How Zero-Waste Shampoo Bars Simplified My Low-Waste Routine

Spread the love

Switching to zero-waste shampoo bars was one of the simplest ways I reduced plastic in my home while making my daily routine easier. These solid bars replaced bulky bottles, cut down on waste, and became a practical part of my low-waste lifestyle without sacrificing healthy hair.

Contents show

This post may contain affiliate links at no cost to you. Read my very boring disclosure for more information.

For years, shampoo was something I bought out of habit. I used it, rinsed it away, and tossed the empty bottle without giving it much thought. But once I started paying attention to how much plastic was passing through my home—especially in the bathroom—I realized shampoo was another place where I could make a better choice.

I didn’t want a complicated hair routine or something that felt like more work. I wanted simple, functional, and low-waste. When I finally tried zero-waste shampoo bars, I was surprised by how quickly they fit into my routine. No clutter, no plastic, and no extra steps—just a straightforward swap that actually made sense for everyday life.

In this post, I’m sharing why I made the switch, how shampoo bars work, and what changed after they became part of my low-waste routine.

This is a pinnable post. Tap or hover over any image in this post to pin to your Pinterest Boards.

Image illustrates zero-waste shampoo bars.

Why I Decided to Switch to Zero-Waste Shampoo Bars

Too Many Plastic Bottles in the Bathroom

For a long time, shampoo was something I bought without thinking twice. When the bottle was empty, it went into the trash or recycling and I grabbed another one. But once I started paying attention to how much plastic was cycling through my bathroom, shampoo bottles became impossible to ignore. This counted for every member in my family with their own bottled products, so that was a ton of plastic waste!

Even when bottles are recyclable, they still come with a footprint—manufacturing, shipping, and processing all add up. I realized this was one product I used consistently, which meant it was also one of the easiest places to make a meaningful low-waste change.

Switching to zero-waste shampoo bars felt like a practical step instead of a drastic one. One bar replaces multiple bottles, and that alone made the switch worth considering.

Wanting a Simpler, More Intentional Routine

As I moved further into a low-waste lifestyle, I noticed I was craving simplicity more than anything. I didn’t want a dozen products lining my shower shelves anymore or a complicated hair routine that took extra time and effort.

Zero-waste shampoo bars naturally support a simpler routine. There’s no pump, no bottle, and no excess packaging—just a solid bar that does exactly what it’s meant to do. That kind of straightforward functionality fits perfectly with how I approach self-sufficiency.

Instead of adding something new, shampoo bars actually removed clutter from my routine, which made my daily habits feel calmer and more intentional.

How Zero-Waste Shampoo Bars Work

How I Use a Shampoo Bar

Using a shampoo bar is easier than I expected. I wet my hair thoroughly, then gently rub the bar directly onto my scalp or between my hands to create a light lather. From there, I massage it in just like I would with liquid shampoo.

Because the formula is concentrated, a little goes a long way. I don’t need big suds to feel like my hair is clean—what matters is how it feels after rinsing. My scalp feels refreshed, and my hair doesn’t feel stripped or weighed down.

Once I’m done, I simply rinse the bar and set it aside to dry. No spills, no wasted product, and no guessing how much to use.

Step-by-step backyard farming tips in Becoming a Backyard Farmer!

Get it on Amazon →

Why SIMPLUT Is the Shampoo Bar I Use

After trying a few different shampoo bars, SIMPLUT is the one I keep coming back to. It cleans my hair without leaving it feeling stripped or heavy, and I appreciate that the ingredients are simple and thoughtfully chosen. My scalp feels balanced, my hair feels soft, and I don’t need to follow up with a bunch of extra products to make it work.

What I really love about SIMPLUT is how well it fits into a low-waste, intentional lifestyle. The bar lasts a long time, comes without plastic packaging, and feels like it was designed for real, everyday use—not just for looks. It’s one of those products that quietly does its job well, which is exactly what I want in my home.

Watch This Zero-Waste Shampoo Bar In Action!

How Long One Bar Lasts

One of the biggest surprises with zero-waste shampoo bars is how long they last. A single bar easily replaces two or three bottles of liquid shampoo, depending on how often you wash your hair.

Because you’re only using what you need, there’s far less product waste. I find myself going months before needing to replace a bar, which saves money and reduces how often I’m shopping.

Longevity like that makes shampoo bars a smart choice—not just for sustainability, but for practicality too.

Why Shampoo Bars Give Me Better Value for My Money

One of the reasons I feel confident investing in shampoo bars is knowing I’m paying for the product itself—not watered-down filler. Liquid shampoo is mostly water, which means I’m often buying larger bottles that don’t actually last as long as they should. With a solid shampoo bar, everything in the bar is there to do a job, so there’s no wasted space or unnecessary dilution.

Because shampoo bars are concentrated, a small amount goes a long way. I don’t need to overuse them to get my hair clean, and that means I replace them far less often than bottled shampoo. Over time, that adds up to real savings, even if the upfront price of a bar looks a little higher.

For me, value isn’t just about cost—it’s about longevity and intention. Knowing that my shampoo isn’t watered down, packaged in plastic, or designed to be used up quickly makes shampoo bars feel like a smarter, more honest purchase.

What Changed After Making the Switch

How My Hair Feels Now

After the initial transition period, my hair settled into a routine that feels healthier and more balanced. It doesn’t feel overly dry, greasy, or coated the way it sometimes did with liquid shampoo.

I’ve noticed my scalp feels calmer and my hair holds its natural texture better. It’s not about perfection—it’s about feeling comfortable and confident without relying on heavy products.

Once I gave my hair time to adjust, the results spoke for themselves!

Less Clutter, Less Waste

One of my favorite changes has been how much cleaner my shower space feels. Fewer bottles mean less visual clutter and fewer items to replace or recycle.

Zero-waste shampoo bars fit neatly into my bathroom setup without taking up extra space. They’re easy to store, easy to travel with, and don’t create unnecessary mess.

That reduction in clutter mirrors the larger goal of low-waste living—keeping only what truly serves a purpose.

How Shampoo Bars Fit Into My Low-Waste Home

Easy Storage and Travel

Storing shampoo bars couldn’t be simpler. I keep mine on a draining soap dish so it can dry fully between uses, which helps it last longer.

When traveling, shampoo bars are even better. There’s no risk of leaks, no TSA restrictions, and no bulky bottles taking up space.

That convenience makes them a natural fit for a self-sufficient, low-waste lifestyle.

Pairing Shampoo Bars With Other Low-Waste Swaps

Shampoo bars pair beautifully with other low-waste swaps like conditioner bars, refillable razors, and plastic-free body soaps. Together, they create a bathroom routine that feels cohesive and intentional.

Instead of replacing everything at once, I added shampoo bars gradually, which made the transition manageable and sustainable.

Low-waste living works best when changes feel realistic—and shampoo bars fit right into that philosophy.

For more ways to live sustainably, read my post, The Ultimate Guide To Eco-Friendly Living At Home.

Conclusion

Switching to zero-waste shampoo bars simplified my low-waste routine in ways I didn’t expect. From reducing plastic and clutter to making my hair care routine more intentional, this small swap made a big impact. If you’re looking for an easy, practical way to reduce waste in your home, shampoo bars are a great place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do zero-waste shampoo bars work for all hair types?

Most zero-waste shampoo bars are formulated for a variety of hair types, though results can vary. It may take some trial and error to find one that works best for your hair and water conditions.

2. Is there a transition period when switching to shampoo bars?

Yes, some people experience a short adjustment period as their hair and scalp adapt. This usually resolves within a few weeks as natural oils rebalance.

3. How should I store a shampoo bar to make it last longer?

Keep your shampoo bar dry between uses by storing it on a draining soap dish or rack. Avoid letting it sit in water.

4. Can zero-waste shampoo bars replace liquid shampoo completely?

For many people, yes. Once you find the right bar for your hair, it can fully replace liquid shampoo while supporting a low-waste routine.

Summary

I hope I have inspired you to live sustainably with these tips and products.

If you were encouraged by this post, I invite you to check out my FREE Printables Page for fun free printables, planners, and charts.

ENTER MY FREE Printables Page HERE

Here are some more of my gardening inspiration posts to check out!

How to Feed Your Family During the Government Shutdown

12 Best Tips for Creating an Eco-Friendly Household

Survival Lessons from the Great Depression

The Best 15 Homesteading Blogs to Follow for Inspiration

How to Criminal-Proof Your Home with These 5 Steps

How to Create Your Cottagecore Aesthetic Dream Home

Ideas for Rustic Living Room Vibes You’ll Love All Year Round!

How to Prep Your Home for Chilly Fall Nights

Bring Back the Magic of Fireflies and Lightning Bugs with Solar Power!

The Ultimate Portable Power Bank for Homesteaders and Preppers!

How Zero-Waste Shampoo Bars Simplified My Low-Waste Routine