I’ve been on a mission to cut plastic from my bathroom routine, and shampoo bars have become my go-to. Viori and Kitsch, two heavyweights in the sustainable haircare world, caught my attention with their eco-friendly promises and rave reviews.
In this article, I’ll break down their key features, weigh the pros and cons, and share my real-user experience to help you decide which is worth your money.
From lather to longevity, I’ve tested these bars to guide you toward shinier, healthier hair with a clear conscience.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Viori Shampoo Bar | Kitsch Shampoo Bar |
| Price (per bar) | $16.95 | $14.00 |
| Size | 3.2 oz | 3.2 oz |
| Key Ingredients | Longsheng rice water, cocoa butter, hydrolyzed rice protein | Rice water, coconut oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil |
| Scent Options | 10 (e.g., Hidden Waterfall, Citrus Yao) | 7 (e.g., White Tea & Mandarin, Unscented) |
| Lather | Rich, creamy | Moderate, frothy |
| Longevity | 30-60 washes | 30-50 washes |
| Packaging | Recyclable cardboard, plastic-free | Recyclable cardboard, plastic-free |
| Certifications | Vegan, cruelty-free | Leaping Bunny, vegan, cruelty-free |
| Best For | Thick, dry, or damaged hair | Fine to medium hair, beginners |
| Sustainability | Partners with Red Yao tribe, eco-focused | 4ocean Certified Cleanup Partner |
My Journey With Shampoo Bars
I’ve always been a liquid shampoo loyalist, but the piles of plastic bottles in my recycling bin started to weigh on me.
Shampoo bars promised a greener alternative, and Viori and Kitsch stood out for their buzz and eco-cred.
I tested Viori’s Hidden Waterfall and Kitsch’s Rice Water Shampoo Bar for weeks, focusing on performance, sustainability, and overall vibe. My hair—thick, wavy, and prone to frizz—served as the testing ground.
Here’s how these bars stacked up in my daily routine, with an analytical lens on what makes them shine (or not).
Viori Shampoo Bar: The Lowdown
Viori’s bars are inspired by the Red Yao tribe in China, whose long, lustrous hair is practically legendary. The brand leans hard into this heritage, using Longsheng rice water as its star ingredient.
I picked the Hidden Waterfall scent for its floral, slightly earthy notes. The bar feels premium, with a smooth, oval shape that’s easy to grip. At $16.95, it’s pricier than Kitsch, but the brand’s commitment to ethical sourcing and plastic-free packaging adds to its appeal.
Key Features of Viori
- Longsheng Rice Water: This traditional ingredient is packed with amino acids and vitamins to nourish hair and reduce breakage.
- Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter: These add hydration, making it a dream for dry or damaged strands.
- Hydrolyzed Rice Protein: Strengthens hair, boosting volume and shine.
- Scent Variety: With 10 options, from citrus to floral, there’s something for everyone.
- Sustainability: Viori partners with the Red Yao tribe, supporting community projects like schoolbooks and infrastructure.
Pros of Viori
- Rich Lather: The bar produces a luxurious, creamy lather that coats every strand. It feels like a spa treatment in my shower.
- Long-Lasting: I got about 50 washes from one bar, even with my thick hair. That’s roughly two months of use.
- Hair Health Boost: After a month, my hair felt softer and less prone to breakage. The rice water seems to live up to its hype.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: The recyclable cardboard box is plastic-free, aligning with my sustainability goals.
- Ethical Sourcing: Supporting the Red Yao tribe feels like a meaningful bonus.
Cons of Viori
- Pricey: At $16.95, it’s not the most budget-friendly option, especially if you’re new to shampoo bars.
- Storage Issues: The bar can get mushy if not stored properly. I had to buy a bamboo dish separately to keep it dry.
- Scent Intensity: Hidden Waterfall was pleasant but stronger than I expected, which might not suit sensitive noses.
- Transparency Concerns: Viori’s website only showcases five-star reviews, which feels a bit curated. I’d prefer more honest feedback.
My experience with Viori was mostly positive. The lather was a standout—rich and satisfying, it made my hair feel clean without that squeaky, stripped sensation.
After a few weeks, I noticed less shedding and a subtle shine, especially at my ends. However, the bar’s tendency to soften in a humid bathroom was a hassle, and I wished for clearer ingredient transparency from the brand.
Kitsch Shampoo Bar: The Breakdown
Kitsch, a woman-owned brand from California, markets itself as approachable and budget-friendly.
At $14, the Rice Water Shampoo Bar is a solid entry point for shampoo bar newbies.
I chose the White Tea & Mandarin scent, which promised a light, citrusy vibe.
The bar’s quirky S-shape caught my eye, and its Leaping Bunny certification sealed the deal for my cruelty-free standards.
Key Features of Kitsch
- Rice Water: Like Viori, it uses rice water for nourishment, but the formula feels simpler.
- Coconut Oil and Shea Butter: These hydrate and smooth, ideal for fine to medium hair.
- Sunflower Seed Oil: Adds shine and protects against environmental damage.
- Leaping Bunny Certified: No animal testing, plus it’s vegan and free of parabens, phthalates, and silicones.
- 4ocean Partnership: Each bar sold helps remove plastic from oceans, a big win for sustainability.
Pros of Kitsch
- Affordable: At $14, it’s easier on the wallet than Viori, making it great for first-timers.
- Easy Application: The S-shape makes it grippy, and the hand-lathering method is beginner-friendly.
- Clean Rinse: It washes out completely, leaving no residue, even on my oily scalp days.
- Eco-Credentials: The 4ocean partnership and plastic-free packaging are huge pluses.
- Fragrance Options: Seven scents, including an unscented version, cater to sensitive users.
Cons of Kitsch
- Moderate Lather: The lather is decent but less luxurious than Viori’s. It took more effort to build up.
- Shorter Longevity: I got about 35 washes, which didn’t stretch as far as Viori’s.
- Scent Disappointment: The White Tea & Mandarin was artificially sweet to me, not as natural as advertised.
- Formula Simplicity: It lacks the extra punch of ingredients like hydrolyzed rice protein, which Viori includes.
Kitsch was a solid performer, especially for the price. It cleansed well, and my hair felt soft and manageable, though it didn’t add the volume I hoped for.
The eco-friendly angle and certifications were a big draw, but the bar’s shorter lifespan and less impressive lather made it feel like a runner-up compared to Viori’s premium experience.
Head-to-Head Comparison of Viori And Kitsch Shampoo Bars
Both Viori and Kitsch aim to deliver sustainable, effective haircare, but they cater to slightly different needs. Viori feels like the luxury option, with a richer formula and a focus on repairing damaged hair.
Kitsch, meanwhile, is the approachable underdog, perfect for those dipping their toes into the shampoo bar world. Let’s break down the key differences.
- Ingredients and Performance
Viori’s Longsheng rice water and hydrolyzed rice protein give it an edge for strengthening and volumizing.
My hair felt noticeably healthier after a month, with less breakage during brushing.
Kitsch’s formula, while nourishing with coconut and shea butter, didn’t deliver the same transformative results.
It’s better suited for fine or normal hair that doesn’t need heavy repair.
Viori’s lather is creamier, making it feel more indulgent, while Kitsch’s frothy lather requires more work.
- Price and Value
Kitsch wins on price at $14 versus Viori’s $16.95. For budget-conscious buyers, Kitsch offers a low-risk way to try shampoo bars.
However, Viori’s longer lifespan (50 washes vs. 35) makes it a better value over time. If you’re committed to shampoo bars, Viori’s durability might justify the extra cost.
- Sustainability and Ethics
Both brands shine here, but in different ways. Viori’s partnership with the Red Yao tribe supports cultural preservation and community projects, which feels deeply meaningful.
Kitsch’s 4ocean partnership directly tackles ocean plastic, resonating with my eco-goals. Both use plastic-free, recyclable packaging, so it’s a tie on that front.
- Scent and Sensitivity
Viori’s 10 scent options offer more variety, but some, like Hidden Waterfall, can be intense. Kitsch’s seven scents include an unscented option, which is a lifesaver for sensitive scalps.
However, Kitsch’s fragrances felt less natural to me, which was a letdown.
- Ease of Use
Kitsch’s S-shape is grippy and beginner-friendly, especially for hand-lathering. Viori’s oval bar glides directly onto hair, which I preferred for my thick strands.
Both require proper storage to avoid mushiness, but Viori’s need for a separate dish felt like an extra step.
My Experience With Viori And Kitsch Shampoo Bars
Testing these bars was an adventure.
With Viori, I loved the ritual of gliding the bar through my wet hair, watching it foam up like a high-end salon product.
My waves looked shinier, and I noticed less frizz, even in humid weather.
But the bar’s tendency to soften in my steamy bathroom was annoying—I had to store it outside the shower.
Kitsch was easier to start with, thanks to its lower price and familiar lathering method. It cleansed well, but my hair felt flatter than with Viori, and the scent didn’t wow me.
Still, it’s a great option for travel, as its compact size and leak-proof nature make it TSA-friendly.
Who Should Choose Viori?
Viori is ideal if you have thick, dry, or damaged hair that needs serious TLC. The rice water and protein combo works wonders for repair and volume, and the brand’s ethical focus adds a feel-good factor.
It’s worth the splurge if you’re committed to sustainability and want a premium experience. Just be prepared to invest in proper storage to keep the bar intact.
Who Should Choose Kitsch?
Kitsch is perfect for beginners or those with fine to medium hair. Its affordability and certifications make it a low-risk choice, and the 4ocean partnership is a compelling eco-perk.
If you’re sensitive to fragrances, the unscented option is a safe bet. However, if you’re looking for dramatic hair health improvements, you might find it lacking.
The Bigger Picture: Why Shampoo Bars Matter
Switching to shampoo bars isn’t just about cleaner hair—it’s about reducing waste. Each bar replaces two to three plastic bottles, cutting down on landfill clutter and ocean pollution.
Viori and Kitsch both deliver on this promise, but their approaches differ. Viori feels like a cultural experience, rooted in tradition, while Kitsch is practical and accessible. Your choice depends on your hair needs, budget, and values.
Tips For Using Shampoo Bars
- Storage is Key: Keep your bar in a dry, well-drained dish to prevent it from dissolving.
- Application Technique: Glide the bar directly on wet hair (Viori) or lather in your hands (Kitsch) for best results.
- Transition Period: Give your hair a few weeks to adjust, as it may feel different after liquid shampoos.
- Pair with Conditioner: Both brands offer matching conditioner bars for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar often tops lists for its affordability and performance, but Viori’s bars are highly rated for thicker hair types.
Viori’s rice water and hydrolyzed rice protein strengthen hair and may reduce breakage, but there’s no definitive evidence it directly promotes growth.
Yes, rice water shampoos like Viori and Kitsch nourish hair with amino acids, improving shine and strength, though results vary by hair type.
There’s no confirmed report of Drew Barrymore using a specific shampoo bar, but she’s endorsed eco-friendly beauty products, aligning with brands like Kitsch.
Conclusion: Your Hair, Your Choice
You’re standing at a crossroads, staring down two solid options: Viori and Kitsch. If you want a luxurious, reparative experience with a cultural twist, Viori’s your pick—it transformed my hair’s texture and shine.
If you’re after an affordable, beginner-friendly bar with strong eco-cred, Kitsch won’t disappoint. Both help you ditch plastic bottles while keeping your hair clean and soft.
Weigh your hair type, budget, and values, and you’ll find the perfect fit. Let me know in the comments which one you’re leaning toward—I’d love to hear your thoughts!