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Hair often behaves differently after a move. New water, colder winters, indoor heating, a gym routine, and a shelf of shampoos you do not recognise.
Plenty of men end up looking for something closer to what they used at home, with a shorter ingredient list.
This guide covers eight natural and sulphate-free shampoos from Indian brands, what each maker lists on the label, and what the word "natural" covers on a shampoo bottle. All eight ship to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and the Middle East.
Less than most people assume.
The FDA says it does not have a list of approved or accepted claims for cosmetics, and that labelling, including claims, must be truthful and not misleading. There is no pre-approval of the wording on the front of a bottle.
For "organic", the FDA is more direct. It states that "the term 'organic' is not defined in either of these laws or the regulations that FDA enforces", and points to the USDA's National Organic Program for that definition.
The same FDA page makes a point worth keeping in mind while you shop: "An ingredient's source does not determine its safety."
So "natural" on the front is a marketing word. The ingredient list on the back is the useful part.
Beardo lists rosemary oil, amla and aloe vera extracts, and describes the shampoo as phthalate free.
How the brand says to use it: Rinse your hair, work the shampoo into a lather, apply to hair and scalp, then rinse completely. Use at least twice a week.
Good to know: This is the most clearly men-aimed bottle in the list, so it is the easy pick if you want a shampoo made for the same routine as your beard wash.
Man Matters lists biotin, argan oil and caffeine.
How the brand says to use it: Wet your hair, massage it into the scalp, leave the lather for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse well.
Good to know: The listing does not describe this one as sulphate free, unlike others here, so read the pack if that matters to you. The name refers to DHT, which relates to pattern hair loss. Shampoo is a wash-off product, so if your hairline is receding, see the note further down about what a shampoo cannot do.
UrbanGabru builds this one on onion extract and describes it as suitable for all hair types.
How to use it: The listing gives no directions, so follow the label.
Good to know: The listing does not publish a full ingredient list. If you want to know everything in the bottle, check the pack before you buy.
Man Matters lists oat extract and aloe vera, and describes this one as paraben and sulphate free.
How the brand says to use it: Apply to wet hair, massage into the scalp, leave for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing, twice a week.
Good to know: The brand describes an antifungal agent in the formula, which puts it closer to a treatment shampoo than a plain wash. If flakes are your main problem, read the label carefully and speak to a pharmacist or doctor about which type suits you.
Khadi Natural builds this shampoo on henna and tulsi, and states that it is free from harsh chemicals, parabens and sulphates.
How to use it: The listing gives no directions, so follow the label.
Good to know: Henna can affect hair colour over time. If you colour your hair or have grey coming through, patch test on a hidden section first.
Just Herbs lists castor oil, black onion seed oil, aloe vera extract and green tea extract, and describes the formula as sulphate free, cleaning without stripping natural oils.
How the brand says to use it: Apply to wet hair, massage into a lather, and rinse well. Follow with a conditioner.
Good to know: The shortest and clearest ingredient list of the eight, which makes it the easiest one to check if your scalp reacts to things.
Arata lists onion oil, bhringraj, apple cider vinegar, argan oil and aloe vera, describes it as vegan, and says it is free from SLS and parabens.
How to use it: The listing gives no directions, so follow the label.
Good to know: The listing does not publish an ingredient list, so check the pack if you need the detail.
Lakshmi Krishna Naturals sells this herbal shampoo as free from harsh chemicals.
How to use it: The listing gives no directions, so follow the label.
Good to know: The listing does not publish an ingredient list, so check the pack if you need the detail.
Shampoo | What the brand lists | Sulphate free per the listing |
|---|---|---|
Beardo Hair Fall Control | Rosemary oil, amla, aloe vera | Phthalate free stated |
Man Matters DHT Blocking | Biotin, argan oil, caffeine | Not stated |
UrbanGabru Natural Onion | Onion extract | Not stated |
Man Matters Anti Dandruff | Oat extract, aloe vera | Yes |
Khadi Natural Heena and Tulsi | Henna, tulsi | Yes |
Just Herbs Castor and Black Onion Seed | Castor oil, black onion seed oil, aloe vera, green tea | Yes |
Arata Plant-Powered Super Shampoo | Onion oil, bhringraj, apple cider vinegar, argan oil, aloe vera | No SLS stated |
Lakshmi Krishna Naturals Herbal | Herbal blend, not itemised | Free from harsh chemicals stated |
It depends on your hair and scalp, not your gender.
The American Academy of Dermatology advises that if you have straight hair and an oily scalp you may want to shampoo every day, and that if your hair is dry, textured, curly or thick you should shampoo when needed.
The AAD also gives one tip that suits short hair well: "Apply shampoo to your scalp, instead of the entire length of your hair."
Worth saying plainly, because a lot of men's hair products imply otherwise.
A shampoo is washed off within minutes. The FDA treats a claim that a product will restore hair growth as a drug claim, not a cosmetic one.
If your hairline is moving back, your crown is thinning, or you are shedding more than usual, the American Academy of Dermatology says that effective treatment starts with finding the cause, and that a board-certified dermatologist can help. A shampoo is not a substitute for that visit.
TheDesiFood stocks shampoos from brands including Beardo, Man Matters, Just Herbs, Arata and Khadi Natural, with doorstep delivery worldwide, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and the Middle East. Product details on each listing come from the manufacturer.
