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 Budget:
Best for Shine:
Best Strengthening:
Best Drugstore:
Best for Natural Hair:
Best for Fine Hair:
Best for Curly Hair:
Best for Oily Hair:
Is Natural Shampoo Better Than Traditional Shampoo?
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
Best Overall
ODACITÉ 552M Soap Free Shampoo Bar
What We Like
Environmentally sustainable
Lathers well
Gives hair shine and volume
What to Consider
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
What to Consider
Scent is powerful
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 to Consider
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 to Consider
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 to Consider
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 to Consider
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 to Consider
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.
Best for Fine Hair
100% Pure Kelp & Mint Volumizing Shampoo
What We Like
Doesn’t leave any residue
Contains certified organic ingredients
Gentle formula
What to Consider
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 to Consider
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.
Best for Oily Hair
Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scrub Shampoo
What We Like
Foams nicely
Fresh scent
Multi-tasking formula
What to Consider
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 to Consider
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.
Best for Color-Treated Hair
Innersense Color Awakening Hairbath
What We Like
Available in three sizes
Citrusy, essential oil-derived scent
Strengthening formula
What to Consider
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 to Consider
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 to Consider
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.
Best for Damaged Hair
SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo
What We Like
Very moisturizes
Conditions, softens, and restores
Leaves hair looking and feeling healthier
What to Consider
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 to Consider
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.
What to Look For When Buying a Natural Shampoo
- Hair Type: Taking your hair type into consideration is always important when buying shampoo, especially if you’re looking at a natural formulation. Dry, damaged, or coarse hair types can benefit from Rahua Hydration Shampoo and other formulas containing nourishing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. On the other hand, fine and oily hair might like to look out for clarifying options, such as Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo. Of course, many options like Reverie Shampoo are suitable for all hair types.
- Ingredients: For Reverie founder and hairdresser Garrett Markenson, his haircare line was about “combining skincare methodology with haircare to achieve incredible results.” He believes that haircare should repair problems, not mask them, so incorporating effective, nourishing botanical was a bit of a no-brainer.
- Experience and Results: If you’re transitioning to a natural shampoo for the first time, it’s important to be open to a slightly different hair washing experience. For example, silicones can be responsible for that silky hair feeling, and sulfates can give you that satisfying, foamy lather. Many options will be formulated without those, but with time you (and your hair) will adjust. Consider trying a travel-sized version of a natural shampoo before committing to a full-size bottle.
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.
Why Trust Byrdie
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.
- Garrett Markenson is a hairdresser based in Los Angeles. He is the founder of haircare brand Reverie.