Best shampoo for transitioning to natural hair

Why it works

Sulfate-free and gentle cleansing

Shampoos clean with surfactants. Strong anionic types such as lauryl sulfates remove oil very well but can over-clean, leaving hair rough, dull and frizzier, which matters most for dry, curly or chemically treated hair. Milder amphoteric and nonionic cleansers remove less oil, and dermatology reviews suggest mild, neutral pH shampoos for dyed or permed hair. The evidence is mainly mechanism and expert opinion: one review notes there are no published analyses of how well sulfate-free shampoos perform. Dermatologists also advise applying shampoo to the scalp rather than the lengths and conditioning after washing. People with very oily scalps may still do better with a stronger cleanser.

Hydrolyzed proteins, keratin and amino acids

Hydrolyzed proteins are proteins broken into smaller pieces so they can cling to, and sometimes enter, the hair shaft. In a lab study on chemically relaxed, very curly hair, small and mid-sized keratin peptides reached the inner cortex, and mid-sized and large peptides raised break strength and cut early breakage. Dermatology reviews describe a protective, anti-frizz effect and note that proteins can temporarily mend split ends. The evidence is mostly lab testing on hair fibers, partly funded by an ingredient supplier, with no consumer trials. Effects wash out over time, and amino acids do not rebuild damaged keratin.

Plant oils for hair (coconut, argan)

Plant oils mainly coat the hair surface, reducing friction and slowing water uptake. Coconut oil is the best studied: in a lab study by researchers at a hair-oil company, it was the only one of three oils that markedly reduced protein loss from hair, which the authors credit to its small, straight fat molecules entering the shaft. Sunflower and mineral oil did not reduce protein loss. Evidence for argan oil is thinner: one small lab study found a conditioner containing it reduced protein loss in hair treated with a lightening dye. There are no good consumer trials. Like other leave-on products, oils can make fine, straight hair look oily.