Why I've Switched To Cooki Haircare After Eight Years Of Using Shampoo Bars

If you've followed me for a while, you'll probably know that I've been using shampoo bars for around eight years now.

In fact, switching from bottled shampoo to shampoo bars was one of the very first low-waste swaps I ever made. It was simple, practical, and one of those changes that quickly became second nature.

Over the years, I've recommended shampoo bars to countless people because I genuinely believe they're one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic waste without sacrificing convenience.

What you might not know is that I've recently changed the brand I use for the first time in a very long time.

And that's not something I do lightly.

I tend to be incredibly loyal to products that earn a permanent place in our home. Once something works well, I don't usually go looking for alternatives just for the sake of trying something new.

So when Cooki Haircare asked if I'd like to test their shampoo and conditioner bars, I was curious, but also a little sceptical.

After several weeks of using them, though, I can honestly say I'm impressed and I am sticking to them as my main haircare product.

The first thing I noticed? The lather.

One of the biggest misconceptions about shampoo bars is that they don't foam properly.

Cooki completely surprised me here.

The shampoo creates a rich, generous lather almost immediately, making it feel much closer to what people expect from a traditional shampoo; without the plastic bottle.

It's one of those little details that makes the whole experience feel effortless. I love not having to compromise on the quality of my hair in order to do the right thing for the planet.

My hair feels clean... but also soft.

I have very thick hair and it can lean towards being dry if I'm using products that don't suit it. Not every shampoo leaves my hair feeling hydrated or easy to brush afterwards.

Cooki has done both.

My hair feels genuinely clean without feeling stripped and the conditioner has left it noticeably softer and easier to manage. Of course, everyone's hair is different, but that's been my personal experience.

Why I still love shampoo bars

People often assume the biggest benefit is reducing plastic. While that's certainly true, it's not actually the reason I've stuck with them for eight years.

They're also:

• Long-lasting.

• Brilliant for travelling.

• No leaking bottles in your bag.

• Less clutter in the shower.

Whenever we travel, I simply pack a small piece of each bar into a reusable tin and I'm good to go.

No worrying about liquid limits, spills, or bulky bottles.

The Cooki drainage tray has made travelling with bars even easier. It means the bar doesn’t stick to the tin and I can easily sit it on a windowsill to dry for a while before I move onto the next place.

What I Like About Cooki’s Ingredients

As someone who cares about both sustainability and what's going onto my skin, I always take a good look at ingredient lists before recommending a product.

One thing I appreciated about Cooki is that they don't pretend everything is "100% natural" just because that's a popular marketing claim. Instead, they've clearly thought about finding a balance between performance and lower-tox ingredients. They use a low tox coconut-derived sulfate called Sodium Coco-Sulfate as the lathering ingredient for most of their shampoo bars, which is gentle enough even to use on sensitive skin, unlike harsh sulfates like SLS - which I'd personally avoid. They also do have an even more natural fully sulfate-free option for keratin-treated or dark-dyed hair as well, which is their Rice Water Protein Shampoo Bar.

Their bars are free from ingredients like parabens, phthalates, silicones, SLS, phenoxyethanol, PEGs and synthetic fragrance, while still delivering the rich lather that many people expect from a shampoo. 

They also include nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, coconut oil and shea butter across different products in the range, depending on your hair type.

I appreciated reading Jaimee's explanation of why they chose their formulations. Rather than removing ingredients purely for marketing reasons, their goal was to create products that people would genuinely enjoy using every day, and that felt similar enough to a ‘traditional’ shampoo experience while being a low-tox, plastic-free switch. I think that's a sensible approach because, ultimately, the most sustainable product is the one that works and that people actually stick with.

A couple of shampoo bar tips

If you're new to bars or you've tried them before and weren't convinced, there are a couple of simple things that make a huge difference.

Let the bars drain properly between uses rather than sitting in water. If you're storing them in a travel tin, make sure it has a drainage tray so the bar isn't sitting against the base. When at home and travelling, I simply pat the bars dry on my towel as I get out of the shower and place them in an airy spot, often a windowsill.

Being a natural product without preservatives, if it’s summer time and the heat has made the bars melt a little, pop them into the fridge to reset. They will be good as new!

These tiny habits help them last much longer.

Will I keep using Cooki?

Yes.

It's not often I change products after using something for so many years, but Cooki has genuinely earned a place in our shower.

If you're already using shampoo bars and wondering whether it's worth trying something new, or you've been curious about making the switch from bottled shampoo, I think they're well worth considering.

I've really enjoyed using them and I can absolutely see them becoming part of our routine for years to come.

If you'd like to explore the range yourself, you can use my code ETHICALLYKATE to receive 20% off your first Cooki order.

Shop Cooki here.

Frequently Asked Questions

I've tried shampoo bars before and didn't like them. Are these different?

That was one of my biggest questions too.

One thing that immediately stood out to me was how much they lather. Many people expect shampoo bars to feel waxy or difficult to use, but Cooki’s bars foam really well, making them feel much more familiar than many older shampoo bar formulas.

Do shampoo bars actually last longer?

In my experience, yes.

Looking after them properly makes a huge difference. Let them dry between uses, avoid leaving them sitting in water, and they'll last much longer. For Cooki bars, they say one 65g shampoo bar lasts up to about 3x 200ml bottles of shampoo, so while it will depend on your hair length and how often you wash, they’re a very economical choice.

Which bar would suit my hair?

Cooki has different bars for different hair types. Their online Hair Quiz is also a helpful place to start.

Are they good for travelling?

Absolutely.

This is honestly one of my favourite things about shampoo bars.

I simply cut off a small piece, pop it into a reusable tin, and I'm ready to go. No leaking bottles, no liquid restrictions, and far less space taken up in my bag. For longer trips, the full 65g bar is a useful size.

Are they vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes. Cooki's shampoo and conditioner bars are vegan and cruelty-free. None of their products are tested on animals.

Are they suitable during pregnancy?

Cooki states that its bars are free from parabens, phthalates, silicones, PEGs and synthetic fragrance, making them a lower-tox option. Phthalates are one of the main ingredients best avoided in pregnancy, according to GP advice. They also suggest certain bars without essential oils for those wanting to be extra cautious during pregnancy, as some people prefer to avoid essential oils like Ginger or Rosemary during this time. As always, if you have specific concerns, it's worth discussing them with your healthcare provider.

Is there a transition period?

While everyone's hair is different, I personally didn't experience an adjustment period. I asked founder Jaimee if she finds customers take some time adjusting to bars when they make the switch from bottles, and surprisingly she said that she very rarely hears of a customer going through a transition period. She said it’s a misconception from previous more waxy, low lather formulas, and that it’s more about choosing the right bar for your hair type and storing it properly between washes which will give you the best experience.

Why are you working with Cooki?

I’ve been using shampoo bars for the best part of 8 years so when Cooki gifted me bars earlier this year, trying them was a no brainer. 

What I didn’t expect is that I'd become a converted customer.

When the team reached out to partner together on some content, it was a big yes from me. So while this is a paid partnership with Cooki, every opinion is my own after using and loving the bars myself.