Dermatologists Say These Natural Shampoos Boost Volume and Shine Sans Iffy Chemicals (2024)

These days, we’re hyperaware that harsh chemicals and iffy ingredients are lurking everywhere, including our shampoo. Knowing this, it’s only natural (pun totally intended) to want to make the switch to a product that cleanses your strands with ingredients that come from nature instead of a lab—especially if your hair’s been looking a little meh lately.

“If you’re really struggling with dry brittle hair, breakage, or itchy scalp, it may be that some of the ingredients in your shampoo are to blame,” says Erum Ilyas, M.D., a board-dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology in Pennsylvania. Traditional shampoos typically contain harsh detergents, such as sulfates, which can strip the hair of natural, protective oils.

Or maybe your hair’s in good shape, but you want to switch to a natural shampoo to minimize your exposure to certain chemicals. Just note that many products say they’re natural on the bottle, or offer a blend of holistic-sounding ingredients (ex: willow bark), but may not live up to their claims. That’s because there’s no medical definition for the word “natural,” and there’s no regulation on its use. “It’s strictly a marketing term,” says Dr. Ilyas. Every brand has its own definition of “natural” and that can vary considerably.

“It’s difficult to come up with a consensus definition of ‘natural’ when it comes to beauty products, though most skin experts would recommend products that avoid sulfates, parabens, and BPA,” says Zain Husain, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at New Jersey Dermatology & Aesthetics Center.

How to choose the best natural shampoo for your hair type

Define “natural” on your own terms: Since there’s no one definition to identify a “natural” shampoo, defining what it means to you can help you find a product that aligns with your expectations. “The range of options that seem to qualify as natural can be anywhere from homemade to simply being sulfate- and paraben-free,” says Dr. Ilyas

The top ingredients typically avoided by natural shampoo brands? Sulfates, parabens, silicones siloxanes, formaldehyde, ethoxylated ingredients, polysorbates, phenoxyethanol, petrochemicals, triclosan, TEA/DEA, synthetic fragrances, and colors. (Phew.) Many of these have some evidence of negative health impacts, from triggering the development of allergies to causing abnormality in the endocrine system, says Michelle Green, M.D., NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf.com contributor.

Know your hair and scalp type: “I usually recommend more hydrating shampoos for dry scalp and coarse, straight hair,” says Dr. Husain. “I like volumizing shampoos for those with thinner and limp hair. For curly hair, I prefer moisturizing shampoos that reduce frizz without feeling heavy on curls.”

Familiarizing yourself with natural ingredients will help you reach your desired outcome. “If your hair is brittle and dry, for example, avoid ingredients that are more stripping of buildup, like tea tree and eucalyptus oils, and try more healing ingredients, like coconut and shea butters,” says celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago. Or if you’re looking to balance oil production, make sure jojoba oil is one of the star ingredients.

Keep an eye out for irritants: Natural ingredients, especially botanicals and fragrance, can still cause adverse reactions. Because the FDA doesn’t regulate the use of “hypoallergenic” either, check the label for any natural ingredients you might be sensitive to. The higher they are on the list, the more of the potential irritant the shampoo contains.

Check for certifications. Getting certified might not be necessary for natural products, but looking for brands that certify anyway can save you a ton of time. If the shampoo’s label shows certifications from organizations like the Natural Products Association, The Soil Association, COSMOS-standard, EWG, or NATRUE, chances are it really contains natural ingredients.

If choosing a natural product is still an overwhelming concept, we feel you! Ahead, the best expert-recommended and top-rated natural shampoos out there.

This won “best shampoo” in our 2020 Healthy Beauty Awards for a reason. “It’s important for a shampoo to provide both vital nutrients and the ability to gently remove product buildup,” says Shab Reslan, a HairClub health expert, hairstylist, and founder of the Hair Like Hers podcast. “This does exactly that as it recharges the follicle with nourishing ingredients and cleanses without drying out the hair.”

This sulfate-free product is a miracle product for the scalp, as it contains peppermint and apple cider vinegar to clarify and break up gunk. Shea butter and castor oil ensure your strands stay super hydrated and get to work repairing any damage. It’s a safe bet for all hair types, including wavy, curly, or kinky natural styles.

Suitable for all hair types (especially color-treated or damaged hair), this vegan, cruelty-free shampoo protects hair from damage with healing oils and extracts, combined with the brand’s own bio-restorative complex that reinforces the inner strength of each individual strand.

“This shampoo contains organic moroccan oil, is sulfate- and paraben-free, and is great for all hair types, including color-treated hair and sensitive scalp,” says Dr. Husain. It gently cleanses and nourishes hair without leaving it dry and frizzy.

This sulfate- andparaben-free moisturizing shampoo by Evolvh balances hair’s pH level and is suitable for all hair types. (It’s also safe for keratin smoothing treatments.) It contains antioxidants, amino acids, and fatty acids that help restore hair from the inside out, says Dr. Husain.

Thank coconut and shea butters for thehydrating qualities of this shampoo.“It’s gentle enough to lift dirt and grease while still moisturizing the hair, and is great for coarse, curly, and dry hair types,” says Santiago.

A super lightweight product that basically feels like water? Yep, you’re looking at it. Enriched with oils, a coconut amino acid blend, and pro-vitamin B5, this natural shampoo smooths, softens, and strengthens while omitting sulfates, silicones, and parabens, as well asessential oils and fragrances for those prone to allergies. The result: Super glossy locks.

AG Hair’s Natural Balance Shampoo is formulated with over 98% plant-based, naturally derived ingredients. Organic argan oil and aloe vera smooth and moisturize strands, while organic apple cider vinegar sops up oil on the scalp andcloses the hair cuticle, amping up shine in the process. It’s ideal for all hair types, including color-treated hair.

If your scalp is itchy with a side of flakes, this vegan and cruelty-free shampoo from Briogeo is where it’s at. It contains a blend of charcoal to draw impurities from the scalp and hair follicle, peppermint and spearmint oils to reduce itchiness, tea tree oil to reduce inflammation, and coconut oil to moisturize and prevent flakes.

For those with uber-damaged or thinning hair, Laritelle’s shampoo is formulated with several organic ingredients to help restore your strands to their former glory—jojoba oil to balance out oil production and moisturize, rosemary to promote hair growth by stimulating the scalp and roots, and peppermint to stimulate circulation and improve shine. It’s suitable for all hair types, color-treated included, and is gentle enough for everyday use.

The Curl Cleanser by Carlos Flores is a lather-free formula that will cleanse your hair without the use of sulfates, silicones, or parabens. Bonus: It’s safe for daily use, color-treated hair, and all curl types.“There’s a misconception that if the shampoo doesn’t lather, your hair won’t be as clean, but that’s not true,” says Dr. Green.Sulfates are what create the lather in traditional shampoos—but they can also strip your hair of moisture (and color), not to mention cause skin and eye irritation.

If you want toreduce your exposure to chemicalsby, well, a lot, look no further than Ouai’s Shampoos, says Dr. Ilyas. This shampoo is paraben-, sulfate, phthalate-, formaldehyde-, coal tar-, triclobarban-, and triclosan-free. Bonus: The packaging is also 100% recyclable.

Whether your scalp is oily or you’re in the market for more volume, this USDA-certified organic dry shampoo has got you covered. It’s super-easy to apply and contains no iffy chemicals or fillers. Just massage onto your scalp, and the shampoo will work its magic, absorbing oil, sweat, and odor, while leaving your hair with a light, fresh scent.