The Best Natural Shampoos and Conditioners for Healthy, Natural Hair: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's world, where healthier lifestyles are becoming increasingly important, the move towards natural hair care is gaining momentum. A key part of this shift is recognizing the benefits of all-natural ingredients, such as botanical extracts and essential oils, which not only make hair healthier but also help the environment.

I’ve tested dozens of non toxic shampoos over the years and am sharing the ones made with THE best ingredients. Let’s talk briefly about why I believe a clean shampoo is superior to a conventional one. Natural and organic shampoos get the job done without harsh sulfates, parabens, silicones, synthetic color or chemical fragrance. The best natural shampoo for hair will provide squeaky clean strands using a non-toxic, pH balanced formula that’s targeted to your hair type. In 2023 there are so many targeted options for thinning hair, fine hair, irritated scalp, dandruff, hair growth, oily roots and more.

This article delves into the world of natural shampoos and conditioners, exploring their benefits, key ingredients, and how to choose the best products for your hair type. Andrea is a clean beauty expert from Los Angeles, California with 10 years of experience in natural skincare and organic living. She writes for Organic Beauty Lover using her expertise to guide readers in choosing the best clean products. Andrea graduated from the University of Southern California in 2012 and has worked at multiple skincare companies, big and small.

The Advantages of Natural Hair Care

The advantages of using natural ingredients in hair care go beyond just making your hair look good. Natural ingredients, which don't have harsh chemicals, nourish the hair from the roots to the ends, making it stronger, shinier, and healthier overall. These ingredients often have therapeutic qualities that address specific hair problems like dryness, frizz, or lack of volume.

Avoiding Harmful Chemicals

Traditional shampoos and conditioners often contain a variety of chemicals that can harm both your hair and the environment. Some of these chemicals include:

Read also: Best Shampoos for Curls

• Synthetic Fragrances: Artificial fragrances often contain chemicals that can cause scalp irritation and allergic reactions.
• Formaldehyde: Some hair care products may contain formaldehyde-releasing agents, used as preservatives.
• Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): PEG compounds are used in products as thickeners, solvents, and moisture carriers.
• Artificial Colorants: Synthetic dyes in hair care products may cause scalp irritation and allergic reactions.

Key Ingredients in Natural Shampoos and Conditioners

Natural shampoos and conditioners use the power of plant-based and naturally sourced ingredients, providing a healthy mix of nature's goodness to promote healthier hair and scalp.

Transitioning to Natural Hair Care

Switching from chemical-based to all-natural hair care requires patience and understanding. Hair may need time to adjust as it gets rid of synthetic ingredients. You might notice changes in texture and oil production. To make the transition easier, start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup.

Tips for Enhancing Natural Hair Care

• Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair.
• Massage your scalp to stimulate blood flow.
• Use natural hair masks like yogurt and honey to nourish your hair.
• Use silk or satin pillowcases to prevent frizz.

Choosing the Right Natural Shampoo and Conditioner

All-natural hair products are versatile and suitable for various hair types.

Addressing Specific Hair Concerns

In 2023, there are many targeted options for different hair concerns, such as:

• Thinning hair
• Fine hair
• Irritated scalp
• Dandruff
• Hair growth
• Oily roots

Product Recommendations

I’ve rounded up my favorite clean shampoos and conditioners that actually work. Remember when there were no healthy shampoos that worked and we all had to wash our hair with apple cider vinegar? That was fun. Thankfully there are so many healthy shampoo and conditioner options to choose from today. As a reminder, when we say “heathy shampoo + conditioner” we mean ones that do not include any of these ingredients and if you are curious, this is our no B.S. approach to vetting and trying products.

Read also: Hairspray Buying Guide

1. Everytime we try a shampoo + conditioner, we will review it and add it to this list. Our hope is that this becomes a massive resource where you can find our thoughts on every and any clean beauty shampoo + conditioner you want. (We’ve done this for healthy purple shampoos too!).
2. The only problem with that is it’s not helpful if you want to know which shampoo + conditioner we like best. So in that vein, we will keep our faves current and marked at the top of this list for easy reference. And if you find this post helpful, be sure to check our review of the best (and worst) natural deodorants and our guide to clean haircare (because I have some definite thoughts).

Top Picks

• LolaVie: I’ve wanted Jennifer Aniston hair for about 1/2 of my entire existence so when she dropped LolaVie in the fall of 2021, I was SO…sad. But jokes on me because when we sat down with Kate Noonan (our resident cosmetic chemist) to comb through LolaVie’s ingredients and discovered, not only are they clean but they are also innovating in a way that’s good for us and the planet…I nearly cried in layered, face-framing relief! I’ve used this line piecemeal (like mixed in with other products) and I’ve also used it straight up (by itself with no other products) and I can’t believe I’m about to say this but, this line is really best when used all together as a system. This is my top pick for shampoo and conditioner. Overall: These are both well formulated, solid options for a clean shampoo and conditioner.
• REVERIE: Clean haircare is getting to that point where (like Beyonce singing country) everyone is doing it. REVERIE was founded by industry-leading, Los Angeles hairstylist Garrett Markenson and it was picked up by everyone (clean retailers or not) like The Detox Market, Credo, Sephora and more. The shampoo works to clean hair. Doesn’t leave scalp feeling dry and itchy. Overall: Using this duo is *chef’s kiss* and I love how bouncy and clean my hair feels after. The conditioner is what makes this duo sing.
• Power Fol Shampoo and Conditioner: Power Fol Shampoo and Conditioner stand out by focusing on the health of your scalp, not just your hair. The conditioner is not light or heavy. It’s right in the middle. The price, though justified by the high-quality ingredients and testing, is just not accessible for many. Which is why this didn’t make it into our top picks. This is NOT a scent forward shampoo and conditioner. The scent is minty, very mild and plays second fiddle to function. Overall: It leaves my scalp feeling…what’s the word…ah, I believe it’s, ”just right” as Goldilocks would say. Moisturized, comfortable, clean, light and conditioned.
• Mukti: I’ve been obsessed with all things Mukti ever since trying their 2-in-1 Resurfacing Exfoliant ⚰️ . So when I saw their shampoo + conditioner had that same desert lime and cucumber scent profile I was like yaaaaaaasssss. The size! Overall: This is a very gentle shampoo + conditioner and a good pick for someone with dry, damaged or color treated hair.
• natureofthings: I tried a smattering of natureofthings last spring via a Beauty Heroes box and was instantly obsessed. I mean just look at this brand. Have you tried them yet? Does anyone else find it unfortunate that this brand’s acronym is “NOT”? Overall: If I were ever going to gift someone a shampoo and conditioner, this would be it. Chic, luxe and effective overall. (For the record, I want everything in their shop).
• EVOLVh UltraShine Moisture Shampoo: My personal goal is to bring more COSMOS certified products to light because I am obsessed with the COSMOS certification. I can’t even tell the difference between the Ultra Shine Moisture Shampoo and conventional ones. There is no sacrifice. No grin and bear it. No six rounds of washing. No greasy nape. Nothing! EVOLVh has four shampoo + conditioner options. All four work great for me. I happen to like the UltraShine Moisture Shampoo because my gray hair is a little dryer than my brown hair. This line is great for the entire family and even comes in family-size options. Overall: A one-size-fits-all options for families.

Other Brands

• Rahua: I tried Rahua wayyy back in the day when they were one of just a few hair care brands in the clean beauty space. It wasn’t a great experience then but it seems like they’ve reformulated and the shampoo actually lathers now. Overall: The fragrance and lack of hydration make it a miss for me.
• Captain Blankenship: Captain Blankenship has evolved over the years to where it is now which is solely focusing on creating sustainable and efficacious haircare. (I think the only product that remains from their original line is their famous Sea Salt Spray). Loving this new look and their ever commitment to being stewards of the earth. The scent of the shampoo is very lemongrass-y and borders on smelling like a wood floor cleaner. Overall: I hate saying this but this shampoo runs a little basic and almost feels like castile soap to me. Potentially a great fit for kids or anyone who is not fussy about their haircare and just wants to get the job done.
• Susteau: A WATERLESS sustainable hair care line. You read that right. No conditioner should be waterless IMO. You need water in a conditioner to help rinse out. Oil and water don’t mix so it’s really hard to add water into a formula that is rejecting water. Anyone with dexterity issues will potentially have a hard time getting product out. Sadly, this shampoo isn’t for me.
• Everist: Oil and water don’t mix so it’s really hard to add water into a formula that is rejecting water.
• Mani Pure: This brand creates one of the cleanest nail polishes we’ve found so I was eager to try their new shampoo which promises no breakage and deep cleaning. I hate to even write this about a product but I tried this several (SEVERAL) times and unfortunately, all that comes to mind for a description of this shampoo is that it acts and feels like a watery dish soap.
• Common Heir: Saw this duo and I instantly thought; Now we’re cooking with gas! A recyclable, refillable, reusable seaweed superfood duo packed with antioxidants, B5 and amino acids. Not a huge fan of the scent. Overall: Only recommending this for people who are looking for a mild cleanser.
• WONDER VALLEY: First of all, WONDER VALLEY is a VIBE. Love love love their branding so much. Like I just want to walk into my shower and see this sexy ass woman, every dang day. I am her and she is me. Unfortunately this product contains phenoxyethanol which is on our No Thanks List.
• TNK Bar: I had extremely low expectations for a shampoo bar but I was dead wrong because this one is so special. The whole TNK team is obsessed. It works as a shampoo, conditioner, body wash and shaving cream. (REALLY.) The solid bar turns into a creamy sulfate-free lather that somehow magically(?!) delivers smooth locks and incredibly soft skin. Zero residue in sight. We’ll be filing this as the ultimate vacation product, HELLO, so easy to pack! Overall: Perfect travel companion, especially for warm weather vacations (the scent!!!).
• Kitsch: Kitsch offers several shampoo and conditioner options including this one that I (Lisa) tried and the Ultra Sensitive option that Nicolle tried. Nic: As the sensitive skinned expert on the team, I’ve had a hard time finding shampoos/conditioners that don’t dry out my scalp to the point of flakiness (not dandruff though, as I’ve learned the hard way). I never considered a fragrance free option, because honestly, how many brands even OFFER that? Kitsch’s is one of the only ones we tried that does. And these shampoo/conditioner bars do everything: soothe scalps, lather beautifully, detangle miraculously and leave hair silky smooth. They’re so minimal in terms of ingredients that I was like, HOW? Now I’m just glad they exist and I will be repurchasing over and over. All bar shampoos/conditioners have this issue, but it’s super easy to let this get soggy, meaning you lose product. You need a soap dish in your shower to accommodate this, which might mean buying another thing. Once you get both the shampoo and conditioner out of their boxes, it’s hard to tell which is which. I’ve accidentally tried to wash my hair with the conditioner more than once. Overall: A knock out of the park from Kitsch. The price is right, the efficacy is nearly unparalleled and it’s one of the only bar duos making something specifically for sensitive scalps.
• Clevos Eucalyptus Shampoo: Clevos is my newest favorite discovery of 2023! They make an all natural and mostly organic Korean shampoo that’s USDA Certified organic. If you love the scent of eucalyptus in the shower then their Eucalyptus Shampoo might be right for you. This shampoo comes in a huge luxurious bottle with pump dispenser, is suited to all hair types and lathers very well. The uplifting scent of eucalyptus is present but not too strong.
• 100% PURE: 100% PURE shampoos and conditioners excel in catering to diverse hair types, providing a natural and effective solution for every need. The Glossing Shampoo and Glossing Conditioner duo works wonders for dry and damaged hair due to its infusion of nourishing oils and botanical extracts. These ingredients deeply penetrate the hair shaft, restoring moisture and promoting overall hair health. The Yuzu & Pomelo Glossing Shampoo and Yuzu & Pomelo Glossing Conditioner are tailored to balance scalp oils without stripping natural moisture. The citrusy blend helps regulate oil production, providing a refreshing cleanse without over-drying. The Glossy Locks Repair Shampoo and Glossy Locks Repair Conditioner duo is formulated to cater specifically to color-treated hair. These products work synergistically to cleanse gently, preserving and enhancing vibrancy.
• Plaine Products: This is one that I have personally used the longest and most consistently! There’s so much to love and some of my readers feel the same way. It uses aloe instead of water so it’s more concentrated and a little goes a long way. You can get a sudsy lather and it even thoroughly washes thick hair like mine; it’s very clarifying and great for removing excess oil! BONUS: The bottles are recyclable aluminum but Plaine actually covers the cost of return shipping and has a subscription/refill program. They’re an extremely eco-conscious company! You even reuse your pump, and they offer BULK glass jugs. Although many people with drier hair like this shampoo, I have heard from a couple that it’s too clarifying/drying for them, so just a heads up.
• EVOLVh: “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).
• Under Luna: Sooooo many of my readers like this one! Most of the responses from people that love Under Luna have thinner or drier hair. Some curly-haired people too! It’s available in two scents and an unscented version (if you’re sensitive to strong smells or essential oils). However, this one did not totally work out for me personally! 🤷‍♀️ 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. But, since my hair is SO thick, I feel like I need a TON of shampoo to get a suds and make my hair actually feel clean and clarified. So it makes sense that those of you who love the shampoo have drier or thinner hair. “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!” -Laura M.
• Briogeo: 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. “I have reallllllly bad flakiness in winter and I swear Briogeo is the only one that actually helps!” -Joanna G. 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.
• Innersense: 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. “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!”-Sydney G.
• Viori: 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. I do find that shampoo bars can take longer to disperse the lather if you have thick hair (like me!) or a lot of hair. “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” -Paulina M.
• Carina Organics: 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!

Additional Tips for Healthy Hair

• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse: This is super helpful if you need to de-gunk and clarify your hair. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has properties that help break down nasty buildup, balance hair’s pH, and kill off bacteria. It also helps detangle. Mix 1 part baking soda with 3 parts water, then massage into your hair and scalp. Then use this to rinse out the baking soda. When it’s out, rinse your hair completely (opt for cold water if you can handle it!).
• Scalp Scrub: I like the Innersense True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub. It’s a minty scalp scrub that you work into your hair (before shampooing). It tingles, clarifies, removes buildup, and leaves hair feeling soft and manageable. Similarly, a silicone scalp massager works too.
• Wet Hair Thoroughly: Some of the sulfate-free shampoos just don’t have as intense of a lather and they’ll distribute better on hair that is already wet.
• Filter Your Shower Water: Chlorine is often present in water systems and can wreak havoc on hair. It can strip the natural oils (causing thirsty, brittle, damaged hair), break down amino acids (depleting the strength), dissolve lipids (leading to split ends and less shine), irritate the scalp, and even dull the color of hair. Filtering out chlorine and contaminants can lead to stronger, healthier hair.

Read also: Achieve Voluminous Hair

tags: #best #natural #shampoo #and #conditioner #for

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