15 best shampoo bars to snap up to show your hair and the planet some love

Best shampoo bars at a glance:

1. Best shampoo bar for detangling: Nuxe Rêve de Miel Gentle Shampoo Bar, £9, Nuxe
2. Best shampoo bar for all hair types: The Little Goat Soap Company Goat’s Milk and Neem Shampoo Bar, £4.50
3. Best shampoo bar for dandruff: L'Occitane Gentle & Balance Solid Shampoo Bar, £10, L'Occitane
4. Best shampoo bar for damaged hair: Soapbox Coconut Oil Shampoo Bar to Moisture & Nourish, £7.63, Amazon

According to Lush co-founder Mo Constantine and renowned cosmetic chemist, Stan Krysztal, who created the world's first shampoo bar, a solid bar reduced plastic bottle usage, was much easier for customers to transport and had enormous economical benefits. "Beautiful essential oils now no longer needed to be diluted in water; they could be crafted into a fresh, self-preserving bar, which was equivalent to two or three 250ml bottles," they say.

Read More

We looked at the effect of plastic on our oceans - and what we discovered will shock you

By Lottie Winter

Discussing the benefits of bars, they say: "Taking something that’s traditionally a liquid into a solid, like we’ve done with shampoo bars, results in huge benefits for both the environment and the customer.

Not only do solid shampoos negate the need for plastic packaging, but they're also a lot lighter, meaning they require less fuel to transport. "This reduces their environmental impact enormously and saves tons of plastic from ever being produced or entering landfills." While some brands package shampoo bars in recyclable cardboard, other brands, including Lush, have decided to sell them "naked" (i.e. with no packaging whatsoever). " We take pride in selling them naked, without a stitch of wrapping." Instead, you can buy a slick aluminium travel case, or a holder made out of biodegradable cork for your Lush bar.

As well as the environmental benefits, shampoo bars also offer a more financially friendly alternative to plastic bottles. "These mighty bars may be small, but they’ve got an impressive lathering ability that makes them incredibly long-lasting." Some bars offer up to three times the number of washes as a single bottle of shampoo, meaning you won't have to stock up nearly as often.

19 best natural and organic shampoos for every hair concern

19 Photos

By Elle Turner and Denise Primbet

View Gallery

Plus, they couldn't be easier when it comes to packing for holidays. Not only do they avoid the 100ml liquid limit on hand-held luggage on flights, but they're also spill-proof, making them convenient for packing or throwing into a gym bag. Plus, because they’re so compact, you’ll have even more space left over than you bargained for.

Personally, we're sold. If you are, too, here are the best to get you started. To help, we've put together an entire guide outlining all the best products and recent launches. We've also made sure to include options that work for everyone, whether you have fine hair, curly hair, dry hair, frizzy hair, damaged hair or sensitive skin. Enjoy.

Looking for more hair content? Head this way for the best hair dryers, in this direction for travel hair dryers to take on your next weekend break and over here for curling wands. We've also got plenty of other skincare and beauty products for you to peruse, including vitamin C serums and eye creams.

For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.

Scroll down for our full edit of the all the best shampoo bars that can help use protect the environment…