Let’s talk about that shower shelf full of plastic bottles and mystery ingredients—because we can do better for ourselves and the planet. If you’ve been thinking about switching to sustainable haircare, this is your sign. Whether you're searching for the best shampoo without chemicals or want to ditch plastic for good, this guide will help you level up your routine with truly sustainable haircare products.
We’ve pulled together smart swaps, product tips, and real-world solutions to make your eco transition easy and fun. Your hair will feel amazing and your conscience even better.
Why Make the Switch to Sustainable Haircare?
In the U.S. alone, more than 552 million plastic shampoo bottles are discarded every year—that’s enough to fill over 1,100 football fields annually. Most of these bottles aren’t recycled, meaning they’ll sit in landfills or make their way into waterways and oceans.
And that’s just the plastic part.
Many mainstream haircare products also rely on palm oil, a cheap and widely used ingredient with devastating environmental consequences. The demand for palm oil drives deforestation, destroys orangutan habitats, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Even worse, it's often harvested in ways that exploit workers and displace Indigenous communities.
If you care about the planet, it’s time to rethink what you’re putting on your head.
Source: The World Economic Forum, Rainforest Action Network and WWF
Refillable Haircare: Clean Hair, Less Waste
Switching to refillable shampoo and conditioner is one of the simplest ways to cut down on plastic. Instead of tossing out empty bottles, you just refill your own at a local refillery. The products are just as high quality—sometimes even better—but come without the single-use packaging.
Refillery shops are popping up across the U.S., and many also carry zero-waste personal care essentials. You can find one near you through directories like:
Our own zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars are a perfect place to start. They're made with gentle, nourishing ingredients and last up to 70 washes—that’s nearly three times longer than a standard bottle. Try our Tangie Shampoo Bars, which offer a refreshing, clean feeling with every wash, and our Nope Conditioner Bars to keep your hair soft and hydrated without the plastic waste.
Try Shampoo and Conditioner Bars That Actually Work
Let’s be honest. Not all shampoo bars are created equal. Some leave your hair dry, waxy, or just feeling “off.” But the good ones? They’re magic.
Many folks who switched from bottled products found success with zinc-based bars to combat dandruff or leave-in conditioner bars that offer serious hydration for curly and textured hair types. The key is finding a formula that matches your scalp and hair needs—without the synthetics.
We’ve tested and stocked only the best shampoo without chemicals, free from parabens, sulfates, and of course, palm oil. Our Tangie Shampoo Bars are perfect for an eco-friendly cleanse without harsh chemicals. Paired with our Nope Conditioner Bars, you’ll get hydration and nourishment without all the unnecessary packaging. They come package free!
Tangie Shampoo Bar
$13.00
Upgrade Your Hair Care! Looking to refresh your hair care routine? Discover the Tangie Zero Waste Shampoo Bar—an eco-friendly alternative to conventional liquid shampoos. Perfect for those committed to sustainable goods and zero waste shopping, this vegan bar helps you… read more
Nope Conditioner Bar
$13.00
Meet the Nope Conditioner Bar – Your Hair’s New BFF! Looking for a conditioner that’s good for your hair and the planet? Say hello to the Nope Conditioner Bar! Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite from our… read more
Circular Beauty Systems: A Step Between Bars & Bottles
If you’re not ready to go full bar-mode, consider brands with closed-loop systems. Companies like Plaine Products offer haircare in aluminum bottles that can be sent back, sanitized, and reused—again and again. These systems eliminate single-use waste while offering a familiar bottle format.
Many of these sustainable brands are both carbon-neutral and B Corp certified, meaning they adhere to strict ethical and environmental practices across all areas of their operations.
Refillable systems are a fantastic in-between if you’re attached to liquids but still want to reduce your environmental footprint.
Sustainable Styling: More Than Just Shampoo
Sustainable haircare doesn’t stop at washing and conditioning. Many styling products and treatments come in plastic-free formats that work just as well—sometimes even better.
Here’s how to upgrade the rest of your routine:
Hair Masks: Look for nourishing blends in glass jars—shea butter, avocado oil, and essential oils are all fantastic for dry or damaged hair.
Dry Shampoo: Available in recyclable or reusable containers, these powders soak up oil without harmful aerosols or synthetic fragrance. Try Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo, which is a natural, gentle way to refresh your hair without the chemicals or plastic waste.
Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo
$18.00
Revive Your Hair Naturally Struggling with oily roots and no time for a wash? Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo Powder provides a swift and natural solution. Available at our waste free store, this dry shampoo blends arrowroot powder and… read more
Hair Serums and Oils: Choose formulas in glass bottles with droppers for a low-waste option.
Everything from your leave-in conditioner to your finishing balm can be part of a sustainable haircare journey.
What’s the Deal With Palm Oil?
Palm oil is one of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care—but it’s hiding under many names. “Sodium lauryl sulfate,” “cetyl alcohol,” and “glyceryl stearate” are just a few code names for palm oil derivatives.
Source: Rainforest Action Network and The Palm Oil Investigations
This makes shopping tricky unless you’re buying from brands that clearly label their products as palm oil free.
Why go palm oil free?
- Reduces deforestation
- Protects endangered wildlife habitats
- Lowers carbon emissions
- Supports fair labor practices
All haircare products at Mudd House Mercantile are certified palm oil free, and we carefully vet our suppliers for ethical sourcing. When you shop with us, there’s no guesswork—just clean, transparent ingredients that are good for you and the Earth.
Our Favorite Sustainable Haircare Products
We know it can be overwhelming to know where to start, so we’ve put together a quick list of our most-loved, most-repurchased sustainable haircare staples:
🌱 Tangie Shampoo Bars – A gentle yet effective bar for all hair types, packed with natural ingredients.
🌱 Nope Conditioner Bars – Calming and gentle for sensitive skin.
🌱 Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo – Perfect for refreshing your hair between washes without the chemicals.
Every item is:
✅ Plastic-free
✅ Palm oil free
✅ Sulfate/paraben-free
✅ Vegan & cruelty-free
✅ Designed for daily use
Sustainable Haircare Is Fun (And Chic!)
Eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or quality. Shampoo bars come package free, with scent options ranging from fresh botanicals to refreshing citrus. Choosing zero-waste products doesn’t have to mean giving up on the experience.
In fact, incorporating sustainable haircare into your routine can elevate the experience. With rich textures and calming scents, it turns your daily shower into a mindful moment of both self-care and environmental responsibility.
Perfect for Travel
Sustainable haircare products are not only good for the planet—they’re also incredibly travel-friendly. Shampoo and conditioner bars, for example, are compact, lightweight, and spill-proof, making them ideal for packing in carry-on luggage without the worry of leaks or excess weight.
These solid haircare products are typically smaller than liquid counterparts, so you can bring more without exceeding TSA restrictions. Plus, since they’re plastic-free, you can skip the disposable bottles that often end up in landfills. Whether you’re jet-setting across the globe or just heading out for a weekend getaway, sustainable haircare helps you travel lighter, smarter, and with less waste.
For extra convenience, our Conditioner Bar Travel Tin is perfect for storing your conditioner bar while keeping it safe and dry during your travels. It’s designed to fit our conditioner bars, ensuring that you can enjoy your eco-friendly routine no matter where you go.
Conditioner Bar Travel Tin
$4.00
Conditioner Bar Travel Tin: Your Go-To Travel Buddy Looking for a stylish way to take your conditioner bar on the road? The Conditioner Bar Travel Tin is a must-have for your eco-conscious adventures. Whether you're zero waste shopping or looking… read more
Tips for Transitioning to a Greener Routine
If this all sounds exciting but a bit daunting, you’re not alone. Transitioning to a more sustainable beauty regimen doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Here’s how to make it manageable:
- Start with one product—maybe shampoo, maybe conditioner, maybe styling.
- Expect a transition period if you’re switching from silicones or SLS to natural alternatives.
- Read ingredient labels carefully—or shop stores like ours that have already done the vetting.
- Remember, you don’t need to be perfect. Every sustainable swap counts.
Sustainable haircare isn’t just about great hair—it’s about making everyday choices that reflect your values. By choosing eco-friendly products that are plastic-free, palm oil free, and made with safe, nourishing ingredients, you’re reducing waste and standing up for ethical, low-impact beauty.
The best part? You don’t have to sacrifice results. You just get a great hair day—and a good feeling inside.
Ready to Start? Whether you’re curious about shampoo bars, want the best shampoo without chemicals, or just need a palm oil free conditioner bar that works, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Explore Sustainable Haircare at Mudd House Mercantile