The 18 Best Natural Shampoos for a Satisfying Deep Clean

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Many of the best natural shampoos contain ingredients like aloe and coconut oil that are not only earth-friendly, but also key in nourishing and replenishing your hair. While it can sometimes be difficult to find effective hair care products that also contain gentler, cleaner ingredients, experts note that it's definitely not impossible.

"Natural shampoos often don't contain harsh detergents that can dry out the hair," Grace Heffron, owner of Manely Curly Salon in Fayetteville, Arkansas, tells Bazaar. And since these formulas typically don't contain ingredients like sulfates, phthalates, parabens, or artificial fragrance, you might feel more at ease about watching them filter down your drain.

Heffron adds that her favorite benefit of natural shampoo is their lack of synthetic fragrances, which aren't closely monitored, and can sometimes have negative side effects. "Many of my clients have conveyed how much longer, thicker, and fuller their hair became after switching to natural products," she notes. While natural cleansers may not provide the same sudsy and squeaky clean in-shower payoff you're used to with a regular shampoo, some use ingredients, like coconut-based surfactants (chemicals that stabilize mixtures of oil and water), that make it easy to lather up.

Whether you're looking to update your wash day staples or streamline the formulas in your go-to beauty products, we've rounded up a few of the best natural shampoos from top brands like Drunk Elephant, Mielle Organics, and more that are suitable for any hair type.

Pomegranate and Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo (12 oz.)

This moisturizing shampoo from Mielle Organics is ideal for curly and coily 3A to 4C hair types. It uses natural ingredients like honey and babassu oil to remove dirt and oil while increasing hydration.

Customer review: "This by far is the best shampoo I've ever used! It smells so good and feels so soft! My hair has never looked or felt so good! Honestly this product line can be used for straight or curly hair. My hair is naturally curly, but I prefer to wear it straight. I have this shampoo, conditioner, and the leave in conditioner of the same line. I highly recommend you buy this. You will not regret it." —Kristyn

Burdock and Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo (16 oz.)

Relieve flaking and dryness in one step with this top-rated clarifying and sulfate-free shampoo. Its formula also happens to double as a scalp treatment that increases moisture while minimizing uncomfortable itching.

Customer review: "My hair is clean but never dry and frizzy and I feel amazing knowing I'm using completely natural ingredients." —Rebecca T.

Cleansing and Microbiome-Friendly Shampoo

Even the skin on your scalp is susceptible to barrier damage. Purify your hair while protecting your microbiome with this gentle gel cleanser that uses upcycled patchouli to calm the scalp, and sage, which boosts circulation and in turn helps to promote new hair growth.

Customer review: "I used this shampoo for a week and my hair is looking clean and healthy. Also, I like the gentle smell." —S.

Biotin B-Complex Thickening Therapy Shampoo (32 oz.)

This plant-based shampoo uses a mix of quinoa protein, vitamin E, and biotin to thicken fine hair while enhancing its softness. And at under $20, its best-selling formula is practically a steal.

Customer review: "Being organic and natural there are not a lot of suds, but don't let that fool you. My hair feels so full and clean after I use it." —Dianez8

Cocomino Glossing Shampoo

Snapping up a bottle of Drunk Elephant's coveted Cocomino Glossing Shampoo can quickly upgrade your rotation. Its shine-enhancing formula is made without silicones or sulfates, and minimizes split ends and breakage.

Customer review: "I have no words. I love this shampoo. The smell is very peculiar, and I am picky with scents, but I do really like this. My hair feels super clean and stays hydrated, and shines." —Ugly Truth

Pure Harmony Hair Bath

Heffron always reaches for this natural cleanser to use on clients with fine to medium hair at the in the salon. "Not only are Innersense shampoos and products non-toxic and high quality, but their company is also a beacon for creating a clean planet and sustainable beauty," she says.

Customer review: "Love this, my hair feels really clean and shiny without feeling stripped!" —Julia

Minu Shampoo

With close to 3,000 satisfied customer reviews and nearly a five-star rating on Amazon, this top-rated softening shampoo is ideal for color-treated hair. Its formula aims to extend the life of your highlights and single-process color without stripping it of much needed moisture.

Customer review: "I have fine, damaged hair, and after using this product it left it feeling so soft and silky. Money well spent, because a little goes a long way." —Donna

Soap Free Shampoo Bar

If you’re looking to cut back on your plastic consumption, consider using this shampoo bar instead of reaching for a cleanser in a bottle. It uses a blend of Argan and coconut oils to hydrate and soften dry hair without the waste.

Customer review: "This is by far the best bar shampoo I've tried. It's now my regular shampoo, and it conditions well enough that I don't even need a separate conditioner anymore. Also, it lasts quite a while and it's easy to bring on trips - no more dealing with those little travel bottles!" —A.R.

Hydration Shampoo

Infused with oils and strength-boosting proteins, Rahua's shampoo aims to improve softness and shine in even the driest hair. Plus, if you're looking to mentally transport to an island getaway, the shampoo also features a nose-pleasing tropical mango scent.

Customer review: "This is without question the best product I have ever used. I’m 59 years old and I color my hair, so dryness can be an issue. I’ve tried countless products over the years, but I’ve stayed loyal to this for more than a year." —Gretchen B.

Nourishing Shampoo

This hypoallergenic, sulfate-free shampoo cleanses hair without stripping it of its natural moisture, and uses a coconut-based surfactant to work up a foamy lather.

Customer review: "I have fine hair, but an ample amount of it. The shampoo works well, doesn’t weigh my hair down and allows an extra day before my next shampoo. Leaves my hair soft, shiny and silky." —KarenB

Cold Processed Curl Nourishing Shampoo

Act + Acre's frizz-fighting cleanser is exactly what your curls didn't know they were missing. Since it uses a cold-pressed formula, ingredients like softening glycerin and curl-restoring fulvic acid won't lose their efficacy, which is great news for your definition.

Customer review: "This product is amazing! It made my hair feel so soft and smells so beautiful! I highly recommend this product to anyone with curly hair.It also arrived so quickly and it lasts a very long time. It’s excellent value!" —Lucy R.

Shampoo

Here's a stylist-approved shampoo that enhances shine and hydration for all hair types while nourishing the scalp. It also contains a blend of essential oils and botanical ingredients to keep hair its healthiest.

Customer review: "This shampoo saved my hair! I find I can get away with not shampooing for longer, but it never feels drying on my scalp or hair." —Elisabeth

Colorlast Shampoo (33.8 oz.)

Over 35,000 beauty lovers are raving about this budget-friendly shampoo from Biolage. It uses a low pH balance to keep color-treated hair vibrant and strong for up to 20 washes.

Customer review: "This is my favorite product. It protects hair color and it’s very moisturizing. The scent is fresh and not too strong." —ODH

Go Easy Daily Shampoo

This shampoo foams up enough to deeply cleanse thick hair, but it doesn't strip hair of its natural oils. Instead, the pre-conditioning treatment makes hair feel soft and shiny.

Customer review: "Above and beyond everything else. Super smooth, clean, shiny hair without stripping all the moisture. Plus, the smell is fantastic. Very natural and invigorating." —Anonymous

Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Volume & Bounty Shampoo

If you're looking for added hair volume, search no further than this highly popular vegan shampoo. Its fortifying formula is powered by a mix of coconut water and mimosa flower extract to provide hair with ultimate hydration and body.

Customer review: "I’ve been using this shampoo for months, and I absolutely love it! It’s cheaper than most nicer brands, and it treats my hair better. My hair has never been thicker, and I’ve stopped using conditioner for the first time in my life." —Courtney H.

Miracle RepaiRx Strengthening Shampoo

This cuticle-smoothing shampoo is made without sulfates, and aims to mend split ends while reducing hair breakage over time. The cleanser also combines natural ingredients like coconut oil and black honey for maximum shine.

Customer review: "Leaves hair feeling like you just used conditioner. This is the holy grail of shampoos better than co-wash products!!" —MoLala

Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo

It's hard to go wrong with Briogeo's range of natural hair care products, which includes this top-rated, frizz-fighting shampoo. Not only does it work for just about any hair type, but its sulfate-free formula aims to provide frizz protection for up to 48-hours per wash.

Customer review: "This brand is great. I love that this has no harsh ingredients in it. My hair feels so much healthier after using this product. I would definitely recommend this product to everyone." —Paige U.

Daily Clean Shampoo

If the citrus and herbal musk blend of this clean shampoo doesn't lure you in, we're betting its $10 price tag will. It's derived from plant-based oils and food-grade cleansing salt to seamlessly remove dirt and excess oil, with notes of orange and lemon that help it stand out from the cleanser pack.

Customer review: "I was delighted with the scent but what was super was the fact that I got a rich cleaning lather with soft detangling result." —Marie C.

Meet The Experts

• Grace Heffron is a hair stylist and owner of Manely Curly Salon in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

What is the safest natural shampoo?

The best natural shampoos generally feature earth-friendly ingredients that are gentle on your hair and scalp. But to be extra cautious, look out for formulas that are free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and added fragrances. If you're vegan or gluten-free, you'll also want to look for formulas that are labeled as such. Once you cover those bases, look into the diversity of products available, like the ones on this list, and choose the natural shampoo that best fits your hair needs.

Are organic shampoos better for my hair?

In general, yes, using a natural or organic formula is good for hair. However, they can sometimes weigh down fine strands, so like any product, it's important to find a formula that's right for your hair. According to Heffron, "Natural shampoos are a gentle cleanse which will not strip your natural oils. Our natural oils that flow down the strands from the scalp hydrate and strengthen the hair and are best suited to keep the hair healthy!"

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