Caring for raw hair starts with choosing the right products. Investing in quality raw hair is only the beginning; how you care for it can make a noticeable difference to its softness, appearance, natural movement and longevity. Raw human hair should be treated with the same care as your own hair. Gentle cleansing, moisture and protection from excessive heat are all important.
At EB Hair, we recommend choosing gentle, sulphate-free and silicone-free formulas where possible. These can help cleanse and condition the hair without unnecessary dryness, heaviness or build-up.
Below, we've selected some of our preferred shampoos and conditioners for Raw straight, Sleek raw straight, Raw wavy, curly and coloured raw hair, with premium, mid-range and affordable options.
What is the best shampoo for raw hair?
The best shampoo for raw hair should cleanse effectively without leaving the hair feeling stripped, dry or heavily coated. Where possible, look for sulphate-free and silicone-free formulas, particularly if you wash your hair regularly. Your choice should also reflect the texture and condition of your hair.
Sleek raw straight generally benefits from lighter products that won't weigh down its finer strands, whilst Raw wavy and curly textures may benefit from additional moisture.
Here are some of our favourites.
Premium range
- Color Wow Dream Clean Duo Color Security Shampoo provides a gentle, residue-free cleanse, whilst the fine-to-normal Conditioner provides lightweight hydration without weighing the hair down.
Best for: Raw Straight • Sleek Raw Straight • Raw Wavy
- Redken All Soft Mega Curls A great option for hair that needs additional moisture. The All Soft Mega Curls range is sulphate and silicone-free and is designed to gently cleanse whilst helping the hair feel soft, hydrated and manageable.
Best for: Raw Wavy • Curly • Dry Hair
- Pureology Hydrate Sheer A good choice when your hair needs moisture without heaviness. Hydrate Sheer is designed with finer hair in mind, making it particularly suited to Sleek Raw Straight where maintaining lightness and movement is important.
Best for: Sleek Raw Straight • Raw Straight • Coloured Hair
Mid-Range
- BondiBoost Rapid Repair A lightweight, hydrating shampoo and conditioner duo that helps keep raw hair feeling soft, smooth and manageable without weighing it down.
Best for: Sleek Raw Straight • Raw Straight • Raw Wavy
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil We particularly recommend this for Raw Wavy, curly or coloured hair where a little more moisture may be beneficial. If you have finer Sleek Raw Straight, one of our lighter recommendations may be more suitable.
Best for: Raw Wavy • Curly • Dry or Coloured Raw Hair
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus The range is designed with wavy and curly hair in mind, providing moisture and helping the hair remain soft and manageable whilst maintaining its natural texture.
Best for: Raw Wavy/Curly
Affordable range
- Being Nourish + Shine A simple, lightweight everyday option that works well across different raw hair textures.
Best for: Sleek Raw Straight • Raw Straight • Raw Wavy
- Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream The shampoo is formulated without sulphates and silicones and helps cleanse away everyday build-up. Follow with the matching conditioner to restore moisture and softness.
Best for: Raw Straight • Raw Wavy • Curly
- Noughty Wave Hello The range provides moisture whilst helping the hair remain soft and manageable, making it a good affordable option.
Best for: Raw Wavy • Curly • Dry Hair
Not Sure Which One to Choose?
- Sleek Raw Straight Our recommendations are Color Wow Dream Clean, Pureology Hydrate Sheer, BondiBoost Rapid Repair or Being Nourish + Shine.
- Raw Straight Our recommendations are Color Wow Dream Clean, BondiBoost Rapid Repair or Being Nourish + Shine.
- Raw Wavy & Curly Our recommendations are Redken All Soft Mega Curls, SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil, SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus or Noughty Wave Hello.
-Coloured Raw Hair Our recommendations are Pureology Hydrate Sheer, Color Wow Dream Clean, BondiBoost Rapid Repair or SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil.