You’ve heard of the s-word. And the big debate is, are sulfates bad for hair? In today’s post, we’ll cover the pros and cons of sulfates so you can figure out whether they’re worth worrying about.
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We’ve all heard it. Sulfates are the enemy of healthy hair…right?
So, the ingredients in your shampoo do play a big role in the health of your hair. For those of us with dry hair, we’ve heard a million times that we should completely avoid sulfates.
But why, and what are they exactly? And do sulfates affect hair growth?
If the thought of sulfates leaves you feeling a little bit afraid, don’t worry!
I’ll help you make an informed decision about your hair care so you can decide whether sulfates are right for you.
Whether you have curly hair, an oily scalp, or color-treated hair, we’ll explore how sulfates affect your hair type. Here’s your guide to sulfates in shampoo, and all of their pros and cons.
What Are Sulfates in Shampoo?
The most common types of sulfates you’ll see in shampoo are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
They are compounds are made from fatty alcohols mixed with sodium carbonate and sulfur trioxide.
Sulfates are detergents that are excellent at breaking down grease and grime, making them the perfect ingredient for that oh-so-gratifying feeling of squeaky-clean hair.
These compounds are also responsible for the foaming action that we all crave in our shampoos and cleansers.
But with great lather comes great responsibility, as sulfates have gotten a reputation for being harsh and potentially harmful.
Though sulfates are considered safe in our beauty products, repeated exposure can cause irritation for some people.
Pros and Cons of Sulfates
Pros:
- Very easily removes oil and dirt from hair
- Great for removing heavy product buildup
Cons:
- Can cause itching and irritation to the scalp
- Can leave hair feeling dry and rough
- Can cause a negative reaction for those with sensitive skin, or conditions like rosacea or eczema
How Sulfates Affect Your Hair Type
Oily Hair
For those of you with oily hair, sulfates might, at first, seem like your hair’s best friend!
They cut through the oil build-up like a hot knife through butter, leaving your scalp feeling refreshed and invigorated.
They can easily remove the sebum on your scalp, preventing that weighed-down greasy look.
But here’s a little secret – overusing sulfates can actually kick your oil glands into overdrive.
By stripping your hair of its natural oils too aggressively, your scalp tries to compensate by producing even more oil.
It’s like telling your hair, “Hey, we need moisture stat!” And before you know it, you’re caught in a cycle of washing and getting greasy fast.
What to look for: If you have hair that tends to be oily and flat, look for volumizing shampoos that cleanse gently. This way, you’ll get some lift and volume without stripping your hair or weighing it down.
Avoid shampooing with sulfates daily, as you could make your oily hair problem worse.
Dry and Damaged Hair
Unfortunately, sulfates can be way too harsh for those of us with dry hair. With their strong cleansing power, sulfates can strip away the moisture your hair really needs to thrive.
Dry and damaged hair needs much more gentle care than other hair types, and sulfates aren’t great to keep in your regular product rotation.
If you have curly hair, there’s a chance your ends are already struggling because your natural sebum doesn’t travel all the way down the strands very easily.
Keeping your hair moisturized is key for getting smooth, frizz-free and defined curls.
I find that harsh shampoos with sulfates pretty much ruin my curl definition, and make my hair look way more frizzy. My hair also loses it’s softness, and feels a lot more rough.
What to look for: Shampoos that cleanse gently, and are deeply hydrating and frizz-fighting.
For a dry or flaky scalp: Shampoos with ingredients to soothe the scalp and fight flakes.
Color-Treated Hair
If you have color-treated hair, the stripping effect from sulfates can make your dye fade a lot faster.
To extend the life of your color and prevent having to visit the salon often, try using a sulfate-free shampoo.
Color-treated hair can also end up damaged, brittle and dry from the chemical processing.
Using drying sulfates on hair that’s already lacking in moisture and softness can make those problems worse.
What to look for: Gentle shampoos that protect colored hair and enhance shine.
Are Sulfates Bad for Hair Growth?
Using sulfates could create an environment on the scalp that’s not the best for hair growth. Sulfates can cause irritation to the scalp, which, if untreated, could lead to thinning hair.
The harsh drying effects of sulfates can also damage the hair’s cuticle over time, leading to weak strands and breakage.
But the use of sulfates should not directly cause immediate hair loss. If you are noticing sudden hair loss, make an appointment with your doctor.
And of course, if you have allergies to sulfates, or scalp conditions that are made worse by harsh cleansers, avoid these ingredients.
Signs of Sulfate Damage
You may be experiencing some negative effects of sulfates on your hair if you notice the following:
- Increased frizz
- For the curlies: lack of curl definition
- Hair strands feel rough
- Dry hair (and very crispy ends) no matter what you do
- Red, irritated or itchy scalp
- Hair looks lifeless, dull and lacks shine
- Hair color fades quickly
Sulfate Free Shampoo Recommendations
It’s important to choose your shampoo based on what your hair needs and what makes it feel and look its best.
If you have dry brittle hair, breakage, or an irritated scalp, switching to a sulfate-free shampoo could make a big difference in the health of your hair.
Oily hair: R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo
Curly hair: Briogeo Curl Charisma™ Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo
Color-treated hair: Briogeo Color Me Brilliant™ Mushroom + Bamboo Color Protect Shampoo
Dry hair: Rahua Hydration Shampoo
Dandruff: Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo
Fine and thin hair: Grow Gorgeous Intense Thickening Shampoo
Tips for Shampooing Hair
Here are some easy shampooing tips to include in your healthy scalp routine.
- Shampoo only as often as you need to – overwashing leads to dry hair
- Focus your shampoo on your scalp, to avoid drying out your ends
- Gently finger detangle before shampooing, as the friction from shampooing can cause more tangles
- Gently massage your scalp as you shampoo to promote hair growth
- Always follow up with a conditioner
FAQ’S
They can strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils, removing too much moisture. This leaves your hair feeling dry, brittle and potentially damaged. Sulfates also strip color-treated hair of dye much faster.
SLES could have negative effects on your hair and scalp, depending on your hair type. Those with dry, fine, curly or color-treated hair should take caution when using SLES, as it could dry your hair out further.
Sulfates could make dandruff worse. They can make your scalp even more dry, and increase scalp flakes and itchiness. If you experience worsening of dandruff when using a sulfate-containing shampoo, stop using it and consult your dermatologist.
So, are sulfates really that bad?
If you have dry, damaged, fine, or curly hair, going sulfate free could be the best thing for your hair. If you’ve been using sulfates forever and have zero scalp or hair issues, then stick with what works for you!
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