The Ultimate Guide to Non-Toxic Shampoo Brands for Healthy Hair

Finding an effective and natural shampoo can be a challenge. Many conventional shampoos contain harsh chemicals that strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and damage. Fortunately, the clean beauty market has evolved, offering advanced formulas that are both safe and effective. This comprehensive guide explores the best non-toxic shampoo brands, helping you make the switch to healthier hair care.

Why Choose Non-Toxic Shampoo?

The scalp is one of the most absorbent areas of skin on our bodies, making it crucial to choose clean brands. Commercial shampoos often contain potentially harmful toxins that pose health and environmental risks. Some common ingredients of concern include:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Harsh detergents that can irritate the skin and eyes. These ingredients produce the lather in shampoo.
• Parabens (e.g., methylparaben and propylparaben): Used as preservatives and have been linked to hormone disruption.
• Phthalates: Often hidden under the term "fragrance," these can interfere with hormone function and may cause reproductive issues. A "trade secret ingredient" that can contain up to 3,000 different chemicals, including possible carcinogens like phthalates, which companies are not required to disclose.
• Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (e.g., DMDM hydantoin): Known carcinogens.
• Silicones (e.g., dimethicone): Can build up on the scalp, potentially leading to dryness and irritation.
• Dyes: There is no need for shampoos to be fluorescent and colorful.

Switching to safe, non-toxic products made with natural ingredients allows your hair to stay clean without stripping essential oils.

Understanding Ingredient Labels

It’s important to learn about ingredients because there tends to be a lot of greenwashing when it comes to hair care and shampoo brands on the market. Many will claim to be “plant-based” or “herbal” yet still use iffy ingredients. Navigating an ingredient list can be tricky. Luckily, there are great resources that help you do this.

Resources for Ingredient Information

• EWG (Environmental Working Group): An excellent resource for looking up products and ingredients is the SkinDeep database from the Environmental Working Group.

"Chemical-Free" vs. Non-Toxic

The term “chemical-free shampoo” is a fallacy because everything contains chemicals, even organic shampoo, coconut oil, and baking soda. The term “chemical free” is used because when people say they’re looking for a shampoo without chemicals, they want one that doesn’t contain toxic chemicals.

Read also: Benefits of Innersense Shampoo

Top Non-Toxic Shampoo Brands

Here are some of the best non-toxic shampoo brands available, catering to various hair types and concerns.

Plaine Products

Plaine Products is a standout for its eco-conscious approach and effective formulas.

• Key Features: Uses aloe instead of water, making it more concentrated. Provides a sudsy lather and is clarifying, making it great for removing excess oil, even in thick hair.
• Sustainability: Bottles are recyclable aluminum, and Plaine Products covers the cost of return shipping with a subscription/refill program. They also offer bulk glass jugs and encourage reusing the pump.
• Hair Type: Generally suitable for all hair types, but particularly effective for those with oily or thick hair. Some individuals with drier hair might find it too clarifying.

EVOLVh

EVOLVh offers a range of shampoos and conditioners suitable for various hair types and concerns.

• Curly Hair: The EVOLVh curly shampoo is Curly Girl Method approved and maximizes pliability, elasticity, and hydration while lessening frizz. It’s silky and rich yet won’t weigh curls down and doesn’t leave any buildup in hair, lathers well, and feels lightweight.
• Overall: EVOLVh has four shampoo + conditioner options and this line is great for the entire family and even comes in family-size options. It is a one-size-fits-all option for families.
• UltraShine Moisture Shampoo: The Ultra Shine Moisture Shampoo is great because gray hair is a little dryer than brown hair.

Under Luna

Under Luna is popular for those with thinner or drier hair.

• Key Features: Gently cleanses the scalp and hair without drying it out. Available in two scents and an unscented version.
• Application: Requires a double wash; the first application grabs dirt/oils, and the second creates a stronger foam.
• Hair Type: Best for those with drier or thinner hair. Individuals with very thick hair might need to use a significant amount of shampoo to achieve a thorough cleanse.

Briogeo

Briogeo offers solutions for specific scalp concerns, such as dandruff and irritation.

Read also: Natural Haircare with Mermaid Dry Shampoo

• Key Features: Made with salicylic acid, lactic acids, tea tree, and charcoal to help eliminate scalp flaking and irritation without stripping moisture.
• Benefits: Helps with dandruff, dryness, itching, flaking, and psoriasis.
• Note: Addressing the root cause of scalp conditions is important, as they may be linked to gut or autoimmune issues.

Innersense Organic Beauty

Innersense is known for its professional-quality, clean hair care products.

• Color-Treated Hair: Specifically formulated to protect color from fading and preserve chemically-treated hair. Uses gentle ingredients that don't remove color deposits, such as pumpkin seed oil and shea butter. The consistency is good, not runny, and has a pretty good lather. Hair feels really clean and not weighed down, and color holds really well.
• Purple Shampoo: The Innersense Bright Balance Hairbath is a great natural purple shampoo that counteracts yellow tones in blonde or highlighted hair. It’s concentrated, smells like jasmine and apple, and also performs well as a shampoo to thoroughly wash.
• Scalp Scrub: The Innersense True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub is a minty scalp scrub that is worked into hair before shampooing. It tingles, clarifies, removes buildup, and leaves hair feeling soft and manageable.
• Other Products: Innersense also makes natural hair care products for detangling and styling. The Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner is made for all hair types, and the Color Radiance Daily Conditioner is formulated for color-treated hair.

Viori

Viori specializes in shampoo bars that are low-waste and package-free.

• Key Features: Uses Longsheng rice water, which makes hair smoother, shinier, and stronger.
• Lather and Cleanse: Lathers and cleans hair well.
• Scent Options: Available in an unscented (Native Essence) bar.
• Application: Shampoo bars can take longer to disperse the lather if you have thick hair.

Carina Organics

Carina Organics offers simple, organic formulas at affordable prices.

• Key Features: Good lather, but it dissipates quickly.
• Results: Leaves hair squeaky clean and soft.
• Scent Options: Available in an unscented version without fragrances or essential oils.

Kitsch

Kitsch offers several shampoo and conditioner bar options including an Ultra Sensitive option. 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. The price is right, the efficacy is nearly unparalleled and it’s one of the only bar duos making something specifically for sensitive scalps.

Other Notable Brands

• BeautyCounter: Makes many beauty and skincare products.
• Alaffia: A company that makes soap with shea butter from Africa.
• Acure: Easy to find in most stores and budget-friendly.
• Rahua: A fan-favorite and an original brand in clean beauty hair care.
• Native: The best natural shampoo that you’ll find at the store.
• Honest: Makes shampoo + body wash in one bottle that’s great for the whole family.
• Avalon Organics: Another easy-to-find, affordable brand.

Tips for Switching to Non-Toxic Shampoo

When switching to sulfate-free and silicone-free shampoo, it can take a few weeks for your hair to adjust and it’s possible to experience a “heavy” feeling or feel like your hair isn’t totally clean.

Read also: Is Bio-Groom Shampoo Safe?

• Be Patient: Don’t give up because it WILL get better.
• Double Wash: Start with a small amount of shampoo and work it through your hair, roots, and scalp. Wash, then repeat.
• Section Your Hair: Shampoo in sections if you have long, thick hair.
• Don’t Wash Your Hair Everyday: Washing your hair daily encourages an overproduction of oil, so skip a day or two if you can.
• Use a Scalp Scrub: Use Innersense True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub or a silicone scalp massager.
• 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.

Additional Hair Care Tips

• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse: Apple cider vinegar 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 apple cider vinegar to rinse out the baking soda. When it’s out, rinse your hair completely (opt for cold water if you can handle it!).
• Filter Your Water: Chlorine is often present in water systems and can wreak havoc on hair. Filtering out chlorine and contaminants can lead to stronger, healthier hair.

Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a woman’s best friend on no-wash days. Sprinkle in some dry shampoo, massage your scalp with the oil-absorbing formula.

• Homemade Dry Shampoo: Make your own formula with simple ingredients. Works for all hair color.
• Hair Dance: This is my favorite store-bought option. It has a lovely scent, absorbs oils perfectly, and it’s affordable. Works best for blonde and light-colored hair.
• Innersense Refresh: A foam dry shampoo that works to absorb oils and leave your hair feeling voluminous and clean. Works for all hair color.
• Acure: An affordable option that works for all hair color, as there is one formula made with cocoa powder and one without.

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