The world of "natural,” "clean,” and “organic” hair care can feel a little ambiguous. There's no one-size-fits-all definition, but the TLDR is that natural shampoos don’t contain sulfates, parabens, and other cleansing agents that can strip hair. Instead, they leverage the power of plant-based extracts, oils, or minerals to nourish and cleanse without damaging your hair, causing buildup, or irritating your scalp. To find the best natural shampoos, we spent hours researching and testing the top products, evaluating key ingredients, their hair-improving benefits, and the in-shower experience of using each one. We then consulted with professional hairstylist Garrett Markensonto finalize our list of the very best natural shampoos. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best for Shine: WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo at Amazon ($17) Best Strengthening: Best Drugstore: Best for Natural Hair: Adiva Naturals Clarifying Herbal Rinse at Adivanaturals.com (See Price) Best for Fine Hair: Best for Curly Hair: Best for Oily Hair: Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scrub Shampoo at Amazon (See Price) In This Article Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Byrdie Traditional Shampoo Ingredients: Chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicones Targets: Cleansing power, lather, shelf life Downsides: Can strip hair and irritate scalp Natural Shampoo Ingredients: Plant extracts, oils, and minerals Targets: Gentle cleansing, scalp health Downsides: May not be as effective at targeting concerns like dandruff What We Like Environmentally sustainable Lathers well Gives hair shine and volume What We Don't Like Can be hard to hold while washing Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes |Scent: Citrus |Size: 3.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes If you're looking for the right shampoo for your hair type that's also good for the environment, you're in luck. This universally loved shampoo may be a solid instead of a liquid, but it doesn't cut down on quality—offering a great lather and salon-grade results. It's made with all-natural ingredients like argan oil, castor oil, and cupuaçu butter for nourished, healthy strands. To top it off, it has orange oil and coconut oil in its formula for a lovely, tropical scent. Byrdie testers love that the Odacité shampoo bar hydrates hair and cleanses the scalp well without leaving a residue or buildup over time. And you can't beat the cost-per-use math—The $30 bar can last for months, even if you wash your hair multiple times a week. The Odacité Shampoo Bar Tester Jill | Hair type: 1b "I was hesitant at first to use a shampoo bar—but am a loyalist to Odacité for its powerful botanical formulas so I tried this. I was blown away by the suds created by this shampoo bar, which is soap-free and extremely nourishing. My hair had amazing volume and scalp felt squeaky-clean after just one use. Plus, there's no plastic packaging so this natural option is also a sustainable one." What We Like For all hair types Good value Balancing formula Hair Type: All, oily| Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Lemongrass | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes Acure is known for offering affordable natural products, and this shampoo is no exception. It’s free of sulfates and dyes. Yes, it is clarifying and great to reach for when you’re feeling like you have excess product build-up on your hair and scalp, but it doesn't strip your hair of moisture. Credit the addition of argan oil, your hair’s BFF when it comes to hydration. Bonus points for the refreshing and invigorating lemongrass scent. Read Full Review: WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo Review What We Like Gives hair shine Helps promote healthy hair growth Clarifies scalp What We Don't Like Strong smell Hair Type: Oily, thinning | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Essential oil derived |Size: 16.9 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes This fan-favorite relies on 100% raw and natural Himalayan apple cider vinegar, which among other things, acts as a reset for hair and scalp. It removes build-up and color-dulling minerals from hard water, so your hair is left looking shinier than ever. As a bonus, it also contains saw palmetto, a plant-based extract that can do great things for your scalp when it comes to promoting healthier hair growth. The WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo Tester "This shampoo felt a lot like a traditional shampoo in my hand—slippery and soapy. In my hair, it was foamy, I had no issues rubbing it in, and it washed out easily. I found that my hair was shinier, smoother, and healthier-feeling, even after just one use." What We Like For all hair types Environmentally sustainable Fun to use What We Don't Like May need to use more product for thicker hair types Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes |Scent: Rose geranium |Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes Sure, this could be considered a “dry” shampoo... but not a dry shampoo in the traditional sense. You simply mix a small amount of the plant-based powder with water until it turns into a luscious lather, similar to that of a traditional shampoo. It contains softening aloe and marshmallow extract and has a delightful floral scent. Plus, one bottle lasts as long as four shampoo bottles and is made from totally recyclable packaging, a major environmental boon. The Meow Meow Tweet Shampoo Powder Kathryn | Hair type: 3a “Putting the environmental benefits of powder shampoo aside, this shampoo really works. I have an oily scalp, so I'm particular about my natural and sulfate-free formulas, but Meow Meow Tweet's shampoo really works into a lather and gives my hair a fresh, clean feeling. Plus, a travel-size packet lasted me about as long as a regular bottle of shampoo—so a little goes a long way." What We Like For all hair types Naturally-derived scent Contains amino acids What We Don't Like May not be hydrating enough for drier hair types Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Neroli, pink grapefruit, jasmine, sandalwood, vanilla |Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes This top-rated pick is effective on all hair types and textures, from straight and fine to coarse and curly. That’s no easy feat for any shampoo. Instead, it relies on botanical ingredients (that are sustainably sourced, no less), like amino acids from almonds to strengthen your strands and a mix of essential oils that give it its lovely scent profile. What We Like For all hair types Naturally-derived scent Affordable What We Don't Like Reviewers say it can leave a residue Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes|Scent: Almond & shea butter |Size: 16.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes Believe it, you can find a great natural shampoo at the drugstore, and this one is proof positive. From the brand that makes one of the best natural deodorants out there, this pick not only contains only 10 ingredients, it actually clearly details them and explains what each one is on the ingredient label. We like this strengthening pick, though there are also volumizing and moisturizing variants (each with its own great scent). What We Like Good for both scalp and hair Clarifies scalp Herbal formula What We Don't Like Can’t be used as a traditional shampoo Key Ingredients Apple cider vinegar is fermented apple juice formed by when yeast mixes with the sugar of the juice. It contains acetic acid, which has antibacterial and keratolytic properties, and it also contains malic acid, a gentle chemical exfoliant. Hair Type: Natural, curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes |Scent: Mint |Size: 16 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes The ingredient list on this shampoo alternative is super minimal. Apple cider vinegar helps to deliver a clean scalp by restoring pH levels, which in turn reduces both grease and itching. It's a good shampoo alternative, but it’s awesome to use it as a clarifying treatment in between wash days, especially on curls or natural hair. What We Like Doesn’t leave any residue Contains certified organic ingredients Gentle formula What We Don't Like May not be hydrating enough for drier hair types Hair Type: Fine, thin | Sulfate-Free: Yes |Scent: Mint |Size: 13 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes We totally get being wary if you happen to have fine hair. After all, even the tiniest trace of any leftover residue can be a recipe for hair that falls flat and looks greasy. Lucky for you, this product not only rinses hair clean (taking with it all the stuff that can weigh things down), but it also works wonders to boost limp hair with, yep, natural ingredients. More specifically, the product's namesake kelp and mint extracts invigorate and boost your roots. What We Like Affordable Minimal ingredient list Hydrates curls What We Don't Like May contribute to buildup Hair Type: Curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes |Scent: Essential oil derived |Size: 12 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times—curly hair is structurally and compositionally different from straight hair and therefore needs different types of products. Using the right shampoo for your curls is paramount—it's the foundation to ensure you end up with the exact style and curl pattern you want post-washing. This one is a great choice, without sulfates or artificial color. Instead, it touts raw shea butter and botanical extracts to cleanse and hydrate your curls. What We Like Foams nicely Fresh scent Multi-tasking formula What We Don't Like Has a strong smell Hair Type: Oily | Sulfate-Free: Yes |Scent: Rosemary, geranium, orange, peppermint |Size: 6.7 ounces or 0.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes Consider this shampoo-scalp scrub hybrid an absolute must if you have oily hair (and/or an oily scalp, for that matter). It’s essentially a whipped shampoo that has tiny bits of exfoliating Himalayan sea salt mixed in for exfoliating purposes... it sounds a little strange, but trust us, it works.It’s not in the least bit harsh or scratchy—the salt quickly dissolves—and the result is so purifying that you could easily call it a clarifying shampoo, great to reach for whenever you really want your hair to feel extra clean and fresh. What We Like Moisturizes Combats damage Sophisticated scent What We Don't Like Has a strong smell Hair Type: All, except oily | Sulfate-Free: Yes|Scent: Palo santo |Size: 9.3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes A staple shampoo for team Byrdie (and previous Eco Beauty Award Winner), this is a great pick for all hair types, though it’s especially good if you have dry hair. Coconut and shea butter impart plenty of moisture, but despite the richer formula, this still cleanses and rinses extremely well. There are protein-bonding sugars in the mix, too, a major plus for combating any damage. And we’d be remiss not to mention the signature scent, a heady palo santo fragrance that we love. What We Like Available in three sizes Citrusy, essential oil-derived scent Strengthening formula What We Don't Like Could be more hydrating Hair Type: All, colored | Sulfate-Free: Yes| Scent: Citrusy| Size: 2, 10, or 32 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes Sulfates are one of the biggest culprits for color-fading, so generally speaking, going with a sulfate-free shampoo is a great move if you dye your hair. And, the healthier your hair is, the better your color will look. But this one is especially great, given that it not only won’t strip your shade but is also full of ingredients such as coconut and pumpkin seed oils to both protect and enhance your color at the same time. Plus, it works on all textures, too. What We Like Affordable Certified organic and EWG verified Gentle, soothing formula What We Don't Like Doesn't lather well Hair Type: All, thinning | Sulfate-Free: Yes|Scent: Citrusy, herbaceous |Size: 32 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes This is a great option for anyone dealing with thinning hair (as well as another top-notch, affordable drugstore pick). Credit the addition of proven ingredients such as biotin, saw palmetto, vitamin E, and protein to boost hair's body, leaving it thicker and fuller. As far as the formula goes, it’sboth certified-organic and verified by the Environmental Working Group. What We Like Gentle yet effective Lathers surprisingly well Coconut-derived surfactants What We Don't Like Very strong scent Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes |Scent: Balsam, fir, ginger |Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes Looking for something you can use for daily washes? Ursa Major Go Easy Shampoo is your best bet. It gently yet effectively cleanses your mane without leaving any residue behind, and it lathers surprisingly well for a sulfate-free formula. The strong cologne-like scent might not be everyone's cup of tea, but otherwise, we have no complaints about this coconut-derived hair wash. What We Like Very moisturizes Conditions, softens, and restores Leaves hair looking and feeling healthier What We Don't Like Might weigh down fine hair Hair Type: Dry, damaged, thick | Sulfate-Free: Yes |Scent: Honey |Size: 13–24 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo is formulated to take damaged, over-processed hair back from the brink. It leans on a blend of naturally derived butters and plant oils to moisturize parched strands while working to condition, soften, and restore your hair to a bouncier, healthier state. But due to the oils, bear in mind this shampoo isn't ideal for fine hair, as it might weigh it down. What We Like Kills dandruff-causing bacteria Restores dry, damaged hair What We Don't Like Doesn't lather very well Hair Type: Dandruff-prone, dry, damaged | Sulfate-Free: Yes |Scent: Fresh |Size: 16–34 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes Flaky scalp? This plant-sourced shampoo has you covered. It's formulated with tea tree oil, which has natural antimicrobial properties, meaning it kills the bacteria that cause dandruff. The hydrating, restorative formula is also a good choice for folks with dry or damaged hair. FAQ What are the benefits of natural shampoos? These formulas tend to be sulfate-free, which can be gentler on hair. And that’s a major win for those with dry, damaged, and/or colored treated hair especially. They can also be a good choice for those with sensitive scalps or who prioritize natural ingredients and eco-friendly practices. Are natural shampoos safe for all hair types? Yes, all hair types can use natural shampoos—especially because there are many different formulas geared to all different types, textures, and hair needs. The key is to choose a natural shampoo formulated for your specific hair type and concerns. Can natural shampoo cause hair loss? There's no strong evidence that natural shampoos directly cause hair loss, but there are some indirect ways a natural shampoo could contribute to hair loss. As your hair adjusts to a natural shampoo (especially if it's sulfate-free), you might experience a temporary increase in shedding. This is because your scalp is regulating its natural oil production, but typically resolves within a few weeks. It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to a specific ingredient in a natural shampoo that could lead to scalp irritation, which, in severe cases, might contribute to hair loss. If you're experiencing significant hair loss, it's important to see a doctor or dermatologist to rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be causing the problem. Byrdie contributorMelanie Rudhas over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She's tested countless shampoos over the years, so she is well-versed in the process. To gain additional insights on the benefits of natural shampoo she enlisted the professional opinion of a hair care expert.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Byrdie-best-natural-shampoos-4586441-fdb391bac2d74117a521649c6b3bcde1.jpg "Calling All Clean Hair Enthusiasts: We Found the Best Natural Shampoos for Every Hair Type (1)")
Is Natural Shampoo Better Than Traditional Shampoo?
Best Overall
ODACITÉ 552M Soap Free Shampoo Bar
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Best Strengthening
Reverie Suna Exfoliating Shampoo
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Best for Fine Hair
100% Pure Kelp & Mint Volumizing Shampoo
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Best for Oily Hair
Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scrub Shampoo
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Best for Color-Treated Hair
Innersense Color Awakening Hairbath
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Best for Daily Washes
Ursa Major Go Easy Shampoo
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Best for Damaged Hair
SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo
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What to Look For When Buying a Natural Shampoo
Why Trust Byrdie
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Updated byShannon Stubbs
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Ryssel H, Kloeters O, Germann G, Schäfer T, Wiedemann G, Oehlbauer M. The antimicrobial effect of acetic acid--an alternative to common local antiseptics? Burns. 2009 Aug;35(5):695-700. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2008.11.009
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