If you have natural hair, you know that finding the right shampoo can be a daunting task. With so many different brands and formulas on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.
This guide will help you navigate the world of natural hair shampoos and find the perfect one for your individual needs. We’ll cover everything from the different types of shampoos available to the key ingredients to look for. We’ll also provide a list of 100+ top-rated shampoos for natural hair, so you can find the perfect one for your budget and hair type.
Natural hair is hair that has not been chemically treated or straightened. This includes hair that is curly, coily, or kinky. Natural hair can be dry, coarse, and prone to breakage. It is important to use a shampoo that is designed for natural hair in order to avoid damaging it.
Natural shampoo is typically made with plant-based ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera. These ingredients help to nourish and moisturize natural hair. They also help to reduce frizz and promote hair growth.
There are many different types of natural hair shampoos available on the market. Some of the most common types include:
- Moisturizing shampoos: These shampoos are designed to hydrate dry, coarse natural hair. They often contain ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and almond oil.
- Clarifying shampoos: These shampoos are designed to remove build-up from the hair and scalp. They often contain ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and lemon juice.
- Anti-dandruff shampoos: These shampoos are designed to treat dandruff, a common scalp condition. They often contain ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole.
- Volumizing shampoos: These shampoos are designed to add volume to fine, limp natural hair. They often contain ingredients such as biotin, niacinamide, and caffeine.
- Conditioning shampoos: These shampoos are designed to condition the hair as they cleanse it. They often contain ingredients such as amino acids, keratin, and panthenol.
When choosing a natural hair shampoo, there are a few key ingredients to look for. These ingredients include:
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that helps to hydrate and condition natural hair. It also helps to reduce frizz and promote hair growth.
- Shea butter: Shea butter is another natural moisturizer that helps to nourish and protect natural hair. It also helps to reduce inflammation and promote hair growth.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to soothe and condition the scalp. It also helps to reduce dandruff and promote hair growth.
- Argan oil: Argan oil is a natural oil that helps to nourish and protect natural hair. It also helps to reduce frizz and promote hair growth.
- Biotin: Biotin is a B vitamin that helps to strengthen hair and promote hair growth.
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a B vitamin that helps to improve blood circulation to the scalp. This can help to promote hair growth.
- Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that helps to increase blood flow to the scalp. This can help to promote hair growth.
The frequency with which you wash your natural hair depends on your individual hair type and scalp condition. However, most experts recommend washing natural hair 1-2 times per week. Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils and lead to dryness and breakage.
The best way to choose the right shampoo for your natural hair type is to experiment with different brands and formulas until you find one that works well for you. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- If you have dry, coarse natural hair: Look for a moisturizing shampoo that contains ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and almond oil.
- If you have fine, limp natural hair: Look for a volumizing shampoo that contains ingredients such as biotin, niacinamide, and caffeine.
- If you have dandruff: Look for an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole.
Here is a list of 100+ top-rated shampoos for natural hair:
| Shampoo | Price | Hair Type | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo | $10-$15 | All hair types | Coconut oil, shea butter, hibiscus flower extract |
| Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Cream Shampoo | $5-$10 | Dry, coarse hair | Shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera |
| Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo | $8-$12 | Dry, damaged hair | Shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera |
| Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate-Free Shampoo | $12-$18 | All hair types | Vanilla extract, shea butter, coconut oil |
| Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture Shampoo | $10-$15 | Dry, coarse hair | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo | $20-$25 | Curly hair | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| DevaCurl No-Poo Decadence Zero Lather Moisturizing Milk Cleanser | $25-$30 | Curly hair | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| Bumble and Bumble Curl Shampoo | $30-$35 | Curly hair | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo | $20-$25 | Curly hair | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo | $28-$32 | All hair types | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo | $32-$36 | All hair types | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo with Aloe Vera | $35-$40 | Dry, coarse hair | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| Amika Normcore Signature Shampoo | $25-$30 | All hair types | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo | $23-$27 | All hair types | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| LIVING PROOF Full Shampoo | $29-$33 | All hair types | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| Kerastase Elixir Ultime Shampoo | $35-$40 | All hair types | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo | $28-$32 | All hair types | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| Kevin Murphy Hydrate-Me.Wash Shampoo | $30-$35 | All hair types | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo | $39-$43 | All hair types | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
| Redken All Soft Shampoo | $18-$22 | All hair types | Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera |
Here are a few tips and tricks for washing natural hair:
- Wet your hair thoroughly: Before you apply shampoo, make sure to wet your hair thoroughly. This will help to remove dirt and debris from your hair and scalp.
- Use a gentle shampoo: Natural hair is delicate, so it is important to use a gentle shampoo. Avoid using harsh shampoos that contain sulfates or parabens.
- Massage your scalp: When you apply shampoo, gently massage your scalp. This will help to loosen dirt and debris and promote hair growth.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly: After you have applied shampoo, rinse your hair thoroughly. This will remove all of the shampoo from your hair.
- Condition your hair: After you have washed your hair, condition it. This will help to moisturize and nourish your hair.
- Avoid over-washing your hair: Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils and lead to dryness and breakage. Most experts recommend washing natural hair 1-2 times per week.
Finding the right shampoo for natural hair can be a daunting task, but it is important to take the time to find one that works well for you. By following the tips and tricks in this guide, you can find the perfect shampoo for your natural hair type and achieve healthy, beautiful hair.