Finding an effective and natural shampoo can be tough, but thankfully, formulas have come a long way and are much more advanced. This guide compiles some of the best non-toxic shampoos, perfect for various hair types and concerns.
Before diving into the recommendations, it's important to understand why switching to clean ingredient shampoos is beneficial. Many conventional shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, damage, and scalp irritation.
Take a look at your current shampoo ingredient label. Do you spot any dyes? Many brands claim to be “plant-based” or “herbal” yet still use iffy ingredients. That’s why it’s sooooo important to learn about ingredients!
Clean shampoos, on the other hand, utilize gentle, plant-derived ingredients that cleanse the hair without causing harm. They are typically free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and artificial fragrances, making them a healthier choice for your hair and scalp.
When choosing a clean shampoo, it's essential to consider your hair type and specific needs. Here's a breakdown of different hair types and the ingredients that work best for them:
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Now, let's explore some of the best clean ingredient shampoos available on the market, categorized by hair type and concern:
Plaine Products Shampoo uses aloe instead of water so it’s more concentrated and a little goes a long way. It can create a sudsy lather and it even thoroughly washes thick hair. It’s very clarifying and great for removing excess oil.
Plaine Products is an extremely eco-conscious company! The bottles are recyclable aluminum, and Plaine actually covers the cost of return shipping and has a subscription/refill program. You even reuse your pump, and they offer BULK glass jugs.
A super popular response from curly-haired readers! It’s Curly Girl Method approved and was created to maximize pliability, elasticity, and hydration while lessening frizz. It’s silky and rich yet won’t weigh your curls down.
One reviewer notes, “I like the EVOLVh curly shampoo because it doesn’t leave any buildup in my hair, lathers well, and feels lightweight (doesn’t make my hair feel heavy and limp like a lot of natural hair products can since the oils are heavy).”
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Most of the responses from people that love Under Luna have thinner or drier hair. Some curly-haired people like it too! It’s available in two scents and an unscented version (if you’re sensitive to strong smells or essential oils).
These are a little different because you’re supposed to double wash; there is a learning curve. The first application of Under Luna shampoo should grab dirt/oils and then the second time will have a stronger foam.
One reviewer shares, “Under Luna shampoo gently cleans my scalp and hair while not drying it out. I love the smell and feel of it, too! It meets my ingredient standards but still has suds and lathers. The glass pump bottles are a bonus!”
A better swap for Head & Shoulders! Many conventional shampoos made for dandruff or scalp conditions can contain coal tar or active drug ingredients such as zinc pyrithione. Briogeo’s formula is made with salicylic acid, lactic acids, tea tree, and charcoal to help eliminate scalp flaking and irritation without stripping moisture. It can be helpful for dandruff, dryness, itching, flaking, and psoriasis.
One reviewer raves, “I have reallllllly bad flakiness in winter and I swear Briogeo is the only one that actually helps!”
Read also: Comprehensive Guide: Eyelash Primers for Sensitive Eyes
Note: While these types of shampoos can help symptoms, it’s always good to figure out WHY you’re experiencing them! Many skin conditions might be linked to gut or autoimmune issues, for example.
While all of the shampoos in this post are color-safe because they do not use harsh sulfates, Innersense’s is specifically formulated to protect color from fading and preserve chemically-treated hair. It uses ingredients that are gentle enough to not remove color deposits, such as pumpkin seed oil which can promote vibrancy and shea butter which can enhance UV-B defense.
One reviewer notes, “Innersense Color Awakening Hairbath is my favorite clean shampoo. The consistency is good, i.e. not runny, and has a pretty good lather. My hair feels really clean and not weighed down, and my color holds really well!”
If you look at the color wheel, violet is the opposite of yellow. So using a purple shampoo is a simple way to counteract those tones! I have tried numerous natural purple shampoos and my favorite is the Innersense Bright Balance Hairbath! It’s concentrated, smells like jasmine and apple, and also performs well as a shampoo to thoroughly wash.
I had not heard of this brand before, but some of my readers swear by this one and it was the most popular bar response! Shampoo bars are nice if you’re looking for something low-waste and package-free. Viori uses Longsheng rice water which makes hair smoother, shinier, and stronger. I gave it a try myself, and yes, it does surprisingly lather and clean hair well! I also appreciate that Viori has an unscented (Native Essence) bar, so my husband uses it too.
One reviewer shares, “I switched to Viori and will never look back because 1. My hair is so soft after using it and stays looking clean for far longer than other toxin free shampoos I’ve tried and 2. I love that it is not in a plastic bottle; I can use every drop of the shampoo without wasting any expensive product or making any waste. Another plus is that it smells amazing! 10/10”
Another popular reader favorite for various hair types. Carina has simple and organic formulas at affordable price points. Plus, they also have an unscented version without any fragrances or essential oils. It does have a good lather but I find that it dissipates quicker than I would like it to; I kind of have to use a lot of shampoo for my thick hair. But it literally leaves my hair squeaky clean and soft, and I was pleasantly surprised for the price!
When switching to sulfate-free and silicone-free shampoo, it can take a few weeks for your hair to adjust! It’s possible to experience a “heavy” feeling or maybe feel like your hair isn’t totally clean. But don’t give up because it WILL get better!
Here are some tips to help you transition to clean shampoos:
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