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. [INSERT IMAGE: Glass bowl over simmering water, golden oils melting, wooden spoon stirring]
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
Wet hair + bar
Rub bar directly on scalp (or lather in hands)
Massage 1–2 min
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
Stack 3 bars in a mini tin
Tie with jute twine + rosemary sprig
Add tag: “80 Washes. 0 Plastic.”
Your Plastic-Free Hair Routine Every wash:
Shampoo with bar (2 min)
ACV rinse (30 sec)
Air dry or microfiber towel
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.