Mar 1, 2018

Going Sulfate Free

Sulfate free shampoos have been around for a while but it seems that within the last few years more and more companies are offering sulfate free products as the consumer wants what many consider to be better, more gentle, cleansing.

Many people think that sulfates are more drying and damaging to the hair because it strips it of protective oils and roughens the hair cuticle which can result in breakage and frizz. Using sulfate free shampoo (and a daily, silicone free conditioner and weekly, silicone free masque) has made a big difference in the condition of my hair. It is softer, smoother and hair color lasts longer.

Going sulfate free is easy to do but in order to get the best results there are a few things that need to be considered:

  • Sulfate free shampoos will not remove silicone build up from the hair. It's best to clarify the hair before going sulfate free in order to remove any build up. It's also best to avoid products that contain any silicone as it can build up on the hair which will make sulfate free shampoos less effective. Mastey de Paris Use Me First Purifying Sulfate Free Shampoo is my favorite hair clarifier because it is gentle but it works well to remove build up. 

  • Sulfate free shampoos do not produce the same lather as traditional shampoo. Some have no lather at all but that doesn't mean they are not thoroughly cleaning the hair and scalp.

  • Some people feel their hair is rough or dry when first going sulfate free. Using a silicone free conditioner is helpful with detangling and smoothing the hair.

Introduced in 1978, Mastey de Paris Traite Shampoo was the first sulfate free shampoo. Sold in salons, it is still a go to product for those wanting a gentle cleanser. Mastey de Paris also offers formulas for Volume and Repair. DermOrganic Daily Conditioning Shampoo with Argan Oil, owned by Mastey de Paris, builds on the classic Mastey formula but adds to it with the addition of Argan Oil. DermOrganic comes in three formulas, Hydration, Color Care and Curly. All Mastey de Paris and DermOrganic products are sulfate free and with the exception of their styling products, are also silicone free. Mastey de Paris and DermOrganic are some of, if not, the best products available. However, their customer service leaves you wanting and finding their products is difficult. Still, they are the products I use because they work the best for me, are reasonably priced and lightly scented.

L'Oréal EverPure Shampoo is a line of sulfate free shampoos with a variety of formulas for different hair types, however most L'Oréal products also contain silicones and the products are strongly scented. Kerastase Aura Botanica Bain Micellaire Shampoo, the luxury brand owned by L'Oréal, is sulfate free and silicone free, but they are quite expensive. Pureology is another L'Oréal brand that is sulfate free but the products contain silicones and they are strongly scented.

Many people prefer sulfate free products because they find them more gentle to their hair and scalp. Most sulfate free products, especially salon brands, are more expensive, but they are worth it to those who find the benefits helpful.