If you have chemically processed or color-treated hair, the answer to that simple question is absolutely-without a doubt!
Women, who color their hair regularly or receive chemical treatments such as keratin straightening treatments or permanents, should always use sulfate-free products to cleanse their hair. These fabulous products leave hair clean without drying it out, and they protect hair for longer lasting color and healthier results.
What are Sulfate-free shampoos?
Sulfate-free shampoos are products that contain no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
What exactly is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate?
SLS and SLES are surfactants that act as surface acting agents and are typically what is responsible for the bubbles or suds you see when washing your hair. These very same “bubbles” are responsible for stripping hair of essential oils, thus drying and damaging the hair follicle. For more sensitive scalps and/or damaged hair, these surfactants can also cause scalp irritation, split ends, and fuzzy frayed hair strands.
How can using a sulfate-free shampoo help your hair?
Using a sulfate-free shampoo can prevent additional drying and damage to the hair when washing. In addition to protecting chemically processed and color-treated hair, sulfate-free shampoos can clean and detangle just as good without the abundance of these “super-drying” bubbles. These healthier shampoos are perfect for dry damaged or brittle breakage prone hair as well.
Sulfate-free shampoos are also less irritating to the skin and eyes. These magnificent products can be used safely on any hair and skin type, and at any age even for small children.
Choosing the right sulfate-free shampoo for your hair
When choosing a sulfate-free shampoo, of course look for one that says “sulfate-free” but also check the ingredient list to make sure there is no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
Also remember to find a shampoo that is made for your hair type. For example, if your hair is dry, look for a moisturizing formula. If your hair is color-treated, look for one that is formulated for colored hair.
In addition to your new shampoo, find the accompanying conditioner to keep your hair healthy and looking great.
Are sulfate-free shampoos expensive?
Sulfate-free shampoos range in price from about $7 to $35, and are generally a bit more costly than your typical drugstore shampoos. The reason for the increased cost is that these shampoos are not full of surfactants which are cheap fillers for manufacturers. And just as with anything, better ingredients equals a bit more expensive product.
Super-fab Sulfate-Free Products
Some fantastic brands that offer sulfate-free products include; Pureology, Aveda, ABBA, Burt’s Bees, Hair Rules, TIGI, CHI, and Bed Head.
Is there anything bad about sulfate-free shampoos?
As a stylist, the most common complaint I hear from people about sulfate-free shampoo, is that it lacks suds or lather-ability. But once you understand that bubbles do not equal clean, you will forget all about them. Plus as an added bonus, your hair will look and feel healthier, and your chemical process and/or color will last a lot longer.
If you are still concerned about the “super-suds” issue, try ABBA brand products. They work great and lather well, plus they are SLS-free, SLES-free, Paraben-free, and 100% Vegan.
If you have tried sulfate-free products in the past and were not impressed, definitely give them another try. The newer sulfate-free products that are on the market, have improved a great deal over their predecessors of the past. More and more companies are incorporating the sulfate-free way into their products giving us a bigger selection of products that are custom tailored to a wider variety of hair types and needs.
And keep in mind that even though these sulfate-free products may be more expensive than what you are used to paying, they will extend the life of your hair color and chemical treatments, saving you money in the long run.
