If you are planning your first hostel stay, you may be wondering whether hostels provide shampoo and other toiletries. The answer depends on the hostel, but in most cases, you should plan on bringing your own.
After staying in dozens of hostels around the world, I’ve found that most hostels do not provide shampoo like hotels do. Some may offer basic soap in shared showers, while boutique hostels and higher-end hostels are more likely to include toiletries for guests.
Because hostel amenities can vary a lot, I always recommend checking what is included before your trip and packing the toiletries you know you will need.
In this guide, I’ll explain what toiletries hostels usually provide, whether you should bring your own shampoo, and a few hostel packing tips that make traveling much easier.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Published: March 8, 2024
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Do Hostels Have Shampoo?
Most hostels do not provide shampoo for guests, especially budget hostels.
After staying in dozens of hostels around the world, only a small number have actually included shampoo in the showers. Occasionally, hostels may provide:
- Basic soap dispensers
- Body wash
- Hand soap
But this is usually not the same as having full hotel-style toiletries available.
Boutique hostels, upscale hostels, and some larger hostel chains are more likely to provide shampoo and other toiletries, but I still would not assume they will be included unless the hostel specifically says so.
Because of this, I almost always:
- Pack travel-size shampoo
- Bring solid shampoo bars
- Buy toiletries locally after arriving
If you specifically want a hostel that provides shampoo, I recommend:
- Contacting the hostel directly
- Checking the hostel amenities
- Reading recent guest reviews
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What Toiletries Do Hostels Usually Provide?
Hostel toiletries and amenities can vary a lot depending on the hostel, destination, and price range.
Unlike hotels, most hostels focus more on affordability than providing a long list of complimentary toiletries and amenities.
In many hostels, you can usually expect:
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Bed linens
Some hostels may also provide:
- Body wash
- Towels
- Hair dryers
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
However, these extras are much more common in:
- Boutique hostels
- Higher-end hostels
- Private rooms
- Hostel chains
Budget hostels are usually much more basic, which is one of the reasons they can keep prices lower for travelers.
One thing I’ve learned after staying in dozens of hostels is that it’s always better to assume toiletries will not be included unless the hostel specifically says otherwise.
If certain amenities are important to you, checking reviews and the amenities section on Hostelworld before booking can help you avoid surprises when you arrive.
Should You Bring Your Own Shampoo To A Hostel?
Yes, I almost always recommend bringing your own shampoo when staying in hostels.
Even if a hostel says toiletries are included, having your own travel-size shampoo or shampoo bar makes things much easier and helps you avoid surprises when you arrive.
For hostel travel, I usually recommend:
- Travel-size toiletries
- Refillable bottles
- Solid shampoo bars
- Leak-proof containers
Shampoo bars can be especially useful because they:
- Last a long time
- Take up very little space
- Avoid liquid restrictions when flying
- Are less likely to leak in your bag
If you forget toiletries or prefer packing lighter, buying shampoo locally is usually very easy in most destinations. I actually enjoy this because it gives me a chance to visit local grocery stores and pharmacies, which is one of my favorite small parts of traveling.
That said, if you are heading somewhere remote or staying in smaller towns, it’s a good idea to pack what you need ahead of time since toiletries may not be as easy to find.
One thing I’ve also noticed in hostels is that travelers will sometimes leave behind half-used shampoo bottles in communal bathrooms for others to use. I’ve both left toiletries behind before flights and been grateful for them when I needed them myself. It’s one of the small community aspects of hostel travel that you don’t really get in hotels.
Tips For Packing Toiletries For Hostels
Packing toiletries for hostel stays is usually much easier if you plan to travel light and keep things simple.
A few toiletries I always recommend bringing include:
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Flip-flops
- Deodorant
- A microfiber towel
- Travel detergent
Travel-size containers and quick-dry travel items make a huge difference, especially if you are backpacking or moving between destinations frequently.
I also recommend keeping your toiletries packed in:
- A waterproof bag
- A hanging toiletry organizer
- Leak-proof containers
This makes shared hostel bathrooms much easier to manage.
If you are planning your first hostel trip, I also put together a full hostel packing list with the travel items I always recommend bringing for hostel stays.
Final Thoughts: Do Hostels Have Shampoo?
Most hostels do not provide shampoo, especially budget hostels, so it’s usually best to bring your own toiletries or plan to buy them after arriving.
After staying in dozens of hostels around the world, I’ve found that being prepared with basic toiletries makes hostel travel much more comfortable and stress-free.
While some boutique hostels and higher-end hostels may include shampoo and other amenities, hostel offerings can vary a lot depending on the property and destination. Checking reviews and amenities before booking can help you know exactly what to expect.
If certain toiletries or amenities are important to you, Hostelworld makes it easy to compare hostel facilities, reviews, and room types before booking your stay.
Here are some more helpful guides about staying in hostels:
- Amenities in Hostels
- Benefits of Staying in Hostels
- Hostel Safety for Solo Female Travelers
- Hostel Age Limits
- Lockers in Hostels
- Laundry in Hostels
- Packing List for Hostels
- Private Rooms in Hostels
- Toiletries in hostels
- What are hostels like?
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