Sulfates yes or no? Many people wonder if it is appropriate to abandon the traditional shampoo to go to the safest and most delicate sulfate-free shampoos, specific products that do not foam but wash the hair while respecting even the most delicate skin.
For athletes who are looking for a non-aggressive solution to wash their hair every day, developed for very sensitive skin and fragile hair, subject to breakage, these non-aggressive shampoos represent a significant novelty to be known in more detail.
Discover them with us in this complete user guide with the ranking of the best not to be missed.
Here is the ranking of the best sulfate free shampoos!
What you will find in this article
Restivoil Shampoo
The best sulfate-free shampoo for all hair types and needs
They are SLES and SLS-free shampoo oils that do not produce foam and are easy to find even at the supermarket those of Restivoil, among the best on the market.
The components that characterize them are sebum. This means that each Restivoil shampoo cleanses by affinity, reducing discomfort such as itching and irritation by up to 90%. The offer is wide and varied: from products for frequent washing with a delicate cleansing base to those specific for the treatment of dandruff and capillary breakage.
PRO: Consumers more than satisfied thanks to Restivoil formulations that combine quality and effectiveness in immediately visible and long-lasting results. Hair is stronger, healthier and cleaner for longer with a noticeable reduction in irritation, itching and dandruff.
Shea Moisture Shea Butter Shampoo
Sulfate-free shampoo for curly hair
Shea Moisture's Shea Butter Shampoo is a moisturizing treat for hair that, thanks to the mix of shea, seaweed and Argan oil, softens and repairs the driest, most damaged and treated hair. Completely organic, it is a shampoo without parabens, silicones and sulfates. Gently washes making hair shiny, more elastic and naturally hydrated.
PRO: It really repairs this little cosmetic prodigy that comes from the African tradition and that makes curls simply sublime. Intoxicating scent, it is a hydration booster that gives the hair unrivaled hydration and completely eliminates frizz. Top!
Faith in Nature Shampoo naturale
Sulfate-free shampoo to hydrate and revitalize
The Faith in Nature range of organic and natural shampoos is aimed at all hair types: oily, brittle, dry, with dandruff, damaged and colored.
Particularly concentrated, they do not contain parabens and SLS and are formulated with organic essential oils and herbal extracts with 99% natural compositions. For all needs, for all tastes as shown by the combinations offered. A few examples? Grapefruit / Orange is an invigorating shampoo, moisturizing Coconut while the combination of Turmeric and Lemon is a light booster for dull hair.
PRO: A complete range of shampoos without sulphates, silicones and parabens that cleanse the hair with absolute delicacy. Completely natural, they leave the hair fragrant for a long time and are also useful in the treatment of dermatitis and dandruff.
Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Sulfate free
Sulfate-free salon shampoo with professional results
The sulfate free version of the Kérastase shampoo is aimed at unruly thin to normal hair, ensures maximum softness and shine thanks to ingredients such as Ceramide, Cationic Polymer and Surphale Morphing polymers.
The silky smooth effect is guaranteed on perfectly untangled, nourished and hydrated hair. Revitalizes the hair and counteracts frizz with absolute effectiveness.
PRO: It is one of the best salt-free shampoos on the market, recommended above all as a post-treatment keratin shampoo. The strong point? The smoothing effect that makes the hair silky and very soft to the touch.
Alchemilla K-Hair
Best Organic Sulfate Free Shampoo
Contains soy proteins, specific to protect the hair, and a blend of organic extracts of oats, almonds, best and sunflower.
This sulfate-free Alkemilla shampoo is light, delicate and exudes a scent that is nothing short of intoxicating. The perfect ally for frequent washing that improves the hair, giving it volume and lightness for a healthy and invigorated appearance.
PRO: Its strengths are lightness and effectiveness, a mix that makes hair not only more beautiful but also stronger and healthier over time. Flowing and fluffy, the hair releases all its natural beauty with a plus that should not be underestimated: a delicious coconut fragrance that lasts for days making everything irresistible!
Alkemilla K-Hair Alkemilla K-Hair 11,40 € 11,50 € VIEW DETAILS Macrolibrarsi.esOmia Fisio Eco-bio Aloe Vera Shampoo
Inexpensive sulfate-free shampoo
The physio-shampoo par excellence is a must for dry hair that refreshes and soothes, regenerating it wash after wash. Moisturizing and balancing, it is made with Aloe vera gel which restores the natural hydration of the hair.
PRO: Recommended for frequent washing, it leaves the hair hydrated, soothed and perfectly clean for a long time. It produces a slight foam, helping to prevent any irritation to the scalp thanks to the lack of SLS and SLES and the presence of excellent ingredients in the formulation.
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Low Shampoo
Sulphate-free shampoo for dry and colored hair
They are Low Shampoo, that is, delicate washing creams without sulphates that wash the hair without attacking it and ensure deep nourishment and a total anti-frizz effect for dry and sensitized hair.
Two versions are proposed: Extraordinary Oil, enriched with 6 oils extracted from precious flowers specific for curly and very dry hair and Color Vive, with Linseed color protecting elixir and UVA / UVB filters.
PRO: Light and neat hair, cleaner longer and tidy. L'Oréal's solution surprises with its effectiveness and delicacy, offering deep nourishment to curls and maximum protection for treated hair.
What are sulphates and what are they used for?
Considered surfactants, sulphates are the main responsible for the foam that any shampoo, conditioner or shower gel produces. Generally first among the ingredients on the label, they can be easily recognized with the names of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Lauryl Laureth Sulphate.
They perform purely a cleaning action, since they attract both water and oil, thus effectively removing dirt, sebum and any other residue present in the hair. Cheap and very common, they ensure a deep cleansing of the hair but can be aggressive for the most sensitive and delicate hair.
Are sulphates dangerous to health?
It should be noted that sulphates are not carcinogenic nor do they represent a health hazard. If used through cosmetics and in the recommended doses they are absolutely harmless.
Harmful to health no, irritating yes. This is why they should be avoided in cases where you have a sensitive scalp, fragile and damaged hair, tending to break or when frequent washing is necessary (as in the case of athletes).
Differences between traditional shampoo and sulfate-free shampoo
It is impossible not to find sulphates in the most common and cheap shampoos: they are in fact used on a large scale to allow the product to clean and degrease the hair in depth. They are cheap, effective and do not cause discomfort in most cases.
But what are the differences between a traditional shampoo and one without sulphates? In general, traditional shampoo is less concentrated and can cause long-term discomfort such as itching, irritation and greater dryness of the hair.
On the other hand, sulfate-free cleansing creams are more concentrated, do not produce foam and wash the hair gently and with the same effectiveness as traditional products. Lighter, they also excellently replace the classic conditioner.
Benefits sulfate-free shampoo
✔ Can be used every day
✔ Replaces conditioner
✔ It has a regenerating and soothing effect
✔ Ensures greater protection of the hair
✔ Maintains color
✔ Contains a high amount of vitamins, proteins and natural oils
✔ It is a shampoo without parabens and silicones, friendly to the skin and the environment
✔ It is gentle on the skin and does not produce allergies
✔ Stimulates the production of keratin
✔ Brightens and strengthens the hair
✔ Reduces frizz and helps define curls and waves better
✔ Prevents and treats dandruff
Disadvantages sulfate-free shampoo
✔ In some cases it could deeply cleanse very greasy hair
✔ Does not eliminate silicones
✔ Compared to a traditional shampoo it is more expensive
How to choose sulfate-free shampoo - Buying guide
Read the label
To choose the shampoo without foam that best suits your needs, you need to read the label (INCI) well.
Generally a sulfate-free shampoo should not contain:
- Silicones (eg Dimethicone)
- Parabens
- Sodium chloride
- Lanolin
- Synthetic dyes
The formulation must instead contain a good supply of vitamins, proteins, natural extracts and natural oils such as coconut or argan (highly moisturizing).
Choose according to the hair
Not all hair is the same. For this it is necessary to choose the best sulfate-free shampoo adapting it to your needs and based above all on the type of hair.
1.Sulfate-free shampoo for oily hair
It often contains citrus fruits and clays. It has a sebum-regulating and rebalancing action that helps the hair stay clean for longer without losing hydration and elasticity.
2.Sulfate-free shampoo for dry hair
It may contain highly moisturizing and nourishing oils, as well as other elements such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Its is a revitalizing and moisturizing action that allows the hair to be healthier, stronger and more elastic as well as easily detangled.
3.Sulfate-free shampoo for curly and frizzy hair
Also in this, the formulation will be based on oils and moisturizing ingredients to give the curl maximum definition and counteract frizz, regulating the hair.
4.For colored and dyed hair
Specific proteins and vitamins to keep the color alive over time will be two constants to be found in this type of shampoo. If the traditional fades the color, this type of product instead helps to revitalize the reflections and make the color full over time.
5.For damaged, brittle and prone to breakage hair
They have a strengthening and regenerating action, they stimulate the production of keratin with a mix of specific vitamins and proteins. They transform the hair making it stronger and fuller, reducing breakage and capillary fall.
Use sulfate-free shampoo - Tips & Tricks
Its particularly concentrated consistency does not produce foam and this, especially at first, can confuse ideas. In reality, this type of low shampoo are as effective as traditional products but much more delicate, a real cure-all for the hair.
To use it correctly, follow these tips:
- Always apply it in generous doses, diluting it with a little warm water;
- Massage for a long time on the scalp, lengths and ends;
- Keep it on and let it act for at least three minutes;
- Rinse by untangling your hair with your fingers for maximum results.
You may initially notice more dry hair after shampooing. No alarmism! It is perfectly normal to do so because the hair needs to detoxify and gradually get used to the new product. Within a few weeks you will notice the first changes visible to the naked eye: the hair will return to regain vigor, brightness and splendor.
Conclusions
More than a trend, a necessity. Sulfate-free shampoo has now become a must for those who want to wash their hair without risks and hassles such as itching and irritation.
Light, fragrant, suitable for frequent washing. They adapt to any type of hair and need. We can no longer do without it and you? Tell us your experience with a comment!
