Choosing the Right Shampoo Bottle and Dispenser

For brands developing or refreshing a hair care line, there are plenty of options beyond a standard plastic bottle with a snap-top or disc-top cap. Lotion pumps, different bottle materials and even foamer systems can offer different benefits depending on the product and how you want customers to use it.

When a Lotion Pump Makes Sense

A lotion pump can be a useful alternative to a snap-top or disc-top closure when controlled dispensing is important. Pumps are available with different output volumes, allowing brands to select a component that dispenses an appropriate amount of product with each actuation.

• Dosage control: Unlike pouring product from a bottle, a pump provides a consistent output with each full actuation. Consumers can still use more or less depending on their needs, but the pump gives them a predictable starting point.
• Ease of use: Pumps can be especially convenient for products used in the shower or with wet hands. Depending on the bottle and pump design, they can also make it easier to dispense product without turning a bottle upside down.
• Formula compatibility: Lotion pumps can work with a range of shampoo and hair care formulas, but viscosity matters. A pump designed for a thicker product may not perform the same way with a thin formula, so testing the finished formula with the dispenser is important.

McKernan stocks lotion pumps in a variety of output volumes and finishes, with compatible bottles available to create a complete package.

Choosing the Right Bottle for Your Dispenser

The dispenser is only one part of the package. Your bottle needs to be compatible with the closure and appropriate for the formula and intended use.

A few things to consider:

• Neck finish compatibility: The bottle and dispenser must have matching finishes. For example, a 24/410 pump requires a bottle with a 24/410 neck finish. McKernan's Packaging 101 provides more information on measuring and identifying neck finishes.
• Bottle material: HDPE is a common choice for shampoo and other personal care products because of its durability and compatibility with many formulas. PET is another option, particularly for brands that want a clear bottle or want the color of the product to be part of the package design. As with any packaging material, compatibility should be evaluated with the specific formula.
• Color and opacity: The color of the bottle can be functional as well as visual. Opaque or colored packaging can help create a consistent look across a product line, while amber or other dark packaging may be appropriate when protection from light is a consideration.
• Shape and handling: Bottle shape can contribute to the overall look of a product, but it should also be practical for its intended use. Consider how easily the bottle can be held and handled, particularly for products that will be used in the shower.
• Dip tube length: Pump dispensers use a dip tube to draw product from the bottle. If you're pairing a surplus pump with a different bottle, the dip tube may need to be cut to the appropriate length. McKernan offers custom dip tube cutting to help ensure the components work together.

McKernan stocks plastic bottles in a wide range of sizes, materials, colors and finishes, with many options in stock and ready to ship.

Considering Glass?

Glass bottles can be an option for hair care brands looking for a different packaging format or appearance. However, glass is heavier and more fragile than plastic, which can increase shipping costs and require additional consideration during handling. Glass bottles are also generally paired with compatible pumps or other dispensing closures rather than standard snap-top or disc-top caps.

A Note on Foamer Pumps

Foamer pumps are less common for traditional shampoos, but they can be an option for hair care products specifically formulated to dispense as foam. Unlike a standard lotion pump, a foamer combines the liquid formula with air as it is dispensed.

Because foamer pumps require a low-viscosity formula to work properly, they are best considered during the formulation process rather than as a simple replacement for a standard shampoo pump. Brands developing a foaming shampoo, scalp cleanser or other lightweight hair care product may want to explore the format, but the finished formula should always be tested within the foaming system.

McKernan stocks foamer pumps in 30mm, 40 mm, 43mm, and other specialized finishes, with wholesale compatible bottles available for common formats.

Packaging That Works for Your Product

The right packaging should fit the way your product is formulated, dispensed and used. A lotion pump may make sense for a thicker shampoo, while a disc-top could be a better fit for another formula. There are also subsets within product categories, like showerproof lotion pumps for a more durable pump when in wetter conditions.

For growing brands, there's no need to commit to a large production run before you've determined what works. McKernan's online store allows customers to order as little as one case, while phone orders have a $500 minimum. This gives brands an opportunity to test different packaging combinations before moving into larger quantities.

McKernan's Best Value line is another option for brands looking for new, unused surplus packaging at discounted prices.

Start With a Sample Before You Scale

Packaging should be tested with the finished product before placing a larger order. Formula viscosity, ingredients and other characteristics can affect how a dispenser performs and how the formula interacts with the bottle.

McKernan offers samples across many product listings, making it possible to test the bottle, dispenser and formula together before committing to a larger quantity.

Whether you're developing a new shampoo, refreshing an existing hair care line or looking for a different dispensing format, choosing the right bottle and dispenser starts with understanding what your product needs. Explore McKernan's selection of plastic bottles and lotion pumps, or contact McKernan to discuss your packaging needs.