The bathroom is a great place to reduce your waste, specifically with hair care. Millions of shampoo bottles end up in landfills around the globe each year, and this needs to stop. Switching to zero waste shampoo brands or making it yourself can seriously reduce your green footprint. Find out which zero waste hair care products are making a difference.
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Why switch to Zero Waste Shampoo?
If you don’t recycle in the bathroom , 552 million 15 ounce shampoo bottles can end up in landfills. That’s enough to fill 1164 football fields, every year.
Johnson & Johnson
Plastic is a global issue that is causing serious harm to our environment. More and more horrifying stories and plastic pollution statistics are emerging in the media every day.
By reducing the demand for plastic products, we as consumers can change the cosmetic/self-care industry for the better.
While things like recycling might seem like a viable solution, the world simply does not have the capacity to keep up with the volume of plastic being used to recycle it sustainably. Also, not all types of plastic can even be recycled.
Knowing this, we need to AVOID plastic products as much as possible. And, luckily for us, there are more alternatives out there to choose from.
This article highlights five different zero waste shampoo brands and looks at each ones packing (among other things).
What are some zero waste shampoo options?
As the interest in zero waste products increases, more companies are coming up with ways to package their goods. No longer do we have to resort to single-use plastic bottles.
There are a multitude of ways that you can get shampoo these days, here are a few new options to consider when purchasing:
Shampoo Bars
A shampoo bar looks like a bar of soap, however, it is made up of a very different material. The ability for a shampoo bar to “lather up” is incredible. Unlike soap, a shampoo bar can use a very small amount of water (and bar) to create a big volume of shampoo lather for use.
This means that unlike a soap bar, shampoo bars will not “wear down” nearly as fast They last a long time, take up very little space, and aren’t packaged in a plastic bottle!
Aluminum Shampoo Bottles
Aluminum tubes can be reused, refilled, and recycled. You can either buy the container individually or choose a company that sells their product in the aluminum
Be careful if you accidentally drop the container and it cracks (potential for sharp edges)
Refillable containers
Glass jars not only look great, but they are recyclable and easy to upcycle. Pair these with aluminum or cork lid and you’ve got a great sustainable and eco friendly design.
Soap Nuts
These naturally occurring “nuts” create a natural lather when they are rubbed together. It doesn’t get much more zero waste that that!
Cocoa Pod
The cocoa pod (used to make chocolate) has a similar effect as the soap nut. When you rub it with water it creates a natural lather. This is popular with the Rastafarian’s in the Caribbean.
While there are a lot of ways you can achieve zero waste shampoo, you might not have the ability to buy cocoa pods where you are. So, the product will have to come in some kind of container.
Here are the top 5 zero waste shampoo brands on the market for international sales. Note that there may be other products available in local regions.
5 Best Zero Waste Shampoo Brands
When switching to a zero waste shampoo, there are some other areas of sustainability to consider. Is the brand:
- Vegan – does the brand use animal products in the shampoo.
- Palm Oil free – whether it is a palm oil product (there has been a big shift away from palm oil products in the cosmetic industry with its relation to the Orangutangs and deformation)
- Cruelty Free – has the product been involved with animal testing
- Zero Waste/ Packaging – what kind of packaging has been used to qualify for their zero waste status.
- Ethically Sourced / Made – where the product was made and how it was made counts for a lot when looking for the “best” product out there
The following products have been reviewed in regards to the above sustainability concepts.
1. Ethique Shampoo Bars
Ethique values sustainability at its core. They are carbon neutral business and are leading the way in ethical and natural beauty. From sustainable ingredients to their ethical supply chain, these shampoo bars will not only leave your hair feeling good but your environmental footprint too.
Product Review
- Vegan ✔ – They don’t use any animal-derived ingredients in any of their products. All products are vegan.
- Palm Oil Free ✔ – All Ethique products are palm oil free, and they have the certification to prove it.
- Cruelty Free ✔ – Ethique do not test on any animals and is certified as cruelty-free by three independent organizations: SAFE, CCF AU, and PETA
- Zero Waste / Reusable Packaging ✔ – All packaging is plastic free and compostable with no chemical coatings. Their boxes and labels can degrade in both the landfill or compost bin.
- Ethically sourced/ made ✔ – Ethique values honest trading (fair trade) and are transparent about the supply chain of their products.
Purchase an Ethique shampoo bar on Amazon
2. Plaine Shampoo
Plaine Products was founded by two sisters, Lindsey and Alison Delaplaine, who wanted to reduce plastic waste in the world. Based in the US, they offer a return/refill scheme.
Product Review
- Vegan ✔ – Their products are vegan, using only natural ingredients.
- Palm Oil Free ✔ – Plaine products are palm oil free
- Cruelty Free ✔ – They are Cruelty Free and are certified by the organisation, Leaping Bunny
- Zero Waste Packaging ✔ – Plaine products are packaged in aluminum bottles, which can be returned for refill/reuse. They also have a reusable pump, creating a circular economy.
- Ethically sourced/ made ✔ – Plaine Products is a family-owned company and a hands on operation.
Purchase Plaine zero waste shampoo and conditioner on Amazon | Earth Hero
3. Lush Shampoo
Lush has an amazing array of shampoo bars. They are transparent about their ingredients, what hair is best suited for that product, as well as user reviews.
Product Review
- Vegan ✘ – Although 100% vegetarian, they are not vegan. Their products do contain the Sulphate SLS.
- Palm Oil Free ✘ – Not Palm oil free
- Cruelty Free ✔ – No animal testing of ingredients. The ingredients they purchase are from suppliers that are also certified as cruelty free.
- Zero Waste / Reusable Packaging ✔ – You can purchase a reusable tin for their package-free shampoo bars.
- Ethically sourced/ made ✔ – Lush supports Fair Trade and Community Trade initiatives. They value workers rights and make responsible decisions regarding from whom and how they purchase ingredients and packaging for Lush
Purchase your zero waste shampoo bar on Lush
4. Friendly Soap
A great zero waste shampoo option for those residing in the UK. The company has two main types of products (lavender and geranium/ lavender and tea tree).
Product Review
- Vegan ✔ – vegan and 100% natural
- Palm Oil Free ✔ – Yes, it is palm oil free.
- Cruelty Free ✔ – Yes. The company is registered with The Vegan Society and Cruelty Free International.
- Zero Waste / Reusable Packaging ✔ – Their packaging is plastic free, and is made from recycled materials.
- Ethically sourced/ made ✔ – Yes. The company has the ‘Best’ rating with Ethical Consumer.
Purchase The Friendly zero waste shampoo on Amazon | Friendly Soap
5. Living Naturally Soap Nuts
Soap nuts are generally used as laundry detergent. However, there is a fairly easy way to make your own shampoo using the soap nuts with a few easy steps. We’ve got a DIY recipe to make your own zero waste shampoo with soap nuts below.
Product Review
- Vegan ✔ – Certified Vegan by The Vegan Society. They are also 100% natural. Soapnuts come from a tree and are actually dried fruit shells that contain real natural soap.
- Palm Oil Free ✔ – They are Palm-oil free
- Cruelty Free ✔ – Yes, their soapnuts and soapnut products do not contribute to any environmental, human or animal abuse. They regularly audit their suppliers, & do not test their products on animals.
- Zero Waste / Reusable Packaging ✔ – The product is 100% Biodegradable & Compostable, and they package the soap nuts in a small biodegradable muslin bag
- Ethically sourced/ made ✔ – Their ingredients are sourced locally in the UK, or from fairtrade suppliers and co-operatives abroad.
Purchase Soap Nuts on Living Naturally | Amazon (Natural Things brand)
Where to buy zero waste shampoo
If you don’t purchase your zero waste shampoo product from one of the online stores mentioned above, you can also find these products in:
- Health Food Stores
- Bulk Stores
- Natural Stores
- Even some more mainstream chemists nowadays are stocking these natural products
Zero Waste Shampoo bars can be a great eco friendly gift for friends (just make sure you wrap it sustainably)!
There are lots of ways you can shop more responsibly (online or in-person). A study by MIT in 2013 looked at the difference in carbon footprint between shoppers who bought products online vs. those who bought in a traditional storefront (not a zero waste shop).
The results showed that:
- Online shopping was more eco friendly for those living in a suburban area
- Physical store shopping was more eco friendly for those living in urban areas (cities)
Shampoo refilling stations
The Source Bulk Foods usually stock these products, and you can buy bulk shampoo, conditioner, and other products in your own containers.
Some companies have systems in place to return your empty containers for refilling.
If you are in the USA or Canada, you can return and reuse your Plaine products, here.
Making the switch from chemical shampoo to natural products
For most, it’s a bit of a process to process to natural products. But don’t let that turn you off. In the long run, the benefits far outweigh the negatives.
Using mainstream shampoos that contain a lot of chemicals can have a real effect on your scalp without you even knowing. If you are constantly using the chemical products, they essentially keep “on top” of the situation.
What happens when you switch to natural hair care products?
Your scalp skin goes through a transition back to a natural state. That means that the pH and natural oils of your skin can have a temporary/visible impact on your hair.
This might turn your hair a little frizzy or oily for the transition period.
What to do during the transition
There’s no need to worry, the process is completely normal and natural. Here is an easy, at-home remedy to deal with the transition period.
- Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar (1 part cider/4 parts water)
- Mix in essential oil help with the vinegar’s intense smell
- Avoid conditioner
- If your hair starts getting oily, you can rub some dry shampoo (take from your shampoo bar)
- If the old chemical shampoo won’t seem to come out try rubbing a little baking soda and water through your hair to really get it out
- Be careful using hair ties if your hair is temporarily dried out (you can use some argon oil to give it some more natural moisture)
Once your natural oils and pH levels are back to an organic equilibrium you can go on using the natural, zero waste shampoo as you would a regular shampoo.
This could take a few days depending on how long you have been using chemical shampoo/how often you wash your hair/your hair type/etc.
How to make Zero Waste Shampoo
You can make your own zero waste shampoo at home. Soap Nuts are one natural product that you can use.
Essentially you’re going to boil the soap nuts in a muslin/nutmilk bag. The heat helps to release the nut’s soapy lather, while the muslin bag contains it.
Depending on how much shampoo you want to make the ratio will be:
- 2 Soap Nuts for every cup of water
- A few drops of essential oils to give it a nice aroma
- Bring your water to the boil then reduce to a simmer and allow 10 minutes for every 1 cup of water used
- Once your soap nuts have boiled, squeeze out the lather (through the muslin) into a container (glass jar, etc.)
- Use the soapy lather as your new, natural, zero waste shampoo!
Why soap nut shampoo is good
Apart from being homemade (and customised with your favourite essential oils) it is also a great zero waste DIY project.
The natural benefit of the soap nut is that it is nontoxic and therefore a great alternative for those with sensitive skin or hypoallergenic conditions.
More Zero Waste Alternatives
With more and more amazing zero waste products on the market, it is a good idea to learn more about the eco shopping process.
Here are some zero waste ideas to get you started:
>> 5 Best Australian Zero Waste Products for Travel
>> Eco Friendly Toiletries Ideas
>> 5 Zero Waste Toothpaste Ideas
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