Have You Found the Best Shampoo for Soft Hair?

Most of us approach hair care with only basic maintenance: shampooing and conditioning. Perhaps we occasionally finish with a heat protectant. But when we (or our beau) run our fingers through our hair only to discover straw-like strands, we’re left scratching our heads.

It’s time to take charge against dry, rough tresses and nourish them with natural strand-softening formulas. All you’ll need is a combination of the best natural shampoo for soft strands and healthy hair care habits that will make you want to play with your locks all day.

In a perfect world, we’d all have Disney-princess hair marked by silky-soft locks that tend to blow perfectly in the faintest breeze. Then our little bubble bursts. It’s probably safe to say they’ve never given their tresses over to the evil hair queens – or excessive use – of a flat iron, blow dryer, hot comb, or curling wand.

No matter your hair type and texture, too much heat can cause your hair to look dry and brittle and make it more prone to damage and breakage - even if you apply tons of heat protectant spray. While we’re turning up the heat on our strands, harsh, stripping, or toxin-filled shampoos and hair care products can strip essential moisture from your hair, leaving it prone to coarse, distressed locks.

No fear! A little TLC paired with the best shampoo for soft hair and the right styling tools and treatments can transform dry, brittle locks into soft, silky strands!

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a magical wand, crystal ball, or spell that could instantly zap or foresee sad, dry hair and turn it into a touchable-soft dream team of strands? Though that’s not possible, we can swap our wand in for the proper styling tools, and the spells for the right tips and treatments that can get your hair into tip-top shape and softness.

Check out some things you can do to make your hair softer:

Don’t over-wash

Regular hair washing helps stimulate growth and keeps hair follicles healthy, but there really is such a thing as over-washing your hair. Daily shampooing, especially with conventional formulas, is stripping your hair of essential nutrients and natural oils. Find a balance of what works for your hair type; every other day, every three days...what you do with that new extra time, is totally up to you!

Avoid under-washing

On the other end of the spectrum, under-washing your hair is no joy either. Long periods of not shampooing your hair can lead to product and oil buildup and limp, greasy, weighed-down strands. Find a happy balance with the best shampoo for soft hair and a consistent hair care routine for you.

Too hot water

A steamy, hot shower after an exhausting day is by far one of the best things in life. Warming your bones is great for the mind and soul, but can wreak havoc on your mane (skin, too!). Turn the temp down when it’s time to wash your hair; the cooler water temperature will help retain much-needed moisturize – essential for softer hair!

Alcohol-based products

Alcohol in hair care products can dry out your delicate strands, and many conventional hair products use traditional alcohol to emulsify the product. We’d recommend avoiding any hair product that lists SD Alcohol 40, Ethanol, Propyl, or Isopropyl.

Use natural ingredients for silky-soft hair

Conventional shampoos and hair care products contain sulfates that are super damaging and can leave our hair feeling stripped and dry. Using the best natural shampoo for soft hair will deliver a rich and creamy lather that won’t strip or stress your tresses. Plus, your strands will get nutrition from other natural ingredients and the results of more softening, and smoothing strands. Now that’s a win-win!

Conditioning is key

Conditioner is essential hair-apy in our book. These moisturizing formulas restore hair by smoothing out the cuticle of each strand while enhancing shine and softness. Not only does conditioning help ease the effects of super-cleansing shampoos, but it also protects your hair from environmental damage throughout the day.

Add leave-in conditioner

Once your hair is cleansed and dried, it's important to go in with additional products for added moisture. To enhance that silky-soft touch out of the shower, use a light styling product, such as a leave-in conditioner or an oil.

Apply hair treatments

It’s no secret that different hair types require different hair treatments. We know that curls need extra juice, but did you know that each little twist and turn in a curly hair strand makes it harder for oil and nourishment to travel down the hair shaft from the scalp? That’s why using a natural hair care treatment like a hair mask will offer more concentrated hydrating properties – thus super-soft hair!

Add a hair serum

Much like how a hair mask restores hydration to the hair, a serum can replenish the hair with vitamins to promote healthy hair growth. A high-quality natural hair care serum can strengthen your strands with healthy vitamins while smoothing and promoting shine without weighing it down.

Avoid excessive use of styling tools

While we love a quick blow dry and all the hot girl hairstyles we can achieve from a flat iron to a curling wand, excessive use of these heat styling tools can wreak havoc on your hair. This leads to parched strands and not the silky tresses we desire. Try letting your hair air-dry as much as possible before blow-drying. Velcro rollers for curls and putting a braid in for wavy hair before bedtime can do wonders!

Apply hair treatments

It’s no secret that different hair types require different hair treatments. We know that curls need extra juice, but did you know that each little twist and turn in a curly hair strand makes it harder for oil and nourishment to travel down the hair shaft from the scalp? That’s why using a natural hair care treatment like a hair mask will offer more concentrated hydrating properties – thus super-soft hair!

Add a hair serum

Much like how a hair mask restores hydration to the hair, a serum can replenish the hair with vitamins to promote healthy hair growth. A high-quality natural hair care serum can strengthen your strands with healthy vitamins, while smoothing and promoting shine without weighing it down.

Avoid excessive use of styling tools

While we love a quick blow dry and all the hot girl hairstyles we can achieve from a flat iron to a curling wand, excessive use of these heat styling tools can wreak havoc on your hair. This leads to parched strands and not silky tresses we desire. Try letting your hair air-dry as much as possible before blow drying. Velcro rollers for curls and putting a braid in for waxy hair before bedtime can do wonders!

A good hair day is a blessing, but a great hair day can be a complete game changer. Dry, brittle strands and overall lackluster color are all red flags that your hair needs some TLC – starting with your shampoo!

Conventional hair care products don’t stand a chance when going head-to-head with the best shampoos for soft hair. Check out some of our favorites!

100% PURE Honey & Virgin Coconut Shampoo

The holy grail: coconut oil! This multi-use wonder ingredient has been specifically added to our natural shampoo to hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate. Lather up your hair with this gem of the jungle for healthier, stronger, and intensely softer locks that won’t strip or stress your mane.

100% PURE Glossing Shampoo

Are you looking for extra softness and shine in your hair? Our natural glossing shampoo is fortified with natural nutrient-rich ingredients like seaweed collagen to help improve the health of your hair. Luxurious avocado butter works its magic on your strands to help detangle and moisturize.

100% PURE Multi-Vitamin Healthy Hair Shampoo

This reparative shampoo is fortified with beneficial multivitamins, like vegan keratin, biotin, pro-vitamin B5, and vitamin E, and it’s designed to replenish hydration, restore vibrancy, and leave your hair looking and feeling softer and healthier than ever.

100% PURE Glossy Locks Moisture Drench Shampoo

Thanks to its infusion of nourishing oils and botanical extracts, this shampoo works wonders for dry and damaged. Formulated with hydrating ingredients like argan oil, horsetail, and biotin, these ingredients deeply penetrate the hair shaft, restoring moisture and promoting overall hair health. The glossing effect adds shine, making it an ideal choice for revitalizing and managing dry, damaged strands.

100% PURE Yuzu and Pomelo Glossing Shampoo

The citrusy blend in this lightweight formula helps regulate oil production, providing a refreshing cleanse without stripping natural moisture. The lightweight formulation ensures hair remains hydrated, making it perfect for those with oily hair seeking a natural and gentle solution.

What Role Do Natural Oils Play in Shampoos for Soft Hair?

Natural oils in shampoos offer a range of benefits, from soothing and moisturizing the scalp to promoting healthy hair growth and enhancing the hair's natural shine and texture. Natural oils also have enriching and nourishing properties for hair, which can hydrate locks and seal in moisture. From avocado oil to argan oil, natural oils extracted from nuts, seeds, and fruits can help strengthen your hair, enhance its texture, and increase its softness.

What Are the Benefits of Sulfate-Free Shampoos for Soft Hair?

Commonly found as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), sulfates are foaming agents that can strip the hair of natural oils, leading to dryness and potential damage – and fade color-treated hair. Sulfate-free shampoos Sulfate-free shampoos help repair damaged hair, moisturize, and restore shine, all while cleansing effectively.

How Can You Tell if a Shampoo is Working Effectively for Soft Hair?

Nothing indicates a great natural shampoo than using the right formula for your hair type and needs. After finding the shampoo that fits the match, see how your hair feels after being washed. If it feels moisturized, soft, and healthy, you've found your new shampoo BFF!

Are There Specific Natural Ingredients That Are Particularly Effective for Soft Hair?

Some natural ingredients that are effective for soft hair can provide gentle cleansing without stripping the hair of its natural oils. Moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and argan oil can help to hydrate and soothe the scalp while restoring hydration and manageability. Locks are left leaving soft, shiny, and more manageable.

What Are Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Shampoo for Soft Hair?

It’s best to first understand your unique hair type and its specific needs when selecting a natural shampoo for soft hair. Different hair types require different care to achieve optimal health and appearance. If you’re not using the right formula for your strands, your hair may experience side effects like breakage, dryness or frizziness, or excess oil. It’s best to also use a natural shampoo, which doesn’t contain harm-harming chemicals.

Achieving silky-soft hair involves embracing daily habits, nourishing from within, and regular maintenance, including adding hair treatments, masks, and oils to help better protect and nourish your strands. Prioritize gentle practices, like avoiding excessive use of hot hair tools, and choose the best shampoo tailored to your hair type. All you’ll need is a combination of the best shampoo for soft hair and healthy hair care habits that will make you want to play with your strands all day and unlock the path to vibrant and luxuriously soft locks.