Shampoo bars are changing the bathroom game. Fewer plastic bottles equals a more eco-friendly set-up, and we can’t think of anything better than that, especially when they’re convenient too.
Having said that, those of us in the bottled shampoo camp may be wary of shampoo (we have reviewed the best shampoos here) that could (at a glance) be mistaken for a bar of soap. And who doesn’t shudder at the thought of dry, soap-washed hair? But we don’t need to be sceptical. These formulas can pack a seriously nourishing punch, often without some of the harsher ingredients you might find in their bottled counterparts.
Whether you’re looking for mostly natural ingredients or trying to avoid sulphates and silicones, which can be drying over time, there’s no shortage of formulas that will work with your hair type – from curly and coily hair to colour-treated (you can find the best purple shampoos here) and bleached, oily (we collated the best shampoos for oily hair), balanced or dry.
It goes without saying these bars are super concentrated, so, while they may be more of an investment in the first instance, they’re often billed as lasting longer than bottled shampoos – which are largely made up of water – so you can hope to get more washes for your buck, too. This should mean you are being kinder to both your wallet and the planet, which is surely reason to celebrate.
To get the best from your bars, remember they’re activated by water, so, keep them dry in between uses, if you can, lest they turn into a mushy mess – we found washing away any remaining suds before leaving them to dry out worked best. If you can store them somewhere with proper drainage (such as a riveted soap tray), even better.
How we tested
While putting these shampoo bars through their paces, our testers considered the different formulations, with attention paid to the ingredients used and whether the formulas were sulphate- and silicone-free (you can find the best sulphate-free shampoos reviewed here), which, while not something everyone looks for, can be beneficial for your hair.
We looked at various things, including:
- Lather: We tested how easily each bar produced a rich, foamy lather when worked into wet hair, and whether it felt creamy or thin.
- Application: We assessed how smoothly the lather spread through our hair, whether it coated evenly, and how easily it rinsed out without leaving residue.
- Scent: We noted the fragrance of each bar in the shower, how it lingered on the hair once dry, and whether it was overpowering or subtle.
- Ethical credentials: We checked whether the bars were vegan, cruelty-free, and made with responsibly sourced ingredients where possible.
- Cracking or crumbling after use: We monitored whether the bars cracked, crumbled, or maintained their shape and longevity over multiple uses.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Maxine Harrison is an SEO writer at The Independent. She has written several reviews for IndyBest, including roundups of the best detangling tools for afro hair and Ruka Hair ponytail extensions. Everything she reviews is tested in a real-life environment, and she only includes products that she would recommend.
Lois Borny has been writing for the IndyBest team since 2021. She has written about everything from household essentials like vacuum cleaners to fashion, and much more. When testing items, Lois factors in quality, value for money and only recommends products she believes to be worth your money.
The best shampoo bars are:
- Best overall – Eco Warrior deeply nourishing shampoo bar: £5.50, Littlesoapcompany.co.uk
- Best for afro hair – Okiki Skincare olive oil and neem shampoo bar: £8.50, Okikiskincare.co.uk
- Best for curly hair – Only Curls curl cleansing shampoo bar: £12, Onlycurls.com
- Best fragrance-free shampoo bar – Grüum hår shampoo bar, fragrance free: £9, Gruum.com
- Best for dry and coloured hair – Earth Kind bergamot and sage shampoo bar for dry and coloured hair: £7.50, Iamearthkind.com
