Is Sulfate Free Shampoo Better for Your Hair?
What is the Significance of 'Sulfate-Free'? Can You Explain What Sulfates Are?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are the common chemical cleansing agents used. Sulfates are surfactants that are present in personal products and cleansing agents like body soap, shampoos, liquid detergents, and toothpaste. They produce lather or foam which helps in deep cleansing.
Are These Sulfates Harmful?
Sulfates in shampoo produce lather and foam, which cleanse the dirt, oils, and dead cells from the scalp and make the scalp and hair squeaky clean. Sulfate shampoos if used in small quantity are safe but daily use of these shampoos, along with the dirt tend to strip off the natural oils too. This damages the cuticle layer of the hair and makes the hair dry and frizzy. People with sensitive skin might experience irritation to the eyes, skin and scalp with sulfate-infused products.
Why Should You Switch to Sulfate-Free Shampoo?
It provides the following benefits:
Moisturize: If your hair is chemically treated, sulfates damage your hair protein, sulfate-free shampoo helps to retain the moisture and makes your hair healthy.
Retain Hair Color: Sulfates strip off the hair color and shine is lost with every wash. Sulfate-free shampoo is highly beneficial in such conditions.
Avoid Skin Reaction: Sulfates are harsh to the skin. They may cause itchiness, redness and irritation. Inflammation may loosen the roots of hair and lead to hair fall. Sulfate-free shampoos are mild and gentle over the scalp.
Safer: Sulfate-free shampoo is safe, mild and best for sensitive and dry scalp.
Who Should Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo?
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People who have Dry scalp or frizzy hair
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People who have Chemically treated hair
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People who have Dyed or colored hair
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People who have a Sensitive scalp
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People who use heat tools frequently – straighteners, dryers
How to Check Whether the Shampoo is Sulfate-Free?
The best way to check is to read the ingredients, The most common sulfates used are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) or if your shampoo creates excessive foam or lather, it is definitely due to the sulfates. Mild cleansing agents that are sulfate-free produce less lather.