The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Natural Shampoo for Oily Hair

With increasing concerns about the harsh chemicals found in traditional hair care products, many people are turning to natural shampoo as a healthier and more sustainable alternative. If you’re after a natural shampoo with zero or few parabens, sulfates, and chemicals, one that’s sustainable and low waste and suitable for greasy hair, you’ve come to the right place. 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.

Why Choose Natural Shampoo?

Firstly, natural shampoos contain ingredients that are derived from natural sources such as plants, herbs, and essential oils, while traditional shampoos may contain synthetic ingredients that are harsh on hair and scalp. They are typically free from harsh chemicals that can strip the hair of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness, breakage, and other issues. Instead, organic shampoos have ingredients that are nourishing and beneficial for the hair. Using natural shampoo can provide a variety of benefits for different hair types.

Benefits of Natural Ingredients

These ingredients can offer a range of benefits, from soothing and moisturizing the scalp to promoting healthy hair growth and enhancing the hair's natural shine and texture. For instance, those with oily hair can benefit from natural shampoos that contain ingredients such as tea tree oil and peppermint, which help to balance the scalp's natural oils.

Understanding Oily Hair

If you do have oily hair then you might be wondering why and what you can do about it. In many cases, it can be reversed or reduced but in other cases not. Here are some common causes of oily hair:

• Hormones: Hormone imbalances can cause the scalp to produce more sebum.
• Frequent washing: The more you wash the more you strip the scalp of its natural oils and the more it produces to make up for it.
• Unhealthy diet: Health is holistic and diet affects absolutely everything not just our weight but how we look on the outside. An unhealthy diet is linked to excessive oil production.

How to Combat Oily Hair

• Don’t overwash your hair: While it might be tempting to wash your hair daily for that clean, weightless feeling every day, it is true what they say. The more often you wash your hair, the greasier it’ll get as this process strips hair of its natural oils. Try to wash your hair every second day at least and if you can try to go longer.
• Don’t touch your hair: Oftentimes excess grease and oils builds up on our hands and fingertips throughout the day. When you touch your hair these impurities are transferred into your hair potentially making it greasier. Also, the more you touch the scalp, the more you promote the follicles to produce more sebum. It’s best to just leave your hair alone.
• Use the right amount of shampoo: Sometimes using too much shampoo can cause your hair to be greasy.
• Rinse conditioner thoroughly: Make sure to fully rinse out the conditioner. Not rinsing your conditioner correctly means that it stays in your hair and that extra product build-up can contribute to oily hair. If you have oily hair try not to use conditioner at the roots and only at the tips.

It’s also worth noting that if you are transitioning from conventional shampoo to a natural one your hair could be more greasy. Conventional shampoos contain a lot of sulfates that actually remove the natural oils that protect the scalp. When moving to a natural shampoo your scalp might go through a detoxing phase where it produces more sebum to try to balance out the lack of sulfates. Consider this a detox that will get better with time. It’s probably not the new natural products that are making your hair greasy.

Read also: Hairspray Buying Guide

Ingredients to Look For in Natural Shampoos for Oily Hair

When shopping for natural shampoo, it's important to consider your hair type and the ingredients in the shampoo. Look for a shampoo that is specifically formulated for your hair type and contains beneficial natural ingredients, such as tea tree oil for oily hair or aloe vera for dry hair.

• Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree products are a firm favorite for those with oily scalps due to their ability to de-grease and remove impurities. They also leave hair smelling great.
• Activated Charcoal: This luxurious activated charcoal shampoo is full of grease-busting and natural ingredients to promote clean and healthy hair. The main ingredient, activated charcoal works well to remove excess oil that builds up on the scalp during the days before washing.
• Lemon, Sage, Rosemary: With a unique blend of lemon sage, tea tree oil, rosemary and with active keratin, this shampoo lathers well and actively works to remove build-up.

Recommended Natural Shampoos for Oily Hair

I’ve tested dozens of non toxic shampoos over the years and am sharing the ones made with THE best ingredients. I’ve found that the best shampoo for oily hair is ACURE Daily Workout Watermelon & Blood Orange Shampoo. It’s the shampoo I’ve found to make my hair less greasy over time and keep my hair in great health. It’s also got a super clean list of ingredients. Another great option which I use time and time again is GOOD & ALL Tea Tree Shampoo for Oily Hair. I’ve found the Tea Tree in it to be a great cleanser of excess grease and it’s super refreshing on the scalp. For travel, I always use ETHIQUE Shampoo Bar for Oily Hair as it means I avoid having to travel with excess liquid.

• ACURE Daily Workout Watermelon & Blood Orange Shampoo: This gentle, everyday formula helps to combat hair that’s constantly exposed to the elements, daily workouts and sweat and it’s also perfect for those with generally oily hair. It’s also everything you’ll want in a daily shampoo. t’s sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, paraben-free, petrolatum free and formaldehyde-free and it’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
• GOOD & ALL Tea Tree Shampoo for Oily Hair: This shampoo, specially formulated for oily hair, is one of my favourites for clearing excess build up and oil. Containing tea tree oil and lemon peel extract, it gets to work quickly to clean the scalp effectively, soothe it and strengthen and protect hair. This formula also contains maca root which naturally strengthens the hair. Not only that, but Desert Essence are also committed to finding the best natural ingredients nature has to offer and putting them into their personal care products.
• ETHIQUE Shampoo Bar for Oily Hair: If you haven’t yet tried a shampoo bar then I’d highly recommend them. The Ethique Shampoo Bar -make sure to get the St. Clements one, which is specifically designed for oily hair. There are no harsh ‘foaming’ agents in this shampoo bar that strip your scalp of its natural oils and later lead to sebum overproduction.
• Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo: Another great option from Maple Holistics, this degrease shampoo is specifically designed for those dealing with greasy hair. This formula also tackles concerns like dry and flaky scalp and hair loss with natural ingredients that work overtime without drying out and over-conditioning hair.
• 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.

Other Notable Mentions

• Avalon Organics Shampoo: A popular brand in natural personal care and shampoos Avalon Organics has a couple of different organic shampoo options that work for oily hair.
• Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo: Another great option with tea tree oil, Maple Holistics is one of the best, most well-known brands in the natural shampoo market. Their ethos is all about natural personal care while also caring for the environment. This effective shampoo contains a mix of tea tree oil, argan oil and rosemary oil to help combat excess oil build-up and a flaky scalp while promoting shine. This shampoo gently removes excess grease and dirt and cleanses the scalp without leaving it dry. It also targets redness, itching, and irritation.
• Desert Essence Shampoo: I recently found this shampoo while browsing on Amazon and even though they are a newcomer to the natural haircare scene I decided to give them a go. I was pretty impressed by the results, I have to say and this quickly became one of the best natural shampoos for oily hair that I’ve used. It’s paraben and sulfate-free, responsibly sourced, vegan and cruelty-free, and made locally in the US.

Additional Tips for Using Natural Shampoo

Using natural shampoo isn't that difficult. When using natural shampoo, it's important to keep in mind that it may not produce as much lather as traditional shampoos, as it doesn't contain the same foaming agents. This is normal and doesn't mean that the shampoo isn't working effectively. 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.

• 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.

The Transition Period

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!

The Impact of Water Quality

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

Other Hair Types

Natural shampoos are suitable for all hair types because they don’t have any potential irritants. However, you will have to pick the shampoo that has a specific formulation and is well-suited for your hair type. Also, it's always a good idea to consult with a hair care professional or dermatologist.

Natural Shampoos for Dry Hair

For those with dry hair, natural shampoos can provide gentle cleansing without stripping the hair of its natural oils.

Natural Shampoos for Curly Hair

Curly hair can benefit from natural shampoos that are gentle and hydrating. Ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and honey can help to define curls, reduce frizz, and promote healthy hair growth.

Natural Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair

For those with color-treated hair, natural shampoos can help to protect hair color and prevent fading.

Natural Shampoos for Fine Hair

Finally, natural shampoos can be a good choice for those with fine hair, as they can be lightweight and non-greasy. Ingredients like rosemary, lavender, and lemongrass can help to add volume and body to fine hair, while still providing gentle cleansing and nourishment.

Read also: Comprehensive Guide: Eyelash Primers for Sensitive Eyes

Real Results

Yes, natural shampoo can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your hair. People have documented their journey after transitioning to natural shampoos and see a tremendous difference in their hair condition. People with curly or wavy hair have often seen the most noticeable difference as traditional shampoos only made their hair more frizzy and difficult to manage.

tags: #best #natural #shampoo #for #oily #hair

---

---