars are good for travelling

Solid shampoo and conditioner bars are perfect companions for travel. Because they're not liquid, you can breeze through airport security without worrying about TSA limits — no decanting, no spills, and no need for travel-sized plastic bottles.

Plus, bars are lightweight, compact, and long-lasting, making them ideal for fitting into carry-on luggage or saving space in your bag.

Pro tip:

• To get the most out of your bars while travelling, it's important to store them properly.
• Choose a breathable option like a sisal saver bag, an upcycled tin with drainage holes, or a silicone travel pouch.
• Always allow your bars to dry out fully between uses to keep them firm and extend their lifespan.

Bonus tip: Because our shampoo bars are soap-free and pH balanced, many customers also use them as a gentle bodywash when travelling — perfect for packing light!

Shampoo Bar Cons

Like anything new, switching to shampoo bars can come with a learning curve. Here are a few challenges to be aware of — and some tips for overcoming them.

If you’re unsure where to start, check out our How to Use a Shampoo Bar guide for simple tips and tricks to help you transition smoothly.

Shampoo bars can get wet and mushy

In humid environments or bathrooms without much ventilation, shampoo bars can struggle to dry out between uses. To avoid this, make sure you:

• Store your bar somewhere with good airflow
• Use a breathable saver bag, draining tray, or upcycled tin with ventilation
• Keep bars away from pools of water when not in use

We’ve also shared more tips for how to save a wet shampoo bar if you ever need a rescue.

Shampoo bars can be more expensive up front

While the upfront cost of a shampoo bar may seem higher than one bottle of liquid shampoo, in the long run, shampoo bars are cheaper than bottles.

One shampoo bar is equal in concentration to three x 350ml shampoo bottles. That same shampoo bar will last over 80 washes (which works out to be about $0.20 per wash). One conditioner bar is equal in concentration to five x 350ml bottles, lasting over 120 washes (about $0.15 per wash).

We also make sure that people and the planet are looked after with every bar. For example, Ethique sources ingredients through direct trade partnerships which pay producers above market rates. So while you might pay a bit more, you can rest assured that your money is going towards top-quality, ethically sourced ingredients.

So, are shampoo bars better than liquid shampoo?

Absolutely! They feel great on your hair, are good for your wallet, there’s a shampoo bar for every hair type, and of course, they’re better for the environment. Win-win!

New to Ethique and shampoo bars?

Welcome! We're so excited for you to start your solid haircare journey.

If you're not ready to commit to a full-size bar just yet, our Mini and Mini Duo Packs are launching in July 2025. They're a great way to test different options, get about 10 washes per mini, and find the perfect match for your hair.

Still on the fence?

If you’re still a bit hesitant, email our team of Miracle Workers – we’re here to help!

And remember: all purchases from our website are backed by our Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can shop with complete peace of mind.