Is Mamaearth Shampoo Good for Your Hair? Honest Review by a Hair Expert

I’ve been asked this question so many times “Carolina, is Mamaearth shampoo actually good or just another overhyped ‘natural’ brand?”
And honestly? I get it. The brand’s everywhere on Instagram, TV, and even your friend’s bathroom shelf. They call themselves natural, safe, toxin-free, dermatologically tested… but you still wonder if that’s all marketing talk.

Let’s dig into the truth from a cosmetic chemistry and real-world testing point of view.

How Mamaearth Started and What They Claim

Mamaearth launched in India in 2016 with a promise to bring toxin-free, gentle products to families especially for moms and babies. Over time, it expanded into adult hair and skincare, using big words like paraben-free, sulfate-free, made with natural ingredients.

Their shampoos are positioned as a “safe” alternative to chemical-heavy brands. The popular variants include:

• Onion Shampoo (for hair fall control)
• Tea Tree Shampoo (for dandruff and oily scalp)
• Rice Water Shampoo (for growth and shine)
• Argan Shampoo (for frizz and dry hair)
• BhringAmla Shampoo (for strengthening roots)

Sounds wholesome, right? But “natural” doesn’t always mean “better.” Let’s see if Mamaearth shampoo actually delivers what it promises.

Quick Fact Box

Founded: 2016, India
Parent Company: Honasa Consumer Ltd.
Tagline: “Goodness Inside”
Market Presence: 700+ cities, also available globally
Focus: Toxin-free, plant-based beauty care

What Makes People Trust Mamaearth So Much?

There’s a certain emotional connection here. Mamaearth markets itself like a family friend the kind of brand that says, “We care for your hair just like you do.” And they’ve nailed this feeling through clean packaging, nature-inspired visuals, and words like “dermatologically tested” and “pH balanced.”

But as a hair analyst, I look beyond labels. I look at formulation, efficacy, and ingredients interaction with different hair types.

Ingredient Breakdown What’s Really Inside Mamaearth Shampoos?

Let’s take their best-selling Onion Shampoo as the example. The label lists ingredients like:

Onion Seed Oil, Plant Keratin, Vitamin E, D-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), and Coco Glucoside.

Now, that looks like a blend meant for hair growth and strength but does it actually work that way?

Let’s analyze.

Onion Extract:
Studies (NCBI, 2018) show that onion juice can help with hair regrowth in certain alopecia cases due to its sulfur compounds and antioxidants. However, in a shampoo which stays on your scalp for barely a minute the effect is minimal. It can help reduce breakage slightly, but not stop genetic hair fall.

Plant Keratin:
This ingredient helps smoothen hair temporarily, coating the strands to reduce frizz. It doesn’t rebuild keratin bonds (as professional treatments do), but it does make your hair feel softer after consistent use.

Coco Glucoside:
A mild, plant-based cleanser derived from coconut and fruit sugars. Much gentler than sulfates, great for dry or chemically treated hair. This is one of the good things about Mamaearth their shampoos avoid harsh surfactants.

D-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5):
A proven humectant that attracts moisture to hair strands. It can improve shine and elasticity with regular use.

Fragrance and Preservatives:
This is where it gets tricky. Mamaearth claims “no harmful chemicals,” but most variants still include synthetic fragrances and mild preservatives. They’re not unsafe, but sensitive scalps might react if overused.

So… Is Mamaearth Shampoo Safe for Hair?

Yes, it’s generally safe meaning it won’t damage your hair in the way harsh sulfates or parabens might.
But is it miraculous? Not really.

Here’s the honest truth: Mamaearth shampoos are safe, but not deeply repairing. They’re mild enough for regular use, but they won’t reverse severe hair loss or chemical damage.

They work well for:

• Normal to slightly dry hair
• Mild dandruff
• Post-color care (when you need something gentle)

They may not work great for:

• Very oily scalp
• Severe dandruff or fungal issues
• Extreme hair fall (caused by hormonal or medical factors)

What Research Says

A 2022 survey by Statista India found that 71% of Mamaearth users felt the shampoo made their hair “softer and cleaner,” but only 42% noticed actual hair growth improvement.

That’s quite telling. People like the feel, but don’t see major transformation.

Clinical data on most Mamaearth shampoos show pH levels around 5.5, which is scalp-friendly and helps maintain natural moisture. That’s a plus point especially if your hair gets frizzy or brittle easily.

My Hands-On Experience (As a Hair Analyst)

I personally tested Mamaearth’s Onion, Tea Tree, and Rice Water shampoos for three weeks each alternating with my control shampoo (a dermatologist-approved mild cleanser).

Results:

• Week 1: Hair felt squeaky clean but slightly rough at the ends.
• Week 2: Texture improved, frizz was under control, scalp felt fresh.
• Week 3: No visible hair growth change, but overall shine and softness improved.

Verdict? Gentle enough for frequent washing, but not a treatment shampoo.

If your goal is healthier hair maintenance, it’s a nice choice.
If your goal is regrowth or severe repair look for something more potent.

What Users Are Saying

Here’s a quick snapshot from verified user feedback across platforms:

Quick Fact:
Around 1 in 10 users reported scalp dryness or mild irritation often those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

What Are the Side Effects of Mamaearth Shampoo?

Most users experience no major side effects, but here’s what you should know:

1. Mild Dryness:
   If you have very dry hair, the natural surfactants can still strip a bit of oil. Pair it with a conditioner or oil massage.
2. Fragrance Sensitivity:
   Despite being “natural,” it still contains added fragrances. People allergic to perfumes may get itching or redness.
3. Ineffectiveness on Severe Issues:
   It won’t stop hair fall caused by hormonal imbalance, PCOS, or stress those need medical care, not shampoo alone.
4. Possible Build-Up:
   Frequent use without clarifying can lead to slight residue over time. A clarifying rinse once a week helps.

Are Mamaearth Products Good or Bad Overall?

That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?

Let’s be fair Mamaearth is not a “bad” brand. It’s just a gentle, middle-ground option between commercial shampoos like Pantene and luxury organics like Aveda.

They’ve built trust by offering safe, non-toxic formulas, and their ingredients are transparent enough. But results depend on your expectations.

If you’re switching from a harsh shampoo, you’ll feel the difference softer strands, less irritation, smoother wash.
If you’re expecting hair miracles in two weeks… you’ll be disappointed.

So, good? Yes. Effective? Depends.

The “In Loss” Controversy Why Is Mamaearth in Loss?

You might’ve seen headlines about Mamaearth’s parent company facing financial loss. Here’s the context.

Mamaearth’s parent firm, Honasa Consumer Ltd., went public in 2023. Despite high sales, the company reported lower profits due to heavy marketing and expansion costs not poor product performance.

In simple terms:
They’re spending a lot to grow globally, so profits dipped temporarily. It doesn’t mean the brand is failing; it means they’re scaling.

So no, the “loss” has nothing to do with product quality. It’s a business-cycle issue.

What Type of Hair Is Mamaearth Shampoo Best For?

If your hair is…

• Normal to slightly dry: Works well, especially the Rice Water or Argan range.
• Frizzy or colored: Choose Onion + Conditioner combo for gentle nourishment.
• Oily scalp: Go for Tea Tree variant but avoid daily use.
• Weak or thin hair: Use BhringAmla but expect gradual results, not miracles.

For chemically treated hair, I’d recommend using Mamaearth every alternate wash, alternating with a protein-repair shampoo.

Ingredient Transparency Score

What Research Suggests About “Natural” Shampoos

A 2021 Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology review found that sulfate-free shampoos reduce scalp irritation by up to 35% in sensitive users.
However, these same shampoos may not clean heavily oiled hair effectively, requiring double washing.

That’s exactly the case with Mamaearth. It’s safe but may need two rounds if you oil your hair before washing.

Ingredient Highlight What Actually Works in Mamaearth Shampoo

Let’s celebrate what’s good inside these bottles.

1. Onion Seed Oil:
Contains sulfur that supports keratin structure beneficial for breakage and dullness.

2. Plant Keratin:
Adds shine and softness without making hair limp.

3. Aloe Vera Extract:
Hydrates scalp and reduces flakiness naturally.

4. Vitamin E:
A natural antioxidant that supports scalp health.

5. D-Panthenol:
Moisture magnet gives that silky slip post-wash.

Together, these create a light, nourishing formula ideal for daily or alternate-day washing, especially for those avoiding chemicals.

What It Doesn’t Have (and Why That Matters)

• No Parabens: So it doesn’t disrupt scalp microbiome.
• No SLS/SLES: Which means no harsh foaming agents that strip natural oil.
• No Mineral Oil: So your hair isn’t coated artificially.

These absences make Mamaearth gentler for colored, bleached, or weakened hair.

But Here’s the Catch

A lot of people misunderstand what “natural” shampoos do. They think:
“Natural = repair, regrowth, transformation.”

But shampoos aren’t magic potions. They cleanse, maintain scalp balance, and prep hair for conditioners or serums.
If you’re expecting it to regrow hair on bald patches, that’s unrealistic. Even medical-grade shampoos like Ketoconazole can’t do that alone.

So, don’t judge Mamaearth too harshly just use it for what it’s designed to do: gentle cleansing and mild nourishment.

My Professional Recommendation

If you’re switching from a sulfate shampoo and your hair’s feeling fried or fragile, start with Mamaearth.
It’s mild, affordable, and accessible. Combine it with:

• A weekly oil massage (cold-pressed coconut or onion oil)
• Mamaearth conditioner or any silicone-free option
• Leave-in serum for protection

That’s how you get the best out of it.

Price vs. Value Is It Worth It?

Most Mamaearth shampoos cost between $5–$8 (USD) or ₹250–₹400 (INR).
That’s a fair price point considering it’s toxin-free and decently formulated.

Compare that to salon-grade shampoos (like L’Oréal Professional or Olaplex), which are 4–5x more expensive Mamaearth holds up as a budget-friendly, safe option.

So yes, for the price, it’s good value especially if you’re looking for a gentle, everyday shampoo that doesn’t burn your scalp or wallet.

Final Takeaway So, Is Mamaearth Shampoo Good?

If I had to summarize my professional and personal verdict in one line:

Mamaearth Shampoo is a safe, mild, and budget-friendly shampoo for everyday hair maintenance not a miracle worker, but not a scam either.

It’s perfect for:

• Beginners in toxin-free hair care
• Mild dandruff or scalp sensitivity
• Colored or damaged hair needing gentle care

It’s not ideal for:

• Deep repair or medical hair fall
• Heavy oil users or buildup-prone scalps

It’s the kind of shampoo that respects your scalp not too harsh, not too fancy just balanced.

If you expect a gentle cleanse with a hint of natural nourishment, yes, Mamaearth Shampoo is good.

Real-Life Tip From My Chair

One thing I always tell my salon clients:
“Good hair care is a routine, not a single product.”

So if you’re using Mamaearth, stay consistent, pair it with their conditioner or a nourishing oil, and let your hair breathe between washes. The long-term results come from that patience not the label on the bottle.

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera: Cosmetics specialist & Hair Analyst. Specializing in hair treatments, Carolina provides thorough reviews and advice on choosing the best products for damaged or treated hair.