Native Shampoo has been making waves in the haircare industry for quite some time now. With its clean and minimalist branding, promises of being free from harmful chemicals, and a focus on natural ingredients, Native has gained a loyal fan base. But how does it really stack up against its promises, and is it worth the hype? In this article, we’ll delve into an in-depth review of Native Shampoo, covering its ingredients, benefits, drawbacks, and whether it’s worth incorporating into your haircare routine. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear picture of what this product has to offer and if it’s the right choice for you.
About Native: The Brand
Native is a brand primarily known for its natural deodorants, which have been widely praised for being effective and free from aluminum. Recently, the brand has expanded into other personal care products, including body washes and haircare products like shampoos and conditioners. Native prides itself on using clean, simple ingredients and being transparent about what goes into their products. Their shampoos follow this philosophy, promising a sulfate-free, silicone-free, and paraben-free formulation.
The company markets its shampoo line as a gentle, plant-based alternative to traditional haircare products, making it suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair. But does it live up to these promises? Let’s dive into the details.
The Ingredients: A Closer Look
One of Native’s biggest selling points is its ingredients list. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and what they bring to the table:
- Coconut Oil
Known for its moisturizing properties, coconut oil helps hydrate and strengthen hair. It’s particularly beneficial for dry or damaged hair and provides a natural shine. - Shea Butter
Shea butter is a rich emollient that nourishes the scalp and reduces dryness. It also helps smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and improving overall manageability. - Tapioca Starch
This plant-based ingredient is used to provide a lightweight, non-greasy texture to the shampoo. It helps balance the oiliness of the scalp without stripping natural oils. - Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
A sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut oil, this ingredient is responsible for the gentle cleansing action of the shampoo. It lathers well without being harsh on the scalp. - Natural Fragrances
Native shampoos are available in a variety of scents, such as Coconut & Vanilla, Cucumber & Mint, and Almond & Shea Butter. These fragrances are derived from natural sources, avoiding the use of synthetic or potentially harmful chemicals. - Water and Glycerin
Glycerin helps retain moisture in the hair, while water serves as the base of the formulation, ensuring the product is easy to use and apply.
What It Leaves Out
Native is committed to creating products that avoid potentially harmful ingredients. Here’s what you won’t find in Native Shampoo:
- Sulfates: Known to strip natural oils and cause dryness, sulfates are replaced with gentler alternatives.
- Silicones: While silicones can provide a smooth finish, they often cause buildup over time. Native opts for a silicone-free formula.
- Parabens: Linked to potential health risks, parabens are avoided in all Native products.
- Dyes and Synthetic Fragrances: Native keeps its products free from artificial coloring and overpowering chemical scents.
This clean formulation is a significant plus for individuals with sensitive skin, those following a natural beauty regimen, or anyone who wants to avoid unnecessary chemicals in their personal care routine.
Performance: How Does Native Shampoo Work?
To determine if Native Shampoo delivers on its promises, let’s examine its performance across key categories:
1. Cleansing Power
Native Shampoo provides a gentle cleansing experience. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and buildup without stripping the scalp of its natural oils. Unlike shampoos containing sulfates, which can leave your hair feeling squeaky clean but overly dry, Native maintains the right balance by cleansing without over-drying.
This makes it an excellent option for those with normal to dry hair or anyone with a sensitive scalp. However, individuals with very oily hair may find that it doesn’t provide as deep a cleanse as a traditional sulfate-based shampoo.
2. Hydration and Moisturization
The inclusion of coconut oil and shea butter gives Native Shampoo strong hydrating properties. It works well for people with dry or damaged hair, helping to restore moisture and prevent further breakage. Users with curly or textured hair may also appreciate the added hydration, as it helps define curls and minimize frizz.
However, for those with fine or oily hair, the moisturizing ingredients might feel a bit heavy, potentially leading to a weighed-down feeling. In such cases, pairing the shampoo with a lightweight conditioner or using it less frequently may help.
3. Fragrance
Native’s shampoos are available in a variety of natural fragrances, which are a highlight for many users. Scents like Coconut & Vanilla and Almond & Shea Butter are particularly popular, offering a subtle yet luxurious experience during use. The fragrances are not overpowering and don’t linger for too long, making them suitable for individuals sensitive to strong scents.
4. Lather
Despite being sulfate-free, Native Shampoo produces a good amount of lather. This is a pleasant surprise for users accustomed to traditional shampoos, as many sulfate-free alternatives tend to struggle in this department. The lather makes it easy to distribute the product evenly through the hair.
5. Suitability for Different Hair Types
Native Shampoo is designed to work for all hair types, including straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. It’s also safe for color-treated hair, as it avoids ingredients that strip color or cause fading. However, the level of hydration and the formulation may be more suited to those with normal, dry, or damaged hair. Those with very fine or oily hair may need to experiment with how often they use it to avoid over-moisturizing.
Pros of Native Shampoo
- Clean Ingredients: Free from sulfates, silicones, and parabens, making it a safer choice for your scalp and hair health.
- Gentle on the Scalp: Ideal for people with sensitive scalps or those prone to irritation from harsh chemicals.
- Environmentally Friendly: Native is a cruelty-free brand, and its products are packaged in recyclable materials.
- Pleasant Fragrances: The natural, subtle fragrances enhance the user experience without being overwhelming.
- Hydration Benefits: Coconut oil and shea butter deliver excellent moisturization for dry or damaged hair.
Cons of Native Shampoo
- Price Point: Native Shampoo is slightly more expensive than traditional drugstore brands, which may not suit all budgets.
- Not Ideal for Very Oily Hair: The gentle formula may not provide a deep enough cleanse for those with excessively oily hair or scalp.
- Limited Availability: While Native products are available online and in select stores, they may not be as widely accessible as other brands.
User Feedback: What Are People Saying?
Native Shampoo has generally received positive reviews from users. Here’s a summary of what people love and what they think could be improved:
What Users Love:
- The clean, sulfate-free formula feels gentle and non-irritating.
- Many people notice softer, shinier hair after using Native Shampoo.
- The pleasant fragrances are a big hit among customers.
Common Complaints:
- Some users feel that the shampoo is not hydrating enough for extremely dry or coarse hair.
- A few users with very oily hair mention needing to wash more frequently.
- Others feel the price is on the higher side for the amount of product offered.
Is Native Shampoo Worth It?
Native Shampoo is an excellent choice for anyone looking to switch to a clean, sulfate-free haircare product. Its gentle formula, natural ingredients, and pleasant fragrances make it a strong contender in the world of natural shampoos. While it’s not perfect for everyone—especially those with very oily hair or tight budgets—it’s a solid option for individuals with normal, dry, or color-treated hair who value clean beauty.
The price may be a consideration, but for those willing to invest in a high-quality, natural shampoo, Native delivers on its promises. If you’re tired of harsh chemicals and want a product that aligns with a more natural lifestyle, Native Shampoo is worth giving a try.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Native Shampoo stands out as a clean, effective, and environmentally conscious option in the haircare market. While it may not work perfectly for everyone, its benefits outweigh its drawbacks for the majority of users. Whether you’re looking to simplify your haircare routine, protect color-treated hair, or avoid harsh chemicals, Native Shampoo has a lot to offer. Give it a try and see how it works for your hair type—you might just find your new go-to shampoo!
