I tried many shampoo alternatives… it really depends on your hair type what works for you. But the best I found is soap nuts (yes, the same as the ones used for laundry) with alma and shikakai powder or rye flour shampoo. I think I found the recipes in the Happy Hair book (it’s a good book). People often say that shampoo bars don’t work well for them, especially in the long-term. At first I tried the baking soda method and it seemed to work well but then it started to destroy my hair… not recommended. :-/