Just like moisturizers and foundations are highly personal, so is shampoo. What works for you might differ significantly from what works for your friends and family. And this sentiment holds true for sulfate-free shampoos as well. There are tons of options on the market, but just because they’re labeled as “sulfate free” doesn't mean they’re all the same. The truth is, many people don’t know what sulfates are, whether or not they should be using sulfate-free shampoo, and which one is best for them. So we’re breaking down what you need to know about sulfate-free shampoo, and sharing which may be best for you, based on your hair type and hair concerns.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), common sulfates like laurel sulfates and laureth sulfates work as detergents to cleanse the hair and scalp of excess oil while creating a foaming effect. Essentially, sulfates are cleansing ingredients that make products lather well and produce foam. And while they can be extremely effective for people with excess oil, they can be quite harsh, causing dryness, dullness and frizz in addition to stripping your color.
Luckily, there are so many sulfate-free products on the market that still do an excellent job at cleaning the hair sans the negative effects. If you have dry hair, fine hair, a sensitive scalp, color-treated hair or a keratin treatment, opting for a sulfate-free shampoo is a great option for you..
If your strands are dry and need a boost in hydration, the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Sulfate-Free Deep Nourish Shampoo is for you. It’s infused with apricot oil to nourish the hair while not weighing it down or leaving behind a greasy residue. Plus, it makes the hair look and feel silky and smooth.
The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Scalp Care + Detox Shampoo is perfect for people with oily hair or scalp build-up because it contains menthol and neem leaf extract to deeply purify and detoxify the hair and scalp, ridding both of product residue and excess oil.
If you’re experiencing breakage or split ends, give the L’Oréal ParisEverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Color Care Shampoo a go. It works to strengthen the hair from the inside out by reinforcing weak hair bonds, as well as protect the hair from future damage with continued use.
Hair that lacks luster and shine 一 often the result of coloring or chemical treatments 一 can benefit from using the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo, pH Balanced. It has an acidic pH shine technology and argan oil to leave the hair healthy-looking with an ultra-glossy finish that lasts.
If you have fine hair that lacks volume, the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Volume Shampoo is for you. It’s formulated with lotus flower to revive flat hair and create lasting volume in addition to giving the hair a luminous shine.
If you have curly hair, then you probably know that some shampoos contribute to dryness rather than combat it. The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo is great for you because it’s formulated with rosemary to replenish the strands, making your curls soft, manageable, and shiny,
If you have color-treated hair that’s looking brassy, try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo. It contains rich purple pigments to counteract unwanted yellow and orange tones while remaining gentle on your color.
For a simple cleanse that won’t strip your color or leave hair feeling dried out, reach for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Simply Clean Shampoo. It’s anti-fade, vegan formula is made without dyes, parabens or gluten and is fragranced with natural essential oils.
Next: Our Best Hair Treatments For 7 Common Hair Concerns
Written by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo: Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris
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