How to choose the best natural shampoo for your hair type

Natural shampoos contain essential oils and ingredients that care for the hair and scalp for healthier hair from the root. They are also usually biodegradable thanks to formulas free of polluting synthetic ingredients: you look after your hair and the environment at the same time.

Why choose a natural shampoo

Conventional shampoos often contain silicones, parabens and sulphates that build up in the hair with prolonged use and can upset the scalp's natural pH. Over time, hair can lose its shine and become drier.

Natural shampoos, on the other hand, are suitable for the whole family, including children, thanks to the gentleness of their ingredients. They are also the most recommended for coloured or highlighted hair, as essential oils care for and enhance the colour.

With regular use, they reduce the most common problems of damaged hair, such as dry hair, dandruff or itching linked to products with lots of harsh chemicals.

Types of natural shampoo

Liquid natural shampoo

The most common format. Its fluid texture makes it easy to spread evenly through the hair. Look for formulas free of harsh sulphates (such as SLS and SLES) and without parabens for gentler cleansing.

Natural solid shampoo

Solid shampoos are one of the most sustainable and economical options: they contain less water than liquids, which makes the product more concentrated, and they do without plastic packaging. They are particularly effective for normal to dry hair. They need a short adjustment period (2-3 weeks) while the scalp adapts its sebum production.

Sulphate-free shampoo

Sulphates are the cleansing agents that create foam in conventional shampoos. A sulphate-free shampoo cleanses more gently and gradually, which makes it ideal for coloured hair (sulphates can speed up colour fading), curly hair or a sensitive scalp.

Beneficial natural ingredients in shampoos

How to choose a natural shampoo for your hair type

Oily hair

Look for shampoos without heavy oils in the formula and with purifying ingredients such as tea tree or lemon. Sulphate-free solid shampoos can be very effective. Avoid very rich formulas or those with too much coconut or argan oil, as they can weigh oily hair down.

Dry or damaged hair

Prioritise shampoos with nourishing oils such as argan, shea or olive oil. Formulas with silk proteins or plant-based keratin help seal the hair fibre and reduce frizz.

Coloured hair

Choose specific shampoos that are sulphate-free and colour-protecting. Natural shampoos with chamomile are ideal for blondes; those with henna or walnut for dark brown or red hair. Avoid washing every day to keep the colour longer.

Fine hair

Opt for light, silicone-free formulas that don't weigh hair down. Shampoos with plant proteins or biotin can give fine hair more body and strength without adding weight.

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Frequently asked questions

How often should you use natural shampoo?

It depends on your hair type. Natural shampoo can be used as often as a conventional one. If you switch to a solid or sulphate-free shampoo from a conventional one, there may be an adjustment period of 2-4 weeks in which hair can feel greasier or duller while the scalp adapts its sebum production.

Are natural shampoos as effective as conventional ones?

Yes, although they may need a little more time to adapt to. Sulphate-free cleansing may seem less foamy, but that doesn't make it any less effective. Many users find that after the adjustment period their hair is more balanced and needs washing less often.

What is the difference between natural, organic and eco shampoo?

The three terms are used rather loosely on the market. The most reliable thing is to look for official certifications such as Cosmos Organic, Ecocert or NATRUE. These labels guarantee a minimum percentage of natural or organic ingredients and exclude certain harmful synthetic components.