Facts about sulfate free shampoo
Experts and consumers of sulfate-free shampoos argue about the beneficial and harmful effects of using these hair care products. This article will study the pros and cons of using a sulfate-free shampoo.
The difference between a regular shampoo and a sulfate-free shampoo, is that the second one contains no sulfates or harsh cleansing agents. Moreover, a good sulfate-free shampoo often includes natural oils, plant extracts and vitamin complexes, which help to protect hair from external damaging factors.
Dermatologists and trichologists have different views about non-sulfate shampoos. Some people are sure that this product is a panacea for all troubles in hair care. Others think that it is a nonsense to worry whether your shampoo is sulfate free, vegan and etc. So who is right?
Facts about sulfate free shampoo
Firstly, it is important to understand what sulfates are and why they are used in shampoos.
What is sulfate? Sulfate is a chemical which is used as cleansing agent. It is added to shampoos, soaps, detergents and household cleaners. The main quality of the sulfates is that they create a lathering effect which helps to remove dirt and grease from various surfaces including scalp skin.
Sulfates were were obtained from petroleum and added to soaps, gels and shampoos due to the fact that they make the products produce the foam. And yes, many people still wash their hair with shampoos that contain petroleum refining products.
Although some sulfates cause to weaken the protective lipid skin of the scalp, irritating it and inducing allergies. But this information does not relate to other sulfates.
Only “heavy” sulfates may harm the hair. The examples of such sulfates are lauryl sulfate sodium (SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS).
These substances are the most harmful among all sulfates, despite the fact that they are very effective in cleaning and removing dirt. They accumulate in the scalp and can cause serious problems.
Ostol sulfates, on the other hand, are relatively harmless and can be added to shampoos in order to increase their ability to foam.
Not all sulfates pose health risks for all people. However, if you have a sensitive skin, dry hair, damaged scalp skin, you should probably avoid all types of sulfates in your shampoos.
Advantages of using sulfate-free shampoos:
1. They do not irritate the scalp and are hypoallergenic.
Sulfate-free shampoos help to cleanse the hair with the help of natural ingredients without damaging them.
It is impossible to wash out “heavy” sulfates from the scalp and hair. Therefore, many brands nowadays replace them with ingredients derived from coconut fermentation (Coco Glucoside, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate). Unlike sulfates, these ingredients are easily washed away without destroying the lipid balance of the skin.
2. Sulfate-free shampoos do not wash out the hair dye.
Sulfate particles have a rough surface. They open the hair cuticle scales, which is why the hair dye (especially ammonia-free ones) washes out.
Therefore, sulfate-free shampoos are more beneficial for people who dye their hair or do hair lamination.
3. Sulfate-free shampoos do not wash out the keratin.
Each hairdresser advises that it is worth replacing the usual hair care shampooos with non-sulfate shampoos after keratin straightening. Since sulfates foam well and really wash out all the chemicals from the scalp and hair.
Therefore, using the sulfate-containing shampoo is not beneficial for people who do keratin straightening, curling and lamination. Sulfate-free products help to extend the results of aforementioned procedures.
Disadvantages of using sulfate-free shampoos:
1. They don`t wash out chemical substances and silicone.
If you regularly use varnishes, wax, gels, foam and other hair styling products, then you should have a sulfate shampoo at home. You need to wash your hair with it to completely remove silicone and other chemical components from the scalp at least once a week.
If you do not want to use sulfate shampoos, add peels and scrubs to your hair care products.
2. May cause dandruff development.
The silicone blocks the pores of the scalp. And sulfate free shampoo is bad in removing silicone. As a result, the follicles can weaken, the skin dries out and dandruff appears.
In addition, sulfate shampoos cleanse the scalp better, reveal hair flakes, so that balms and masks penetrate deeper. This means that the active ingredients, to fight with dandruff, penetrate deeper too.
Consequently, a sulfate-containing shampoo once a week is a must have if you have dandruff.
3. Sulfate free shampoo foams poorly.
You may think that your sulfate-free shampoo does not work properly because it does not make foam. And you feel like you have to apply tons of shampoo to wash your hair. Then, the consumption of the product will increase and you will have to buy more shampoo.
Applying too much shampoo is not economical, and also not beneficial for the scalp as the lipid balance may be disturbed.
In order to make more foam, distribute the sulfate-free shampoo over the entire length of the curls and put your head under the shower for a couple of seconds. Then actively “whip” hair to clean them from dirt.
To sum up the facts about sulfate free shampoo- it is beneficial to keep a balance here. If you switch to non-sulfate shampoos, then include scalp peeling into your basic hair care, otherwise you may get more harm than benefit.
So many people have no idea that fast hair growth shampoos (obviously with no sulfates, no parabens, no DEA) are a thing. Persons can now experience longer hair and experience more options. Certainly worth researching.
When you’re going over alopecia, damaged hair, preventing hair disorders, hair growth, hair care generally, the same rules become relevant.
In most cases, you will want to steer clear of hair treatments and products that include chemicals like parabens, DEA and sulfates.
What is good for your hair is healthy for your skin all the same.
Obviously your content on this page is so accurate for multiple reasons. It steers away from the common traps and errors most fall into: utilizing ineffective alternatives. Keep up the great content!