DIY Solid Shampoo Bars (One Bar = Three Plastic Bottles)

Liquid shampoos are 80% water shipped in heavy plastic bottles loaded with sulfates and preservatives, why pay to transport H₂O when you can craft concentrated solid bars at home? These DIY shampoo bars pack 80 washes into one compact, zero-waste puck, replacing three plastic bottles per bar and lasting up to nine months. Using simple ingredients like coconut oil, castile soap, and essential oils, you'll create a lathering powerhouse that moisturizes, balances oil, and stimulates growth without the environmental toll. Ideal for travelers (TSA-friendly!), gym-goers, or minimalists ditching bottle clutter, this 15-minute recipe yields three bars for under $2. No awkward "transition period", it works from the first wash, leaving hair shiny, scalp healthy, and oceans free of microplastics. Pair with an optional apple cider vinegar rinse for pH-balanced brilliance. Embrace the switch to solid hair care: lighter on the planet, gentler on your locks, and infinitely refillable. Join the zero-waste hair revolution and feel the difference with every rub, rinse, and repeat.

One bar. Zero plastic. 80 washes. One batch = 3 bars = 9 months of clean = 0 landfill waste Why Solid Bars Beat Liquid Shampoo Liquid Shampoo:

• Plastic bottle (landfill)

• 80% water (heavy to ship)

• Preservatives + sulfates

• $12–$18 per bottle

Solid Bar:

• Reusable tin or beeswax wrap

• 100% active ingredients

• Natural oils + clays

• $0.42 per bar

Eco win: One bar = 3 plastic bottles saved. Ingredients (Makes 3 x 3-oz Bars)

• ½ cup coconut oil – Moisturizes + lathers

• ½ cup castile soap (unscented liquid) – Cleans gently

• ¼ cup cocoa butter – Conditions + hardens bar

• 30 drops rosemary essential oil – Stimulates scalp

• 20 drops cedarwood essential oil – Balances oil

• 1 tbsp rhassoul clay (optional) – Detox + volume

• 1 tbsp dried rosemary (optional) – Texture + scent

Pro tip: Use food-grade cocoa butter for the smoothest melt. Tools (All Reusable)

• Double boiler (or glass bowl over pot)

• Silicone mold (3-cavity bar mold)

• Measuring cups + spoons

• Whisk or fork

• Small tin or beeswax wrap (storage)

Step-by-Step: 15 Minutes to Plastic-Free Hair

Step 1: Melt the Base (5 min) In double boiler, melt coconut oil + cocoa butter on low heat. Remove from heat when fully liquid.

Step 2: Add Soap & Clay (2 min) Stir in castile soap + rhassoul clay. Mix until smooth. Add rosemary + cedarwood oils. Stir well.

Step 3: Pour into Mold (2 min) Pour into silicone mold. Tap gently to remove bubbles. Sprinkle dried rosemary on top (optional).

Step 4: Cool & Harden (4+ hours) Let sit at room temp or fridge 1 hour. Bars should feel firm like soap.

Step 5: Unmold & Cure (1 min + 24 hrs) Pop out of mold. Let cure on parchment 24 hours to harden fully.

How to Use Your Bar

1. Wet hair + bar

2. Rub bar directly on scalp (or lather in hands)

3. Massage 1–2 min

4. Rinse. Done.

No transition period — works first wash.

Storage & Travel

• Store in tin or beeswax wrap

• Drains dry = lasts 80+ washes

• TSA-friendly (no liquid rules)

Bonus: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse (Optional) Mix:

• 1 cup water

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 5 drops lavender oil

Pour over hair after shampoo. No rinse needed. Shine + pH balance.

Troubleshooting

Problem: Too soft → Fix: Add 1 tbsp more cocoa butter next time

Problem: No lather → Fix: Use more castile soap (up to ¾ cup)

Problem: Melts in shower → Fix: Store outside shower in tin Gift It: Zero-Waste Stocking Stuffer

1. Stack 3 bars in a mini tin

2. Tie with jute twine + rosemary sprig

3. Add tag: “80 Washes. 0 Plastic.”

Your Plastic-Free Hair Routine Every wash:

1. Shampoo with bar (2 min)

2. ACV rinse (30 sec)

3. Air dry or microfiber towel

4. Smile at zero bottles in the trash

Final Word: Clean Hair, Clear Conscience You replaced three plastic bottles with one tiny bar. Every lather = no plastic in oceans, no water weight shipped, no sulfates in your scalp. Rub. Rinse. Repeat. Forever.