Experts suggest that sulfate-free shampoo is the best option for your hair, because it gently cleans your tresses. Even if you don't believe in this trend, you almost always end up buying sulfate-free products, because they are everywhere today.
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.
If you decide to use a shampoo that is free from sulfates, you can experience the following benefits: Shampoo that is free from sulfates can help to lock in the natural moisture. It helps to maintain the original shine and softness of your hair. Such shampoos can also help you gain extra hair moisture in due time.
Keep Your Hair's Natural Oils
One of the benefits of using a sulfate-free alternative is that your hair is cleansed without removing your natural oils that keep your hair shiny and scalp happy & moisturized.
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.
People with curlier hair could benefit from using a sulfate free shampoo, around 2-3 times per week. Washing less often can help to contain as much of the natural oils as possible.
At low concentrations, sulfates are considered safe to use. However, frequent use of products with a high concentration of sulfates may lead to buildup, which can contribute to cell damage and excess stripping away of natural oils and hair proteins. From a hair care perspective, this definitely isn't a good thing.
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.
If you've been used to using a sudsing shampoo with sulfates (OR if you've been using the no-poo method of baking soda and apple cider vinegar) it usually takes 2-4 weeks for your scalp and hair to adjust. This "detox" period is normal and expected.
Usually, ingredients in sulfate-free shampoos are so mild that your hair may feel greasy even after a thorough wash. Many sulfate-free shampoos have ingredients like decyl glucoside or coco glucoside that are very mild cleansing agents [7].
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.
Sulfates are surfactants, which means that they attract oil and water and help remove the dead skin cells and grime from your hair. Sulfates are in the spotlight because surfactants have been known to strip your hair of its natural oil which can cause some unwanted problems like breakage and frizziness.
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.
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.
Whether from laundry detergent, soap, or shampoo, the sulfates can cause reactions in sensitive people. Sometimes, sulfates like SLS and SLES end up removing too much oil, washing off the skin's protective barrier and causing redness and dry, itchy skin.
Because Pantene products contain sulfates, they can be harsh on both colored hair and natural hair if used frequently or left on too long. All these issues add up to frizziness and dullness over time, and can strip your hair of its natural oils.
Sulfates Damage Hair Textures
Because of the drying effect of sulfates, your hair's texture will look dry, frizzy, brittle, and even fragile. It will cause the hair to thin out even more due to the dry scalp and dry, broken strands. If you want to consistently look your best, avoid sulfates as much as possible.
Is sulfate-free shampoo good for fine hair? The short answer is yes. Sulfate-free hair cleansing options like Better Not Younger's Wake Up Call Volumizing Shampoo and Second Chance Low Suds Repairing Shampoo for Dry/Damaged Hair are superior solutions to treat the physiology of your aging hair.
The answer is yes. The chemical makeup of sulfates is drying on any hair texture, not just curls. So when possible, avoid products that include sulfates in their formulas.
The change can take up to 4-6 weeks depending on the amount of build-up in the scalp and hair, but in most cases, 2-3 weeks is enough to find a new balanced state in the scalp and hair. This is because your scalp and hair have a build-up of chemicals that prevent a natural, sulfate-free shampoo from foaming.
Sulfates are essentially detergents. When used in soaps, they leave skin feeling clean and refreshed. In shampoos, sulfates create a frothy lather that removes dirt, oil and styling product buildup from the hair and scalp. The result is hair that feels fresh and lightweight.