It can take a bit of experimentation to find the right brand for your hair type. And more expensive doesn't always mean better! (I recently tried a fancy salon brand and hated it.) So we've rounded up 15 of the best natural hair care brands based on personal experience and positive reviews. Read on to find our favorite all natural hair products that don't contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates!
A good hair day makes all the difference so I get that a switch to organic hair products can be a bit stressful. My hair never took to any DIY recipe that included Castile soap (it turns my hair into a Brillo pad).
If you struggle with thinning hair (raises hand!), check out these excellent hair-growth shampoos. And if you struggle to control your curls, you can find our favorite curly hair products here.
Whatever brand you try, give your hair at least two weeks to acclimate if you're switching from a traditional shampoo and conditioner. It takes a bit of time for your scalp to regulate its oil production after years of using cleansers that strip your strands with every wash.
Jump to:
- Haircare Ingredients To Avoid
- 15 Best Natural Hair Care Brands
- 1. Rahua
- 2. Yarok
- 3. PHYTO Botanical Power
- 4. Briogeo
- 5. Sachajuan
- 6. Avalon Organics
- 7. Abba
- 8. John Masters Organics
- 9. Davines
- 10. HiBAR
- 11. Alterna
- 12. Living Proof
- 13. Mielle Organics
- 14. Andalou
- 15. Carol's Daughter
- How Do I Choose Safe Hair Products?
- More Favorite Natural Hair Products
Haircare Ingredients To Avoid
When shopping for hair products, it's best to avoid those containing parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, as these harmful chemicals may lead to hair damage or, in some cases, risk the development of serious illnesses.
Yes, traditional products are the easiest, and often cheapest, but there are great organic hair care brands out there that won't damage your hair and health. Here's what you should stay away from:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
This compound is used in shampoo and similar products to create lather, something we've come to expect from shampoo and that clean feeling we love so much. However, SLS strips the scalp of its natural sebum, causing frizzy, brittle, and damaged hair—definitely not what we're going for.
This substance is well known as a skin irritant [source] and can also cause eye irritation and even damage the eyes if used in larger quantities. Moreover, once it goes down the drain and into the waters, SLS has the potential to negatively affect aquatic life [source].
Parabens
You may have heard this before: stay away from parabens! While good at preventing bacteria from growing in cosmetics, parabens are also linked with breast cancer [source].
A lot of companies already offer paraben-free products, which is a great step forward. But if the contrary is not advertised on the label, you should assume the product contains parabens.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen [source], despite being used in everything from shampoo and hair gel to nail polish. The FDA has issued a warning against hair smoothing products that release this substance when heated (for example, during a Brazilian blowout), advising consumers to look out for formaldehyde, formalin, and methylene glycol on the list of ingredients when making a purchase [source].
Fragrance
Fragrance may sound harmless enough, but it's actually an umbrella term that can encompass several substances. That's even when the product is labeled “unscented.”
These can cause allergic reactions [source] and are problematic because of their secretive nature. When you're shopping for shampoo or conditioner, look for those scented with natural fragrances (e.g., plants or essential oils).
Dimethicone
The promise of healthy-looking hair has taken many of us on the dangerous path of using silicone-based hair products. Dimethicone is one such silicone, commonly found in hair gel, hair relaxers, hair color, or conditioner, and it's generally regarded as safe for humans [source].
However, this silicone creates a coating on the hair, making it appear shiny, while effectively blocking moisture and nutrients from coming in. This weighs down the hair, making it lifeless and dull again, the exact opposite effect of what we were going for.
Other hair care ingredients to avoid:
- alcohol, which has a drying effect
- diethanolamine and triethanolamine, both linked to cancer during a specific type of lab testing [source]
- polyethylene glycols, though considered to be safe, are often contaminated with toxic byproducts [source]
- synthetic colors that are often petroleum aka “coal-tar” based (which doesn't require FDA approval for use in cosmetics even with known health concerns [source])
- triclosan, which has led to numerous toxic effects and has been banned from use in antibacterial soap [source]
15 Best Natural Hair Care Brands
Keep in mind that different natural ingredients provide distinct benefits, so read the labels carefully and choose according to your needs. For example, tea tree oil is good for the treatment of dandruff and other scalp irritations; aloe vera and coconut oil are moisturizing, and shea butter is known to enhance shine.
To help you narrow down the options, we rounded up the best natural hair brands and products for you!
1. Rahua
Founded by an Ecuadorian native, this organic vegan product line centers around an oil found deep in the Amazon rainforest called rahua. Instead of coating the exterior of hair strands like silicones do, rahua oil penetrates the hair shaft to fortify weak and damaged strands while smoothing the hair’s cuticle for healthy, shiny hair.
Rahua products are sulfate- and paraben-free. They are created with sustainable production techniques that preserve the Amazon Rainforest and support the indigenous people.
Omega 9 Hair Mask // This conditioning treatment brings life and shine to the roots, promoting scalp health and preserving color vibrancy.
Leave-In Treatment // This healing treatment promises to repair even the most damaged strands from the first use.
Voluminous Dry Shampoo // This dry shampoo leaves the hair and scalp clean and refreshed, making styling effortless.
2. Yarok
This vegan product line strives “to make the greatest positive impact on hair and scalp health with the least negative impact on the natural environment.” Yarok started with its signature product, Feed Your Youth, a rich hair and scalp serum that promotes hair growth.
Now the brand is known for its styling products that contain all natural ingredients and aromatic essential oils. The mousse lifts limp hair with aloe and vegetable glycerin, and the hydrating leave-in conditioner protects hair with grapeseed, jojoba, and primrose oils. All products are free of alcohol, paraben, sulfates, chemicals, and gluten.
Feed Your Youth Serum // Apply the serum to the hair and scalp before shampoo to promote growth and prevent aging.
Feed Your Roots Mousse // Unlike conventional hair mousse, this one is eco-friendly, and it brings the beach hair texture we always strive for.
Feed Your Volume Shampoo // Amp up hair volume with a luxurious shampoo made with hair-friendly essential oils.
3. PHYTO Botanical Power
This French brand has been creating plant-based hair care products for nearly 50 years. Based on the belief that healthy hair begins at the root, PHYTO crafts gentle products enriched with over 500 active botanical extracts and essential oils. This pioneer in hair care combines scientific innovation with the power of pure botanicals to create products for beautiful and healthy hair.
Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray // This spray elevates the roots to create and hold voluminous styles throughout the day, leaving hair looking fuller, soft, and shiny.
Phytodefrisant Botanical Straightening Balm // This anti-frizz balm preps hair for a frizz-free, sleek, healthy, and beautiful blowout, taming hair to become more manageable.
Phytokératine Extrême Exceptional Mask // The ultra-rich formula replenishes and regenerates hair without weighing it down.
Phyto Phytospecific Baobab Oil // Apply this baobab oil to your hair pre-shampoo, to nourish dehydrated hair and scalp, improving elasticity and manageability.
4. Briogeo
Briogeo is a 6-free hair care product line—meaning the formulas are free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, DEA, and synthetic color. Founder Nancy Twine started making her own products at age five and based her nutrient-rich formulas on her grandmother's homemade beauty recipes.
Brio is an Italian word that means "vibrant and full of life," and geo is a Latin word meaning "of earth and nature." Each all-natural blend has pure yet potent ingredients like charcoal, ginseng, and rosehip oil. I love that each ingredient list includes the exact percentage of each ingredient (and its source).
Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, an Allure Readers’ Choice winner for 2017, is the comprehensive remedy for dry, damaged, and chemically treated hair.
Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème // The lightweight formula smooths hair, enhances shine, tames frizz, and protects against heat.
Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Conditioner and Volumizing Spray // This conditioner and spray add volume to fine, thin, or limp hair, especially in combination with blow-drying.
5. Sachajuan
Sachajuan started as a popular salon in Sweden, and its founders launched their natural product line in 2004 to make hair care less complicated. The products use ocean silk technology developed with sea algae to boost hair's moisture and shine.
While the light moisturizing ingredients restore your tresses, the brown glass bottles and minimal packaging have a clean design that's joyously simple and easy to use.
Ocean Mist // The spray gives you messy beach waves that look effortlessly chic.
Volume Powder // With this powder spray, you can feel fresh, cleansed, and grease-free without actually washing your hair.
Hair in the Sun // Protects your hair and color from the sun with a UV filter that remains in the hair even after a shower.
6. Avalon Organics
Avalon Organics is easy to find in most grocery stores (check for a natural products section). Their products are great for thin, dry hair, so everything is packed with nourishing ingredients like rosemary, quinoa protein, calendula, aloe, and vitamin E to cleanse and hydrate your hair from root to tip.
The gentle, plant-based shampoos and conditioners are vegan, non-GMO, and paraben- and phthalate-free. Plus, they don’t contain any synthetic fragrances or colors. We tested the Volumizing Rosemary shampoo and conditioner and noticed less breakage and split ends. And the scent is ah-mazing.
Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner // The duo cleanse and nourish fine hair, building volume even when there's not a lot to work with.
Volumizing Rosemary Shampoo and Conditioner // Wheat protein, aloe, vitamins, and rosemary essential oil strengthen and thicken for healthy-looking hair.
7. Abba
Abba uses a gluten-free combo of three powerful proteins—quinoa, barley, and soy—to strengthen and repair damaged hair. I'm hooked on these gentle cleansers that don't strip the hair, helping to maintain the scalp's oil balance and hair color. Abba claims to be the first brand to make 100% vegan hair care products.
Moisture Shampoo and Condioner // The gentle shampoo cleanses, hydrates and strenghtens dry hair.
Curl Finish Spray // Amplify curls for long-lasting hold with this finishing spray made with grapefruit and avocado oil.
Volume Serum // Shield hair from heat while adding texture and dimension with this lemongrass serum from Abba.
8. John Masters Organics
The John Masters philosophy is that “it's better for the body and the earth to simply return to the source: super natural botanicals.” And the company has a serious commitment to quality ingredients. All ingredients must meet John Masters' list of strict guidelines (and it's a long list).
The brand partners with local farmers for organic, wild-harvested botanicals. All plant oils must be cold-pressed, and all essential oils used must be steam-distilled to preserve their therapeutic properties. You'll never see artificial colors or fragrances in their ingredients.
Scalp Stimulating Shampoo // Spearmint and peppermint stimulate and refresh the scalp, while meadowsweet extract and eucalyptus oil act as natural astringents to balance sebum levels and lock in moisture for soft tresses.
Rose + Apricot Hair Milk // Nourish, strengthen, and build volume, leaving the hair healthy and manageable, with this hair milk from John Masters Organics.
Nourishing Defrizzer // This product diminishes flyaways and split ends, by sealing in moisture into the hair.
9. Davines
Another European favorite natural hair care brand, and this time, it’s a product from Italy. The Davines Group started as a research lab, creating high-end hair care products for cosmetic companies.
After a decade of honing their expertise, they created their own hair care brand that's scientifically engineered to work. The brand balances the use of high-grade natural ingredients with scientific rigor to create sustainable beauty.
OI All in One Milk // The multi-function leave-in milk spray softens, detangles, controls frizz, and protects the hair from heat.
OI Oil // Add shine and softness with an oil that works on every hair type.
Vegetarian Miracle Mask // Repair dry and brittle hair with this impressive treatment that leaves the hair soft, shiny, and easy to comb.
10. HiBAR
We all want great hair, but how about great hair without all the plastic bottles? HiBAR makes solid shampoos and conditioners that are free of soap, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and silicones but also free of plastic packaging.
These products are great for traveling, but you'll probably be a full-time convert soon—especially if you're going in the direction of zero-waste beauty. The bars are reasonably priced and long-lasting.
Moisturize Shampoo & Conditioner Set // The moisturizing bars are great for thicker hair, dry hair, or if you tend to wash more frequently.
Maintain Shampoo & Conditioner Set // Maintain normal hair or help remove product build-up with this combination.
Volumize Shampoo & Conditioner Set // Add more body and definition to thin, fine, or lifeless hair with this solid shampoo and conditioner set.
11. Alterna
This salon-worthy brand promises to elevate ordinary hair care and turn it into an essential self-care ritual. As far back as 1997, Alterna managed to stay away from parabens, SLS/SLES sulfates, synthetic color, and other harsh chemicals.
They don't believe in unnecessary additives and compromise, committing to clean beauty and only the best ingredients for your hair.
Bamboo Shine Luminous Shine Shampoo // The formula maintains hair color while moisturizing, restoring, and giving it strength.
Bamboo Abundant Volume Conditioner // Formulated with bamboo and maca root, this conditioner adds volume for thick, full-bodied hair.
Caviar Anti-Aging Working Hair Spray // This brushable formula controls frizz and lets you style your hair without mess or fuss, plus it works on all hair types.
12. Living Proof
Instead of covering up hair problems, Living Proof tries to solve them. That's why they paired up scientists with hair stylists when first developing their products.
They take pride in owning over 100 patents and 200 awards, living proof that their products truly work.
Flex Shaping Hairspray // Styled hair often has that sticky feel to it, but not with this hairspray. This one is brushable and touchable, bending rather than breaking.
Satin Hair Serum // This vegan serum keeps hair healthy and fresh, glowing and soft.
Restore Perfecting Hairspray // A featherweight conditioning detangler that delivers all the benefits dry, damaged hair needs to look and feel healthier, including UV protection.
13. Mielle Organics
Natural ingredients such as honey, ginger, avocado, babassu oil, and almond oil ensure each hair type meets its perfect match at Mielle. What started as a small, kitchen-based business blending herbs, amino acids, and minerals to support healthy hair, skin, and nails, is now a popular haircare brand endorsed by the likes of Yara Shahidi.
Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk // This best-selling hair milk offers much-needed hydration to dry hair.
Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo // This sulfate-free shampoo detangles thick, type 4 hair even before applying conditioner, without stripping away moisture.
Mint Almond Oil for Healthy Hair and Scalp // Reduce shedding and breakage with an all-natural formula that's ideal for any hair type.
14. Andalou
98% nature-derived, non-GMO, and vegetarian with a large vegan offering, Andalou products are also cruelty-free and gluten-free. This allows them to create quality, efficacious formulas from nutrient-rich ingredients, without the use of pesticides and unnecessary harsh chemicals.
Argan Oil & Shea Moisture Rich Shampoo and Conditioner // Argan oil deeply nourishes and conditions hair, while shea butter supports elasticity, and aloe provides lightweight hydration.
Complex Color Care 1000 Roses // A shampoo that infuses moisture into each hair shaft as it cleanses, to leave hair looking softer and fuller with lasting shine.
15. Carol's Daughter
Founded in the early 90s from a need for a product that suited all types of curls and beauty needs, Carol's Daughter continues the tradition with its cult natural hair care products.
Black Vanilla Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Curly, Wavy or Natural Hair // Transform dry hair into shiny, manageable, ready-to-style hair.
Mimosa Hair Honey Shine Pomade for Textured and Curly Hair // This lightweight hair moisturizer soothes dry itchy scalp, smoothes edges, and controls frizzy hair.
How Do I Choose Safe Hair Products?
When you're shopping for hair care products, look to the back of the packaging rather than the front. The pretty bottle designs and encouraging claims make it easy to lose focus on what's inside.
Products meant to increase volume, for example, might flatten your hair with prolonged use! Always read the ingredient list before purchasing to avoid the ingredients listed above. You can also do a quick search on EWG's Skin Deep to check the safety rating of a particular product.
Consider making your hair products, which can be as simple as putting olive oil on your hair. We have a lot of recipes and tutorials for natural hair care, and once you get started, you'll be hooked!
This is also a great option if you're looking to reduce waste in your beauty routine, because you will avoid all of the plastic waste by packing homemade hair products in reusable glass bottles.
Another way to reduce waste in your hair care is to opt for a solid shampoo and conditioner, such as HiBar or Lush. These look more like soap bars, so they might take some getting used to, but they're great for traveling and for the environment, too.
More Favorite Natural Hair Products
Shampoos
Conditioners
- Burt's Bees Volumizing Conditioner
- Earth's Nectar Invigorating Conditioner
- The Honest Company Detangler Conditioner
Serums
Styling Sprays
- Drybar Seashore Spritzer Salt-Free Wave Spray
- Kiss My Face Hold Up Styling Mousse
- Herbivore Botanicals Sea Mist
Hairbrushes
Do you have any natural hair care brands we should know about? Let us know in the comments!
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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