This is Why Stylists Often Recommend Sulfate-Free Hair Products

I’ll be honest: since I was young up until a few months ago, I had no idea what sulfate-free hair products were. Sure, I’ve heard about the term, but I never really gravitated towards the use of them. I usually only pick shampoos based on what smells the best or what doesn’t make my hair greasy throughout the day.

But I also found myself growing more and more curious why ALL stylists I’ve gone to often recommend the use of such. So, I did some digging, and below are what I found.

First things first–what are sulfates?

According to Healthline, sulfates are chemical compounds widely used as cleansing agents in various products, including household cleaners, detergents, and yes, shampoos.

When it comes to the latter, there are two main sulfate compounds: sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Their job is to create that bubbly lather that gets rid of the oil and grime from your hair. So, if your shampoo foams up like crazy in the shower, it's probably packing some sulfates. But if you're using sulfate-free shampoo, don't expect much of a lather.

Still, sulfates in shampoo have been stirring up a lot of debate. Some folks are convinced that these sulfates are bad news for your health. So, the concern is that too much exposure to sulfates could lead to some serious risks. Back in the day, people actually thought sulfates could cause cancer, but hey, science stepped in and busted that myth.

*Image Source: Culture Salon and Lifestyle Lounge*

Still, sulfates can be harsh on certain hair types and might even cause skin irritation for some people. So, if you wanna know more about these possible risks and how to handle 'em, keep reading!

**Are sulfates really that bad for your hair?**

In a Real Simple article, Gretchen Friese, a certified trichologist at Bosley MD, explained that sulfates can be damaging as they strip the hair of essential moisture: "Sulfates may remove too much moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and potentially causing damage. They can also lead to a dry and irritated scalp."

However, despite the potential risks, it doesn't mean that everyone should immediately switch to sulfate-free shampoo. As Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Beauty Stat, puts it, "Sulfates get a bad rap from those spreading misinformation and fear. Just because this ingredient might not be suitable for some doesn't mean it's not good for others." Ultimately, it all comes down to personal hair needs and preferences.

So, who would benefit from sulfate-free hair products?

One of the most important benefits of sulfate-free products is that they keep the natural oils in the hair, which makes the hair feel softer and look more shiny. Traditional shampoos with harsh sulfates can strip the hair of these vital oils, but sulfate-free formulas clean the hair gently and leave it healthy and shiny. So, such products would be great options for:

Those with colored or treated hair. By using sulfate-free shampoos, you can maintain and protect the color, making the dye last longer and stay vibrant. This not only saves you time and money from frequent salon trips, but also ensures your hair remains beautifully-colored for extended periods.

Those with sensitive scalp and skin. Because it doesn't have any harsh chemicals, it's a better choice for people with sensitive skin because it won't irritate or inflame their hair. And by reducing exposure to sulfates, the health of the hair and skin as a whole improves and people can wash their hair more comfortably.

Those with dry and damaged hair. As mentioned earlier, sulfate-free shampoos do a great job of preserving moisture in the hair and scalp, making them particularly advantageous for people with dry or damaged hair. And by keeping the hair's natural moisture intact, these shampoos boost the overall health of the hair, improving its appearance and making it more manageable.

Those seeking a more environmentally-friendly option. A lot of sulfate-free shampoos are made from plant-based ingredients, making them a greener alternative when compared to shampoos containing chemical sulfates.

Those with a variety of other hair concerns. Sulfate-free hair products are very flexible and work well for many different hair kinds and problems. No matter if your hair is dry, has been colored, is sensitive, or is prone to frizz, sulfate-free shampoos offer customized solutions that put your health and the health of the environment first.

I have colored hair, should I use a purple shampoo or a sulfate-free shampoo?

You can use either one or a hybrid of both! Purple shampoo and sulfate-free shampoo differ in their intended purposes and ingredients. The former is specially formulated for color-treated hair, aiming to tackle specific color-related issues like reducing unwanted yellow tones in blonde, silver, or gray hair.

On the other hand, sulfate-free shampoo is designed to offer a milder and nourishing cleansing experience, suitable for a variety of hair types and concerns. While some products exist that combine both features to provide sulfate-free and color-enhancing properties, these two types of shampoos are distinct and serve different functions.

Our GlowGetter Tip

In a nutshell, sulfate-free hair products have revolutionized haircare. They're gentle, nourishing, and suitable for all hair types. They maintain natural oils, protect color, and are eco-friendly. While it's important to use these products at home, treating yourself to salon treatments like Keratin or Brazilian blowouts (ICYDK, Parlon has some amazing discounts on a variety of hair treatments!) can also give your hair some extra love and care, leaving it super smooth and manageable. So, strike a balance between using sulfate-free products at home and indulging in salon treatments occasionally for fabulous hair all-around.