Sulfate-free is the better, good-for-your-hair option, the prevailing wisdom says, because it gives a gentler clean. Even if you don't intentionally subscribe to the sulfate-free movement, you're almost suckered into buying that way because it's so commonplace.
Sulfate–free shampoo can make a difference to hair that is lacking in moisture, or hair that is color-treated. Normal shampoo with sulfates can strip the color out of your color–treated hair more quickly than sulfate-free shampoo and can be a contributing factor to dryness in frizzy or natural hair.
Sulfate free shampoo will get you feeling clean, but not stripped of moisture. The results? A healthier scalp with balanced oil production. Dry scalp types will find that their scalp is more moisturized (not oily), and oilier scalp types will find that their excessive oil production will be reduced over time.
Final Thoughts on the Best Shampoo without Chemicals
If you're a total beginner, I highly recommend Acure Organics because there's a few options to choose from and you can find them anywhere. If you're looking for something more luxurious, I highly recommend Evolvh, Rahua, or Josh Rosebrook for truly stunning hair.
Chemical-free shampoos are cleansers from natural ingredients that benefit your hair and scalp. They make your hair stronger, longer, and shinier without harmful chemicals or fillers like Parabens, Sulfates, and Formaldehyde. In addition, these shampoos are hypoallergenic and thus they don't cause any allergies.
Parabens are one of the chemicals that cause hair loss and irritation, and in severe cases, can even cause breast cancer.
The AAD also says you should avoid sulfates if you have eczema, contact dermatitis, or sensitive skin. Any potential lathering effects from sulfate shampoos could irritate these types of skin conditions. An allergic reaction is also possible if you're sensitive to sulfates.
You might want to avoid sulfate shampoos if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition such as rosacea. Sulfates can be harsh on the scalp and may cause irritation and itchiness. Sulfate-free shampoos are usually much milder.
"If you have super dehydrated or coarse and curly hair, you may want to opt out of choosing products that contain sulfates." Those with a dry or sensitive scalp might also prefer a sulfate-free formula because it's more gentle.
It feels oily at the roots, like you didn't just wash it this morning. Don't worry - this is absolutely normal and very common! Your hair is going through an adjustment period as it adapts to your new, sulfate-free regimen. If you're like most Americans, you've been using sulfate-based products for years.
Can You Use Sulfate-free Shampoo Daily To Wash Hair? You need not wash your hair every day unless it is very oily. However, unlike sulfate shampoos, which make your hair brittle, a sulfate-free shampoo can be used daily, along with a conditioner to moisturize your hair.
Some forms of sulfates — like sodium lauryl sulfate — can cause significant scalp irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. If sulfates cause enough irritation, they may contribute to hair damage and hair thinning in some people.
Harsh shampoo, hair treatments, styling products, and excessive brushing contribute the most to poor hair health. However, other culprits include: overconsumption of alcohol. low-calorie and crash diets.
Sulfate-free shampoos generally do not cause hair loss. Rather, shampoos that contain sulfates are more likely to cause thinning because they can irritate and inflame the scalp, and they break down your existing hair shafts.
Out of all the shampoo ingredients that are harmful, formaldehyde may be the scariest. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and has been proven to be absorbed through the skin in animal testing. Manufacturers often add it directly as a preservative.
Switching to natural shampoos and conditioners is not only good for your overall health and the environment; it makes your hair and scalp healthier, shinier and stronger, too. Natural shampoos avoid harsh phosphate, dyes and nitrates, instead, relying on natural ingredients like plants and honey.
The potential benefits of skipping shampoo include: healthier hair and scalp that produces a balanced amount of oil. more voluminous hair. better textured hair and less need for styling products.