Sulfate-free shampoos are a hot topic in the hair care industry because, on one hand, we have an audience who trust this and on the other an audience who doesn’t.
All in all, you can't miss finding a separate "Sulfate-free" aisle in shopping centers - Because they are popular.
But are they really worth the hype or is it just a marketing gimmick? Does using a sulfate-free shampoo really benefit our hair?
As the sulfate-free movement rages on, we decided why not share some benefits and help you decide if it’s the right pick for you or not. Read on to learn some exciting new things.
What are sulfates?
In a nutshell, sulfates are common foaming agents that are primarily used in washing products like shaving gel, shower wash, soaps, cleansers, and shampoos.
The most common sulfates are sodium laureth ether sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). These chemicals are also labeled as surfactants and are great to remove oil and dirt from your skin and hair.
But why are they bad?
The reason why surfactants have a bad reputation is because of the fact that they are too effective at cleaning. The downside is that they can also strip natural oils from the scalp, leading to dull, dry, and frizzy hair.
Read More: Probiotics in Shampoo - What do your need to know?
And if you have sensitive skin, then sulfates can act as a cherry on top to causing irritation like itching, dryness, and redness.
Hence the bad reputation...
Enter Sulfate-free Shampoo
As the name suggests, a sulfate-free shampoo is a shampoo free from surfactants like SLS and SLES. Instead of harsh chemicals like SLS, they are formulated with natural ingredients to nourish your scalp and provide deep moisturization.
But if a shampoo doesn't have lather, how can we wash our hair with it? Well, sulfate-free shampoo does have lather, only it's less during your hair wash.
Here are some of the top benefits of using a sulfate-free shampoo.
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Make your hair smoother
Restore your hair's natural soothing properties with a sulfate-free shampoo. The soothing formula packs botanical extracts and a combination of essential oils and multivitamins to smoothen your hair and enable a vibrant shine to flaunt a bouncier and healthier mane.
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Retain moisture and repair
The prime benefit of using a sulfate-free shampoo is that it controls your scalp's moisture. Most sulfate-free shampoos are packed with the goodness of Argan Oil - A perfect ingredient that is rich in proteins, keratin, fatty acids, and nutrients. These shampoos help transform your hair from a dull to dazzling look by controlling your scalp's natural moisture.
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Gentle on your hair
Since a sulfate-free shampoo doesn't contain harsh chemicals, it has a soothing effect on the scalp that is easy to apply and rinse. There are also sulfate-free conditioners that are packed with moisturizing ingredients to add life and luster to your hair.
Also Read: Dandruff vs Dry Scalp - Difference, Symptoms, & How to deal with it
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Preserve your colored hair
Maintain the vibrancy of your color-treated hair by using sulfate-free shampoo. With the richness of essential and plant-infused ingredients, you no longer have to worry about your color bleeding. Just apply it to your hair and get the same shine as if you have just dyed your hair.
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Hydrate your Scalp
A sulfate-free shampoo packs soothing ingredients such as castor oil, argan oil, marula oil, and lavender essential oil - All of which are perfect to hydrate your hair with its creamy texture. Regular usage paired with a nice hair oil treatment promote growth and makes your hair thick.
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Helps prevent Hair Loss
The excessive use of chemicals in shampoos and environmental pollution can lead to dry, brittle, and dull hair. As an alternative, a sulfate-free shampoo works wonders on low porosity hair, which means you will get healthier locks without even compromising your styling.
- Repair Damage
Best for brittle, dull, and dry hair, the qualities of sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner reverse the effect of years of chemical hair dyeing and bleaching. As most shampoos are formulated with gentle ingredients, they help hydrate your scalp and repair the damage from within.