I’ve never really bothered looking at the ingredients on my shampoo bottle, and I usually just grab one off the shelf at the supermarket. But I have dry hair and I highlight regularly and I realised that I need to make a plan – my hair has become so dry and damaged and it looks and feels strawy. I always thought that conditioners and treatments were more important than the shampoo. They are just to clean, right? The cleaner, the better. As long as I take one that’s designed for dry/damaged hair, I’m sorted?
Ehh… no!
I’ve heard many people talking about how bad sulphates are for your hair and I know that most salon brands are sulphate free. So why are they bad?
Putting it VERY simply: sulphates acts as a cleaning agent that dissolves grease and dirt and it boosts foam.
‘A sulphate is a salt of sulphuric acid (gypsum, or plaster of Paris, is probably the best-known example). With shampoo, two particular sulphates are commonly used: sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES)’ – The Daily Mail
The problem is that they can actually ‘over clean’ and strip your hair. This is especially bad for me since my hair is already dry, I have it chemically treated and I wash my hair every day. Yes, I know it’s bad, but I just cannot style these curls if I don’t. I am also experimenting with washing just with water a couple of times a week, but that’s for another post.
I still haven’t made complete peace with the fact that my face wash doesn’t have to make millions of bubbles to be effective. And now I have to believe that a shampoo that doesn’t do the same can actually clean my hair just as effectively?
I am now on a mission to find affordable sulphate free shampoos and give them a go.
According to The Daily Mail this is what I should look out for when reading the label: look for the words ‘sulphate-free’ on the packaging. This will mean that the product is free from sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium laureth sulphate, no matter what other sulphates appear as an ingredient.
I’ll let you know how it goes!
If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
xoxo
Hey there, did you ever try the Sh’Zen hair care range?
Hi there. Not yet :) But I’ll check it out.
Hi Charlie.
I’ve been using Shzen’s balancing shampoo and also their Sun shampoo off and on over the years and cannot see that it contains any of the sulphates you are describing here. Have you tried their shampoo before? It is definitely low foaming. Which personally also irritates me! Only because it gives me the impression that its not cleaning properly!! Lol! I would love to hear your opinion on this product.
Because of the “low foaming” aspect, and because of the price of the shampoo (oh and the fact that I wash my highlighted hair every day as well), I use Doves hair repair shampoo and conditioner every other day… What do you think of Doves shampoo?
Your opinion will be greatly appreciated.
Nats
Hi Nats! I love the Dove range and I find it to be one of the better ‘drugstore’ haircare ranges. I am busy with my first review of a sulphate free range though and I now get why so many recommend going sulphate free. It won’t necessarily be a life changer for all though… keep in mind that my hair is naturally very dry and the chemical treatments don’t help. I would love to give the Shzen range a go. Will keep an eye out for specials :) Thanks for the comment! xxx
Okidoki… Update: Shzen’s shampoo does contain SLS… :(
When you have more info on the sulphate free range, pls let me know?
Thanks Charlene.
The Giovanni’s Cosmetics range is completely sulphate free and their sleek argan range is divine. It is available from quite a few local health shops.
Thanks so much! Will definitely check it out xx
Hi Charlene!
I am a total sulphate-free groupie!
I have tried Nu Hair from Clicks and Scott & Wells that I bought on Takealot.com.
I found that Nu Hair smelled of cat and old lady, so I tried Scott & Wells and I am so pleased with it!
Here is the link to buy:
http://www.takealot.com/health-beauty/scott-wells-daily-sulphate-free-shampoo-300ml,9861840
http://www.takealot.com/health-beauty/scott-wells-daily-sulphate-free-conditioner-300ml,9861841
xxxx
Meagan
Aw! You read my blog!!! :) Not trying Nu Hair then, ha-ha. Thanks for the tips xxx
Looking forward to your findings. I’ve been using Sulphate free products for about 4 years and do feel it’s better for my hair. The problem is, they keep getting taken off the market. I tried the BodyShop range but my hair felt greasy and had a build up so I stopped using it.
Thanks!
I hate it when you find something that works, and then they discontinue it! What are you using now? I’m also worried about build-up :( And because I use so many styling products, I need something that still cleans well. Fingers crossed!