Shampoo bars have become the darling of the sustainable beauty world—but are they actually effective, or just another passing greenwashed trend? If you’ve ever been burned by a bar that left your hair waxy, greasy, or tangled beyond belief, you’re not alone. And you’re right to wonder if a tiny bar of solid shampoo can really stand up to its liquid counterparts.
As a cosmetic herbalist, formulator, and founder of Corvus Beauty, I believe the answer is a resounding yes—when done right.
Let’s explore why shampoo bars can be a transformative addition to your haircare ritual, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to find one that truly works with your hair (and the Earth).
Shampoo Bars: A Zero Waste Ritual with Real Impact
One of the most compelling reasons people turn to shampoo bars is their environmental benefit. In a world drowning in plastic, these little bars offer a refreshing alternative.
According to a report from Euromonitor International, the beauty industry produces more than 120 billion units of packaging annually, much of which ends up in landfills or our oceans. And in the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that over 552 million plastic shampoo bottles are thrown away each year (Forbes, 2021).
Shampoo bars help cut through that waste—literally. Because they’re concentrated and solid, they require no plastic bottles, no excess water in their formula (which is the main ingredient in liquid shampoos), and less energy for shipping due to their compact size.
A single shampoo bar typically replaces 2 to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo, making it both an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice in the long run. Plus, they’re TSA-friendly, travel-ready, and multi-use. I’ve used mine not just for washing my hair, but as a body wash and shaving soap while camping. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about simplifying and reconnecting with rituals that feel earth-aligned.
Why Some Shampoo Bars Don’t Work—and How to Avoid Them
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the shower: not all shampoo bars are created equal.
Many of the bars on the market—especially those labeled “natural”—are actually just cold process soap. These bars typically have a high pH of 9-10, which is fine for your hands or body but far too alkaline for your scalp. Hair and scalp thrive at a pH of around 4.5 to 5.5, so when you use a bar that’s too alkaline, it can raise the cuticle layer of your hair, leading to dryness, tangles, and buildup. This is why so many people report a “transition period” when switching to natural bars—it’s not your hair, it’s the formulation.
At Corvus Beauty, I formulate shampoo bars that are pH balanced to match your scalp, just like high-quality salon shampoos. That means no transition period, no waxy buildup, and no confusion for your strands. Just gentle, effective cleansing from day one.
Another common issue? Mushy, melting bars. But this one’s an easy fix. Shampoo bars need a well-draining home. I always recommend using a bamboo soap rack or a hanging mesh saver bag to let your bar dry out between uses. It’s a small act of care that helps extend the life of your bar (and your intention).
And what about hard water? It’s true that some shampoo bars don’t lather well or rinse clean in areas with mineral-rich water. But our bars have been tested in both hard and soft water and still produce a rich, luxurious lather that rivals even the foamiest conventional shampoo. The secret is in the gentle yet powerful surfactants and conditioning agents we use—ones that cleanse effectively without stripping your natural oils.
Science Meets Nature: What Sets Our Bars Apart
For the holistic-minded among us, it’s not just about results—it’s about integrity. It’s about knowing what you’re putting on your scalp, and trusting that it’s in alignment with your values.
With the rise in popularity of shampoo bars, the market has become crowded with products that are cheaply made, harsh, and anything but nourishing. Many contain synthetic fragrances or harsh formulas that can disrupt your scalp’s microbiome.
That’s why I created Corvus Beauty’s line of shampoo bars: to offer a truly holistic option that honors both the science of formulation and the wisdom of the plants. Our bars are:
• Sulfate-free or gently-sulfated, to meet the needs of all hair types—from curly girls following CGM to those managing oily scalps or flakes.
• Made with science-backed ingredients like panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), which helps improve hair elasticity and shine, and plant-based conditioners that reduce breakage.
• Infused with herbal allies like nettle, horsetail, and green tea—plants known to strengthen strands, reduce inflammation, and support healthy hair growth.
• Lightly scented with high-quality essential oils, never synthetic fragrance.
• Preserved with a broad-spectrum, paraben-free preservative that keeps your bar safe and stable—because “natural” should never mean moldy.
>>> It’s this synergy of evidence-based formulation and earth-based wisdom that makes our bars work. Because when you bring the land into your rituals—and trust both tradition and science—you create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Returning to Ritual
The truth is, switching to a shampoo bar isn’t just about what you take out of your routine—it’s about what you bring in.
You bring in presence. Slowness. A connection to the raw materials of the Earth and your own body. Washing your hair becomes a sensory ritual again—lathering the bar in your hands, massaging your scalp, breathing in the scent of herbs and essential oils. A moment to return to yourself.
I believe haircare can be a form of sacred self care. A soft rebellion against synthetic beauty standards. A remembering of our roots—both literal and ancestral.
So yes, shampoo bars can work. But not just in the utilitarian sense of “getting the job done.” They can work to transform your self-care into a ceremony. They can work to reduce your footprint. They can work to restore balance to your scalp. And most importantly, they can work to reconnect you—to your body, to the land, and to the cycles that nourish us all.
If you’re curious to begin, I’d love to offer you my FREE Holistic Haircare Cheatsheet. It’s a gentle guide to nurturing your hair from the inside out, featuring my favorite herbs, routines, and sustainable swaps for every hair type. Whether you’re new to holistic haircare or deep in your practice, it’s a beautiful place to start—or begin again.
[Download the Cheatsheet Here]
Because your hair is more than just hair. It’s your crown. Your roots. A living extension of your story.
And I hope you’ll write that story with the Earth in mind.