Sulphate free shampoos do not leave the cuticle open, affect the natural proteins or completely strip away natural oils. They work to gently lift enough oil and build up to clean without removing the essential elements.
You might want to avoid sulfate shampoos if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition such as rosacea. Sulfates can be harsh on the scalp and may cause irritation and itchiness. Sulfate-free shampoos are usually much milder.
People with dry or frizzy hair should also consider sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfate-free cleansers maintain the natural oils on the scalp and hair, which ultimately leaves your hair with more moisture. I can attest to that too; I've also noticed my tight curls stay more hydrated now.
Sulfates may strip away too much moisture, leaving the hair dry and unhealthy. They may also make the scalp dry and prone to irritation. Aside from the possible drying effects, there is little risk to a person's health from using sulfates correctly.
While prolonged and daily use of sulfate shampoos can make the hair rough and brittle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner can be used every day without damaging your hair.
"Sulfates may strip away too much moisture and leave the hair dry and possibly damage it," she says. "They may also make the scalp dry and irritated." For those with color-treated hair, sulfates can also strip and dull your hair color, says Jennifer Korab, a professional hairstylist.
If you wash your hair more than thrice a week, it's best to use a sulphate-free shampoo as they can make the hair dryer and reduce the natural oils of your tresses. Those who have permed their hair and use curlers often should opt for a sulphate-free shampoo too.
One of the main advantages of using quality sulfate-free shampoos is that they are much gentler on sensitive scalps when used properly. They won't exacerbate the dryness or itching you may already be experiencing. Sulfate-free shampoos are less likely to dry out your hair than sulfate shampoos.
However, some people find that sulfates can be harsh on their scalp, causing irritation and dryness. Sulfate free shampoos are designed to be gentler on the scalp, and they often contain moisturizing ingredients that can help to keep hair healthy and hydrated.
Sulfate-free formulas are more expensive to produce, as they use more rare surfactants – but we're keeping them the same price as our others. Those of you who use lots of oil-heavy products like pomades or waxes may find you need to shampoo twice to get really clean.
It's Great For Sensitive Scalps
If your skin is more than a little sensitive, the AAD states that using shampoos and other personal products that contain sulfates may potentially irritate your skin. If your skin becomes easily irritated, using a sulfate-free shampoo could help prevent this.
Sulfate-based shampoos are good at cleaning dirt and grime. However, they may strip your hair of natural oils and dry it. A sulfate-free shampoo helps lock in your natural hair moisture, keeping your hair soft and shiny. Organic, sulfate-free shampoos also help protect your hair from harmful chemicals.
Sulfate-free shampoos generally do not cause hair loss. Rather, shampoos that contain sulfates are more likely to cause thinning because they can irritate and inflame the scalp, and they break down your existing hair shafts.
One more thing you may have noticed: many sulfate-free shampoos also contain tons of conditioning ingredients. This is to create a shampooing experience that feels less like you're shampooing and more like you're conditioning your hair. All too often, this leads to crazy buildup.
Sulfate free shampoo will get you feeling clean, but not stripped of moisture. The results? A healthier scalp with balanced oil production. Dry scalp types will find that their scalp is more moisturized (not oily), and oilier scalp types will find that their excessive oil production will be reduced over time.
Some forms of sulfates — like sodium lauryl sulfate — can cause significant scalp irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. If sulfates cause enough irritation, they may contribute to hair damage and hair thinning in some people.
So, if sulfates are safe and effective, why do they have a bad reputation? Turns out that sulfates can be too effective at washing away oil, which can leave hair or skin feeling a little parched. And if your skin or scalp is particularly sensitive, sulfates can cause irritations like redness or itching.
Sulfates. Sulfates are chemicals with strong cleansing agents. The theory behind hair loss and sulfates is that ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate damage and irritate hair follicles. 4 Damage to the hair follicle may result in breakage, which can resemble or appear as hair loss.
It feels oily at the roots, like you didn't just wash it this morning. Don't worry - this is absolutely normal and very common! Your hair is going through an adjustment period as it adapts to your new, sulfate-free regimen. If you're like most Americans, you've been using sulfate-based products for years.
Whether your strands are fragile as a result of heat damage, salon color, or chemical services, washing every three days or so with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo is optimal. When you do decide to wash your hair, we recommend using Pureology's Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner.
The best sulfate free shampoo should include ingredients like glucosides, sulfosuccinates, glutamates, and other plant-based surfactants. These naturally-derived ingredients are much gentler on the hair and clean just as well without all of the foam and potential dryness.
Sulfates and Hair Protein Removal
One study from 2005 showed that hair immersed in a sodium dodecyl sulfate solution loses two times as much protein as hair immersed in water. This can lead to split ends, breakage and hair that's difficult to manage.
Sulfates are harsh chemical surfactants that dry out hair and can strip away color. The best piece of advice from Dr. Joe: “When it comes to shampoo, take away the sulfates. And if you want the cleanest, healthiest hair and scalp, take away any ingredients that have nothing to do with cleansing.”