Should you use SULFATE-FREE shampoo?
- Lauren
- Jun 28, 2018
- 3 min read
What are Sulfates? Sulfates are surfactants, mostly used in shampoos as a foaming agent but are known to lift dirt and oil from the hair. They can also be found in your household cleaning products, body wash, face cleanser, and toothpastes. They commonly appear on product labels as: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLEF), or Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS).
Why should I avoid them? They can cause irritation to your hair, skin, and eyes and strip your hair of its natural oils and can cause your hair to feel dry. Long term use leads to damage. Sulfates however, make a great cleaning agent for your which is why many brands include this ingredient in their products. When used in hair products, sulfates attract water and oil which lift dirt and oil from the scalp, making your hair feel squeaky clean!
So if Sulfates do such a great job cleaning, should I go sulfate-free? The choice is yours! Sulfates have been proven to be a safe cleaning agent but if your hair hasn't been as healthy as you would like it to be and you're using sulfate shampoo, it could be time to make the switch! There is such thing as "too clean" when it comes to sulfates. Keep in mind that they can wash away the important stuff our scalp creates that our hair needs! They can also strip the hair of moisture and long term use can lead to dry, brittle hair.
Benefits of using SULFATE-FREE shampoo:
✔️ Milder on the scalp and hair
✔️ Less drying, better moisture retention
✔️ Less frizz and more healthy shine!
Who is sulfate-free shampoo good for? Especially good for people with frizzy, coarse, curly, or dyed hair - or really any hair type!
Below are some recommendations for sulfate-free shampoos from Shea Moisture. They are all free of parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, animal testing, and petroleum! I love Shea Moisture! They also make corresponding conditioners but I tend to mix and match.
Shea Moisture
For normal hair: 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Shampoo
For curly hair: Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
For extra dry hair: Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo
For brittle hair: Peace Rose Oil Complex Nourish & Silken Shampoo
For damaged hair: Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Shampoo
For thin hair: Dragon's Blood & Coffee Cherry Volume + Shampoo
For dry scalp: African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo
For moisture loss: Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
For frizzy hair: Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Shampoo
For thick, frizzy hair: Raw Shea & Cupuaçu Frizz Defense Shampoo
For low porosity hair: Baobab & Tea Tree Oils Low Porosity Protein-Free Shampoo
For high porosity hair: Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture-Seal Shampoo
For deep cleansing: Sacha Inchi Oil Omega-3-6-9 Rescue + Repair Clarifying Shampoo
For dandruff: African Black Soap Dandruff Control Shampoo
For growing hair: Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
Other hair products we love:
Extra-Virgin Coconut oil for your hair: https://amzn.to/2l5OeFd
Organic, Unrefined Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil: https://amzn.to/2JRFmxI
100% Raw/Cru Non-GMO Manuka Honey: https://amzn.to/2LTuMa3
Pure Olive Oil for Hair: https://amzn.to/2JPGfXM
Beauty by Earth Boar Bristle Hair Brush: http://bit.ly/2zCN9Pp
Beauty by Earth Detangling Hair Brush: http://bit.ly/2JmtGlB
Beauty by Earth Dry Shampoo for Light Hair: http://bit.ly/2mhPd62
Beauty by Earth Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair: http://bit.ly/2zEB2RU
Beauty by Earth Organic Argan Oil: http://bit.ly/2mi6Gew
Beauty by Earth Haircare Gift Set: http://bit.ly/2KTxSz4
Disclaimers: This post is not sponsored. Some links posted above may be affiliate links which means we make a small commission if you purchase the item, which goes towards running this website! All posts are personal opinions. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions guidelines concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
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