5 Reasons Why You Might Want To Use a Shampoo Without Sulfate

It’s easy to think that if your facial cleanser, body wash, or shampoo isn’t sudsy, it’s not giving you an effective clean. But that’s far from the truth—and swapping to a shampoo without sulfate might be a good idea if you’re dealing with specific hair concerns. Fortunately, if you do decide to make the switch, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from: There are sulfate-free shampoos for nearly every hair type and texture, from fine, oily hair to dry, textured strands. Ahead, we’ll explain what sulfates are and share five reasons you may want to switch to a shampoo without sulfate. Plus, we’ll give you the scoop on some of our favorite sulfate-free picks to upgrade your haircare routine.

What Are Sulfates, and Why Are They Used in Shampoo?

Sulfates are a group of cleaning agents commonly found in shampoos and other cleansing products. The two most common are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Sulfates in shampoo work by attracting dirt and oil and helping to break down buildup on the scalp and strands, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Sulfates also create a rich lather, which allows the shampoo to be evenly distributed throughout the hair. 

Are Sulfates Bad?

No, sulfates aren’t inherently bad. In fact, according to research published in the International Journal of Trichology, anionic surfactants like SLS and SLES are very good at removing oil and buildup from the hair and scalp. However, they can be harsh on the hair and scalp, which is why many shampoos with sulfate also contain ingredients designed to help hydrate and smooth the hair (such as hyaluronic acid).

Still, swapping to a sulfate-free shampoo might be a good option if your hair is dry, brittle, or prone to breakage. These milder, gentler cleansers can help remove buildup without stripping your strands. The same goes for those with color-treated hair, as using a shampoo with sulfate can cause your color to fade more quickly than it otherwise would. 

Why Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo?

While sulfates aren’t necessarily bad for your scalp or strands, there are a number of reasons you may want to consider using a shampoo without sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate. Here are five reasons you may want to make the switch.

1. You bleach or dye your hair 

The most common reason people switch to sulfate-free shampoos is to preserve their salon or DIY color. Sulfates, as mentioned, can be harsh on color and may cause your new hue to fade more quickly than you’d like. Switching to a sulfate-free option, meanwhile, can help to prolong your color’s vibrancy. 

One of our favorite shampoos for color-treated hair is the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Shampoo. It’s formulated with citric acid and gently cleanses the hair while helping to reinforce it from the inside out (a major plus if you’re dealing with bleach damage). Use it alongside the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Conditioner for strong, silky strands.

If you’re a blonde, swap in a sulfate-free purple shampoo, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo, once weekly or as needed to help fight off brass. This violet-tinted cleanser instantly neutralizes unwanted warm tones and helps keep your blonde bright and vibrant. Pair it with the coordinating L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Conditioner for soft, moisturized strands.

2. Your hair is frizzy and dull

By stripping away your hair’s natural oils, shampoos with sulfate can leave your hair frizzy and lackluster. To help keep frizz at bay, you may want to consider switching to a sulfate-free system. We’re big fans of the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Glossing range, which features the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner, and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing 5-Min Lamination Hair Mask. When used as a system, the trio helps cleanse, moisturize, and smooth the hair while sealing the hair fibers. The result: Up to five days of glass-like shine—and hair that appears up to eight times smoother. We recommend reaching for the system two to three times per week to keep your hair looking smooth and shiny. On the other days, reach for a moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo or one aligned with your specific hair concerns.

3. You have dry hair

Shampoos with sulfate can be useful if you have an oily scalp, but they might be too drying for those with dry hair. If you find that your mane feels rough and unmanageable after lathering up, you might want to switch to a sulfate-free shampoo and see how you fare. Look for a hydrating formula, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo. The gentle formula cleanses without stripping the hair, leaving your strands soft, shiny, and healthy-looking. Make sure to apply conditioner after lathering up to help lock in moisture—we recommend the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Conditioner, which helps deeply replenish dry, color-treated hair. For added TLC, mist your mane with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner before styling—it moisturizes, detangles, and helps protect your hair from temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. You have product build-up

Given their ability to remove dirt, oil, and other residue, it’d be easy to assume that clarifying shampoos have to contain sulfates to be effective. That’s not the case—it’s totally possible to get a deep clean with a sulfate-free shampoo, too. One of our top picks to refresh the scalp and strands is the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo. It’s made with vitamin C and glycine and helps remove product buildup and hard water residue without stripping your strands of essential moisture. One of the biggest perks of this mild formula is that, unlike many clarifying shampoos, this option is totally color-safe—so you don’t have to worry about it affecting your color. Pair it with the (equally color-safe) L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Restoring Conditioner for hair that feels clean, fresh, and healthy.

5. There are formulas for every need

Those with dry or color-treated hair aren’t the only ones who can benefit from adding a sulfate-free shampoo to their routine—as we mentioned earlier, there are formulas for virtually every hair type and concern. If you have fine hair and aren’t sure whether a sulfate-free pick will work as well as a shampoo with sulfate, we recommend giving the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Sulfate-Free Shampoo a try. It’s formulated with lotus flower root and gently cleanses the hair while instantly helping to add body and fullness (without any unwanted weight). After lathering up, work the coordinating L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Sulfate-Free Conditioner throughout your mid-lengths and ends for a hydrating boost—we have a feeling you’ll be a sulfate-free shampoo convert in no time.

Next Up: Our Best Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner Sets

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris