Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Sulfates are the surfactants in shampoo that create all that sudsy foam we associate with a clean scalp and hair. But they also strip away natural oils from your strands, leaving them dry and prone to damage.
Sulfate-free conditioners are gentle on your strands, allowing them to retain the moisture needed to keep them healthy. Here are a few reasons you should consider making the switch:
Restores Moisture
Sulfates are known to strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Sulfate-free shampoos are formulated with alternative cleansing agents that are gentle on the hair and scalp, allowing it to retain its moisture balance. This helps the hair and scalp to stay healthy and looking great.
Sulfate-free conditioners can also be less drying than regular shampoos, especially if you color your hair or use a lot of heat styling tools on it. Sulfate-free shampoos contain ingredients such as shea butter Sulfate-free conditioner or glycerin, which provide the moisture that your hair and scalp need to maintain its health.
The sulfates that are used in most shampoos – like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) – were originally created to wash clothes. They work well to remove dirt and oil, while also foaming up for that squeaky clean feeling. However, sulfates are also harsh on the skin and scalp, and over time can cause damage, dryness and irritation. As a result, many hair stylists recommend using sulfate free shampoo and conditioner for their clients.
Strengthens Hair
With sulfates removed, your shampoo and conditioner can deliver a stronger focus on nourishing and strengthening the strands. You’ll see a noticeable difference with each wash as your hair becomes more resilient to damage and breakage.
Sulfates are chemicals that make traditional shampoos lather up so well, but they also strip away your natural oils from the scalp and strands. This isn’t a problem for those with oily hair, but it can be a real issue for people who have dry or fine strands that are already vulnerable to dryness and brittleness. Sulfate-free shampoos avoid this problem by using milder surfactants to clean the scalp and strands.
These ingredients are also better for the environment, too. Sulfates can contribute to water pollution and soil degradation when washed down the drain, which is not a good thing for anyone’s health or the planet!
Plus, if you color your hair, sulfates can quickly and easily strip it of its fresh-from-the-salon sheen and hue. Sulfate free shampoos use milder surfactants that are gentle enough for color-treated hair. While it may take a few washes for your shampoo for oily hair hair to adjust, it will be worth the wait as you enjoy locks that look and feel healthier. Plus, your wallet will thank you for saving money on extra salon visits!
Prevents Scalp Irritation
Sulfates are a great ingredient to create a nice, foamy lather with, but when they’re not rinsed out thoroughly, they can strip the hair of moisture and dull its color. Sulfate-free formulas take a more gentle approach to removing dirt and grime, leaving the scalp and hair feeling clean without it drying or becoming irritated.
Sulfuric acid and other sulfur-based ingredients found in sulfate-free shampoos can help prevent dandruff by exfoliating the scalp, thereby reducing flakiness and itching. Some sulfate-free conditioners are also rich in niacinamide (vitamin B3), which is known to reduce dandruff by strengthening the hair’s barrier and helping it retain moisture.
Another great benefit of sulfate free conditioner is that it doesn’t contain formaldehydes, which are a type of preservative commonly used in beauty products to keep them fresh. Formaldehydes are thought to be endocrine disruptors and can cause skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin.
Sulfate-free conditioners are ideal for anyone who wants a milder cleanser and wants to avoid harsh chemicals in their products. It’s especially important to switch to sulfate-free hair care products if you have color-treated or chemically treated hair, as sulfates can cause the colors to fade faster than they otherwise would. Lastly, sulfate-free conditioner is great for those with dry or curly hair that often feels itchy after regular shampoos and conditioners.
Reduces Frizz
Sulfates strip the natural oils from your scalp, leaving it vulnerable and prone to frizz. Sulfate-free conditioner uses gentler ingredients to detangle, moisturize and prevent dryness and frizz. A sulfate-free conditioner also improves color retention for those with dyed hair.
A sulfate-free conditioner is good for all hair types, especially those with curly, frizzy or color treated hair. It’s important to use a shampoo that is sulfate-free as well, and choose one that is formulated for your specific hair type.
While a nice lather is a sign of effective cleaning, too much lathering can actually damage your hair and scalp. Sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are oily chemicals used to make soaps, hair products and other cleansing products foam. They are commonly found in most shampoos.
While these surfactants are great at cleaning, they can also rob your scalp and hair of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to environmental factors such as dust, pollution, allergens and bacteria. Sulfate-free shampoos contain different types of surfactants that clean just as effectively but don’t strip the hair and scalp of its natural oils. For instance, SheaMoisture Papaya and Neroli All-Day Frizz Control Conditioner is a sulfate free conditioner that protects against unwanted frizz and leaves hair super soft. It’s formulated with Shea Butter, Papaya and Neroli to tame the unruly hair.