Native 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner has garnered attention as a potentially affordable and accessible alternative to pricier "healthy hair" options. With ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 311 ratings on Amazon and 183 reviews on Shoppers Drug Mart, it's worth exploring whether this minimalist product lives up to the hype.
Native is known for its minimal ingredient approach and transparency, clearly listing each ingredient on the bottle to inform users. This transparency, combined with the absence of sulfates and parabens, has piqued the curiosity of many, leading them to wonder if Native shampoo and conditioner can compete with established brands.
Having used Rocky Mountain Soap Co.'s rosemary mint shampoo and conditioner for an extended period and loved how super clean and soft it left hair feeling, one reviewer experimented with Native Shampoo and Conditioner in the Almond & Shea Butter scent. The peppermint in the Rocky Mountain Soap Co. formula could be irritating to some scalps, and its limited availability outside of Alberta, Canada, prompted the search for an alternative.
The Native shampoo lathers well, providing a gentle cleaning of the hair and scalp. While not as stimulating as rosemary and mint, this gentleness can be a plus for those with sensitive scalps. While hair felt a bit dry after shampooing, the conditioner effectively offset this dryness when left in for a short period. The light and pleasant almond and shea butter fragrance wasn't overpowering, a definite advantage for those sensitive to perfumes. Another significant advantage is its accessibility and price. The reviewer found it at their local Shoppers Drug Mart for around $18 per bottle (potentially less on sale) for a 16.5 oz (487 ml) bottle, which is considered reasonable for a sulfate- and paraben-free product. In comparison, Rocky Mountain Shampoo and Conditioner can cost $56 for a bundle ($28 per bottle at 460 ml). For those in certain regions, Native could be a more affordable alternative. The Native shampoo is suitable for pretty much all hair types, including color-treated, fine, dry, and damaged hair.
One major drawback is the inconsistent pricing among online retailers, especially for American customers. While a set of shampoo and conditioner might cost $30-$40 USD on Amazon US, the same set could be around $55 CAD on Amazon Canada, translating to approximately $27 per bottle before shipping and handling. This price inconsistency makes purchasing from local stores like Shoppers Drug Mart a more appealing option when available.
Read also: Native and Dunkin' Team Up!
Price aside, the second issue for the Native Shampoo and Conditioner is that some users have reported experiencing hair loss. There is a class action lawsuit against Native for potential false-advertisement of their ingredients being completely safe.
However, according to a third-party organization the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the Native Shampoo has a hazard score of 4 out of 10 (10 being the worst), and the conditioner has a hazard score of 3. Certain ingredients are shown to be irritants or have specific restrictions on how they should be used to be considered safe. This means that using the Native products comes with a low-to-moderate risk but isn’t as dramatic as having a lawsuit makes it sound. So if you’re like me and have started using it and have found no issues, then you may have nothing to worry about. Those who are experiencing hair loss should discontinue use right away.
Native offers a variety of lines to suit different hair types:
Native offers a variety of subtle yet yummy scents, including new seasonal varieties. The Coconut and Vanilla scent is a popular choice, offering a light yet pleasant fragrance with a touch of vanilla.
Like many good shampoos, Native takes only a pump or two to work into a decent lather. You want to massage it directly into your scalp, avoiding the lengths of your hair. As the shampoo rinses out, it will cleanse the more delicate ends of your hair. Use as frequently as you would wash your hair, anytime.
Read also: Review: Native Curl Care Shampoo
After washing hair several times with the Coconut and Vanilla moisturizing shampoo, hair felt clean. And it did take only one or two pumps to adequately cleanse and cover the scalp, helping its value to stretch even further.
If Native isn’t the right fit, there are alternatives to consider:
While Native promotes itself as "thoughtfully made with clean ingredients," the term "clean" can be subjective. The shampoo contains fragrance, which may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin. There have also been concerns raised about the use of PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, and a class-action lawsuit related to this issue. However, Native shampoos are sulfate- and paraben-free, which is beneficial, as sulfates can be stripping to hair, especially if it’s color-treated.
Read also: History of Native American Hairstyles
tags: #native #2 #in #1 #shampoo #and
