5 Fantastic Zero-Waste Shampoo Options

Plastic! We all know it’s terrible, and we all use way too much of it. But it’s also cheap, easy, and everywhere. What’s a person to do?

At World Vegan Travel, we’re always looking for simple ways to cut down on waste. One of the easiest switches you can make is with your shampoo. Traditional bottles create tons of plastic, but there are fantastic zero-waste shampoo options that are not only eco-friendly but also 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Plaine Products Zero-Waste Vegan Shampoo and Conditioner — Source: Plaine Products, LLC

Plaine Products – Refillable Aluminum Bottles

Plaine Products offers shampoo, conditioner, and other body care in refillable aluminum bottles. These bottles are lighter than glass, don’t break easily, and can be reused again and again.

Their shampoos come in refreshing scents like citrus lavender and rosemary mint vanilla. Customers rave about how effective they are and love the company’s commitment to sustainability.

How it works: when your bottle runs low, order a refill. Your new products arrive in a box with a prepaid return label. Pop your empty bottles back in the mail, and Plaine will reuse them. Easy and convenient!

You can also explore more about their mission and products on the Plaine Products YouTube channel where they share tips on zero-waste living.

Pros:

Highly rated and effective
Simple refill system
Carbon neutral company
Subscription option so you never run out

Cons:

More expensive than regular shampoo
Limited formulas

Ethique Shampoo Bars

This New Zealand brand has become one of the biggest names in shampoo bars. Unlike many bar shampoos that leave residue, Ethique’s bars get glowing reviews for leaving hair clean and soft.

They’re widely available in shops and online, and come in formulas for different hair types. Each bar lasts about three times longer than a liquid bottle.

Pros:

Available worldwide (including Amazon and major retailers)
Wide range of scents and formulas
Palm oil free
Carbon neutral and works directly with growers
Very economical

Cons:

Takes a little time to adjust if you’re used to liquid shampoo

Dr. Bronner’s Castile Bar Soaps

Dr. Bronner’s has been around forever and is generally known as an almost magical soap with 18 different uses (including, of course, hair washing). Their guide to natural shampoo explains how to use their Castile soap for hair and what to expect during the transition. The peppermint bar is especially popular for its refreshing, tingly feel on the scalp.

Pros:

Trusted, long-established company with strong ethics
Widely available everywhere
One product has many uses

Cons:

Not made specifically for hair
Requires a rinse afterwards
No formulas tailored to different hair types

Colorful vegan zero-waste shampoo bars stacked with a comb – World Vegan Travel eco-friendly shampoo guide — Source: Eco Roots

Eco Roots Shampoo Bars

Based in Colorado, Eco Roots has been helping customers reduce plastic waste for years. Their vegan shampoo bars are simple and effective, though—like most shampoo bars—they can take a little time for your hair to adjust. Once you get through that transition, you can say goodbye to heavy plastic bottles.

One of our favorites is their unscented shampoo bar, which is perfect for anyone sensitive to fragrances. Each bar lasts for up to 50 washes. To make it last even longer, pair it with their soap saver bag, which helps keep your bar dry and prevents waste.

Pros:

Wide range of zero-waste products to choose from
Only 4 simple ingredients
Suitable for all hair types

Cons:

Like most shampoo bars, it takes time to get used to
A different washing experience compared to liquid shampoo

Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Dry Shampoos

Not ready to give up your liquid shampoo? A dry shampoo can help you go longer between washes, reducing how much product you use overall.

Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve, a small family business, makes organic, plastic-free dry shampoos in formulas for both light and dark hair. Just sprinkle it onto your roots, brush it through, and let it absorb excess oil.

Pros:

Certified organic and non-GMO
Made with natural ingredients
Comes in different scents and colors for hair types
Long shelf life

Cons:

Pricier than DIY dry shampoo
Doesn’t replace a full wash

Final Thoughts

Switching to a zero-waste shampoo is one of the easiest steps you can take toward reducing your plastic footprint. Whether you prefer refillable bottles, shampoo bars, or dry shampoo, there’s a vegan and cruelty-free option for you.

✨ Which of these have you tried? Do you have a favorite zero-waste shampoo not on the list? Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you and may include your tips in a future update!