Natural hair care isn’t a passing trend—it’s a long-term investment in both hair health and the environment. Well-formulated natural shampoos and conditioners cleanse gently, support the scalp’s natural balance, and rely on thoughtfully selected plant-based ingredients rather than harsh chemicals.
For those seeking even higher standards, organic hair products take natural hair care further. Certified organic shampoos and conditioners are made from organically grown ingredients and produced under strict environmental and quality guidelines. Many are also fully eco-friendly, focusing on sustainable sourcing, transparent formulations, and minimal environmental impact.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to identify trustworthy organic hair care products, choose the best natural shampoo and conditioner for your hair type, and build a holistic, sustainable hair care routine.
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What Makes a Shampoo “Natural” or “Organic”?
The terms natural and organic are often used interchangeably in hair care—but they don’t mean the same thing. Understanding the difference is essential if you want a plant-based shampoo or conditioner that truly supports hair health, scalp balance, and sustainable practices.
Organic Shampoo and Conditioner
Organic hair products are made with ingredients grown according to strict organic farming standards, without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms.
It’s important to note that not every product that contains organic ingredients qualifies as fully organic. Usually only a small percentage of a shampoo or conditioner is organically sourced, while the rest may include conventional or naturally derived ingredients and water. Certified organic hair products provide reassurance: even if a formula isn’t 100% organic, it meets verified standards for safety, sustainability, and ingredient integrity.
Natural Hair Care Products
Natural hair care products are made primarily from plant-based or naturally derived ingredients. While this sounds promising, the term “natural” is not strictly regulated. A shampoo labeled natural can still contain synthetic preservatives, fragrances, or other additives. And remember that even naturally occurring substances can be harmful in certain forms—just because an ingredient is natural doesn’t automatically make it safe or beneficial.
This is why it’s wise to look for official certifications rather than relying on vague marketing claims like “clean,” “eco-friendly,” or “made with natural ingredients.” Certified natural or organic hair products ensure that the ingredients and production processes have been independently verified and meet established safety and sustainability standards.
Why Choose an Organic, Eco-Friendly Shampoo?
With so many shampoos on the market claiming to be clean, it can be difficult to know which ones are truly worth choosing. Opting for a certified organic, eco-friendly shampoo ensures your hair care routine is effective, safe, high-quality, and responsible.
Benefits for Your Hair and Scalp
Certified organic and natural shampoos and conditioners avoid harsh sulfates, silicones, synthetic fragrances, and other potentially harmful additives. These ingredients can irritate the scalp or disrupt hormones if used regularly. Choosing high-quality organic hair care products helps your hair stay healthy while minimizing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Environmental and Ethical Benefits
Eco-friendly shampoos go beyond the formula. Many prioritize sustainably sourced ingredients, biodegradable formulas, and recyclable packaging. Choosing these products supports brands that respect both the planet and its people.
Organic and Natural Certifications Explained
Third-party certifications verify that a product meets strict requirements for ingredient sourcing, formulation, and production. While marketing terms such as “clean shampoo” or “plant-based shampoo” can be used freely, certified labels like ECOCERT or COSMOS indicate that an independent organization has reviewed the product and confirmed it meets defined standards.
Key Requirements for Organic Hair Care
Certified organic or natural hair care products typically adhere to standards that include:
- Minimum percentage of natural-origin ingredients: Ensures the formula is primarily derived from plant, mineral, or naturally sourced materials.
- Minimum percentage of organic ingredients: Selected plant ingredients must come from certified organic farming that avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
- Guidelines for eco-friendly production and packaging: Includes environmentally responsible sourcing, biodegradable formulas, and reduced environmental impact throughout manufacturing.
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Strict restrictions on certain common additives:
- Silicones
- Harsh Sulfates (e.g., SLS, SLES)
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Parabens
- Petrochemicals (e.g., mineral oil, certain glycols)
Best Natural and Organic Shampoos by Hair Type
Whether you’re looking to boost hair growth, tame curls, hydrate dry hair, or protect sensitive scalps, there’s a natural shampoo and conditioner duo for you. All of these products are COSMOS Organic certified, ensuring high-quality, plant-based ingredients, safe formulations, and sustainable production.
Best Organic Shampoo and Conditioner for Hair Growth
Grow Perfect™ Duo – Designed for thinning hair, this organic shampoo and conditioner duo combines AnaGain™, rosemary oil, and nourishing botanicals to promote stronger, fuller-looking hair.
Best Natural Shampoo and Conditioner for Curly Hair
Curl Crush™ Duo – Gentle, silicone- and sulfate-free formulas that cleanse and hydrate curly and coily hair without weighing it down, helping curls stay defined and healthy.
Best Natural Shampoo and Conditioner for Repair & Split Ends
Split Fix™ Duo targets split ends and breakage while keeping brittle and damaged hair soft and manageable.
Best Organic Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry and Frizzy Hair
Moisture Hero™ Duo – Deeply moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that provide long-lasting hydration, smooth frizz, and enhance hair softness.
Best Natural Shampoo and Conditioner for Fine or Flat Hair
Volume Wizard™ Duo – Volumizing duo that gives hair an instant lift and fuller appearance, ideal for fine or limp hair.
Best Organic Shampoo and Conditioner for Smooth & Shiny Hair
Heavenly Smooth™ Duo – Smoothing shampoo and conditioner that leave hair irresistibly soft, glossy, and easy to style, without synthetic silicones.
Best Organic Shampoos for Irritated, Greasy or Flaky Scalps
Scalp Delight™ ACV Clarifying Shampoo – Sulfate-free clarifying shampoo with apple cider vinegar that removes buildup and soothes the scalp.
Instant Relief™ Dandruff Shampoo – Balances the scalp with dermosoft® decalact MB to reduce flaking and irritation.
Best Natural Shampoo for Men
The Wingman™ Shampoo – A refreshing and strengthening natural shampoo for men, enriched with amino acids and caffeine to energize hair and scalp.
Best Natural Shampoo for Babies & Children
Tiny Tangles™ Shampoo & Body Wash – Gentle, allergy-certified, and nourishing formula suitable for babies and children, combining shampoo and body wash in one.
How to Transition to Natural Hair Care Products
When you stop using conventional shampoos, your scalp may temporarily produce more oil, and your hair can feel dry, flat, or frizzy. This is normal, as conventional products often coat hair and mask the scalp’s natural balance. Switching to natural hair care allows your scalp to reset, which may take a few weeks but ultimately leads to healthier hair and a balanced scalp.
Why Natural Shampoos and Conditioners Feel Different
One of the first things you may notice is that natural shampoos produce less foam, since they avoid harsh sulfates. Foam doesn’t equal better cleansing—milder, plant-based surfactants clean effectively without stripping the scalp.
Natural conditioners feel different too. Without silicones, they won’t create an instantly smooth, coated feeling, but they gradually nourish and soften hair over time. If your hair has silicone buildup, a deeper cleanse or double wash can help it adjust.
Transition Timeline
The adjustment period varies depending on hair type, scalp condition, and previous product use. Most people notice improvement within 2–6 weeks. Patience is key, as natural ingredients nourish without stripping hair, allowing the scalp and strands to fully adapt.
Tips for Switching to Natural Shampoo & Conditioner
- Stick to one natural shampoo and conditioner suited for your hair type.
- Adjust washing frequency to prevent dryness or oiliness.
- Massage the scalp thoroughly while shampooing to remove oils and buildup.
- Use a conditioner or hair mask to maintain moisture.
- Use a clarifying shampoo or double shampoo if your hair feels limp or has buildup.
Building a Full Natural Hair Care Routine
Switching to a natural shampoo and conditioner is just the start. Complement your routine with other natural hair care products to achieve healthy, strong, and beautiful hair. Hairlust offers a wide range of organic products designed to nourish, protect, and style without harsh chemicals or synthetic additives.
Natural Hair Masks and Treatments
Natural deep conditioners and hair treatments are key to keeping hair hydrated, smooth, and resilient. Natural hair care products provide intensive moisture for dry or frizzy hair, repair split ends, and strengthen strands from root to tip. Examples include:
- Moisture Hero™ Hair Oil – 100% natural hydration for coarse or frizz-prone hair.
- Split Fix™ Hair Mask – Targets split ends and breakage while smoothing hair.
- Grow Perfect™ Hair Growth Serum – Supports hair growth and scalp health with Redensyl®, CAPIXYL™, RootBioTec™ and AnaGain™.
Natural Styling Products That Don’t Weigh Hair Down
Styling products can support your look without compromising hair health. Hairlust’s organic styling products are designed to enhance texture, define curls, and protect hair from heat and environmental damage:
- Curl Crush™ Defining Cream – Defines and nourishes curls naturally.
- Thermal Shield™ Heat Protectant – Shields hair from styling tools while keeping it soft and hydrated.
- Ocean Water Sea Salt Spray – Adds volume and texture without drying hair.
- Refresh Powder™ Dry Shampoo – Refreshes hair naturally between washes without aerosols or synthetic additives.
Create a Full Clean Hair Care Routine
A complete natural hair care routine combines shampoo, conditioner, masks, treatments, and styling products suited to your hair type and goals. The Hairlust Hair Test is a personalized quiz that analyzes your hair type, scalp condition, and preferences to recommend the best natural hair care products for your needs.
Choosing certified organic and natural hair products ensures a routine that looks and feels good while supporting long-term hair health, scalp wellness, and sustainability.
FAQs About Natural and Organic Hair Care
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What is the difference between a natural shampoo and an organic shampoo?
A natural shampoo is made mostly from plant-based and naturally derived ingredients, while a certified organic shampoo must meet strict standards for organically grown ingredients and environmentally responsible production. Choosing certified organic hair products ensures you get true quality rather than just marketing claims.
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How do I choose the best natural shampoo and conditioner for my hair?
Look for COSMOS or ECOCERT-certified products, check ingredient lists, and select formulations suited to your hair type — for example, moisturizing duos for dry hair or volume-boosting sets for fine hair. The Hairlust Hair Test can also recommend the best natural shampoo and conditioner tailored to your needs.
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Are eco-friendly shampoos really better for the environment?
Yes. Eco-friendly shampoos and clean shampoos use sustainably sourced, biodegradable ingredients and often come in recyclable packaging. Choosing certified organic hair care products helps reduce your personal impact while maintaining healthy hair.
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What are plant-based shampoos and how are they different?
Plant-based shampoos rely on botanical ingredients rather than synthetic chemicals. They are gentle on the hair and scalp and usually free from harsh sulfates, silicones, and parabens. Many plant-based formulas are also organic hair products, combining natural care with environmental responsibility.
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Can I use natural hair products on all hair types?
Absolutely. There are natural hair care products for every need: hydrating products for dry hair, strengthening shampoos for thinning hair, curl-friendly conditioners, and scalp-balancing shampoos. The key is to choose the best organic shampoo and conditioner for your specific hair goals.
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Are natural hair care products as effective as conventional products?
Yes. Certified natural and organic hair care products are formulated to nourish, protect, and strengthen hair without harmful chemicals. While they may foam less or feel different due to the absence of silicones, they support long-term hair health, maintain scalp balance, and prevent buildup.
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Can natural shampoos cause a transition period?
Sometimes. When switching from conventional products to a good natural shampoo or organic shampoo, hair may go through a short adjustment phase as it adapts to milder surfactants. This is normal and temporary, and hair usually becomes stronger, shinier, and healthier over time.
