Best Long-Lasting Shampoo Alternatives for Healthy Hair

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Most store-bought shampoos are full of harmful chemicals that strip your hair of its healthy, natural oils. Plus, their packaging is incredibly wasteful, and millions of shampoo plastic bottles end up in landfills every year.

Switching to a shampoo alternative not only protects your hair’s health but also helps reduce plastic pollution. Below, I’ll share the best shampoo alternatives that keep your hair clean and your conscience clear. Plus, there’s a handy FAQ at the end.

Let’s dive in.

Why switch from conventional shampoo and find alternatives?

Regular shampoos are harsh – they strip your hair of natural oils and come in wasteful plastic bottles that end up in landfills or oceans, contributing to pollution.

The options below are gentler on your scalp, better for your hair’s natural balance, and come in eco-friendly packaging or with no packaging at all.

And most importantly, all of them are long-lasting shampoo alternatives – a single shampoo bar can last up to 3 months, and refillable natural options often come in concentrated formulas, so you use less product each time.

Even shampoo-free methods like water-only washing or apple cider vinegar rinses help stretch the time between washes, meaning you wash your hair less often. This saves money, cuts down on plastic waste, and keeps your hair healthier.

7 of the best alternatives to shampoo:

1. Shampoo bars
2. Refillable shampoo brands
3. DIY shampoo 
4. No-poo (water-only washing)
5. Baking soda
6. Apple cider vinegar
7. Soap nuts

Let’s take a closer look at each option. 

1. Shampoo bars

Shampoo bars are probably the easiest switch. Simply rub the bar over your scalp and hair to clean away dirt and oil.

Why shampoo bars?

• Packaged plastic-free and recyclable
• Made with minimal, natural ingredients
• Long-lasting – often outlasts bottled shampoo
• Compact and travel-friendly
• Gentle enough to double as body wash

Look for local options, or check these shampoo bars: HiBAR, Ethique, My Kitsch, Lush

For more, check:

• 21 Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bars & Conditioners
• 7+ Best Shampoo & Conditioner Bars For Curly Hair

2. Refillable shampoo brands

Several brands now offer refillable shampoos in metal or glass bottles. Once empty, send them back or buy refills locally if available.

Why choose refillable shampoo?

• Minimizes single-use plastic waste
• Sustainable packaging materials
• Often vegan and chemical-free

Recommended refillable shampoos: Plaine Products or The Good Fill… or do a quick online search or visit local bulk stores to find options near you.

3. DIY shampoo

Making your shampoo saves money, reduces waste, and lets you control exactly what goes into your hair. Here’s a simple recipe using liquid castile soap that lasts for about a month. Mix everything in a reusable bottle:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup castile soap (buy plastic-free or in bulk)
• 1/2 tsp jojoba oil or castor oil (optional, skip if oily hair)
• 10-15 drops essential oils (rosemary, tea tree, or rose work great)

4. No-poo (water-only washing)

This method skips shampoo entirely, washing hair with just water. It works well for curly, thick, or dry hair types but requires a 4-6 week adjustment period as your scalp balances oil production.

How to do No-Poo:

• Before showering, gently rub your scalp with fingertips (not nails)
• Section hair and brush with a boar-bristle brush to distribute oils
• Rinse hair with lukewarm water, scritching your scalp gently
• Finish with a cold rinse to remove dirt without stripping oils
• Pat dry, and optionally apply a little oil to the ends

How often you wash with water depends on your hair type and lifestyle.

5. Baking soda wash

Baking soda can clean excess oils and buildup. It’s alkaline (pH ~9), so use sparingly to avoid drying your scalp.

How to use:

• Mix a few spoons of baking soda with water to make a paste
• Wet hair, massage paste into scalp
• Rinse with lukewarm water

I’ve tried that a couple of times when I was struggling with dandruff. I found that baking soda might help, so I gave it a try. While I’m not sure if it helped with dandruff, I felt my hair clean. Some people also try rye flour, but I can’t recommend it personally.

6. Apple cider vinegar

ACV helps balance scalp pH (around 4.5-5.5) and can act as a natural conditioner, especially for oily hair.

How to use ACV rinse:

• Mix 2-4 tbsp apple cider vinegar with 1 cup lukewarm water
• Wet hair, pour rinse over scalp, massage gently
• Let it sit 2-3 minutes, then rinse out

Use raw, unfiltered ACV like Bragg’s for the best results. There may be a mild vinegar smell that disappears when dry.

Pro tip: Use baking soda first to scrub, rinse, then finish with an ACV rinse for a complete natural cleanse.

7. Soap nuts 

Soap nuts contain natural saponin, a gentle cleanser used traditionally for hair, laundry, and more.

How to use:

• Boil 5-6 soap nut shells in 2 cups of water (~460ml) for 10-15 minutes
• Cool and strain, store in fridge
• Pour liquid on hair, massage scalp, rinse

You can reuse soap nuts several times. Some blend soap nuts with vinegar and water, then strain as shampoo.

I haven’t tried soap nuts yet, but I plan to; they seem like a promising, long-lasting alternative to shampoo.

Final tips for using shampoo alternatives

• Test first: Apple cider vinegar and baking soda can work wonders for thick, curly hair, but might dry out fine or oily hair. Always try a small amount first and watch how your hair reacts.
• Listen to your scalp: If you notice excessive dryness, irritation, or breakage, switch to a gentler method or reduce frequency.
• Rinse thoroughly: Shampoo bars can leave a waxy residue, especially if you have hard water. Make sure to rinse well to avoid buildup.
• Be patient: Many shampoo alternatives require a transition period (sometimes 4–6 weeks) as your scalp adjusts from chemical shampoos to natural options.
• Allow extra time: Some methods, like no-poo or DIY shampoos, take more time and effort compared to conventional shampoos.
• Avoid over-washing: Over-washing can dry out your scalp regardless of the shampoo type; find a washing schedule that suits your hair’s needs.
• Keep an open mind: Everyone’s hair is unique, so what works for one person may not for another. Experiment and find your perfect match.

Final thoughts

These best shampoo alternatives cover a range of needs and budgets.

Whether you prefer a solid shampoo bar, a refillable liquid, or shampoo-free options like baking soda or water-only washing, there’s a solution for everyone.

Have you tried any of these alternatives to shampoo? Drop a comment below with your experience or questions.