Are your locks feeling a bit limp and dry? Perhaps your coloured hair isn’t looking as fresh or lasting as long as you’d hoped it would, and you’re not sure why. We all want our hair to look its best, but sometimes the products we use have the reverse effect. Using the right products to nourish our hair is vital, but some can strip the strands and scalp of moisture leaving us reaching for oils and leave-in conditioners to help restore shine.
The cause of your hair care woes could be in your wash routine and the shampoo you are using to clean your hair. Shampoos with foaming agents tend to contain sulphates that can take the moisture out of your hair, leaving it dry, which is never ideal.
Afro hair, in particular, requires a lot of TLC to keep hair moisturised and in good condition; washing the hair with a sulphate shampoo can make this difficult to achieve. If you're currently rocking your natural, curly hair, sulphates won't be your best friend as they can disrupt your curl pattern.
Whilst lather can be good for cleaning the hair, it isn’t so good when it comes to retaining your locks natural oils. The stripping effect, caused by sulphates, can also lead to colour treatments fading - leaving hair looking duller and less vibrant, which is definitely not the dream. So, how can we clean our hair without compromising moisture and colour? The answer is introducing a sulphate-free shampoo into your wash routine.
Take a look at our pick of the best sulphate-free shampoos that are much kinder for your tresses.
SHOP: the best sulphate-free shampoos
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
Photo: AmazonIf youu2019ve been suffering from dryness and you want a product that will help bring your locks back to life, then this is the answer. Cantu products have long been one of our faves - they nourish and moisturise the hair leaving it soft and manageable. This shampoo will cleanse your hair without leaving it limp. Sounds good to us.
Photo: AmazonIf like many of us, your curls are paying the price of being stripped of moisture, this will help them restore their shape. The curls unleashed range by ORS is a great pick if you're rocking your natural hair and you want to care for your tresses. Get ready for your curls to pop.
Photo: AmazonWe love the olive oil range by ORS, and this shampoo is no exception. It cleans the hair gently without stripping strands of the oils it needs to retain softness and shine. This can also be used on natural, colour-treated and relaxed hair, all of which will benefit from using a sulphate-free shampoo.
Photo: AmazonPrepare for some serious softness with this shampoo. Palmers is known for its nourishing products, and this shampoo more than delivers. Not only does it smell amazing, but it leaves hair feeling renewed. We love that this peppermint oil and cocoa butter, which moisturises hair. Plus, it stimulates the scalp to promote hair growth. Itu2019s a winner for us.
Photo: AmazonThis shampoo is certainly curl-liberating. It nourishes the hair leaving curls looking healthy and defined. It can be used on many curls types to leave your tresses looking on point. Plus, it's vegan. It's time to up your curl game with this pick.
Photo: AmazonIf your skin is sensitive and you're trying to steer clear of shampoos that contain too many ingredients, this is a perfect pick. This shampoo is truly gentle on your hair and skin, thanks to its fragrance and sulphate-free formula. Simply massage into wet hair and enjoy the benefits without sacrificing the goodness your tresses need.
Photo: AmazonIf you've been on the hunt for a shampoo that will help to promote hair growth without compromising moisture, then this is a must-have. This gem by Watermans contains Biotin, Caffeine, and Argan Oil to improve scalp circulation as well as revitalising and strengthening tresses.
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Why are sulphate-free shampoos better for your hair?
Sulphate-free shampoos don't contain foaming agents that can strip the hair, causing a lack of hydration and flaking as a result of an itchy scalp. They are much gentler for the hair, leaving locks feeling softer and less dry.
How do I look out for sulphates in shampoos?
There are two main ingredients to look out for when you're trying to find out if a shampoo contains sulphates, Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Sulphates (SLES). Both are responsible for the lather formula we are very familiar with in shampoos, but it doesn’t stop there. Sulphates can also be found in skincare products, including body washes.