“Sulphate-free” is one of those beauty buzz-phrases splashed across many-a shampoo bottle these days, but should you actually be ditching your normal hair cleanser for one of the best sulphate-free shampoos? And what even are sulphates? We’ve got the lowdown, plus the best sulphate-free shampoos to choose depending on your hair type and concerns.
What are sulphates?
First things first, sulphates are cleansing agents which have been used widely in hair care products for a very long time – in shampoo, we’re talking about sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium laureth sulphate specifically. As we all become increasingly savvy about what the symbols on our skincare and hair care packaging actually mean, sulphates have been bundled into the beauty ingredients blacklist. Many experts have proclaimed that it’s sulphate-free shampoo that you should be using for stronger, healthier hair.
Is sulphate-free shampoo good for hair?
When used in regular, everyday shampoo, sulphates leave you with a deliciously foamy lather, which can make a product effective at thoroughly cleaning the hair. So, if you’re a fan of hair styling products like hairspray, hair gel and dry shampoo, then incorporating a sulphate could actually be beneficial for removing product build-up on your scalp.
That said, if you're finding that your hair feels a tad dry – or that your hair colour isn't lasting for very long – then you might want to consider switching to one of the best sulphate-free shampoos.
“SLS – that is most often contained in sulphate shampoos – strips the hair of grime, but it also strips your hair of natural oils, which causes dehydration (and in some cases irritated scalps),” Belle Cannan, Co-Founder of Salon Sloane told us. This may be why you find yourself reaching for moisturising hair masks or conditioner afterwards. Sulphates can also strip the artificial pigments from the hair fibre, causing fading and loss of vibrancy.
“Sulphate free shampoos are crafted with essential oils that lift grime and residue gently, whilst aiding moisture retention so your hair is softer, and your scalp is happier,” Belle added. A sulphate-free shampoo is worth considering if you have dry hair, sensitive skin and dandruff or you want your hairdresser’s colour magic to look better for longer.
“I would always recommend alternating shampoo during the week depending on the look you want or how your hair and scalp are feeling. For example, if you are looking for more volume, pop of colour, or if you have an irritated scalp.”
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How can I tell if my shampoo is sulphate-free?
“If it isn’t labelled clearly on the front of the bottle, check the ingredients,” Belle suggested. “The most common sulphates are sodium lauryl sulphate – often labelled SLS – and sodium laureth ether sulphate (SLES).” You can also look out for the following ingredients: Lauryl Sulfoacetate Sodium, Lauroyl Isethionate and Sodium Lauroyl Taurate. They're further examples of sulphates. Many brands now stock sulphate shampoo, from L’Oreal to Noughty, OGX, Color WOW and Kerastase.
Should I use sulphate-free shampoo on my hair extensions?
This depends entirely on whether your hair extensions or wigs are made from synthetic hair or natural hair. If it's synthetic hair, then you should use a clarifying shampoo as products, grime and smells can accumulate on the fibres.
If it's human hair, then you should definitely use a sulphate-free shampoo to be as gentle as possible on the delicate strands, followed by a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture and shine. “It will take care of them for longer,” Belle said.
After more beauty content? Head this way for the best shampoos for all hair types and over here for conditioners to pair with them. Elsewhere, we’ve got purple shampoo, the best shampoo for fine hair, the best shampoo for coloured hair and the best shampoo for frizzy hair. Head this way for soothing shampoo for sensitive scalps, the best shampoo for curly hair and the best shampoo for greasy hair.
Scroll for our full edit of the best sulphate-free shampoos to take to checkout in 2022.
When you style your hair with hot tools or experiment with different hair colors, you need a cleansing routine that will coddle—not strip—your hair. That's where sulfate-free shampoos come in. The formulas leave out harsh cleansing agents, so they lock in moisture, prevent color from fading too fast, and are less likely to irritate a sensitive scalp. Ahead, find out the best sulfate-free shampoos according to our editors (as well as top hairstylists), for all hair types and textures.
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Best for Dry Hair
Nurture Hydrating Shampoo JVN
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Best Conditioning Wash
Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY
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Drugstore Deal
Scalp Soothing Oat Milk Blend Shampoo Aveeno
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Best Volumizing
Vegan Biotin & Sun Kissed Mandarin Shampoo Love Beauty and Planet
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Expert Pick
OUAI
Detox Shampoo
Best for Dry Hair
JVN
Nurture Hydrating Shampoo
Best Conditioning Wash
BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY
Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser
Drugstore Deal
Aveeno
Scalp Soothing Oat Milk Blend Shampoo
Best Volumizing
Love Beauty and Planet
Vegan Biotin & Sun Kissed Mandarin Shampoo
Best for Detangling
Design Essentials
Design Essentials Almond Avocado Shampoo
Best for Extensions
ILES FORMULA
Haute Performance Shampoo
Best Unscented
Nécessaire
The Shampoo
Best for Scalp
Crown Affair
The Ritual Shampoo
Best for Dandruff
Balancing Shampoo
Best Waterless
Susteau
Moondust Hair Wash
Best for Texture
Pattern Beauty
Hydration Shampoo
Best Energizing
adwoa beauty
Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo
Best Strengthening
Mielle Organics
Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
Best Custom
Prose
Shampoo
Best Detoxifying
Living Proof
Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo
Best Keratin
Virtue Labs
Recovery Shampoo
Natural Pick
True Botanicals
Nourishing Shampoo
Best for Curls
Briogeo
Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo
Best for Damaged Hair
SheaMoisture
Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
Best for Waves
Bumble and bumble
Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sulfates?
In short, sulfates are what create that shampoo-y lather. But in more detail: "Sulfates are mineral salts that appear both naturally and human-made. Sulfates in beauty products show up as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)," explains
Drew Inge, owner of Drew Inge Hair Studio of Williamsburg, Virginia in Sola Salons. "Sulfates bind to dirt and oil and remove them from your hair. Sulfates produce a lather as well, which is
why it’s so desired in shampoos.
Why should you use sulfate-free shampoos?
They can be harsh on both the hair and scalp. "Sulfates are considered safe by the FDA and EPA in small dosages," says Inge. "However, sulfates can strip away too much of the hairs natural oils and moisture that keep them healthy. If you have sensitive skin they can cause irritation, dryness, and redness on the scalp. This can lead to dandruff, color fading, dryness, and breakage in some cases." Using sulfate-free products is especially important for those with color-treated hair. "Certain surfactants can be very cleansing and strip hair color or dry out hair," adds Brown.
Why aren't all shampoos sulfate-free?
Simply put, we're conditioned (no pun intended) to think that more lather = a better cleanse. "Many people are used to a lathering shampoo and conditioner and sometimes struggle to make the switch at first, but many can benefit from moving to sulfate-free products." Plus, as mentioned, small concentrations of sulfates are considered safe to use.
Are sulfate-free shampoos ideal for all hair types?
"Sulfate-free shampoos can be good for your hair by preserving some of the healthy oils in your strands to protect the hair." says Inge. "People with colored, dry, curly, or thin hair should avoid sulfates because they can cause your hair to become more dry and brittle. However, oily hair and thicker hair can benefit from sulfates cleansing properties." It all comes down to the formula you like using for your hair. "At the end of the day if you enjoy a lathering shampoo experience you may not enjoy a sulfate-free shampoo. If your skin isn’t sensitive or irritated, then you should be perfectly fine using shampoo with sulfates in them," says Inge.