What are the best natural shampoos & conditioners?

Last Updated: June 30, 2022

Looking to change to natural hair care? We've got you covered! Read on for our guide to learn more about natural hair products and about the best natural shampoo and conditioners.

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Here at Grove Collaborative, we’re big believers in the power of natural products — both for ourselves and for the planet. But we know making the switch to natural can be daunting, especially if you’re accustomed to conventional products and are new to the world of natural, eco-friendly alternatives.

Plus, giving your hair-washing routine a second thought could result in better-looking, healthier hair—and a cleaner environment.

Natural shampoos and conditioners don’t have the harsh ingredients that conventional products do, such as sulfates and parabens. They also don’t pollute the environment with toxic substances that affect our water and wildlife. Made from naturally derived ingredients, natural shampoos and conditioners are a great choice for people trying to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals or improve the health of their hair.

Read on to learn more about the best ingredients for your hair, plus browse our list of the best natural shampoo and conditioners based on your hair needs.

Why are sulfates and parabens so bad?

Sulfates are surfactants, or detergents, that remove dirt and oils and make it possible for a product to lather. The most commonly found sulfates in conventional shampoo and conditioners are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), which are petroleum-based.

So what’s the big deal?

While sulfates aren’t linked to health problems, they can cause varying degrees of eye and skin irritation and are particularly hard on the health of your hair. Because sulfates are such effective detergents, they strip a lot of the natural oils from your locks, leaving them rough, dry, and brittle.

Over time, sulfates build up on the hair shaft and block natural oils from coating it altogether. Oil also pools at the roots, making your hair look dull and greasy. Sulfates can also irritate your scalp and cause acne on your back or hairline.

Grove Tip

What is sulfate-free shampoo?

Sulfate-free shampoo contains plant-based ingredients that gently remove dirt from your hair without taking all the good stuff with it. Sulfate-free shampoo is also safe for dyed hair, since it doesn’t strip away all your color when you wash with it.

What’s the problem with parabens?

Parabens are artificial chemicals and preservatives that accumulate in fat tissue over time, and can irritate your skin — especially if you have sensitivities.

But the real danger is that these are endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which means they disrupt the hormone systems involved in reproduction. Overexposure to parabens can affect testosterone levels, sperm count, the menstrual cycle, and birth outcomes. The environment also feels the effects of parabens, which have been detected in surface waters and can kill coral.

What are other hair care ingredients to avoid?

Sodium chloride (salt)

Dries your scalp
Dehydrates your hair strands
May cause hair loss

Quaternium-15 (formaldehyde)

Carcinogenic
Absorbed through the skin
May cause skin rashes and inflammation

Synthetic fragrances

Contain toxic chemicals
Irritate the skin
May cause hair loss

Dimethicone (silicone plastic)

Contributes to product buildup
Clogs your pores
Weighs down your hair

What are the benefits of using natural shampoos and conditioners?

No harsh chemicals

Natural shampoos contain none of the harsh chemicals commonly found in conventional shampoos and conditioners.

Natural ingredients promote hair growth

The natural plant oils and herbal extracts found in natural hair care products promote new hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles, moisturizing the strands, and improving the health of your scalp.

Naturally-derived scents are non-allergenic

Natural shampoo and conditioner are non-allergenic and suitable for all types of skin and hair. Thanks to fragrant plant oils, natural hair products smell divine.

Natural ingredients are also biodegradable

Biodegradable ingredients in natural shampoos and conditioners don’t pollute the water, and they’re more eco-friendly to produce.

What are the best natural hair care ingredients to look for?

Coconut oil

It moisturizes the scalp, fights fungus, and protects your hair from heat damage.

Cold-pressed olive oil

It improves elasticity and is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants.

Shea butter

It provides shine and enhances color.

Jojoba oil

It moisturizes, soothes, and promotes hair cell growth, and it has antibacterial properties.

Castor oil

It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Omega-9 fatty acids nourish hair and keep it soft and shiny.

Aloe vera

It reduces scalp inflammation and gently removes excess oil without damaging hair.

Peppermint

It improves blood flow to the scalp, reduces inflammation, and promotes hair growth.

What are the best natural hair care brands?

At Grove, we handpick our products not only for their quality and effectiveness, but also for the brand’s social and environmental stewardship.

Aside from our flagship Rooted Beauty line (Hey, we’re partial!), which includes shampoos and conditioners designed to hydrate and repair, and our Peach not Plastic shampoo and conditioner bar products, here are three other natural hair care companies we’re excited about.

HiBAR

HiBAR’s line of waterless hair shampoo and conditioner bars not only have no nasty ingredients, but they also have no plastic packaging.

Several of HiBAR’s shampoo and conditioner bars made our list of the 9 Best Shampoo and Conditioner Bars that were top-rated by actual Grove members.

Acure

Acure’s products are totally free of dangerous and damaging ingredients, and its products are 100-percent vegan and never tested on animals.

Acure not only makes hair care but also natural skincare too. You can browse the top 21 best Acure skincare and hair care products, rated by actual Grove members, here.

Alba Botanica

Alba Botanica’s personal care products treat your body and the earth kindly.

Along with fruit extracts for amazing scents, Alba Botanica’s hair care products feature botanical cleansers that gently remove environmental pollutants, dust, and oil.

What to expect when you make the switch to natural hair products

Fewer bubbles

Because organic shampoo doesn’t contain chemical foaming agents, like sulfates, it won’t lather up like it does on TV. But that doesn’t mean it’s not removing dirt and buildup from your hair.

Lather up twice

Maybe you always rinse and repeat, but you’ll want to be sure to shampoo twice with all-natural products for the best results. Be sure to rinse your hair well too.

Adjustment period

It may take a few washings for your scalp to adjust. Your hair may feel oilier or heavier than usual, but give it a little time, and your hair will feel and look better than ever.

Better hair growth

A healthy scalp naturally promotes hair growth.

Natural products are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that nourish your scalp. Some plants, like peppermint,, specifically boost growth.

What are the best natural shampoos and conditioners for each hair type?

Dry and damaged hair

No matter what type of hair you have, we can recommend some great natural products that will bring out the best. Browse through some of our natural favorites below.

A few more tips for using natural shampoo

More isn’t better

Since natural shampoo doesn’t lather as robustly as their conventional counterparts, you may feel like you need more, but you really don’t.

Not too hot

Very hot water can damage your hair and cause frizz. Use very warm water while you wash to open up the cuticles, and rinse with cool water to close them.

Massage your scalp

While you shampoo, give that scalp of yours a deep massage with your fingertips to stimulate hair follicles and prevent the buildup of sebum.

Rinse thoroughly

Even natural products can leave residue on your hair if you don’t thoroughly rinse it. When you think you’re done rinsing, rinse a little more.

Squeeze dry

The worst thing you can do after shampooing is scrub your hair dry with a towel. Instead, use the towel to gently squeeze and dab at your hair.