Top Black Owned Shampoo Brands Your Hair Will Love

Brand	Best For	Key Benefit	Sulfate Free?
Pattern Beauty	Waves, curls, coils	Hydration without stripping	Yes
Melanin Haircare	Protective styles, long wash days	Gentle cleanse, stretched formula	Yes
TPH by Taraji	Scalp care, locs, braids, wigs	Targeted scalp washes	Mostly
Briogeo	Damaged, color treated hair	Clean formulas, repair support	Yes
Mielle Organics	Natural hair, growth focused routines	Strength and slip	Yes
Camille Rose	Thick, dry, highly textured hair	Rich, nourishing cleansers	Yes
Alikay Naturals	Ingredient conscious buyers	Herbal, natural leaning formulas	Yes
Design Essentials	Salon results at home	Versatile lines for many textures	Mostly
Adwoa Beauty	Frizz, definition, modern routines	Clean, minimalist formulas	Yes
Oyin Handmade	Dry hair, sensitive scalps	Moisture focused with gentle cleansers	Yes

You do not need a long build up here. If you want shampoos that actually respect textured hair and also support Black founders, focus on brands like Pattern Beauty, Melanin Haircare, TPH by Taraji, Briogeo, Mielle, Camille Rose, Alikay Naturals, Design Essentials, Adwoa Beauty, and Oyin Handmade. These brands were built around curls, coils, and protective styling, not as an afterthought. If you want a wider directory of black owned shampoo options, there are now platforms pulling many of them into one place, which quietly makes your money work twice: once on your hair, once in the community.

Why does this matter for people who care about business and personal growth? Because where you spend your grooming budget is basically a tiny investment decision. Each bottle you buy sends a signal about what kind of founder gets to grow, hire, and expand. Hair care is more than vanity. It affects confidence, which influences how you show up in your work, how early you turn your camera on in a meeting, how comfortable you feel walking into a room. That may sound small, but if it repeats every week for years, it adds up.

I will walk through the brands, but I also want to look at what they are doing right from a business point of view. Product, story, and execution. You can learn from them even if you never plan to sell shampoo in your life.

Why Black owned shampoo hits different

A lot of people underestimate shampoo. They focus on creams, gels, oils. Shampoo is the boring part that you rush through. That is usually a mistake, especially for textured hair.

Most mass market shampoos were created for straighter hair types. Strong detergents, high foam, heavy fragrance, very low moisture. That combination can leave curls and coils dry, frizzy, and eventually weak. You may think your hair is “hard to manage” when it is really just over washed and under nourished.

If your scalp feels tight after you wash, or your curls feel squeaky, the shampoo is working against you, not for you.

Black owned founders saw that gap early, partly because they were living it. Many of them were mixing products at home long before they had barcodes and retail deals. Instead of treating curls as a “niche problem”, they built full ranges around coil patterns, porosity, and protective styling.

From a growth lens, this is a clear example of someone solving a real problem they feel deeply. That usually beats a generic “we saw an opportunity in the market” slide deck.

A few reasons these shampoos stand out:

• They tend to be gentler, especially for coily and kinky textures.
• They are more likely to be sulfate free or use milder surfactants.
• They often respect protective styles, locs, braids, wigs, and weaves.
• They are usually tested on textured hair, not just claimed to be “for all hair types”.

You also get something else that is less talked about. Representation on the bottle. The founder looks like the customer. That influences product decisions, marketing, and who they hire. If you run or want to run a business, you can watch these brands to see how identity meets execution in a very practical way.

How to choose the right shampoo for your hair and your values

Before the brand names, it helps to get clear on what your hair and scalp actually need. Otherwise you just buy what is trending and hope.

Step 1: Know your scalp first, not your curl type

People often know their curl type, like 3C or 4B, but have no idea what their scalp needs. That is backwards.

Ask yourself:

• Does my scalp get oily quickly, or does it stay dry?
• Do I see flakes, itch, or tenderness?
• Do I work out often, sweat a lot, or wear tight headwear?
• Do I wear protective styles for weeks at a time?

If your scalp is:

Scalp type	What to look for in a shampoo
Dry / flaky	Hydrating formulas, gentle surfactants, no harsh alcohols
Oily / product heavy	Clarifying washes once or twice a month, plus a mild weekly shampoo
Sensitive	Short ingredient lists, light fragrance, sometimes fragrance free
Protective styles / locs	Scalp targeted washes, no heavy residue, easy rinse

Once you know this, it is easier to see which brand belongs in your shower, not just on your “support Black founders” list.

Step 2: Match shampoo to your lifestyle

This part often gets ignored. How you live shapes what will actually work for you.

For example:

• If you train 4 times a week and sweat a lot, you probably need a mild shampoo you can use more often.
• If you wear wigs or braids back to back, a scalp wash that reaches between tracks can help.
• If you color your hair, you should favor gentle, color safe shampoos.
• If you are always rushing, one rich shampoo that cleans and softens at once is better than a 6 step process you never finish.

There is no single “right” brand. There is only “right for your habits right now”. That can change as your life changes. Business minded readers will see the pattern here: product market fit is not static.

Brand by brand: Shampoos your hair will actually want you to repurchase

I will walk through some leading Black owned (or Black founded) shampoo brands, what they are known for, and also what you might not like about them. None of these are perfect. Some are pricey, some are hard to find in certain countries, some get reformulated.

That is normal. Humans run these brands, not robots.

Pattern Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross

Pattern Beauty targets curls, coils, and tight textures. The shampoos aim to clean without stripping, which sounds simple but is still rare on many shelves.

Popular picks include:

• Hydration Shampoo
• Clarifying Shampoo

The Hydration Shampoo is quite gentle. Many people with 3C to 4C hair use it weekly without feeling dry. The Clarifying Shampoo is stronger and better for days when you have heavy buildup from gels, edge control, or silicone based products.

What stands out from a business angle is how focused the brand is. Pattern is not trying to be everything for everyone. The packaging, the marketing, even the pump sizes signal “we expect you to use a lot of conditioner and shampoo because your hair is dense”. That level of clarity has paid off.

Pros:

• Good slip for a shampoo, especially the Hydration version.
• Sizes that actually make sense for thick hair.
• Clear focus on curls and coils, not generic claims.

Cons:

• Some people find the scent strong.
• Mid to high price point compared to drugstore brands.

If you hate that “squeaky clean” feeling but still want your scalp to feel fresh, Pattern is a strong contender.

Melanin Haircare by Naptural85 (Whitney White)

Melanin Haircare is famous for its leave in and oils, but the African Black Soap Reviving Shampoo quietly has a serious fan base. It comes in a large bottle and is highly concentrated, so you actually need less than you think.

Key points:

• Uses African black soap as a main cleanser.
• Has a nozzle tip that makes it easier to reach the scalp.
• Designed with long wash days and thick hair in mind.

From a growth point of view, Melanin Haircare is an example of a creator led brand that did not rush. Whitney built trust for years through honest hair content, then released products that reflected what her audience kept asking for.

Pros:

• A little goes a long way, which can save money over time.
• Good for people who want a thorough clean without a lot of extras.
• Works well if you use heavy butters or oils.

Cons:

• Can feel a bit strong on very dry or high porosity hair if overused.
• Availability can vary depending on where you live.

If you like straight forward formulas and watch your product budget, this one makes sense.

TPH by Taraji

TPH by Taraji P. Henson intentionally centers the scalp. That is the focus. Not just the hair.

You see that in products like:

• Honey Fresh Shampoo
• Master Cleanse Scalp Wash
• Mint Condition Tingling Scalp Conditioner

The Master Cleanse is especially useful if you wear braids, locs, sew ins, or wigs. The pointed applicator tips slide between parts and help reach the scalp without soaking your whole style. From a problem solving point of view, it is a smart move. So many people could not wash their scalp properly between installs. TPH turned that into a simple, clear product.

Pros:

• Strong focus on scalp health.
• Packaging that actually works for protective styles.
• Often more affordable than some prestige curl brands.

Cons:

• Some formulas have a lot of fragrance, which not everyone enjoys.
• If you only wear wash and go styles, some products might feel too specific.

If your business and social life involve long days in protective styles, this is one brand worth testing.

Briogeo (founded by Nancy Twine)

Briogeo sits in the “clean beauty” space and is often found in premium retailers. It is not a Black only marketing brand, but the founder, Nancy Twine, is a Black woman who scaled from farmers markets to major retailers.

For shampoo, two lines stand out:

• Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
• Scalp Revival Micro Exfoliating Shampoo

Don’t Despair, Repair is good for damaged or color treated hair that still needs moisture. Scalp Revival is interesting if you deal with flakes or itch and want something that feels like a treatment, not just a wash.

Pros:

• Strong focus on cleaner formulations.
• Targets concerns like damage and scalp health in a direct way.
• Often recommended by stylists for mixed texture households.

Cons:

• Higher price point.
• Some hair types may need heavier conditioners after use.

From a business study point of view, Briogeo shows how a Black founded brand can grow in the “clean” space without being boxed into the “ethnic aisle”.

Mielle Organics by Monique Rodriguez

Mielle Organics has become a regular name in natural hair circles. There has been some debate around changes after investment and distribution deals, and you should be aware of that. At the same time, the formulas still work well for many people.

Popular shampoos include:

• Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo
• Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

The Pomegranate & Honey line is known for slip. Many people with 4A to 4C hair like it because detangling starts right in the shampoo step. The Rosemary Mint Shampoo is more stimulating and often chosen by people focusing on breakage and length retention.

Pros:

• Generally affordable and easy to find in many stores.
• Good slip in some lines, which saves time on wash day.
• Strong presence in the natural hair community.

Cons:

• Some users report inconsistency between batches.
• Scents can be intense if you prefer mild fragrance.

This is a good example of a brand balancing community roots with major retail growth. Not perfectly, but in a way that offers lessons if you care about scaling a product business.

Camille Rose by Janell Stephens

Camille Rose is often loved by people with thick, thirsty hair. Many of the cleansers feel more like a cross between a shampoo and a soft co wash.

Popular options:

• Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse
• Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard (more of a conditioner, but works in the system)

The Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse has a light lather, a pleasant scent, and feels less stripping than classic sulfate shampoos. If you are trying to recover from years of harsh washing, this can help reset without turning wash day into a 3 hour event.

Pros:

• Rich, nurturing formulas that many dry hair types enjoy.
• Often pairs well with deep conditioners in the same line.
• Feels like it respects the “ritual” side of hair care, not just the function.

Cons:

• Can feel heavy on very fine or low density hair.
• Price can add up if you use matching products across the line.

From a brand point of view, Camille Rose shows how strong storytelling and ingredient focus can build a loyal base without aggressive gimmicks.

Alikay Naturals by Rochelle Graham Campbell

Alikay Naturals came out of a YouTube journey and a small kitchen, then scaled into stores. The founder has been open about the grind, which is probably why so many people with business goals keep an eye on her moves.

Shampoos to look at:

• Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo
• Lemongrass Shampoo (where available)

The Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo is strong enough to remove buildup but is often balanced with oils and plant extracts. If you use heavy butters, gels, and edge control, this can help reset your hair.

Pros:

• Ingredients that many natural leaning buyers feel comfortable with.
• Clear focus on textured and protective style routines.
• Story and brand values that resonate with entrepreneurship minded customers.

Cons:

• Some people find black soap based shampoos too strong for weekly use.
• Availability varies widely by region.

If you prefer brands that still feel close to their founder, Alikay often has that feel.

Design Essentials

Design Essentials has roots in salons, which changes how they see product performance. Their shampoos are often about results behind the chair, not just shelf presence.

Popular lines:

• Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo
• Oat Protein & Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo

Almond & Avocado is known for moisture and slip. Many stylists use it as a reliable base for various hair types, especially in mixed texture families or salons with diverse clients. Oat Protein & Henna is more clarifying and can be used less often.

Pros:

• Salon tested, consistent performance.
• Good mix of moisturizing and clarifying options.
• Often available in liter sizes for better value.

Cons:

• Ingredient lists can be longer than some “clean beauty” brands.
• The line up can feel overwhelming at first.

From a growth view, Design Essentials shows the strength of going salon first, then retail, not the other way around.

Adwoa Beauty

Adwoa Beauty has a clean, modern feel, with packaging that could sit next to high end skincare without looking out of place. That is not an accident.

Key shampoos:

• baomint moisturizing shampoo
• blue tANSY clarifying gel shampoo

The baomint moisturizing shampoo suits many curl types that want a clean that does not feel harsh. The blue tANSY clarifying gel shampoo is aimed at people who use a lot of stylers and need a reset, or who deal with itchy buildup.

Pros:

• Stylish, clear branding that appeals to design conscious buyers.
• Clean leaning formulas.
• Well thought out product line that covers basic needs without clutter.

Cons:

• Firmly in the premium price tier.
• Not available everywhere yet.

From a brand perspective, Adwoa is a useful case study in how aesthetic and identity can coexist without one overpowering the other.

Oyin Handmade

Oyin Handmade literally started as small batch “kitchen cosmetics”. They focus on moisture and gentle care, with a strong focus on dry hair and sensitive scalps.

Shampoos to note:

• Grand Poo Bar (shampoo bar)
• Ginger Mint Co-Wash

The Grand Poo Bar is a solid shampoo bar that many people like for travel or for lower waste routines. The Ginger Mint Co-Wash is for lighter cleansing between heavier wash days, especially if your hair hates frequent shampooing.

If your hair feels angry after every traditional wash, trying a co wash in between can calm things down without letting your scalp suffer.

Pros:

• Moisture focused products that many dry textures enjoy.
• Options for people who prefer co washing or low waste formats.
• Strong community roots.

Cons:

• Shampoo bars have a learning curve if you are used to bottles.
• Co washes alone are not enough for everyone, especially with heavy product use.

Matching your business mindset with your bathroom shelf

If you read about Black owned brands because you care about business and growth, it can feel odd to “just” talk about shampoo. But grooming habits are part of your systems. They affect how you show up each day.

Here are a few questions that connect your wash day to your growth goals.

Is your shampoo working with your ambitions, or against them?

This sounds dramatic, but I mean it in a simple way.

If your shampoo:

• Dries your hair out so much that styling takes twice as long, that is lost time.
• Leaves buildup that makes your scalp itchy in meetings, that is lost focus.
• Smells so strong that it bothers you or others, that is a small but real distraction.

Then it is quietly costing you. Maybe not a fortune, but enough that it is worth thinking about.

A good shampoo should make life easier, not harder. You should finish your wash feeling like your scalp can breathe and your hair can move. That mental reset before a work week matters.

Are you treating your shower like a tiny investment portfolio?

This is where the business angle comes in. Your grooming products are micro investments in:

• Your confidence
• Your time
• Your community

When you choose a Black owned brand, you are not doing charity. You are trading money for value. You get shampoo. The founder gets revenue to hire, pay suppliers, experiment, and negotiate better retail terms.

If you already need shampoo, you might as well let that money circulate through a founder story you respect.

The question is not “should I only buy Black owned”. That is too rigid. Life is messy. The better question is: “Can I intentionally direct a meaningful part of my everyday spend toward businesses that reflect my values and solve real problems for me?”

For some readers, that may mean one or two staple products. For others, almost every hair product at home will be from Black founders. Both paths still move money in a more conscious way.

Building a simple Black owned wash day routine

If you feel overwhelmed by the number of brands, keep it very simple. You do not need ten shampoos lining your tub.

Here is one way to structure it.

1. Pick one “every wash” shampoo

Choose something gentle, sulfate free, and suited to your scalp. For example:

• Pattern Hydration Shampoo if you have dry curls or coils.
• Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo for mixed textures at home.
• baomint moisturizing shampoo if you like a clean aesthetic and balanced formula.

This is your default. You reach for it most weeks.

2. Add one clarifying or scalp focused product

Then choose something more targeted, used less often:

• TPH Master Cleanse if you live in protective styles.
• Alikay or Melanin black soap based shampoos if you use heavy butters and need deep cleanses.
• Briogeo Scalp Revival if you fight flakes or itch.

Use this every few weeks, or when your hair feels coated and dull.

That is it. Two bottles can cover most situations for many people. The rest is optional.

Lessons from these brands for your own growth journey

If you look a bit closer, these shampoo brands quietly model a few business and life principles.

Start with a real problem you understand

Many of these founders did not pick hair care by throwing a dart at a board. They had lived the problem:

• Hair that broke off from relaxers and harsh shampoos.
• Scalps that could not handle constant weaves without care.
• Kids with curls that drugstore brands could not manage well.

Because they understood the problem deeply, they could withstand copycats and market shifts. That is a useful lesson across industries.

Stay close to your community

Almost every brand mentioned has some version of this story:

• Started with YouTube, Instagram, or local clients.
• Listened to feedback, sometimes harsh.
• Adjusted formulas, packaging, or products.

You may see complaints online about changes, and some are valid. But the pattern is clear: brands that keep listening tend to stay relevant longer.

If you run anything, even a small side project, you might ask: am I listening at that level, or am I guessing?

Know when to stay niche and when to expand

Some of these brands stay focused on hair and maybe a bit of body care. Others extend into tools, stylers, or even adjacent categories.

There is a tension here. Go too wide and you lose your core. Stay too narrow and you miss growth. You see that tension in debates about:

• Taking on large investors.
• Selling part or all of the company.
• Entering big box retailers.

People sometimes talk like there is one correct answer. There is not. There are tradeoffs. You see them clearly in Black owned beauty, where community expectations are strong and growth opportunities can be huge.

Some honest, slightly messy thoughts to keep in mind

I want to end in a more human place, because hair care is personal and sometimes emotional.

You might try one of these brands and not like it. That does not mean the brand is “bad” or your hair is “difficult”. It just means your scalp, your water quality, your styling habits, and your expectations did not match that formula.

You might feel torn between buying the cheapest thing on the shelf and supporting a Black founder with a higher price point. That tension is real. Budgets are real. You do not need to pretend it is easy.

You might wonder if spending energy on shampoo choice is a distraction from “serious” goals. I do not think it is. It is more like tuning a tool you use daily. You do not need to obsess, but you also do not need to treat it like it does not matter at all.

So here is a simple question to close with, one that links hair, business, and growth:

If your next bottle of shampoo could make your hair easier to care for and help build a founder’s dream at the same time, which brand on this list are you honestly most curious to try first, and why that one rather than the others?