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The 18 Best Natural Shampoos for a Satisfying Deep Clean

No sulfates or parabens required

Headshot of Harper's Bazaar StaffBy Harper's Bazaar Staff

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.

Shop the Best Natural Shampoos

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

    Best for Coily Hair

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

    $12 at Amazon
    Read more
  • Burdock and Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo (16 oz.)

    Best for Dry Scalp

    100% Pure Burdock and Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo (16 oz.)

    Read more
  • Cleansing and Microbiome-Friendly Shampoo

    Best for Sensitive Scalps

    Payot Cleansing and Microbiome-Friendly Shampoo

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

    Best for Fine Hair

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

    Read more
  • Cocomino Glossing Shampoo

    Best for Balancing

    Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo

    Read more

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.


Best for Coily Hair

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

On Sale
Pomegranate and Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo (12 oz.)
Now 25% Off
$12 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Formula doesn't weigh hair down
Cons

    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

    Best for Dry Scalp

    100% Pure Burdock and Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo (16 oz.)

    Burdock and Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo (16 oz.)
    Now 22% Off
    Credit: 100% Pure
    Pros
    • Contains certified organic ingredients
    • Safe for color treated hair
    Cons

      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.

      Best for Sensitive Scalps

      Payot Cleansing and Microbiome-Friendly Shampoo

      On Sale
      Cleansing and Microbiome-Friendly Shampoo
      Now 49% Off
      Credit: Payot
      Pros
      • Helps calm irritated skin
      Cons

        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.

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        Best for Fine Hair

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

        On Sale
        Biotin B-Complex Thickening Therapy Shampoo (32 oz.)
        Now 32% Off
        Credit: Amazon
        Pros
        • Contains a pH balanced formula
        Cons

          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

          Best for Balancing

          Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo

          Cocomino Glossing Shampoo
          Credit: Sephora at Kohl's
          Pros
          • Great for color treated hair
          Cons

            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

            Expert-Approved Pick

            Innersense Pure Harmony Hair Bath

            Pure Harmony Hair Bath
            Credit: Credo Beauty
            Pros
            • Refillable
            Cons

              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

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              Best for Color-Treated Hair

              Davines Minu Shampoo

              Minu Shampoo
              Credit: Amazon
              Pros
              • A little goes a long way
              Cons

                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

                Best for Travel

                Odacité Soap Free Shampoo Bar

                Soap Free Shampoo Bar
                Credit: The Detox Market
                Pros
                • Earth-friendly
                Cons

                  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.

                  Best for Dry Hair

                  Rahua Hydration Shampoo

                  Hydration Shampoo
                  Credit: Amazon
                  Pros
                  • Adds shine
                  Cons
                  • Subtle scent may be off-putting to some

                  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.

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                  Best for a Sudsy Lather

                  True Botanicals Nourishing Shampoo

                  Nourishing Shampoo
                  Now 30% Off
                  Credit: True Botanicals
                  Pros
                  • Features a non-greasy formula
                  Cons
                  • Subtle scent may be off-putting to some

                  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

                  Best for Curly Hair

                  Act + Acre Cold Processed Curl Nourishing Shampoo

                  Cold Processed Curl Nourishing Shampoo
                  Credit: Amazon
                  Pros
                  • Unscented
                  • Safe for color-treated hair
                  Cons

                    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.

                    Best for Shine

                    Reverie Shampoo

                    Shampoo
                    Credit: Credo Beauty
                    Pros
                    • Hydrating
                    Cons

                      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

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                      Most Popular Shampoo

                      Biolage Colorlast Shampoo (33.8 oz.)

                      Colorlast Shampoo (33.8 oz.)
                      Credit: Amazon
                      Pros
                      • Won't strip color treated hair
                      Cons
                      • Subtle fragrance may be off-putting to some

                      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

                      Best for Thicker Hair

                      Ursa Major Go Easy Daily Shampoo

                      Go Easy Daily Shampoo
                      Credit: Amazon
                      Pros
                      • Clarifies scalp
                      Cons

                        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

                        Best Value Shampoo

                        Love Beauty And Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Volume & Bounty Shampoo

                        On Sale
                        Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Volume & Bounty Shampoo
                        Now 30% Off
                        Credit: Amazon
                        Pros
                        • Under $10
                        • Sulfate-free
                        Cons

                          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.

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                          Best for Damaged Hair

                          Tgin Miracle RepaiRx Strengthening Shampoo

                          Miracle RepaiRx Strengthening Shampoo
                          Credit: Walmart
                          Pros
                          • Great for Color-Treated Hair
                          Cons
                          • Best for wavy, curly, and coily textures

                          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

                          Best for Smoothing

                          Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo

                          Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
                          Credit: Amazon
                          Pros
                          • Has an oil-infused formula
                          Cons

                            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.

                            Best for Scent

                            Native Daily Clean Shampoo

                            Daily Clean Shampoo
                            Pros
                            • Budget-friendly
                            Cons

                              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.

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                              Meet The Experts

                              best natural shampoos to shop in 2023
                              • Grace Heffron is a hair stylist and owner of Manely Curly Salon in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

                              What is the safest natural shampoo?

                              best natural shampoos to shop in 2023

                              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.

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