You may have started seeing sulfate free shampoo on store shelves. These shampoos can be a great choice for anyone experiencing hair loss or thinning. These days, shampoos without sulfates are being heavily promoted by manufacturers as more and more people become aware of the potential dangers of the common shampoo ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate. Below, we will break down everything you need to know about sodium lauryl sulfate free shampoo.
Top Selling Sulfate Free Shampoo Reviews at the bottom of this page
 TIGI Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
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 L’Oreal Paris EverStrong Hydrate Shampoo
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 Pureology Anti-Fade Complex Hydrate Shampoo
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What are sulfate free shampoos?
They are shampoos that are manufactured without the ingredients sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, SLS or SLES. This chemical can be found in numerous cleansing products and helps in the extraction of oily residue. You can find these ingredients in most shampoos on the market.
Why do so many shampoos use sulfates?
Manufacturers have used these ingredients for many years for their ability to create a thick, rich lather. Many people make a psychological connection between lather and cleanliness, making the false assumption that shampoos that don’t create lots of suds somehow don’t clean their hair as well. Sulfates are very cheap and create impressive lather.
Why should I avoid sulfates in shampoos?
Although many varieties of shampoo on the market still contain SLS, many studies have shown that the chemical has some severe negative effects on the scalp and other areas of the body such as the skin and eyes, especially if it is in high concentration. If you’re using shampoo and it runs down your face and into your eyes, the burning sensation that you experience is largely due to SLS. It can even cause damage to the eye after repeated exposure.
Sulfates and Hair Loss
The chemical has also been known to cause significant damage to hair follicles, leading to a weakened structure of the hair follicle and constrained hair growth. For this reason, many people turn to sulfate free shampoo for hair loss. Switching to SLS-free shampoo usually causes an improvement in hair growth and strength fairly quickly.
Scientific Studies on Sulfates in Shampoo
The weakening of the hair as well as the damage to eyes are well-documented. Many manufacturers have refuted them but several concerned individuals as well as consumer rights organizations have backed the results of studies showing the dangers of this ingredient and continue to recommend sulfate free shampoo. Some have indicated a possible connection between sulfates and cancer but to date, this has not been proven. The FDA has yet to declare the chemical unhealthy, which has kept sulfate-containing shampoos on the shelf.
Is your hair getting clean enough with sulfate free shampoo?
Initially when you begin to use a shampoo without SLS, you may feel like your hair is not getting clean. The reason for this is that the sulfates are responsible for creating the thick lather which strips down the oily residue on the scalp and hair. But what many do not recognize is the fact that the “squeaky clean” feeling that they had before does not necessarily mean that the hair was cleaner but rather that it was drier, which is not necessarily a good thing.
Benefits of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free Shampoo
- Won’t cause breakage or hair loss
- Helps preserve hair color and highlights
- Gentler than other shampoos
- Not irritating to eyes
- Doesn’t damage hair
- Leaves hair softer and smoother
- Won’t irritate the scalp
Switching to SLS-free shampoo combined with taking vitamins for hair loss is an easy and natural starting point for dealing with hair loss.
What is the best sulfate free shampoo?
Right now, there are several shampoos that don’t contain sulfates but the number is steadily growing as consumers become more aware of the dangers. Many of the natural and organic brands have never used sulfates, and nowadays even mainstream brands are starting to offer formulations without SLS. Here are a few of our personal favorites.
1. Pureology Anti-Fade Complex Hydrate Shampoo
Not only does this shampoo soothe the senses with its natural aromatherapy featuring rose and sandalwood, it gives your hair the extra care it needs. This gentle shampoo helps you maintain your hair color or highlights longer while still managing to clean your hair thoroughly. Click to read more reviews and see buying info.
2. L’Oreal Paris EverStrong Hydrate Shampoo
If you have weak or brittle hair, L’Oreal Everystrong is the way to go. It strengthens hair over time, which reduces hair loss and breakage. It also has impressive lather for being SLS-free plus a fresh, natural scent. If you’re looking for cheap sulfate free shampoo, this one can’t be beat. Click to read more reviews and see buying info.
3. TIGI Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
This is one of the most popular SLS-free shampoos for a good reason. It’s moderately priced, adds volume, and helps hair resist breakage. It keeps your color looking fresh and your hair feeling clean. Click to read more reviews and see buying info.
Also be sure to check out our sulfate free shampoo list.
