Is Native Shampoo Good for Your Hair? Exploring the Pros and Cons

Pros

• Natural ingredients: Native shampoo is made from natural ingredients that are gentle on your hair and scalp.
• Environmentally friendly: Using native shampoo supports local businesses and reduces the environmental impact of your personal care products.
• No harsh chemicals: Native shampoo is free of synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals commonly found in commercial shampoos.

Cons

• Price: Native shampoo can be more expensive than commercial shampoos due to the cost of sourcing high-quality natural ingredients.
• Availability: Native shampoo may not be readily available at your local drugstore or supermarket.
• Adjusting period: It may take your hair and scalp some time to adjust to the natural ingredients in native shampoo. Some users experience an initial period of dryness or oiliness before their hair balances out.

Alternatives to Native Shampoo

If you’re looking for a natural alternative to commercial shampoos but are unsure if native shampoo is right for you, there are other options to consider. Here are a few alternatives:

• Ayurvedic Shampoo: Ayurvedic shampoos are made from herbs and natural ingredients that have been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine.
• Organic Shampoo: Organic shampoos are made with certified organic ingredients and are free of synthetic fragrances, parabens, and sulfates.
• DIY Shampoo: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own shampoo using natural ingredients like baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil.

Step by Step Guide to Choosing and Using Native Shampoo

1. Research local brands: Look for brands in your area that use locally sourced ingredients to make their shampoo. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family.
2. Know your hair type: Consider your hair type and any specific concerns you may have, such as dryness, dandruff, or thinning hair.
3. Patch test: Before using any new product, it’s important to do a patch test to ensure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients.
4. Be patient: Give your hair and scalp time to adjust to the natural ingredients in native shampoo. It may take a few weeks for your hair to balance out.

Comparing Native Shampoo to Commercial Shampoo

Native Shampoo:

• Made from locally sourced ingredients
• Free of synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals
• May be more expensive than commercial shampoos
• May not lather or smell as strongly as commercial shampoos

Commercial Shampoo:

• Made from synthetic ingredients
• Often contains harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens
• Widely available and affordable
• May cause dryness, itchiness, or dandruff for some users

Tips for Using Native Shampoo

• Use warm, not hot water when washing your hair to prevent stripping your hair of its natural oils.
• Massage the shampoo into your scalp to promote blood flow and stimulate hair growth.
• Rinse thoroughly to avoid any build-up of product on your hair and scalp.
• Follow up with a conditioner or hair oil to keep your hair soft and hydrated.

TheBest Native Shampoos on the Market

If you’re interested in trying out native shampoo, here are a few top-rated options to consider:

1. Banyan Botanicals Shampoo: This Ayurvedic shampoo is made with herbs like neem and Brahmi to nourish and strengthen your hair.

2. Plaine Products Shampoo: Plaine Products makes a line of all-natural shampoos that are free of sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.

3. Acure Organics Shampoo: Acure Organics offers a variety of organic shampoos that are formulated for different hair types and concerns.

4. Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Shampoo Bars: These shampoo bars contain all-natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils and are packaged in compostable materials.

Conclusion

Native shampoo can be a great choice for those looking for a natural alternative to commercial shampoos. It’s gentle on both your hair and the environment and contains no harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. However, it may take some time for your hair to adjust to the new ingredients, and it can be more expensive than traditional shampoos. Consider doing a patch test and giving your hair time to adjust before committing to a new product.

FAQs

1. Is native shampoo good for color-treated hair?
   Yes, native shampoo is gentle enough to use on color-treated hair and can help prevent further damage from harsh chemicals found in many commercial shampoos.

2. Can I use native shampoo every day?
   Yes, native shampoo can be used daily, but it may take your hair and scalp some time to adjust to the natural ingredients.

3. Will native shampoo make my hair smell different?
   Native shampoo may not smell as strongly as commercial shampoos, as it does not contain synthetic fragrances. However, it should not leave a bad odor on your hair.

4. Can I use native shampoo on my children?
   Yes, native shampoo is safe to use on children’s hair and can be a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

5. How long will it take for my hair to adjust to native shampoo?
   It may take a few weeks for your hair to balance out and adjust to the new ingredients in native shampoo. Be patient and give your hair time to adapt to the change.

Stephanie Peter

Stephanie is a hair specialist at Belady Hair Factory, a high-end hair distributor located in downtown Toronto. She is a trained cosmetologist and has been with the company for over five years. Stephanie has vast knowledge in hair care and styling and can provide clients with everything from classic to trendy looks. She is also knowledgeable about the different products in the market and can help clients choose the right one for their hair type. Full her bio.