Shampoo: with or without sulfates?

Discover the differences between them and adopt a healthy hair routine

The selection of products is becoming more and more difficult process, for us that we do not have the knowledge about the hair care. The plenty of shampoos, conditioners and other products available, distinguish one from the other with inscriptions such as “anti-dandruff”, “for oiliness”, “for dry skin”, with the divisions between dyed and non-dyed hair, etc. All these keywords combined with the ingredients that we find on the shampoo label, make it harder for us to decide on the ideal product for us.

Hair care has become an exclusive personal care where we seek as much information as possible in order to make the right choice. Of course, each shampoo has different results. The determining factor is the type, the length, but also the state that is, for example, if it is porous or has fine hair.

In addition, another term that makes us more confusion to our selection is sulfates. Many point out that we should avoid them in products, but do we really know why?

What exactly are the sulfates? 

They are actually chemical detergents. More specifically, we are talking about a type of ingredient that is added to cleaning products to create foam and to remove dirt and grease. They work by attracting both oil and water, meaning that the oil trapped in the foam will be washed away with the water. That is the reason that we find them in items such as shampoo, shower gels or hand creams.

Sulfates come in two main types. The first is called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is known for its detergent properties and is classified as an irritant. The second one, sodium laureth (SLES) is obtained through ethoxylation, a chemical process that facilitates the solubility of fatty acid molecules in water.

How do they work in shampoos and how do we identify them?

They represent the factors that allow the water to mix with the remaining components found in the hair and then be removed by rinsing. Thanks to them is created the foam in our baths.

To be able to recognize a shampoo with sulfates, just read the list of ingredients. If they are contained, then they will be above in the list. 

What are the reasons they are not recommended?

The disadvantages of buying sulfate shampoos are that they remove the hair's natural moisture. Therefore, the scalp turns into a rough texture, exposed to chances of irritation. Especially, those with sensitive hair, shampooing with sulfates can easily cause redness, intense dryness and itching. 

The transition to sulfates free products: |The benefits we get by using them 

Sulfate-free shampoos can easily be mistaken for their effectiveness. That's because they do not caused the same amount of foam, so many people are wondering if these products can sufficiently clean the dirty hair. Of course, this view does not exist.

In this case, sulfates are replaced with cleansing ingredients of natural origin that clean and at the same time lightly care the hair.

Their positive results:

1. Nutrients are not removed.

2. Their organic materials greatly reduce allergic reactions.

3. The hair color is preserved, which is why it is recommended, so that the dye does not fade.

4. Also on dry hair with a tendency to frizz, it will assist to make it softer and more manageable.

5. Hair follicles are not worn out.

6. If you have done the keratin therapy, they contribute to last logner yourt treatment. 

7. They remove the possibilities of getting the negative effects of the humidity, due to useful substances in the composition that protect the hair. They feed them on the internal levels with microelements too. 

Extra tips:

When you are using a sulfate-free shampoo it is better to wash your hair with plenty of water before applying the liquid, as we want it quite well wet. Massage the root with the shampoo. Add a little more water with your palms to increase the foam. Repeat the process until you are done.

It is known to characterize them as particularly friendly to the skin of the scalp. So, we understand that they are a safe choice for our hair health. Especially, if you belong to the above categories, it is considered as a “must-have” thing in your hair routine. 

In any case, you can consult a beauty expert to ensure the best choice.