The Clean Haircare Edit: 4 Non-Toxic Must-Haves
Learn why these are the best toxic-free and clean hair products on the market!
Looking for an easy hair care routine that’s also toxic-free? I’ve done the research for you, and these four eco-friendly, clean hair products are all you need to take you from washing to curling!
Are you following our Clean Series? Head over to our clean natural products post to discover more toxic-free swaps!
*I’m neither a scientist nor a doctor. This information is based on my personal experience, research, and opinion. You should always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen or if you have questions.
Wondering why you should skip traditional hair care products?
Here are just a few of the chemicals commonly found in traditional hair care products:
- 🛑 Chemical Dyes & Synthetic Colors – Often petroleum- or coal-tar–based; may contain carcinogens and heavy metals.
- 🛑 Formaldehyde – Known carcinogen and respiratory irritant.
- 🛑 Parabens & Phthalates – Hormone disruptors linked to fertility, development, and cancer risk.
- 🛑 Phosphates – Linked to bone and cardiovascular health concerns.
- 🛑 Synthetic Fragrance (“Fragrance/Parfum”) – Can cause headaches, skin reactions, hormone disruption, and increased cancer risk.
- 🛑 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – Harsh surfactant linked to dry skin, irritation, and eczema.
- 🛑 Silicones – May contain impurities, disrupt hormones, irritate skin, and block moisture in hair.
- 🛑 Triclosan – Disrupts hormones, promotes antibiotic resistance, and harms aquatic ecosystems.
Below are the BEST toxic-free & completely clean hair care products that are safer for you, your home, & the environment:
- ✅ Shampoo & Conditioner – VIORI Native Essence Bar Set
- ✅ Heat Protectant – Under Luna Deep Magic Hair & Scalp Serum
- ✅ Dry Shampoo – Fat And The Moon Dry Shampoo
- ✅ Hairspray – Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Hold
1. Best Shampoo & Conditioner: VIORI Native Essence Bar Set
VIORI Native Essence Bar Set $17.63 (reg. $18.80)
Opt to Subscribe & Save (10 -15% off + free shipping w/ Prime)
Final cost $15.87 shipped (10% off) or $14.98 shipped (15% off)
These zero-waste shampoo and conditioner bars deliver a rich, effective clean that leaves hair soft, manageable, and easy to detangle, something many natural formulas struggle with. Each bar lasts months, making it a low-waste, budget-friendly swap that replaces bulky bottles and frequent washes. Rooted in centuries-old rice water traditions, this set is a simple, zero-waste & non-toxic upgrade that works beautifully across hair types and textures.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to VIORI Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Sets:
- ✅ Organically grown Longsheng rice from The Red Yao Tribe
- ✅ pH balanced & only uses safe, natural ingredients
- ✅ Naturally restores hair health, shine, & density
- ✅ Ideal for all hair types
- ✅ Multiple certifications, including Certified Vegan, Carbon Neutral, Fair Trade & more
2. Best Heat Protectant: Under Luna Deep Magic Hair & Scalp Serum
This lightweight oil is a true multitasker. Just a few drops help smooth frizz, add texture, and support scalp health without weighing hair down. It’s highly concentrated, so one bottle lasts months, and the experience feels more like a calming ritual than a routine step. Thoughtfully made and packaged, it’s an easy, low-waste addition to a clean haircare lineup.
*Note that the packaging has recently changed.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Under Luna Deep Magic:
- ✅ 5 Simple & organic ingredients
- ✅ Naturally encourages growth & strengthens hair
- ✅ Sustainably sourced ingredients
- ✅ Versatile for many different uses
- ✅ Thoughtful glass bottles that can be recycled or reused
3. Best Dry Shampoo: Fat And The Moon Dry Shampoo
Fat And The Moon Dry Shampoo $16.20 w/ S&S
The Fat And The Moon dry shampoo has 6 simple and organic ingredients, and it’s so non-toxic it’s nearly edible. (Although we don’t recommend eating it. 😉) Despite being brown, this dry shampoo is suitable for all hair types and colors, and the unique blend keeps your hair from looking dull and powdery regardless of your hair color.
The organic ingredients are sustainably sourced and come from farmer co-ops, and every product is made to order. It’s easily applied by dipping a brush into the powder to get a precise application on your scalp. The product itself is 100% biodegradable,e and I love the 100% plastic-free tin.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Fat And The Moon Dry Shampoo:
- ✅ 6 Simple & organic ingredients
- ✅ Wildly crafted & sustainably sourced ingredients
- ✅ 100% Biodegradable
- ✅ Suitable for all hair colors
- ✅ Thoughtful tin packaging that can be reused with their dry shampoo pouches
4. Best Hairspray: Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Hold
This styling spray delivers a dependable, flexible hold without the stiffness or buildup common in traditional hairsprays. Innersense is known for its organic, thoughtfully sourced formulas, and this one styles smoothly while enhancing shine and definition across hair types. It wears clean throughout the day with a subtle scent that fades quickly, making it an easy, everyday styling staple you can feel good about using.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Hold:
- ✅ Certified Organic
- ✅ Contains natural humectants to provide moisture to hair & scalp
- ✅ Contains antioxidants to heal hair naturally
- ✅ Sustainably packaged
- ✅ Ideal for all hair types & textures
This is the one thing I was having trouble finding. I didn’t think a shampoo and conditioner existed that didn’t have all the poisons in them. Believe me, I’ve researched and looked around a lot. I ordered them and have high hopes. Thank you Sara.
You’re very welcome, Carol! I’m so glad this post was helpful to you. I had never used a bar shampoo or conditioner before and don’t think I’ll ever go back to liquid soaps because I’ve been loving these so much! I hope you enjoy them and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! 🥰
I am SO happy to find this post and to learn it’s a series! Please keep it going.
I’m so glad you found this series too, Chalee, and I hope you’re able to make many amazing swaps! Thanks for stopping by to leave such a sweet comment. 🥰
Hello Sara,
Any other recs for hard water removal. We have extremely hard water it was 425 on the test. I have exhausted many products including Malibu. ACV is the only luck but then the odors strong and of course I rather not use this regularly lol.
I have tried another Viori but hairstylist and myself noticed not anle to use with hard wster and highlights.
Love your posts!
Cheers
Jackie
Hey Jackie!
I’m so glad you love my posts, and I really appreciate your sweet comment! Thank you for stopping by to share some love – you made my day. 🤍
Hard water is tough, especially when you have highlights. Since ACV works, but the smell isn’t ideal (I totally get that!), a good alternative is citric acid. It’s basically like lemon in powder form, but without the smell. You just mix 1 teaspoon of it into 2 cups of warm water, pour it over your hair after shampooing, leave it on for a minute or two, and rinse. It helps break down the hard water buildup without affecting your color. Doing this frequently can dry out your scalp, though, so I would just be cautious of that.
As an alternative, if you don’t already have one, I think a shower filter that’s made to remove hard minerals can help better over time and won’t create that extra step in your routine. Not all filters are strong enough, so look for ones that mention calcium and magnesium (and, of course, the bad stuff like chlorine, fluoride, etc.). I hope this is helpful, and best of luck!