12 Best Plastic-Free Shampoo & Conditioner Brands for Zero Waste Hair Care

Your shampoo and conditioner bottles are likely made from the same petroleum-derived plastics that are contributing to one of the planet’s biggest environmental crises. And beyond the plastic packaging and microplastics, many conventional haircare products contain ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and silicones that wash straight into waterways.

Switching to plastic-free shampoo and conditioner means less waste heading to landfill, fewer microplastics entering the environment, and (in many cases) cleaner ingredients on your scalp. Whether you prefer zero waste shampoo bars, refillable liquid shampoo in aluminum bottles, or concentrated formulas in recyclable tubes, there are options for every hair type and budget.

After testing and researching dozens of brands across bars, liquids, and concentrates, we have compiled the best plastic-free and zero waste shampoo and conditioner brands that perform well for your hair and the planet.

Why Choose Plastic-Free & Zero Waste Shampoo & Conditioner?

Opting for plastic-free shampoo and conditioner is one of the most straightforward swaps you can make in your personal care routine, and the reasons are many:

• The OECD estimates that only 9% of plastic is actually recycled. So even if regular shampoo bottles are diligently put into curb-side recycling, chances are, they’ll end up in landfills and breaking down into microplastics.
• Plastic is almost always made from oil and gas (fossil fuels) so limiting plastic production is one way we can take climate action.
• Some shampoos and conditioners contain microplastics! A 2022 study found that personal care products, including shampoos, are a notable pathway for microplastic release into aquatic environments.
• Additionally, zero waste haircare brands tend to prioritize the use of organic and non-toxic ingredients, ethical manufacturing processes, and are focused on minimizing their broader negative impact – which, we can all agree are good things.

What We Looked For

In evaluating plastic-free shampoo and conditioner brands for this guide, we prioritized the following (as much as possible):

• Packaging that eliminates single-use plastic, whether through bars, refillable containers, aluminum bottles, glass bottles, or compostable materials
• Formulas free from sulfates, parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances, and other potentially harmful ingredients
• Brands with broader sustainability commitments beyond just packaging, including ethical sourcing, cruelty-free practices, and carbon reduction efforts

Our Testing, Ratings & Research

In many cases, we used these shampoo and conditioner products in our own routines for several weeks or months, assessing lather, cleansing effectiveness, how hair felt after use, scent, longevity of bars or bottles, and overall value. Some of these products we have been using for years.

For brands we didn’t test ourselves, we conducted careful research to bring you the most effective and responsible plastic-free haircare options available.

For brands we work with through our sustainability rating system, we evaluated their initiatives across 22 criteria including supply chain, labor practices, and environmental commitments. See other rated brands in our sustainable brand directory.

Related Guides: What Are Forever Chemicals, Is Polyester Bad For You?, Common Ingredients To Avoid In Skincare, Non-Toxic Living, Plastic-free Skincare, Eco-friendly Hair Brushes

Many people find that by switching to shampoo bars, their hair receives enough moisture and nutrients it needs, eliminating the need for conditioner. However, if you have extra long, fine hair, you may want to supplement with some conditioner bars or a conditioning rinse. Here’s a simple household one we really like:

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) cleanses your hair, removing any build-up or greasy residue left behind by your shampoo, while not completely stripping its own natural oils. This leaves your hair silky, smooth, and tangle-free.

Because ACV does not strip natural oils, your scalp will no longer need to overproduce oils to compensate, which is what usually occurs with commercial shampoos and conditioners. This means you can start going longer between washes, creating less waste, using less water, and spending less on shampoo bars.

Best of all, it’s SO EASY to make and use. Just dilute one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar with one cup of water and pour over your hair or spray from a repurposed spray jar, then rinse out.

Some people like combining it with a few drops of tea tree oil or other herbs, which can depend on your hair type. For instance, if you have naturally oily hair, try adding sage. To steep dried herbs in AVC, add about two tablespoons of herbs to one quart of vinegar in a covered jar and set steep for two weeks. At the end of the steeping period, just strain out the herbs and dilute with the same ratio of ACV to water as above.

Apple cider vinegar’s smell doesn’t necessarily have the shower-clean scent, but once your hair dries, you won’t smell the vinegar at all. If you’re lucky enough to have a bulk store near you, you might be able to find it sans plastic by refilling your containers. Otherwise, take a look at the many online bulk stores.

Otherwise, make it yourself by fermenting your own apple cores and scraps.

Not all plastic-free haircare looks the same. Understanding the different packaging formats can help you find the right fit for your routine, hair type, and lifestyle. Here are the most common types:

Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

Solid bars are the most common zero waste shampoo and conditioner format. They eliminate packaging almost entirely (most come wrapped in compostable paper or cardboard) and tend to last longer than liquid equivalents because they are more concentrated. One shampoo bar can replace two to three plastic bottles. Bars work well for travel because they are compact, lightweight, and not subject to liquid restrictions. The main trade-off is that some people need an adjustment period, and certain bar formulas can leave residue on hair, particularly in hard water areas. Some find that the conditioner bars (in particular) don’t work as well as liquid alternatives.

Refillable Aluminum Bottles

Brands like Plaine Products and A Drop in the Ocean offer liquid shampoo and conditioner in aluminum bottles that can be returned, cleaned, and refilled. This is a good option for anyone who prefers the feel and convenience of liquid shampoo but wants to avoid single-use plastic. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable even if you choose not to participate in the refill program, and because it does not degrade during recycling the way plastic does, recycled aluminum retains its quality.

Glass Bottles

Some brands, like Oway, package their shampoo and conditioner in glass bottles with metal caps. Glass is inert, infinitely recyclable, and does not leach chemicals into the product. The downsides are weight (higher shipping emissions) and breakability in the shower, so glass haircare is best suited for countertop storage rather than daily shower use.

Concentrated Pastes & Tubes

Waterless or concentrated formulas, like those from Everist, pack the equivalent of a full bottle of shampoo into a small recyclable aluminum tube. Because they remove the water (which makes up roughly 70-80% of conventional liquid shampoo), concentrates reduce both packaging weight and shipping emissions. You activate them with water in the shower.

Refill Pouches

Some brands offer liquid shampoo and conditioner in flexible refill pouches designed to top up a reusable bottle at home. While refill pouches use significantly less plastic than rigid bottles, they are not completely plastic-free because the pouches themselves are typically made from mixed materials that are difficult to recycle. We have not featured brands that use this format as a primary packaging solution, but it is worth noting as a middle-ground option for anyone transitioning away from conventional bottles.

If this is your first time visiting, our approach to ethical and sustainable beauty is to look for zero waste hair care brands that are:

• Non-toxic: If you think about it, shampoo is sort of like zero waste skin care, because it does affect the skin of your scalp. That’s we want zero waste clarifying shampoo to be crystal clear about their ingredients, and forgo any ingredients to avoid in skincare.
• Cruelty-free and vegan: But we never make exceptions for animal-testing. We make occasional exceptions for ethically sourced beeswax and honey.
• Palm oil free: Or use sustainably sourced (like RSPO certified) palm oil and derivatives.
• Ethical ingredient sourcing policies

Thoughtful packaging: We looked for zero waste sustainable packaging for shampoo. This means compostable or refillable, ideally, but also reusable or readily recyclable. Recyclable shampoo bottles made of aluminum, for example, can be recycled indefinitely with no loss in quality, unlike plastic which is “down-cycled” to lower grades until it’s no longer recyclable. Better still are aluminum reusable shampoo bottles.

Does shampoo contain microplastics?

Some conventional shampoos and conditioners contain synthetic polymers (a form of microplastic) used as conditioning agents, film formers, or thickeners. Common ones include dimethicone, cyclomethicone, and acrylates copolymer. A 2024 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that personal care products are a significant source of microplastic pollution in household wastewater. All of the brands in this guide are free from these synthetic polymers, making them microplastic-free shampoo and conditioner options.

What are the benefits of using plastic-free shampoo and conditioner?

Shampoos and conditioners that come in compostable or refillable packaging drastically cuts down single-use plastic waste. They are also often made with natural, non-toxic ingredients, which reduces your exposure to harmful chemicals and microplastics. Switching to these products also supports brands prioritizing more conscious practices.

Do shampoo bars work as well as liquid shampoo?

For most people, yes. Shampoo bars use the same surfactants (cleansing agents) as liquid shampoos but in a concentrated, solid form. The main difference is how they lather, which can take some getting used to. Some people experience a transition period of a week or two when switching from conventional liquid shampoo, because residues from silicones and synthetic conditioners in previous products need to wash out before bars can perform at their best. If you have particularly hard water, a clarifying rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar can help prevent mineral buildup on your hair.

How do I transition to using zero waste shampoo bars?

Transitioning to shampoo bars involves a simple swap from liquid to solid form. Start by choosing a bar that matches your hair type. Wet both your hair and the bar, then rub it between your hands or directly onto your scalp to generate a lather. Rinse thoroughly. It might take a few washes to adapt to the texture and new routine but really we found the transition to be very smooth (if you can even call it a transition).

Are zero waste shampoo bars as effective as liquid shampoos?

Yes, shampoo bars can be just as effective as traditional liquid shampoos. They are often formulated to cater to various hair types and concerns, such as dryness or dandruff, without the harsh chemicals found in conventional products. Many users report their hair feeling cleaner and healthier with prolonged use. Though some have tried bars and just don’t like them, in which case the refillable products make more sense.

Can I travel with shampoo bars easily?

Definitely. Shampoo and conditioner bars are travel-friendly as they are solid, eliminating concerns about liquid restrictions during flights. They are compact, lightweight, and can be stored in simple paper wraps or reusable tins, making them an ideal travel essential.

How do I store my plastic-free shampoo bars properly?

To ensure longevity, store your shampoo bars in a cool, dry place. Use a soap dish with drainage or a soap saver pouch to keep them dry between uses. Avoid leaving them in standing water or where they may be exposed to constant moisture, as this can cause them to dissolve quickly. Trust us, we’ve learnt the hard way!

How long do shampoo bars last?

This depends on how often you wash your hair, your hair length, and the size of the bar. As a general guide, most shampoo bars last for 50 to 80 washes, which is equivalent to roughly two to three bottles of liquid shampoo. If you wash your hair every two to three days, a single bar can last three to six months. Storing your bar on a draining soap dish between uses (rather than leaving it sitting in water) will extend its life significantly.

Are zero waste shampoo bars good for curly hair?

Many people with curly hair find that shampoo bars work well because they tend to be gentler and less stripping than conventional sulfate-based liquid shampoos. Brands like Ethique offer curl-defining and hydrating bar formulas specifically designed for textured hair. The trick is pairing a gentle shampoo bar with a conditioner bar or a conditioning rinse, because curly hair tends to need more moisture. Suds & Eco also offers bars designed for dry and frizzy hair types.

What is refillable shampoo and conditioner?

Refillable shampoo and conditioner brands design their packaging to be used more than once. Some operate return-and-refill programs where you send back empty bottles to be cleaned and refilled (like Plaine Products and A Drop in the Ocean). Others sell refill pouches or concentrates that you use to top up a reusable bottle at home. The benefit is that one bottle can be reused dozens of times, which dramatically cuts down on packaging waste over the course of a year.

Switching to plastic-free shampoo and conditioner is one of the simplest changes you can make in your bathroom, and the options have come a long way from the early days of mediocre shampoo bars. Whether you prefer a zero waste shampoo bar that lasts for months, a refillable liquid shampoo in aluminum bottles, or a concentrated paste in a recyclable tube, there are now effective products for every hair type and budget.

For the most comprehensive sustainability credentials, our rated brands (Plaine Products, Oway, and A Drop in the Ocean) have been independently assessed across 22 criteria and stand out for their packaging innovation, ingredient quality, and broader environmental commitments. For bar lovers, Ethique, etee, and EcoRoots all offer effective, well-tested options, and Suds & Eco is worth a look for anyone who wants variety in scents and formulas.

Whatever format you land on, removing single-use plastic bottles from your hair care routine keeps unnecessary waste out of landfills, reduces additional microplastic creation, reduces demand for fossil fuel extraction, and supports brands that are building better alternatives from the ground up. We hope this guide helps you find your match.