By now, we all know how about the chemicals companies put into our beauty products. But did you know that there are plenty of synthetic chemicals in our shampoos and conditioners, too? While they seem to get the job done, some of us may be looking to reduce our exposure due to personal interest, skin conditions or to improve overall hair health. A popular way to change things up during your shampooing routine is with a sulfate free shampoo. Products without this chemical may be why your hair feels constantly dry and your dye job fades unusually fast.
If you check the ingredients list on your average shampoo, you will probably come across sulfates in their technical term, sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laurel sulfate (also know as SLS). This ingredient is a salt and acts as a surfactant. This substance reduces the surface tension of water, helping shampoo loosen grease and sebum from the hair and scalp.
That might sound helpful but this ingredient is also found commonly in household detergents and cleaning products. Beauty companies use this ingredient along with many other toxic and synthetic ingredients because they are cheap and seem to ‘get the job done’.
However, when it comes to our hair and using regular shampoo, sulfates strip off the outermost effective layer of hair and can strip the color of a dye job much faster. It may be a great idea to treat your hair more gently and invest in a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner. But, just as with anything, there are pros and cons to using sulfate free shampoos and each one must be weighed carefully to find out if this option is for you.
As great as sulfate-free shampoos are, they do come with a few downsides:
Negatives aside, in the long run, shampoos free of sulfate are an investment in the overall quality of your hair, sans unnecessary chemicals. So if you’ve decided this type of hair care is right for you, then it’s worth making the adjustment in your routine.
There are many of hair care choices, but we believe we have gathered a list of the best sulfate free shampoos that exist. You can leave the guesswork out of it. Keep reading for our ultimate sulfate free shampoo list.
Aveeno is a tried and true brand that is most convenient if you’re looking to go sulfate-free because you can purchase their products at any drugstore or on Amazon. This option is affordable, safe for color-treated hair and will lift any impurities that gather on your locks without any stripping. The added seaweed extract is a natural plus.
Photo: @aveenous
This L’Oreal Ever Strong Sulfate-Free Fortify System is also an easy find and affordable for an 8.5 ounce bottle. The volume your hair would normally lose from sulfate-free shampoo is gained thanks to their patented amino acid complex that helps weak hair appear to be thicker.
Photo: L’Oreal
Pureology may be on the more expensive side for sulfate-free options, but this line is known for it’s superior quality. Every shampoo they make is sulfate-free. The hydrate line is meant for color-treated hair and contains sunscreens for an added bonus! Certified organic rose, sandalwood and green tea botanicals in this product will work wonders on hair that craves a more natural treatment.
Photo: @pureologyus
Finally, John Masters sulfate-free option is not only organic and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, but its pH balance is a great choice for dry hair. It’s ideal for color-treated hair and contains 17 natural plant extracts and essential oils that give hair the nourishment it needs, and doesn’t strip it down.
Photo: John Master Organics
If you’re looking for a sulfate free dandruff shampoo, Maple Holistic Sage Shampoo is a highly rated choice that contains jojoba, argan and tea tree oil that are natural and beneficial on hair that needs a little extra TLC.
Even though it comes with a few downsides, the benefits of treating your hair more gently is probably worth it. Give sulfate-free shampoo a try the next time you make your hair care purchases.