Giving up on sulfates? There are many good reasons to make the switch to sulfate-free shampoos and cleansers, but what benefits does it really have on your hair, and which sulfate free should you try first? Read on to find out more.
What are sulfates?
Sulfates are components in cleansers, like shampoos, body soaps, and even toothpaste.
These can be petroleum-based or plant-based — taken from resources like coconut and palm oil. An average shampoo with sulfate can contain a concentration of about 10%-25%, making it a huge component in many shampoos. In contrast, sulfate-free products are formulated without these agents. Both are able to effectively cleanse hair, but sulfate-free shampoos are generally less harsher on your strands.
How do sulfate-free shampoos work?
In regular shampoos, sulfates strip oil and dirt from the hair. They also produce that bath time lather. Sulfate-free shampoos, on the other hand, are able to cleanse hair without stripping away essential oils, keeping it clean while staying moisturized.
Did you know…
Most of us often associate foam and lather with cleanliness, but the amount of lather doesn't actually equate to the quality of the shampoo.
Are sulfates dangerous?
There is some debate as to the harmful impact of sulfates on our environment, which is one of the top reasons most people are making the switch. Although they aren't dangerous necessarily, having been tested quite extensively, sulfates do pose a prolonged danger to hair strands, especially when used daily. They are so effective at stripping hair of dirt that they also remove natural oils, leaving the scalp more sensitive and the strands feeling dry and brittle. They’ve also been linked to allergies and irritation, but it depends on the sources of the sulfates. As mentioned earlier, there are naturally-derived sulfates. It is best to read the label or consult with our experts, if you are interested to know if your shampoo has sulfates.
Do I need sulfate-free shampoo?
Even though sulfate-free shampoos do not foam, they are effective at removing dirt and are great for daily care. It’s especially essential for maintaining colored hair, as it’s formulation helps to keep your shade for longer.
Can I use sulfate-free shampoo even if I don’t have colored or chemically treated hair?
Yes, you can use it as an effective daily shampoo/cleanser, especially if you wash your hair everyday. Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve seen an increase in the frequency people take baths in a day -- averaging about 2-4 times, depending on how often they go out. If this is the case, using sulfate-free shampoos are far better at caring for your hair, as they help preserve the natural oils in your hair that protect it from dryness, frizz, and tangles.
How often can I use sulfate-free shampoos?
Sulfate-free shampoos are great for daily use, but we recommend using them for least a week without changing anything else in your routine. In this way, you can test to see if sulfate-free products work well with your hair and your lifestyle. Plus, the lack of lather will take some getting used to, but rest assure your hair is being cleaned.
How do I know which sulfate-free shampoo would work best for me?
There are many kinds of sulfate-free shampoos with targeted solutions for your hair. Here on HairMNL we’ve got an entire selection dedicated to this.
There are many kinds of sulfate-free shampoos with targeted solutions for your hair. Here on HairMNL we’ve got an entire selection dedicated to this.
If you’re looking for a specific benefit in your sulfate-free cleanser, like one that's best for hair color, try Kérastase Reflection Chromatique Shampoo, P1,750, a sulfate-free multi-protecting shampoo that gently cleanses color-treated hair to protect and maintain healthy hair color.
For blondes, you can try Davines Alchemic Silver Shampoo, P 1,300, made for those who need a quick touch up of their blonde hair color, but don't want any sulfates. Perfect for ridding your hair of unwanted brassiness.
For sulfate-free daily care that protects against frizz and dryness, try Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo, P1,800, a sulfate-free shampoo great for everyday cleansing without the frizz & tangles.
As always, we recommend asking our experts. We’ve got a range of care cleansers, from naturally derived ones, to shampoos made specifically for colored and chemically-treated hair. Ask our experts here to find out more.
Ready to make the switch to sulfate-free hair care? Head over to our sulfate-free products to choose the best ones for you. Plus, get real reviews from our customers to see what our passionate hair community loves about their sulfate-free cleansers.
