Should You Be Using Sulfate-Free Shampoo?

Not all shampoo ingredients are good for your hair, in fact, some might do harm than good. Therefore, when choosing the perfect shampoo for your hair you need to pay special attention to the ingredients list on the back. Manyhairstylists and dermatologists say that you should avoid shampoos that contain sulfate, because it will damage your hair.

But first what is sulfate?

It is a compound component that contains sulfur, alcohol and vaseline. There are dozens of versions from this formula available in the market, but the harmful version is that included in classic shampoos that we usually use. It is labeled as Sodium or Sodium Laureth Sulfate within your shampoo’s ingredients list.

The most used compounds of sulfate in the cosmetic industry are sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate. You will find it in any foaming product like a face cleanser and toothpaste.

How does sulfate affect your hair?

Sulfatesare an active ingredientthat causes shampoo to turn into foam,attracting oil and water. Theycleans the hair's surface as well as the scalp, and as Eric Schweiger, founder of the Schweiger Dermatology Group, says, sulfate allows you to remove grime and dead skin cellsfrom your scalp after washing your hair.

However, sulfates can strip your scalp’s natural oils making your hair dry and brittle, and more susceptible to breakage. If your scalp is sensitive, sulfates can cause irritation, such as redness, dryness and itching. These are the disadvantages of sulfates, but the rumors saying that sulfates, especially sodium lauryl sulfate can lead to cancer, are false, as there is no scientific proof for this, according to Ginger King, a plastic chemist in New Jersey.

Who should stay away from shampoo that contains sulfate?

For those who have dyed hair, shampoo that contains sulfate may be your biggest enemy, because it can be too strong and will likely strip the color. So, it should be avoided for your hair color to last longer.

Also, for those with frizzy, dry hair and sensitive skin, it is time to consider using sulfate-free shampoos that preserve the natural oils of the scalp, making your hair softer after washing it.

Some of the Best Sulfate-free Shampoos that can work wonders for your hair and scalp:

L'Oreal Sulfur-Free Shampoo

It restores your hair moisture and cleans the scalp well without stripping the hair of the natural oils completely.

OGX shampoo nourishing with coconut milk

This shampoo is not only gentle on the scalp, but also nourishes, cleanses and stimulate blood circulation in the scalp thanks to the natural coconut oil.

dpHue Color Fresh Shampoo

It is a sulfate-free shampoo and best for colored hair because it protects the hair color perfectly.

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

For cracked damaged hair, this sulfate-free shampoo contains ingredients that helprepairing dyed and damaged hair.