6 Top Shampoo Bars for Travel and Daily Use | 2025 Recommendations

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Beauty trends seem to emerge and evolve at an incredible pace, and one of the latest innovations capturing attention is the shampoo bar. According to SELF, these solid shampoos are proving to be an eco-friendly alternative to traditional liquid shampoos, making them especially appealing for those concerned about reducing plastic waste and simplifying their hair care routine—particularly when traveling, as they eliminate the need for liquid containers.

Shampoo bars boast concentrated formulas that retain all the beneficial ingredients found in conventional shampoos, minus the added water. “The water in your shower activates the product, creating a rich lather,” explains Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, a dermatologist from the Laser & Skin Surgery Center in New York. This compact nature not only contributes to their longevity but also benefits the environment by minimizing packaging waste.

To help consumers navigate the best options available, we explored the market with insights from dermatologists and put several shampoo bars to the test. Below are our selected favorites that could enhance your shower routine.

Top Recommendations

Best Overall: Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth
Best for Oily Hair: Ethique Volumizing Shampoo Bar
Best for Dry Hair: Lush Honey I Washed My Hair Shampoo Bar
Best for Flat Hair: HiBar Volumize Shampoo Bar
Best for Sensitive Scalps: Briogeo 3-in-1 Cleansing Bar for Hair, Face + Body
Best for Thick Hair: Lush Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar

Frequently Asked Questions About Shampoo Bars

What should you consider when selecting a shampoo bar?

Look closely at the ingredient list relative to your hair type. Here are some suggestions:

For Dry Hair: Seek out hydrating elements like glycerin and panthenol, recommends Dr. Mansha Sethi, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pennsylvania.
For Curly Hair: Opt for nourishing oils such as coconut, olive, or castor oil.
For Fine Hair: It’s best to avoid too many oils or silicones that might weigh your hair down; choose natural moisturizers like shea butter instead.

Regardless of hair type, avoid bars with parabens, synthetic fragrances, and harsh surfactants like sulfates, as these ingredients can lead to scalp irritation and dryness.

Do shampoo bars leave a residue?

Generally, shampoo bars do not leave behind any buildup. However, if you style your hair with heavy products that contain silicones, a gentle shampoo bar might not eliminate that buildup completely. In this case, consider occasionally using a clarifying shampoo or seeking a professional wash at a salon.

How to properly use a shampoo bar?

Begin by wetting both your hair and the bar thoroughly. Gently rub the bar in your hands or apply it directly to your scalp in the direction of hair growth to avoid tangles. Parting the hair can also help ensure you scrub your scalp properly. After massaging the product into your hair, rinse thoroughly. Since shampoo bars are concentrated, using an excessive amount may result in greasy hair.

Explore the Best Shampoo Bars

In pursuit of healthier hair, consider these dermatologist-recommended shampoo bars as part of your routine.

Best Overall: Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar

Pros: Creates a rich lather; fresh scent; safe for color-treated hair.

Cons: Some reviews mention breakage.

This shampoo bar has garnered multiple accolades for its waste-minimizing design and effective formulation. Reviewers noted that it produces unexpected lather while imparting a pleasant scent, leaving hair feeling luxuriously soft.

Size: 3.2 oz | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, castor oil, hydrolyzed rice protein.

Best for Oily Hair: Ethique Volumizing Shampoo Bar

Pros: Ergonomic shape; quick lather; easy rinse; safe for color-treated hair.

Cons: May be overly clarifying for dry hair; contains fragrance.

This bar’s design ensures a secure grip during use. Its lathering capabilities effectively cleanse product buildup without leaving residue.

Size: 3.9 oz | Key Ingredients: Biotin, caffeine.

Best for Dry Hair: Lush Honey I Washed My Hair Shampoo Bar

Pros: Moisturizes and softens; pleasant scent; easy to use.

Cons: Contains fragrance.

This bar has been praised for its rich moisturizing properties, ideal for those needing extra hydration. The honey content helps maintain moisture, making it suitable for dry or curly hair.

Size: 1.9 oz | Key Ingredients: Sodium coco sulfate, bergamot oil.

Best for Flat Hair: HiBar Volumize Shampoo Bar

Pros: Easy lather; suitable for oily roots; color-safe.

Cons: Contains fragrance.

This bar effectively enhances volume without weighing down hair. It’s particularly beneficial for those prone to greasy roots, providing a refreshing clean feel.

Size: 3.2 oz | Key Ingredients: Sodium cocoyl isethionate, panthenol.

Best for Sensitive Scalps: Briogeo 3-in-1 Cleansing Bar

Pros: Quick lather; multi-use for hair and body; calming ingredients.

Cons: May not suit very thick or oily hair.

This gentle cleansing bar is ideal for those with sensitive skin, providing a soft cleanse without irritation and combining functionality for hair and body care.

Size: 3.7 oz | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, green tea.

Best for Thick Hair: Lush Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar

Pros: Strong cleansing action; good lather; invigorating scent.

Cons: Contains fragrance.

This bar is particularly effective for those with thick hair, easily creating a rich lather that cleanses even heavily styled hair thoroughly.

Size: 1.9 oz | Key Ingredients: Sodium coco sulfate, almond oil.

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