Thinking of Sulphate-free Shampoos? Here’s What You Need To Know To Make The Switch

By Anupriya Jamuar 

Sulphates are cleansing agents that are usually found in your shampoo, facewash and even in some common household products. They create the rich lather that we all love for that squeaky clean feeling, especially in shampoos. Read the label on the bottle closely and you’ll find it listed as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES).

While we can’t do without the suds, the internet is abuzz with studies and experts who suggest skipping paraben and sulphates, especially in hair care. Sulphates can strip the natural oils from your hair and scalp—while this gives you that clean feel, it has a drying effect that’s not ideal, specifically for sensitive skin.

On the other hand; Dubai-based celebrity hairstylist Natalie Kasses explains, “Sulphate free shampoos help retain the natural moisture of your hair, so that it does not lose its natural shine and softness”.

“If you have coloured hair, sulphate-free shampoo is a blessing. Unlike their counterparts, these shampoos are gentle and won't strip your hair of its colour. Also, if you have curly hair, your hair won’t be as frizzy,” she elaborated.

These gentle formulas are great for your hair’s health, let’s take a deeper dive into the many benefits of sulphate free shampoo.

Up Next: Your guide to using sulphate-free shampoos

Sulphate-free shampoo: A bottle full of benefits

Known to be gentle, you'll love sulphate-free shampoos for several reasons

Biotique Ocean Kelp Anti Hair Fall Shampoo

The pure kelp and natural proteins enriched formula of Biotique Ocean Kelp Anti Hair Fall Shampoo refreshes your hair and gives it salon-like shine. A great option if you’re looking to invigorate your scalp back to its healthy glory.

L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil Paraben & Silicone Free Smooth Shampoo

Rejuvenate your hair at home with salon-like treatment with L’Oreal Paris’s Extraordinary Oil Paraben & Silicone Free Smooth Shampoo. The formula contains 100% French cedarwood oil to deeply condition and clear your scalp. It removes all that hair grease weighing your strands down leaving them 97% smoother.

Biotique Green Apple Shine & Gloss Shampoo with Conditioner

Purify and nourish your scalp with Biotique’s Green Apple Shine & Gloss Shampoo’s power-blend of pure green apple, sea algae and Centella. The pH-balanced formula provided your hair with gentle yet effective cleanse. A great choice if you wash your hair every other day.

Still stuck on suds?  

It takes a little time to get used to sulphate-free shampoos—just because there is little to no lather doesn’t mean it’s not cleansing your scalp and hair. Sulphates can be harsh cleansing agents that strip off your natural oils and leading to a whole bottle of hair concerns like:

Identify the right sulphate-free shampoo for yourself? 

There is a plethora of SLS-free shampoos out there, and it can get confusing to pick the right one for your needs. The best and easiest way to choose the right SLS-free shampoo for yourself is by your hair type. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Dry or coarse hair: Dryness or roughness is a sign that your hair is dehydrated. So, look for a nourishing sulphate-free shampoo that contains ingredients like vitamin E, coconut oil, or hyaluronic acid.
2. Coloured hair: If you love keeping up with the latest hair colours trends like us, then you need an SLS shampoo that will preserve the vibrancy of your hair colour while cleansing it.
3. Dull hair: Dullness can be due to lack of moisture in your scalp as well. Do look for an SLS free- shampoo that contains shine-boosting ingredients like vitamin E and citrus.
4. Damaged hair: Got a bit too carried away with heat styling? Look for an SLS-free shampoo that contains keratin to repair and restore your hair back to its healthy state.
5. Oily scalp: If your hair gets greasy too quickly look for SLS-free shampoos with ingredients like oats or wheat protein. They leave your hair feeling clean and fresh.