Everything You Need to Know About Sulfates and Hair!
We hear and read everywhere that sulfates and parabens are bad and that it’s better to buy sulfate- and paraben-free hair products because these substances are harmful to your hair and a whole bunch of other things. We noticed that a lot of our customers aren’t really sure what sulfates and parabens are exactly and why they’re harmful. In this blog, we’ll explain in simple terms exactly what they are and whether they’re really as bad for your hair as people claim.
What are sulfates?
You’re seeing more and more shampoos labeled as sulfate-free these days. What exactly does this mean for your hair? Sulfates are salts or esters of sulfuric acid. They act as cleansers (detergents) and remove oil from the hair. Sulfates consist of two parts: a water-soluble part and an oil-soluble part. The oil-soluble part binds to the dirt in the hair. The water-soluble part then ensures that the dirt dissolves in water and is rinsed away. Another reason sulfates are included in cosmetic products is for their foaming effect.
What Products Contain Sulfates?
Sulfates are mainly found in cosmetic products, such as skin and hair care products. But if you choose to be more mindful about sulfates, you should pay particular attention to cleansing products. In this blog, we’ll focus solely on sulfates in hair care products. Sulfates are found mainly in shampoos—which makes sense, since the purpose of shampoo is to clean the hair.
Why is it harmful?
We still don’t know why so many peoplehave beensoanti-sulfatelately. Sulfates range from mild to very harsh. At the same time, the harsher the sulfates, the more effectively they cleanse and remove oil. And who doesn’t want to walk around with fresh, clean hair? However, the harshness of sulfates can lead to skin irritation. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin. Sulfates sometimes cleanse so intensely that they strip away your natural oil barrier, resulting in dryness and irritation. That’s why we recommend that people with sensitive scalps use sulfate-free shampoos.
What do harsh sulfates do?
We just mentioned that there are mild and harsh sulfates. The harsh sulfates are often the culprits. The most aggressive sulfates are: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). So if you decide to pay closer attention to these ingredients, make sure to avoid these sulfates! These ingredients are always listed on the back of the product bottle. In general, milder sulfates, such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), don’t cause any problems. Butthen again, what works for one person may not work for another. Some people have strong reactions even to milder sulfates. In such cases, we definitely advise against using products containing sulfates! Some “sulfate-free” shampoos still contain a sulfate: Sodium Coco-Sulfate (SCS). SCS is a very mild sulfate, making it a much safer alternative to harsher sulfates such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and the slightly milder Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
What are the pros and cons of sulfates?
Benefits
- Thorough Cleaning
- Lathers well
- Spreads easily through the hair
- Cheaper
- Degrease
Disadvantages
- Dehydration
- Irritation
- Bad for the environment
Which sulfate-free shampoos?
Are you thinking about switching to a sulfate-free shampoo? We've put together a list of the best sulfate-free shampoos for every hair type.
Colored Hair
Redken Natural Science Color Extend Shampoo
This vegan line from Redken is a blessing for your hair. Not only is this shampoo sulfate-free, but it’s also free of silicones and parabens. Another nice bonus: the packaging is 98% biodegradable and made from recycled plastic. The products are designed to address the hair’s primary needs: hydration, protein, and color retention. The Redken Natural Science Color Extend Shampoo is designed to preserve hair color. Thanks to the ingredient ginseng, the shampoo ensures long-lasting color vibrancy with a natural shine—all without sulfates!
Irritated scalp
Waterclouds Relieve Balance
Do you suffer from a stressed or irritated scalp? If so, it’s a good idea to avoid sulfates. This mild, sulfate-free shampoo from the Swedish brand Waterclouds helps regulate oil production while soothing scalp irritation. It restores balance to your hair and scalp, helping them feel calmer. In addition to being sulfate-free, the shampoo is also free of silicones and parabens. The formula is vegan and enriched with amino acids. This way, you’ll have strong hair as well as a healthy scalp.
Silver Shampoo
Maria Nila Palett Sheer Silver Shampoo
Many women can’t get through the day without a good silver shampoo. But finding a sulfate-free silver shampoo is also a challenge. Look no further! With Maria Nila’s wonderful silver shampoo, you’ve found the silver shampoo of your dreams. Maria Nila Palett Sheer Silver Shampoo is a shampoo for blonde, gray, and silver-gray hair that’s made from 100% natural ingredients. This shampoo contains violet pigments and blackberries—all extracts that combat yellowing, discoloration, and dullness in the hair! The Colour Guard Complex in the shampoo protects the hair and reduces color loss caused by washing, heat, styling, UV rays, and exposure to oxygen. The shampoo is also paraben-free! Want to learn more about silver shampoo? Then read our blog post with all the information about this magical shampoo.
Want to order sulfate-free shampoo from JohnBeerens.com?
Whether you have colored or bleached hair, or suffer from a sensitive scalp, a sulfate-free shampoo is a must-have in your hair care routine. By using sulfate-free shampoos, you can prevent further scalp and/or hair problems and keep your hair shiny and healthy. Here at JohnBeerens.com, we carry a variety of sulfate-free shampoos in our selection. So there’s always one that’s right for you!
