8 Zero Waste Shampoo And Conditioners Reviewed

Lather, rinse, repeat? How about lathering, rinsing, reducing waste, and repeating? Say goodbye to plastic bottles and hello to sustainable self-care with zero waste shampoo and conditioners.

We know what you're thinking, "But what about the luscious locks?" Don't worry. With zero waste alternatives, you can have it all - healthy hair and a healthy planet. So, let's switch from single-use bottles to refillable containers and give Mother Nature a much-needed break.

Our favorite plastic-free shampoo and conditioners

Get ready to have some hair-raising fun with low-waste hair care! At The Eco Hub, we're all about taking the hassle out of hair care while reducing our environmental impact.

Gone are the days of endless plastic bottles and single-use packaging. With our favorite low-waste shampoo and conditioners, you can enjoy a good hair day every day while making a difference for the planet.

Make sure you look at the guides at the bottom of this post. We're discussing why you should consider switching to zero-waste shampoo and conditioners. Plus, how do we choose the best zero-waste hair care products?

1. etee

etee offers a range of products, including shampoo and conditioner bars, zero waste dental care items, and zero waste cleaning products like dish soap and laundry detergent. All their products are made with natural and organic ingredients, free from harmful chemicals, and packaged in compostable or reusable materials.

There are two zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars to choose from. Lavender and Deep Moisture can both be purchased as singles or combo packs. The Lavender bars are ideal for normal hair; if you have dry or damaged hair, try the Deep Moisture.

The ingredients in these bars are carefully selected to nourish and protect the scalp, leaving you with healthy and refreshed hair. The Deep Moisture bars are infused with sweet orange, wintergreen, lemon, and patchouli, giving them a delightful scent.

Whether you leave it in or rinse it out, the Deep Conditioner cream will treat your tresses to a deep conditioning experience with the luxurious feel and delicate scent of coconut.

The bars are free from fragrance and parabens, but some have sulfates, mica, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and palm oil derivatives.

About etee

etee is a zero waste online store that sells some of the most innovative eco-friendly bathroom products. Based in Toronto, Canada, they are known for their signature Beepods. If you are starting your plastic-free journey, etee is a great place to find all your home essentials in one place.

2. The Earthling Co.

The Earthling Co. offers some of the best plastic-free shampoo bars, which come in six divine scents, including unscented. We love the Vanilla Coconut and Citrus Sun! These shampoo bars generate a rich, creamy lather that eliminates buildup, leaving your hair feeling soft and rejuvenated.

Got curls? This zero waste shampoo for curly hair is also suitable for color-treated or bleached hair as it does not contain harsh, damaging ingredients like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), preservatives, parabens, fillers, or silicones. They are also Cruelty-free & manufactured in the USA. They are not vegan.

The conditioner bars are vegan and cruelty-free and come in the same six scents, including unscented. These bars are suitable for hair of all types and perfect for those with curly hair, meeting the standards of the Curly Girl Method. They are also gentle on color-treated hair, ensuring a safe and nourishing cleansing experience.

You can purchase both bars in sets, but singles are available too, and with over 20,000 reviews, you will find one that you love!

You might think $15.99 for one bar is a lot, but these little superheroes replace 2-3 plastic bottles, yield 50-75 washes, or last 2-6 months.

About Earthling Co.

The Earthling Co. is a company that's out of this world! They're all about making good products for people and the planet. Think of them as little green superheroes fighting against single-use plastics and helping to make the world a better place, one product at a time.

Their products are made from sustainable materials and are designed to be reusable. They have everything from reusable produce bags to beeswax food wraps to stainless steel straws. They've got all the gear you need to be an eco-warrior, just like them!

The Earthling community has diverted 1.7 million plastic bottles by choosing plastic-free, solid-form shampoo, and conditioner bars!

3. Plaine Products

Plaine Products offers a range of zero waste personal care items, including the best plastic-free shampoo and conditioner. They operate with a circular model to reduce waste and promote sustainability. They have a range of hair care products making the transition to zero waste hair care routine easy.

All their plastic-free liquid shampoo is formulated with hair-loving ingredients like Safflower Seed,  Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, and Papaya and Pineapple Pulp Extracts of which aid in hair growth and moisture. You won't find any sulfates or silicone but a vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable formula.

There are three scents to choose from, including an unscented version. For hydration, try the Citrus Lavender Shampoo. For clarifying and scalp balance, try the Rosemary Mint Vanilla Shampoo.

The bottles are made from Aluminum, and if you can't send them back to be refilled, you can always reuse them or recycle them.

Here's how it works:

1. You purchase a large, refillable aluminum bottle of shampoo or conditioner.
2. You also have the choice to opt out of the pumps.
3. Once the bottle is empty, you can send it back to be refilled.
4. The company refills the bottle with the same product, eliminating the need for single-use plastic packaging.

The recycling rate of aluminum is much higher than that of plastic. Approximately 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today, and the recycling rate for aluminum cans is around 50-60%.

They also recently made some significant improvements to their bottles. About 20% of the bottles returned to them can't be reused due to dents, chips, or scratched labels. To reduce this number and extend the lifespan of our bottles, they partnered with their manufacturer to find a solution. The result?

The new bottles are now printed using the same method as aluminum drink cans, making the print permanent and avoiding any damage during usage. They are taking another big step towards a waste-free world by implementing this change!

About Plaine Products

Lindsey McCoy and Megan Rozanski founded Plaine Products in 2016. Based in Florida, USA, the company provides eco-friendly refillable shampoos and conditioners, and personal care products in reusable packaging. In addition to its refill program, Plaine Products also uses eco-friendly ingredients and packaging materials.

4. EcoRoots

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time to shake up your hair care routine with EcoRoots Shampoo Bars! Made with all-natural ingredients, like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils, that work together to cleanse, hydrate, and rejuvenate your hair and nourish the scalp.

These bars are long-lasting, so you won't have to restock them as often. Plus, they're easy to travel with, so you can take them with you on your adventures and never have to worry about a leaky bottle ruining your stuff.

So, why are they good for your hair? Because they contain all-natural ingredients, they won't strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and frizzy. Instead, they'll leave your hair feeling soft, shiny, and oh-so-silky!

You've got nine scents to choose from and one with no scent. Other great qualities you will love, they are cruelty-free, vegan, sulfate-free, silicone-free, and paraben-free

Along with shampoo bars, EcoRoots carries one of the best dry shampoos, zero-waste deodorants, and even excellent natural laundry detergent.

About EcoRoots

EcoRoots is a Colorado-based online store leading the charge in the zero-waste movement. You will find a wide range of ethically sourced home, kitchen, and bathroom products!

We love their zero waste kits, perfect if you are starting your eco journey. Everything is shipped and packaged in recycled and biodegradable materials like compostable cornstarch peanuts.

Most of their products are palm oil-free, SLS-free, and vegan! They also donate a portion of their sales to the Ocean Conservancy to support ocean restoration efforts.

5. Ethique

Get Ready to Have the Best Hair Day Ever with Ethique Hair Bars! These little bars pack a big punch and will change how you think about hair care.

First of all, let's talk about the packaging. No more plastic bottles taking up space in your shower! These bars come in compostable packaging and are compact, so they're perfect for travel.

But what about the actual product? Well, I've got good news for you. Ethique Hair Bars are packed with natural ingredients that make your hair feel fantastic. They're sulfate-free, so they won't strip your hair of its natural oils. Plus, they come in various scents!

And, the best part? These bars last for months, so you won't have to restock them as often. Plus, they're easy to use - just wet your hair, rub the bar in your hands to create a lather, and massage it into your hair. It's that simple!

In addition to bars, you also have the choice of Ethique Concentrates. Here's how to use them: Mix the concentrate with water to create your personalized, salon-quality liquid shampoo and conditioner. It's that easy! And, with various options, you can find the perfect concentrate for your hair type.

Got a touchy scalp? Try the gentle duo. Is your hair oily balanced? Then, the balancing duo is for you. And, if your hair is balanced to dry, the nourishing duo is the one to choose.

About Ethique

Ethique is a New Zealand-based company specializing in sustainable and zero-waste personal care products. Their product line includes hair, skin, and body care products made with natural and sustainable ingredients.

In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Ethique is cruelty-free and certified by PETA, a certified B Corp, and a climate-neutral company. They check all of our sustainability boxes. Along with their best zero waste shampoo, you will also find them in our guides on non-toxic shampoo, zero-waste laundry detergents, and zero waste hand soap.

6. Everist

Everist is another company changing the shampoo game. You see, one of the most significant issues with conventional shampoo is it's made up of mostly water. To tackle this water conundrum, Everist designed a water-free formula.

Their products are highly concentrated, resulting in smaller and lighter packaging that requires fewer shipping resources. This significantly lowers their environmental impact and helps reduce their carbon footprint.

These pastes are three times more concentrated and loaded with nourishing ingredients like rapeseed oil, which is rich in essential vitamins and fatty acids to restore hydration and soften hair.

Alma oil is fortified with phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals that promote improved blood circulation in the scalp, leading to healthier hair growth. In addition, its high Vitamin C content provides anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits, soothing dry and itchy scalps, and its conditioning properties enhance the hair's shine.

Get ready to party with the pure and natural ingredients of Everist! The products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, meaning no animals were harmed in making your gorgeous locks.

And the cherry on top? They've said goodbye to parabens, sulfates, silicones, dyes, and synthetic fragrances so that you can say hello to a happy, healthy mane!

Everist's haircare comes in aluminum tubes. That means they can be recycled repeatedly without losing their quality, and 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today.

Yes, the tube has a plastic cap, but don't worry. Everist has got you covered. Just return it to the brand, and they'll upcycle it into something new through their Capback program.

To dispose of the packaging, empty the tube, unroll it, rinse it, and pop it into your recycling bin! Easy, peasy!

Each tube comes with a metal key. Pop the top of the aluminum tube through the zero-waste key and twist away! The formula inside might be eager to meet you, so twist slowly. You want "a ½ inch strip for short hair, a 1-inch strip for mid-length hair, and a 1 ½ inch strip for very long, thick hair." 1 tube = 30+ washes.

Enjoy the natural, plant-based ingredients in every twist! The paste is activated by the water from your shower, making it convenient and easy to use. The innovative packaging fits an entire bottle into a 100ml aluminum tube that is both travel-friendly and environmentally conscious.

If the aluminum tube is not your thing, you can purchase the hair paste in a metal tin.

About Everist

Jayme Jenkins and Jessica Stevenson founded Everist to tackle our current plastic problem. This Canadian company is also Climate Neutral Certified. This certification guarantees they are held to the highest standards, verified by an independent non-profit organization.

With the help of Climate Neutral, they accurately calculate our total carbon footprint and offset it by purchasing high-quality carbon credits. Through their Climate Neutral program, three projects are being supported, helping conserve forest ecosystems in Indonesia, Brazil, and the US.

All shipping materials are 100% recycled and 100% recyclable (basically, paper). They're also a 1% of the Planet member and support PlasticBank.

7. Zero Waste Mvmt

Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to nourishing, all-natural ingredients with Zero Waste Mvmt's concentrated shampoo bars!

Free from SLS, parabens, phthalates, and more, each bar is made with ingredients that are kind to your hair and the environment. One bar can last for 50-75+ washes and replace up to 3 bottles of shampoo or conditioner.

Available in two lovely scents, including peppermint + eucalyptus and sweet orange + grapefruit. When you checkout, you can go naked, meaning the bar will be shipped sans packaging, or you can opt for the cardboard container ideal for travel or storage. Make sure the bar is completely dry before you store it.

About Zero Waste MVMT

Zac and Janelle founded Zero Waste MVMT in 2019 after their travels showed them the devastating effects of waste on the environment. Seeing waste contamination in beaches, landfills, and even burning on roads inspired them to start a movement to reduce waste at the source.

Zero Waste MVMT prioritizes biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable products, uses safe ingredients, and takes an earth-first approach to sustainability in all aspects of the brand, from product development to packaging and shipping.

8. Meow Meow Tweet

Meow Meow Tweet offers an innovative shampoo and conditioner that comes in powder form, making it one of the best plastic-free shampoos on the market today. All you have to do is add water. It's packaged in a metal bottle + Cap: Refill, Repurpose, Or Recycle!

Get ready for a hair care adventure! Soak your locks, grab a pinch of the magic powder, and wet your other hand. Rub your hands together to create a bubbly lather, and spread the foamy goodness through your hair. Massage it, rinse it out, and follow up with your favorite conditioner.

And here's a little tip: keep the water out of the container for maximum effectiveness.

Don't worry if the lather seems like it could be better in your hands. Once you add it to your wet hair, the water will activate the formula, making the texture even better! The bubbles will feel like a regular liquid shampoo, so sit back, relax, and let the good times (and good hair) roll!

A certified B Corp that handcrafts its products in small batches using only the finest organic, non-GMO, and responsibly sourced ingredients.

Every product is consciously created with the environment in mind, from zero-waste deodorant in compostable tubes to sustainable sunscreen packaged in reusable aluminum bottles. And, of course, they're all vegan and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.

When you place an order, you can feel good knowing that it will arrive in compostable or recyclable packaging and shipped in a carbon-neutral manner.

About Meow Meow Tweet

Say hello to Meow Meow Tweet, a brand that believes in taking care of both you and the planet! Co-founded by Jeff Kurasaki (they/them) and Tara Pelletier (she/they), this natural, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare line has got you covered from head to toe.

Meow Meow Tweet is on a mission to reduce its plastic usage, and they're doing it in partnership with rePurpose Global. And, as if that wasn't enough, they donate 1% or more of their monthly sales to organizations that align with their values.

Not only are their ingredients certified organic, non-GMO, and sourced from sustainable plant populations, but they also give back in meaningful ways. Each month, they partner with a different organization, focusing on small, community-based groups led by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals that share their values.

What is zero-waste shampoo?

Zero waste shampoos are precisely what they sound like - a way to cleanse your locks without leaving a trail of waste behind. These shampoos come in bar form to help you ditch disposable plastic bottles, making them a win for the environment.

And the best part? Most zero waste shampoos are made with natural ingredients like coconut, cocoa, chamomile, charcoal, and nourishing oils and are free from harmful fragrances and chemicals. Plus, their travel-friendly packaging is either minimal or made from biodegradable paper.

Why consider switching to zero waste shampoo and conditioners?

Reduce Plastic Waste

It's estimated that approximately 57 billion plastic shampoo bottles are discarded globally every year. This number continues to grow as the use of single-use plastic packaging becomes more prevalent.

Most of these bottles end up in landfills where they can take hundreds of years to decompose, or they become litter, polluting the environment and harming wildlife. Knowing the types of plastic used and if it can be recycled is a good idea.

Save Money

Shampoo bars are a game-changer in the world of hair care! One bar lasts much longer than you expect and is typically equivalent to 2-3 bottles of liquid shampoo. So, not only are you reducing waste with every shampoo bar you use, but you're also saving money and simplifying your routine!

Environmentally Friendly

Many traditional liquid shampoos contain various harmful chemicals, such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, that can harm humans and the environment. On the other hand, shampoo bars are often made with natural ingredients and are free from these harmful chemicals, reducing the negative impact on the environment.

Liquid shampoos require water for production and transportation, whereas shampoo bars have a smaller water footprint. Additionally, the production process for shampoo bars generates less wastewater, reducing the number of chemicals and pollutants released into the water supply.

How do we choose the best zero-waste hair care products?

1. Good Ingredients: The finest natural ingredients are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides and contain none of the nasty ingredients we want you to avoid.
2. Certified Organic: We opt for certified organic ingredients and products whenever possible. This ensures that the production process is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, making them safer for you and the environment. Look for certifications like EcoCert COSMOS Organic, USDA Organic, MADE SAFE, and EWG VERIFIED.
3. Vegan: Made without animal ingredients or derivatives and certified by organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Vegan.org.
4. Cruelty-Free: Never tested on animals and certified by organizations like PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies, Cruelty-Free Kitty, Leaping Bunny, and Cruelty-Free International.
5. Palm Oil-Free: To protect the communities where palm oil is produced, we look for alternatives and make a note of brands that use the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Look for Certified Palm Oil Free by the Orangutan Alliance, and RSPO.
6. Sustainably Sourced: Safe for both the planet and the people involved in the supply chain. Look for certifications like Fairtrade.org or Fair Trade Certified.
7. Better Packaging: We favor products that come in compostable, zero-waste, recyclable, and/or reusable containers.

A final word on sustainable shampoos and conditioners

And that's a wrap, folks! We hope you had a blast learning about sustainable shampoo and how to take your hair care routine to the next level.

We can't wait to see you rock your sustainable locks and join the movement toward greener, cleaner, and more sustainable skincare options.