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      • Is Zero Waste REALLY Possible?
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      • Is Silicone Better Than Plastic?
      • Is Silicone Biodegradable Or Recyclable?
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      • 4 Dangers Of Reusing Plastic Water Bottles
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      • Greenwashing 101: All You Need To Know (2021)
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    • 3-Ingredient Homemade Deodorant Without Coconut Oil
    • Non-Greasy Lotion Bar Recipe (Vegan & Without Beeswax)
    • The BEST Non-Greasy Whipped Body Butter Recipe For Dry Skin
    • DIY Coffee Scrub (Without Coconut Oil)
    • 7 DIY Beauty Products You Can Make At Home
    • How To Make Air Freshener with Essential Oils And Baking Soda
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    • How To Make Dry Shampoo At Home: 3 Ways
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    • Healthy Protein Sweets
      • Healthy Vegan Twix Bars (High-Protein Recipe)
      • Chickpea Cookie Dough Protein Bars (No Bake)
      • Vegan Protein Bounty Bars
      • Orange Chocolate Pea Protein Bars (Recipe)
      • Homemade Protein Bars (Low Calorie, Vegan, No Bake)
      • Healthy Vegan Fudge (5 Ingredients, No-Bake, Low Calorie)
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      • Hemp Protein Powder Energy Balls (Vegan)
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      • No-Bake Double Chocolate Walnuts Bars
      • 4-Ingredient Date And Peanut Butter Energy Balls
      • Caramel Fudge Without Condensed Milk (Vegan)
      • Peanut Flour Energy Balls Recipe
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      • Healthy Marbled Banana Bread (Vegan)
      • Flourless Healthy Pumpkin Brownies (Fudgy & Vegan)
      • Sweet Potato Protein Brownies (Vegan, Gf)
      • Healthy White Bean Blueberry Blondies (Vegan)
      • Fudgy Almond Butter Brownies (Vegan)
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7 Zero Waste Shampoo Alternatives

by Hazel Bennett
in Articles, Zero Waste Guides
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7 Zero Waste Shampoo Alternatives - Almost Zero Waste
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This post and the photos within it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you.


Why zero waste shampoo alternatives are something you should consider?

First off, most store-bought shampoos are full of harmful chemicals that strip your hair of its healthy natural oils.  

Furthermore, their packaging is incredibly wasteful. Millions of shampoo plastic bottles end up in landfills every year. (552 million in the US, to be exact) 

Below, you can find the best sustainable shampoo ways to keep your hair clean while avoiding unnecessary waste. 

In the end, you can find an FAQ section with additional information.

Let’s begin.


7 Zero Waste Shampoo Alternatives:

The 7 zero waste shampoo alternatives are:

  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

The easiest and probably most common switch is a shampoo bar. 

It is efficient and easy to use – rub the bar over your hair and scalp to eliminate dirt.

Some great benefits of shampoo bars is that:

  • They come in recyclable, plastic-free packaging
  • Usually contain very few & natural ingredients
  • They tend to last longer, or as long as bottled products  
  • The bars are small and easy to transport during traveling or camping
  • Can double as a body wash bar due to their gentle ingredients

A few fantastic shampoo bars that I can recommend are:

The US:

  • Eco Roots shampoo & conditioner bars – A wide range of vegan, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free, and paraben-free. 
  • Butter Me Up Organic – Various plastic-free shampoo options. Vegan options are available.
  • HiBAR – Highly moisturizing coconut oil-based shampoo. Vegan, palm-oil-free, silicone-free.
  • Ethique – Sustainable & vegan. They have many cool shampoo bars, one of which is their famous Heali Kiwi for itchy scalps.

The UK:

  • Authentic House Shampoo Bar – Organic shampoo bar with natural oils, clays, and essential oils. 
  • Hairy Layne Solid Shampoo – Solid shampoo bar handmade in the UK.
zero waste shampoo alternatives

2. Refillable shampoo brands

A lot of great brands offer refillable shampoo and conditioner in sustainable metal or glass packaging.

Once you use up the products, you can send them back & get a refill. 

Or you can even check in local bulk stores if they sell refillable shampoo and conditioner.

A few brands that I can recommend:

The US:

  • Plaine Products – Refillable shampoos and conditioners in 100% recyclable and aluminum bottles. Vegan, palm oil-free, chemical-free.
  • Butter Me Up Organic – All liquid products can either come in a BPA-free plastic bottle or a glass bottle on request. 

The UK:

  • Ksoni Shampoo – Liquid shampoo in a recyclable aluminum can. 
  • Hairy Jayne Reffilable Shampoo – Vegan & natural shampoo in an aluminum bottle
  • Fulfilled Reffilable Shampoo – Refillable shampoo. Lasts between 3 – 6 months

If these options aren’t accessible, do a quick online search, and see what’s available to you. Check also local bulk stores.

zero waste shampoo alternatives

3. DIY shampoo

Making your shampoo is another way to cut down on plastic waste. It is easy to make, too.

The recipe below is based on liquid castile soap – a plant-based mixture made from oil, water, and lye.

Besides being eco-friendly, homemade shampoos come with several other benefits, like: 

  • free of the common additives found in commercial shampoos, so you don’t have to worry about sending toxic chemicals down the drain
  • making your shampoo saves you money and puts you in control of what goes into your hair
  • It also allows you to customize and make a shampoo that’s specifically for your needs

Here’s a simple DIY shampoo recipe:

1/4 cup water 
1/4 cup castile soap (plastic-free or bulk)
1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil or castor oil for hair growth (optional – omit if your hair is oily) 
10-15 drops of essential oils – good options are rosemary, tea tree, or rose 

Add everything to a reusable shampoo bottle, and then mix well. The DIY shampoo will last ~ a month.  

zero waste shampoo alternatives

Shampoo-free hair washing methods:

Another alternative to plastic shampoo bottles is to switch up your hair care routine and skip shampoo altogether. 

There are several ways to wash your hair without using any shampoo. For example:

4. No-poo (water-only washing)

Some people choose No-poo, which is washing your hair only with water. 

Know that this method is excellent for some and terrible for others. It usually works well if your hair is curly, thick, and prone to dryness. 

Also, your hair will probably go through a transition period, in which it will feel oily and disgusting. 

Since your scalp is so used to its oil being stripped with harsher shampoos, it will be overcompensating for a while, most commonly 4-6 weeks.

But once it gets used to the only water washing, it will revive and go back to normal (possibly even better than before). 

No-poo method – Step-by-step:

  1. Before showering, rub your fingertips (not fingernails) in quick yet gentle motions all over your scalp. 
  2. After that, separate your hair into sections.
  3. Brush each part with a boar-bristle brush to loosen up the oils from your scalp and distribute them down to your length. This also adds hydration to the ends of your hair, and washing the hair will get easier. 
  4. Now, apply lukewarm water. Use your fingertips (not nails) to scritch your scalp in quick motions gently. Focus on the roots, and make sure the water stream goes directly on the area you are rubbing. 
  5. In the end, follow with a final cold rinse. Alternating between different water temperatures helps remove dust and dirt without stripping your hair of its natural oils. If you hate getting a cold shower, you can do this step under the sink. 
  6. The last step is to pat your hair dry, and if you wish, hydrate the ends with a bit of oil (I use macadamia oil). 

You can consider infusing a bit of water with essential oils, herbs, and flower petals to add fragrance and nutrients to your hair. 

How often you will wash hair only with water depends on several factors, such as: 

  • How much oil does your scalp produce
  • How much sweat or dirt is present in your hair 
  • Your hair type
zero waste shampoo alternatives

5. Baking soda 

Another shampoo-free method for washing your hair is making a paste with baking soda and water. 

Baking soda has a pH of 9, which is slightly higher than the one on the scalp (5.5).

However, it works effectively for cleaning build-up dirt and excess oils. It also can soothe your scalp if you have issues like dandruff or an itchy scalp.

To use baking soda for hair washing is very simple:

  • Combine a couple of spoons of baking soda with water. Gradually add the water and aim for a medium-thick paste.
  • Wet your hair, and then scrub your scalp with the mixture to remove dirt, oil, and product build-up.
  • Then 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 use rye flour as an alternative to baking soda, but I never tried it, so I can’t recommend it. 

zero waste shampoo alternatives

6. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar rinses are a common choice for people with extra oily hair.

It also has a pH of 4.5 – 5.5, similar to the scalp, which balances your hair. 

To wash your hair with apple cider vinegar:

  • Combine 2-4 tbsp apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of lukewarm water. 
  • Wet your hair, and then pour the apple cider vinegar gradually over your hair. 
  • Rub your scalp gently. 
  • Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. 
  • Then rinse it out. 

Apple cider vinegar can act as a great conditioner, too. I tried to wash my hair a few times with it, and I liked it.

There might be a very, very mild vinegar-ish leftover smell from the hair, but 99% of it goes away once the hair dries off. 

Make sure you use raw and unfiltered ones for the best results. 

The one from Bragg is ideal, plus it is affordable. You can use white vinegar, too. 

Pro tip: Many people combine baking soda & apple cider vinegar for washing hair. To do that, first, make the paste scrub gently the scalp. Rinse, and then finish up with apple cider vinegar.

zero waste shampoo alternatives

7. Soap nuts 

Soap nuts or Indian soapberries contain the natural cleaning agent called saponin. 

Saponin is a 100% natural substitute, and you can use it as laundry detergent, dish and hand soap, shampoo, body wash, etc. 

To use soap nuts to wash your hair:

  • Get 5-6 soap nut shells and add to 2 cups (~460ml) of water. 
  • Bring to boil, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. You can remove the soapnuts and reuse them several times.
  • Let it cool down, and then transfer to a jar. Store in the fridge upon use.
  • When washing, pour gradually small amounts of the liquid into your hair and massage gently. 
  • Cover the whole scalp, and rub!
  • Then, rinse with warm or lukewarm water. 

Another easy method is to blend the soap nuts with a bit of vinegar and water. Then, strain and use instead of shampoo. 

I still haven’t tried this method, but I definitely will once I get some plastic-free soap nuts. It is an excellent alternative to the only-water washing.

You can buy some at:

  • Soap nuts from Earth Hero (the US)
  • Plastic-free soap nuts from Greenwill Organic (Amazon, the US)
  • Soap nuts from Wearth London (the UK)
zero waste shampoo alternatives

FAQ:

Is it safe to use apple cider vinegar or baking soda on my hair?

It depends on your type of hair. 

For people with thick, curly hair, apple cider vinegar or baking soda can be excellent hair washing methods.   

On the other hand, baking soda or apple cider vinegar might not be ideal if you have fine or thin hair that gets oilier faster. 

But it is individual, so you must try it out and see. Test shampoo-free routines to see how your hair reacts. 

If you experience excess dryness and breakage, switch to a different method for washing your hair.

What are the cons of the zero waste shampoo alternatives?

  • Shampoo bars can leave a waxy residue on your hair if you don’t rinse it thoroughly or your water is hard.
  • Some hair washing methods require more time to perform.
  • There can be a longer transition period.
  • Some people may experience skin irritation. 
  • Hair may dry out for a short time as your hair adjusts to the chemical-free formula.
zero waste shampoo alternatives

What are the cheapest zero waste shampoo alternatives?

Some sustainable hair care products can be a bit pricey. If you’re on a strict budget, consider trying a shampoo-free hair washing method.

Baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or plain water will save you money since you can usually find these products in your kitchen pantry. 

Furthermore, many refillable shampoo brands offer subscriptions that give you a discount.

Sum up

I hope this list with 7 zero waste shampoo options will help you decide which one is the right fit for your budget, hair type, and routine.

Have you tried out any of these zero waste hair washing products or methods? 

Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know if you have any other questions. 

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Hazel Bennett

Hazel Bennett

Hazel Bennett is a freelance writer and blogger. She has a degree in communications and lives in Northeastern Ohio. Hazel loves writing about numerous topics and showcasing her expertise with words.

Comments 2

  1. Kristen McGhee says:
    5 months ago

    I have thick, wavy hair. I am interested in the no-poo method because shampoo bars just don’t seem to get through my hair. Generally after washing my hair a put a little bit of product (a cream from Lush), and I scrunch it. If I go the no-poo method, should I stop using the product as well? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Merilin Vrachovska says:
      5 months ago

      Is this product that you use as an oil? And do you put it on the tip of the hair, or on the scalp? I think it is best to try the no-poo and keep using this product if it works well for your hair. 🙂 You can gradually reduce the use of it (if you want to stop buying it).

      Reply

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About me

Almost Zero Waste

Hi there! My name is Meri and I'm behind Almost Zero Waste - a platform, where you can find how to live sustainably, where to find plastic-free goods, eco-friendly guides, and much more. To learn more, check my "About" page!

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  • Why Should We Reduce The Use Of Plastic - Almost Zero Waste

    Why Should We Reduce The Use Of Plastic

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  • Home
  • Articles
    • Zero Waste For Beginners
      • Pros And Cons Of Safety Razors (2022)
      • 6 Best Menstrual Cup For Beginners (2022)
      • Best Menstrual Cup For Heavy Flow (List)
      • How Do I Know If My Menstrual Cup Is In Right
      • How To Remove Menstrual Cup Without Mess
      • I Can Feel My Menstrual Cup: Causes & Prevention
      • 22 Surprising Things That Contain Plastic (+Plastic-Free Alternatives)
      • 26 Environmental Documentaries On Netflix (And Beyond)
      • 90 Zero Waste Tips For Beginners (Impactful & Easy Habits)
      • 11 Ways To Reduce The Use Of Plastic (+Infographic)
      • How To Start A Zero Waste Life? Top 16 essentials
      • 5 Rs Of Zero Waste: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot
    • Zero Waste Products
      • 21 Best Eco-Friendly Shampoo And Conditioner Bars (Plastic-Free Alternatives)
      • The Most Sustainable Protein Bars: numove (Review)
      • 14 Sustainable Zero Waste Protein Powders (Plastic-Free & Vegan)
      • 21 Sustainable Snacks With Compostable Packaging
      • 21 Zero Waste Bathroom Swaps & Essentials (And Where To Find Them!)
      • Soyabella vs Almond Cow: Plant-Milk Machines For Nut Milk (Review)
      • Kipli Natural Latex Pillow (Review)
      • 32 Zero Waste Kitchen Products And Essentials
      • 15 Best Zero Waste Deodorant Brands That Work
      • 15 Zero Waste Vitamins & Plastic-Free Supplements (2022)
      • 6 Eco-Friendly Alternatives To Ziploc Bags
      • Toilet Paper Without Plastic Packaging: 19 Plastic-Free Options
      • 17 Best Zero Waste Books In 2022 (2 for FREE)
      • 9 Of The Healthiest Water Bottles In 2022
      • The 8 BEST Compost Bins For An Apartment
      • 10 Low Waste Products to Lower 70% of Your Waste
      • 142 Zero Waste Swaps And Essential Products
      • 46 Zero Waste Online Stores (The Ultimate List)
    • Zero Waste Tips
      • 8 Most Eco-Friendly Ways Of Transportation For Short & Long Distance
      • 28 Zero Waste Party Tips (Simple & Affordable)
      • 18 Awesome Apps To Reduce Food Waste, Save Money & The Planet
      • 11 Things I Still Buy In Plastic
      • 7 Easy Ways To Prevent Ocean Plastic Pollution
      • 8 Waste Disposal Problems And 8 Fantastic Solutions
      • 6 Zero Waste Alternatives to Trash Bags
      • 6 Ways To Reduce The Use Of Plastic Bags
      • How To Be Zero Waste When Living With Parents (Or Roommates)?
      • 9 Disadvantages Of Zero Waste (+Solutions)
      • How Can We Encourage People To Produce Less Waste?
      • 6 Easy Ways To Freeze Bread Without Plastic
      • 16 Surprising Benefits Of Going Zero Waste
      • Why Is Palm Oil Bad For The Environment?
    • Zero Waste FAQ’s
      • Are Shampoo Bars Good For Your Hair?
      • Is Zero Waste REALLY Possible?
      • How Zero Waste Helps The Environment
      • Types Of Biodegradable Plastics
      • What Is Biodegradable Plastic Made Of?
      • Is Silicone Better Than Plastic?
      • Is Silicone Biodegradable Or Recyclable?
      • Can You Compost Pizza Boxes?
      • 4 Dangers Of Reusing Plastic Water Bottles
      • Why Should We Reduce The Use Of Plastic
      • Does Zero Waste Make a Difference?
    • Recycling Tips
      • 17 Creative Things To Do With Old Clothes That Cannot be Donated
      • 24 Things To Do With Plastic Containers (Repurposing Ideas)
      • How To Recycle Paper – The ultimate guide
      • 11 Types Of Paper That Cannot Be Recycled
      • How To Recycle Metal: Step-by-step process
      • Where To Recycle Old Clothes: 20 Textile Recycling Drop Off Locations
      • Can You Recycle Receipts
      • Things That Cannot Be Recycled
    • Zero Waste Guides
      • 7 Zero Waste Shampoo Alternatives
      • 15 Ways To Be More Sustainable In Everyday Life
      • 23 Best Places To Sell Used Clothes For Cash
      • 41 Best Consumable Gifts For Every Budget
      • 58 Zero Waste Gifts That Help The Environment
      • How To Organize A Clothing Swap (Guide + Tips)
      • How To Store Vegetables & Fruits Without Plastic (2022)
      • Greenwashing 101: All You Need To Know (2021)
      • Zero Waste Shaving With Eco-Friendly Razors
      • 15 Actionable Steps To Save Money With Zero Waste ($5,337 A Year)
      • 10 Things That Pollute The Earth + Swaps
      • Apartment Composting: 7 Step-by-step guides
    • Ethical Fashion
      • 15+ Affordable Sustainable Swimwear Brands
      • 39 Best Online Thrift Stores
      • 26 Cheap Sustainable Clothing Brands
      • 18 Zero Waste Clothing Brands: Sustainable Fashion
      • What Are The Disadvantages Of Fast Fashion?
      • 29 Unethical Fast Fashion Clothing Brands To Avoid
    • Why Vegan
      • The Most Environmentally Friendly Foods For Eco-Friendly Diet
      • Are There Ethical Arguments for Eating Meat?
      • How To Become Vegan Slowly: A step-by-step beginner’s guide
      • 8 Environmental Benefits Of Reducing Meat Consumption
      • How Are Pigs Killed: The Brutality Of Animal Agriculture
    • Minimalism
      • Project 333: Rules & Template
      • 68 Things To Get Rid Of (Minimalism)
      • How To Become A Minimalist In 30 Days
      • 55 Things I Stopped Buying To Save Money And Waste
      • How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes: 9 Steps
      • 41 Non-Materialistic Gifts For Any Budget
  • DIY
    • 3-Ingredient Homemade Deodorant Without Coconut Oil
    • Non-Greasy Lotion Bar Recipe (Vegan & Without Beeswax)
    • The BEST Non-Greasy Whipped Body Butter Recipe For Dry Skin
    • DIY Coffee Scrub (Without Coconut Oil)
    • 7 DIY Beauty Products You Can Make At Home
    • How To Make Air Freshener with Essential Oils And Baking Soda
    • Remineralizing Tooth Powder Recipe
    • How to Make Aloe Vera Mouthwash
    • How To Make Dry Shampoo At Home: 3 Ways
    • Best DIY Deodorant For Smelly Armpits (4 Recipes)
    • 3 DIY Zero Waste Toothpaste Recipes
    • 36 Creative Ideas To Use Glass Jars (with pictures)
  • Zero Waste Recipes
    • Healthy Protein Sweets
      • Healthy Vegan Twix Bars (High-Protein Recipe)
      • Chickpea Cookie Dough Protein Bars (No Bake)
      • Vegan Protein Bounty Bars
      • Orange Chocolate Pea Protein Bars (Recipe)
      • Homemade Protein Bars (Low Calorie, Vegan, No Bake)
      • Healthy Vegan Fudge (5 Ingredients, No-Bake, Low Calorie)
      • Healthy Vegan Pumpkin Protein Muffins
      • Vanilla Protein Powder Muffins (Vegan)
      • Hemp Protein Powder Energy Balls (Vegan)
    • Sweet Snacks
      • Chocolate Chip Cookies In A Jar With Printable Tags (Recipe)
      • Ridiculously Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
      • Cashew Pulp Cookies (Vegan, 4 Ingredients)
      • Old Fashioned Fig Bars Recipe (Vegan)
    • No Bake & Raw Sweets
      • No-Bake Double Chocolate Walnuts Bars
      • 4-Ingredient Date And Peanut Butter Energy Balls
      • Caramel Fudge Without Condensed Milk (Vegan)
      • Peanut Flour Energy Balls Recipe
    • Brownies & Cakes
      • Healthy Marbled Banana Bread (Vegan)
      • Flourless Healthy Pumpkin Brownies (Fudgy & Vegan)
      • Sweet Potato Protein Brownies (Vegan, Gf)
      • Healthy White Bean Blueberry Blondies (Vegan)
      • Fudgy Almond Butter Brownies (Vegan)
      • Vegan Pumpkin Protein Brownies
    • Cheesecake, Tart & Pies
      • Easy Chocolate Orange Tart (Vegan & No Bake)
      • Raw Lemon Cheesecake (Vegan, 9 Ingredients)
      • Easy Vegan Birthday Cake Recipe (No Bake)
      • Peanut Butter Pie From Scratch (Vegan, No Bake)
    • Salty Snacks & Food
      • Vegan Potato Stew (Grandma’s Recipe)
      • Avocado Spread Recipe (Raw, Vegan)
    • What I Eat In A Day (Zero Waste Vegan Recipes)
    • Nut Milk Maker: 3 Easy Ways To Make Plant-Based Milk
  • Zero Waste Swaps
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