Zero waste hair care is a major movement that has become more popular as people become aware of the harmful effects of chemicals in conventional beauty products. Using traditional shampoo and conditioner contributes to landfill problems, pollution, and it causes health issues.
Many companies focus on creating high-quality natural and organic (and vegan) shampoo and conditioner that is very effective but doesn’t dissolve into microplastic particles after use. These bottles can be refilled, so you will cut costs by not buying new bottles every month.
Some of the main ingredients, such as sulfates or silicones, have been banned in zero waste hair care products because of their potentially harmful effects on health and the environment.
Here are 20 zero-waste hair care brands that you should try:
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1. Maple Holistics
Maple Holistics is a zero-waste, vegan company based in Florida. It offers the only plant-based zero waste shampoo & conditioner without sulfates or parabens (which dries out your scalp). The packaging can be recycled, or it can be refilled to cut down costs even further! They offer both regular zero waste subscription plans and zero waste kits that allow you to test out their different zero waste products before committing to them for an extended period (or they make awesome Christmas presents!)
2. Yes to
Yes, it is a zero-waste hair care brand that focuses on natural ingredients. It has zero waste options for every hair type ranging from curly hair shampoo bars to color-protecting zero waste conditioners. Most of their products are vegan, and they do not test on animals either. The packaging can be recycled or refilled, but the product itself should be thrown away after use (at least in my opinion).
3. Giovanni
Giovanni is 100% vegan, a cruelty-free company based in California since 1988. Their zero-waste range contains 4 zero-waste shampoos and 2 zero-waste conditioners infused with organic botanicals, essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants. The bottles are made from recycled materials, and the labels are printed with soy inks to guarantee zero waste.
4. Desert Essence
Desert Essence is a zero-waste hair care company created by a family who was concerned about the environment. They use recyclable packaging, and all of their products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, contain zero plastic bottles, and zero artificial ingredients. The packaging can be recycled or refilled but should be thrown away to prevent bacteria from growing inside your bottle after each use.
5. Terra Pure
Terra Pure Shampoo Bar is a zero waste shampoo bar that is safe for all hair types. It is infused with Grapefruit Oil and Peppermint Oil to give you the perfect clean feeling. Our formula was inspired by our high-end hotel amenity line Terra Pure; this bar will leave your hair feeling fresh and clean without any residue.
This product comes in recyclable packaging that is made from recycled cardboard with soy-based ink printing on it. This product can be purchased online or at both of our retail locations in New York City (Park Slope & Midtown).
6. IndulgeMe
IndulgeMe Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bar is a revolutionary new way to wash your hair. This shampoo and conditioner set is made with only the best organic ingredients and comes in plastic-free packaging.
This shampoo bar cleanses your hair without stripping it of its natural oils. The solid shampoo comes in 3 scents: Lemongrass, Coconut & Tea Tree, Lavender & Citrus. It’s also paraben-free! The conditioner bar comes in two scents: Lemongrass & Coconut, Lemon & Tea Tree, and Vanilla & Citrus.
7. BAMBOEARTH
Bambooearth shampoo bars are a solid shampoo and conditioner in one, made with 100% natural ingredients. Each bar is handmade in small batches for your ultimate enjoyment. Our products are completely free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, which can be harmful to the hair and scalp. Instead, we use pure essential oils that nourish and moisturize the hair while leaving it feeling soft and shiny.
Our organic shampoo bars leave you with clean, healthy hair without all the damaging chemicals found in commercial shampoos.
7. Pack & Leaf
This is a great product for those who want to try the benefits of Argan Oil. The Pack & Leaf Argan Oil Shampoo, Conditioner, and Styling Cream work well to moisturize hair and control frizz. Hair becomes more manageable, shiny, and healthy-looking with regular use. With its naturally derived ingredients, this shampoo will leave your hair feeling soft and looking great! This product is also vegan-friendly.
8. Buy WOW
The WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Hair Conditioner is a unique blend of natural ingredients that will leave your hair feeling soft, shiny, and healthy. The shampoo has a sweet apple scent with coconut undertones. It contains key ingredients such as Nettle Leaf Extract, saw palmetto extract, argan oil, and almond oil to help promote healthier hair growth. The conditioner has a fresh apple scent with hints of coconut that will leave your hair smelling great too! This product is free from harmful chemicals like sulfates and parabens.
9. Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Shampoo / Conditioner
Desert Essence offers organic tea tree oil shampoo and conditioner, made from 97% natural ingredients and contains no artificial fragrances or parabens. They don’t clog pores, gently cleanse your scalp and hair without stripping moisture, and promote a healthy scalp and hair growth. The zero-waste shampoo can be refilled, but the zero-waste conditioner should be thrown away after use to prevent bacteria from growing inside your bottle.
10. Desert Essence Coconut Shampoo / Conditioner
Desert Essence zero waste shampoo and zero waste conditioners are infused with organic tea tree oil and coconut oil, which cleanse and moisturize your hair without stripping moisture while promoting a healthy scalp and hair growth. The packaging is fully recyclable, but zero waste shampoos and zero waste conditioners should be used up within 3 months of opening them for optimal results (if kept longer, they might start to smell bad).
11. VO5 Herbal Escapes Shampoo / Conditioner
VO5 zero waste shampoo and zero waste conditioners are made from 100% natural ingredients. They have zero artificial colors, zero alcohol, zero parabens, zero phthalates, zero dyes, and they’re designed to help your hair feel healthier with each use. The packaging is fully recyclable, but it should be thrown away after use because the product itself contains preservatives that evaporate over time, so they might start growing bacteria if stored longer than 3 months (you’ll also find a printed “use by” date on the package).
12. Nioxin
Nioxin Scalp Recovery System for Itchy, Flaky Scalp, Anti-Dandruff Cleanser Shampoo, Conditioner is a scalp treatment system that cleanses and conditions the scalp to help manage dryness and flakes. The 3-step system includes Nioxin Cleanser, Nioxin Scalp Therapy Conditioner, and Nioxin Scalp Treatment.
This shampoo gently cleanses the scalp of dandruff flakes. The formula contains botanical extracts that nourish the skin while it removes dirt and oil. The zero-waste shampoo can be refilled. The zero-waste conditioner must be thrown away after use because it contains preservatives that evaporate over time and might start growing bacteria if stored longer than 3 months.
13. Brooklyn
Moroccan Argan Oil is known for its amazing properties and benefits for dry, damaged hair and scalp. A reparative, moisture-balancing shampoo and conditioner formulated for weakened or damaged hair can assist with hydrating the scalp and promoting healthy hair growth.
Restorative formula – Moroccan Argan Oil is believed to help ensure strong, nourished hair with an improved appearance daily. This lightweight formula helps strengthen each strand of your hair as you wash it away.
14. Pureology
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo that adds softness and strength to dry, color-treated hair. This Pureology Hydrate Shampoo gently cleanses without stripping away natural oils, leaving hair shiny and manageable.
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is infused with organic aloe vera juice to help nourish the scalp and strengthen strands from root to tip. The result? Stronger, healthier-looking hair. Use Pureology Hydrate Shampoo in place of your regular shampoo for great results!
15. Ethique
Ethique is a natural beauty brand that offers simple, effective, and affordable products for your everyday needs. Our products are handmade in small batches with the highest quality ingredients to ensure purity and efficacy. We believe in making ethical choices that benefit both you and the world we live in – from using biodegradable packaging materials made from recycled paper to sourcing raw materials locally. Our goal is to provide high-quality personal care products without compromising what’s good for you or the environment.
16. Molivera
Molivera Organics Pure Premium Bentonite Clay Face/Body/Hair Mask, 100% Natural and Organic, is a great product for detoxification. Doctors recommend treating acne and other skin problems. It can be used on the face, body, hair, scalp, or nails. It also removes toxins from your scalp that cause dandruff. You can use it on your face as a mask or mix it with water to make a clay-water mixture for the face and body. Use it as an exfoliant.
17. Coconut Shea Sugar Scrub
Coconut shea sugar body scrub contains raw cane sugar, extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, vitamin E, and pure vanilla extract for added moisturizing benefits. The zero-waste formula makes it ideal for sensitive skin, but it can also be used by those who suffer from eczema & psoriasis. The zero plastic, zero waste, zero dyes, zero toxins, zero sulfates, zero parabens, zero propylene glycol zero phthalates recyclable packaging is made of 50% post-consumer recycled paper and printed with soy-based inks.
18. Tin
Tin is a shampoo and conditioner for dry hair that cleanses the scalp while leaving your hair soft, smooth, shiny, manageable, and full of volume. This product has been specifically designed to improve the look of your hair by reducing damage caused by styling. It also fights frizziness to give you healthier-looking hair.
19. Erigeron
Use Erigeron Natural Organic Medicinal Herb Vegan Shampoo Ball – Pink Clay_Zero Waste Shampoo Bar for helping Scalp Regeneration to eliminate dandruff, remove hair lice, and improve scalp health. 100% natural shampoo bar is made from organic herbs and clay without any harmful chemicals or preservatives. Safe to use on all hair types, including colored hair.
20. HiBAR
HiBAR is a shampoo bar that offers an alternative to conventional shampoos. This bar is great for all hair types, including dry and damaged hair.
The bar contains coconut oil, which softens your hair while removing dirt and buildup. It also helps prevent dandruff by eliminating excess oils on the scalp. The ingredients in HiBAR are 100% natural, so you can feel good about using them every day!
The best part? Since HiBAR is a solid soap, it lasts longer than liquid shampoo! Use this product once or twice.
Conclusion
The Zero Waste Hair Care market is ever-growing, and there are many different brands to choose from. You need to consider many factors before deciding on the best brand of your product, but we’ve narrowed it down for you with our list above. Have a favorite hair care company?