What is Sulfate Free Shampoo, and Why Is It Best for Your Hair?

Deciphering the label of a beauty product can be challenging, and you can easily fall into the marketing trap of pulling you from one brand to the other. So, we'd like to extend some clarity to you to better understand what some of the ingredients in beauty products do and how to choose the best haircare for your needs, beginning with a heavily debated question: "Are sulfates good or bad for you?"

What are Sulfates?

Sulfates are detergents or surfactants, which are ingredients that are added to cleaning products to make them lather or foam, as well as to remove dirt and oil. They work by attracting and binding both oil and particles, which means that the grease trapped is washed away with the lather and water.

The standard sulfate is sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be found in soaps, shampoos, shower gels, and toothpaste. Despite its bad reputation, SLS is safe to use. However, sulfate-free shampoos are considered gentler on the scalp and hair and are usually recommended to those with sensitive skin. Sulfates, are a common ingredient in shampoos and bubble baths.

A common misconception is that we need to be covered in foam to "feel clean," but consider all of the non-foaming cleansing products - removing make-up is just as effective without lathery bubbles.

Why are Sulfate Free Shampoos Better for you?

Sulfate free shampoos are formulated with natural ingredients which help in maintaining the natural Ph balance of the scalp. Additionally, it locks in the color of your hair, saves time and money, a wise investment for preserving the vibrancy and life of colored hair.

They are a fantastic substitute for people with sensitive scalps to avoid potential irritation and inflammation. The less sulphates are exposed to the scalp, the better it is for the health of the hair because they are harsh chemicals. Sulphate free shampoos are environmentally friendly and are made from plant derivatives.

One useful tip to make the shampoo work better is to ensure your hair is sopping wet when applying the product. Massage the shampoo on the scalp and roots and also start applying shampoo from the nape area up.

Switching to a sulfate-free shampoo

When changing to a shampoo with natural ingredients and no sulfates your hair might feel somewhat different after the first few washes. That’s because the scalp and the hair need time to adapt to the different ingredients.

As mentioned before, sulfates strip the natural oils from the hair and scalp, so your scalp and hair will have to work to maintain the balance. It’s also important to know that when you remove the sulfates, your hair might be oilier for a while until it adapts to the new routine.

Benefits of Sulfate Free shampoos

You get to keep essential natural hair oils.

Sulfates, as mentioned, are a common ingredient in shampoos and bubble baths. Shampoo has a lathering effect that aids in the removal of dirt and debris from your hair and scalp.

Sulfates, as effective as they are at removing dirt from your hair, can also strip your hair of essential natural oils. One advantage of using a sulfate free shampoo is that your strands will retain their natural, healthy shine.

Sulfate Free Shampoo Advantages:

Woman with Textured Hair you won't have to give up your color to avoid sulphates.

Unfortunately, sulphates can cause havoc on a variety of hair types. If you have colored hair, you may notice that the color fades and loses luster after using a sulphate shampoo.

Get rid of scalp sensitivity

Those of us who have sensitive scalps understand how the wrong hair products can exacerbate an already difficult situation. One of the many advantages of sulfate free shampoo is that it is gentler on sensitive scalps and will not aggravate any existing dryness or itchiness

Everyone with curly hair will rejoice

If you have curly hair, you know that a lack of moisture means a lack of curls. Sulfates dry out your strands, making it more difficult for your curls to lock their tight, hydrated curl pattern.

Sulfates can be extremely drying to some hair types, resulting in damaged and dry ends. Those who have sensitive scalps understand how the wrong hair products can exacerbate an already difficult situation. One of the many advantages of sulfate free shampoo is that it is gentler on sensitive scalps and will not aggravate any existing dryness or itchiness.

We at Moehair curate shampoos using a minimalist formula that includes only the necessary ingredients and nothing else. This means we've replaced the sulfates with cleansing ingredients derived from nature that clean and lightly condition the hair at the same time. Due to the formulas, the shampoos will foam less, but will surely cleanse your hair and scalp thoroughly. You will notice that if your hair is dirty the first time you shampoo, you won't get that much foam because the surfactant ingredients are busy cleaning the hair – not foaming.

Moehair's range of natural ingredient-based aftercare products, which are specially formulated to gently cleanse and nourish your scalp.