May 29, 2025

Why Natural Shampoo Is the Key to Healthier Hair

By Dr. Tahani Williams, M.D.

Natural shampoo isn’t just a trend – it’s a conscious shift toward better scalp health, safer ingredients, and a cleaner planet. If you're trying to ditch harsh chemicals and give your hair what it truly needs, a natural shampoo could be the missing link in your routine.

But first, what exactly is natural shampoo?

Contrary to marketing claims, the word “natural” isn’t regulated. This means brands can use it loosely, even when their formulas still contain artificial fragrances, preservatives, or harsh surfactants. A true natural shampoo without harsh, irritating chemicals avoids sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. It relies on safe cleansers to gently purify your scalp – without stripping or irritating it.

At Cleure, we don’t just toss in a few minerals and call it natural. Our formulas are physician developed & dermatologist tested, sulfate-free, and fragrance-free – ideal for sensitive scalps, color-treated hair, or anyone who wants a clean, effective product that works.

Shop our selection of carefully formulated and tested hair care.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s the best natural shampoo for real results, look beyond the label.

Gently clean without irritation.

Traditional shampoos often rely on sulfates – like sodium lauryl sulfate – to create lather and remove oil. But sulfates can overdo it, stripping away your hair’s natural protective barrier. That dryness is especially tough on sensitive scalps, often causing flakiness or itching.

In contrast, Cleure’s natural shampoo uses a coconut-derived cleanser that’s just as effective at removing dirt and buildup – but without the harsh side effects. It’s hypoallergenic and gentle enough for daily use.

But does natural shampoo actually work?

Yes! With the right gentle, safe ingredients your hair will have never felt cleaner. There’s a common myth that natural shampoo can’t clean effectively. That may be true if you’re DIY-ing it with ingredients like apple cider vinegar or baking soda. While these may sound natural, they often throw off your scalp’s pH and leave behind buildup that’s hard to wash out.

So, how do you make natural shampoo at home? Technically, you can – but should you? Most homemade versions lack the cleansing agents necessary to remove environmental grime, oils, and styling products. And while baking soda might leave your scalp feeling squeaky clean initially, it can damage your hair cuticle over time. Stick with a professionally formulated, science-backed natural shampoo instead.

Try a shampoo so transparent that it feels like you made it yourself – with simple, effective ingredients that work even better than the harsh chemicals in other brands.

Check out our full list of clear, pure ingredients used in all Cleure products.

Clean ingredients for sensitive scalps.

If you’re dealing with a sensitive scalp or allergies, natural shampoos are the clear winner. According to The EDEN Fragrance Study in Contact Dermatitis, synthetic fragrances are among the most common causes of cosmetic-related skin reactions (1). That’s why Cleure avoids all fragrances – even essential oils. This is in favor of our minimalist, skin-first approach.

Do you have a sensitive scalp? Learn more about types, causes and treatment options.

How to Choose the Best Natural Shampoo for Your Hair

No two heads of hair are the same. So, what is the best natural shampoo for you? The answer depends on your hair type:

Fine or oily hair: Go for a lightweight, sulfate-free cleanser that won’t weigh you down. Cleure’s formula rinses clean, keeping volume intact.
Curly or dry hair: Look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin or vitamin E. Follow up with a gentle conditioner to prevent frizz and retain moisture. Better yet? Find a gentle, effective shampoo and conditioner duo.
Color-treated hair: Choose a gentle, pH-balanced formula that won’t strip your dye.

Looking for advice on how to extend the life of your color-treated hair? Check out our blog, 6 Tips to Maintain Color Treated Hair.

Better for You, Better for the Planet

Swapping to a gentler shampoo isn't just about using a marketing term such as "natural" or clean ingredients – it’s a step toward a healthier you and a healthier planet. Natural shampoos are biodegradable and free from ingredients that pollute waterways or disrupt marine ecosystems. You get beautiful, healthy hair with a clean conscience.

Natural shampoo works when it’s done right. At Cleure, we’ve taken the guesswork out of going clean. Our formulas are simple, safe, and effective – no irritants, no toxins, no gimmicks. Just the essentials your hair actually needs.