“Sulfate-free” has become quite the buzzword in the hair care industry for some time now. If you go to any beauty aisle, you will find yourself in a sea of hair products labeled as such. Technically, sulfate-free is the better option—but how do you know if you need to make the switch? Are sulfates really that bad? Let’s explore below.
What are sulfates?
To put it simply, sulfates are responsible for making your shampoo sudsy. They help wash away grime and dead skin cells from your hair and scalp. The most common sulfates you can find in shampoos are sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate, with the ‘-eth’ sulfates being milder than the ‘-lyl’ ones.
According to experts, sulfates are good cleaning agents, which is why they can also be found in other beauty products like cleansers, toothpaste, and more. When it comes to shampoo, sulfates may be irritating if you have a sensitive scalp so you might want to make the switch to a sulfate-free formula.
Who can benefit from sulfate-free shampoos?
Aside from those with a sensitive scalp, you should consider a sulfate-free shampoo if you have color-treated hair. Sulfates can strip off more moisture and color, leaving your hair dry, brittle, and even prone to damage. You should also avoid sulfates if you have kinky or frizzy hair. Opting for a sulfate-free shampoo can help maintain your hair’s natural oils to keep it moisturized.
Here are a few wonderful benefits of going sulfate-free:
Preserves hair color
Safer for the environment
Helps retain hair moisture
Reduces irritation
Tear-free
One downside of using a sulfate-free shampoo is your hair might still feel a little greasy after taking a shower. Since sulfates are what make shampoos bubbly, you won’t get the same results with a sulfate-free product.
I recommend looking for organic or plant-based shampoos, such as Innersense. They have three sulfate-free formulas that I swear by—Pure Inspiration Hairbath for finer hair textures, Hydrating Hairbath for thick, dehydrated hair, and the Color Awakening Shampoo for color-treated hair.
I have these products in my studio and website, so if you want to purchase one for yourself, just send me a message!
Sulfates are not the evil people claim them to be
Since sulfates are only used in small amounts and low concentrations, they are not that bad for you. It all depends on your skin sensitivity and hair type. For example, if you have oily hair, sulfates can help lift excess oil and wash it away. There is also a matter of preference. If you love a good lather, a sulfate shampoo could be better for you! It feels like a self-care treat more than anything, plus the added bonus of cleaner hair.
The Verdict
You don’t have to throw away your current shampoo to replace it with a sulfate-free one. Everyone has different preferences and hair types, so it’s always wise to go with what’s best for you. If you have a better experience with sulfate-free shampoos, then this might be the time to commit. Some manufacturers use an alternative called olefin sulfate, which is a milder non-sulfate alternative. However, if you’re not keen on all this and just want that rich lather, sulfates are no big deal.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this post contain affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Please keep in mind that I included these companies and their products because of their quality first and foremost. The buying decision is always yours.
Main photo by Scandinavian Biolabs from Pexels, product photo from @innersenseorganicbeauty on Instagram.