On the hunt for the best sulphate-free shampoo? Wondering why you need to ditch your normal shampoo for a sulphate-free option? We’ve got the lowdown, plus the best sulphate-free shampoos to order today.
As we all become more savvy about reading the labels on our beauty products, and are increasingly-aware about different skincare ingredients and what the symbols on packaging actually mean, more and more of us are turning to our hair care to check that it’s good for our strands as well as the environment. Some seek organic shampoos and conditioners to ensure the ingredients have been responsibly sourced, while others focus on finding sulphate-free shampoos. Why? Well, like many other chemicals commonly-found in beauty products, sulphates have been bundled into the beauty ingredients blacklist.
When sulphates are used in regular, everyday shampoo you’re left with a deliciously foamy product, which, alongside clarifying shampoos, can be brilliant for thoroughly cleaning hair. So, if you’re a fan of styling products like hair sprays, gels and dry shampoo, then incorporating a shampoo with sulphate could help reduce product build up on your scalp.
However, if you’re finding that your hair feels a tad dry, that your hair colour isn’t lasting or your salon dye job isn’t looking vibrant for very long, then you might want to consider switching to one of the best sulphate-free shampoos.
Here’s everything you need to know about whether a sulphate-free shampoo is for you…
What does sulphate-free shampoo actually do?
In the case of sulphate-free shampoo, it’s more about what it doesn’t do. Sulphates can strip some moisture from the scalp and strands, which may be why you find yourself packing on the conditioner afterwards. They are particularly bad news for salon and home coloured hair, as the cleansing agent can strip the artificial pigments from the hair fibre, causing fading and loss of vibrancy. So, a sulphate-free formula will not strip the hair of moisture, and will not cause coloured hair to fade as quickly.
How can I tell if my shampoo is sulphate-free?
If your shampoo says it’s sulphate-free, then you should be safe. Want to be extra sure? Double check the label for the two common sulphates found in shampoos: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). You can also look out for the following ingredients: Lauryl Sulfoacetate Sodium, Lauroyl Isethionate and Sodium Lauroyl Taurate. They’re also examples of sulphates.
Should I use sulphate-free shampoo on my hair extensions?
This depends entirely on whether your extensions or wigs are made from synthetic hair or natural hair. If it’s synthetic hair, then you should use a clarifying shampoo as products, grime and smells can accumulate on the fibres. If it’s human hair, then you should definitely use a sulphate-free shampoo to be as gentle as possible on the delicate strands, followed by a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture and shine.
Find your perfect shampoo for your hair type, including shampoos for dry hair and shampoos for thin hair.