9 Sulphate Free Shampoos For Every Hair Type

The haircare market is enormous and around the world, we know that women spend on average £700 on their shampoo, conditioner, styling products and more. We also know that women spend up to two hours a week washing, blow-drying and styling their hair! Do the maths and by the age of 65, the average woman will have spent over 7 months of their life just doing their hair!

Granted, that’s a long time but when you look at it in terms of the products being used, it’s really important to understand what chemicals are being ingested because some are toxic and can have dangerous long-term effects. Luckily, now sulphate free shampoo products are available for every hair type and budget.

What are Sulphates?

Take a look at your shampoo bottle. Unless you specifically avoid sulphates your product more than likely contains SLS or SLES in its ingredients. This stands for Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or Sodium Laureth Sulphate. These are not in your shampoo for their cleansing properties. They are purely foaming agents and actually, they are used extensively in household detergents as well, in the same form! All they do is foam up your shampoo and are completely unnecessary but unfortunately, over the years, people expect their shampoo to lather up. It’s important to remember that achieving big lather on your shampoo doesn’t make any difference to how well your hair is cleaned by it.

Why you should avoid Sulphates

Sodium Laureth and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate are skin irritants and often contribute to conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema. If you notice your scalp is dry, itchy, red or irritated, the first thing to do is check your shampoo. Anything with SLS or SLES could be the cause. They can affect your hair’s growth because sulphates block up the follicles in the scalp which hinders hair’s growth, often thinning it as it tries to push it through or stopping it coming through altogether which leads to hair loss. Also, sulphate is drying so hair that is prone to breakage may well find that it weakens.

The Best Sulphate-Free Shampoos

Bearing all of the above in mind, what are the best sulphate-free shampoos available on the market? We’ve done the research for you and can recommend the following:

For Moisturising & Adding Volume – Art Naturals Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner Set

This is a volumising shampoo for men and women which contains hair’s natural protein, Keratin. It’s suitable for curly hair and kind to colour treated hair. This sulphate free shampoo strengthens dry and damaged hair and as it contains Moroccan Argan oil it’s exceptionally hydrating.

The vitamin E and herbal extracts keep it looking shiny and protect it from the effects of the environment. Hair feels revitalised, soft and looks healthy.

For Hair Loss, Waterman’s Grow Me Shampoo

When you’re suffering with hair loss and breakage you need a sulphate free shampoo to help reverse the damage and encourage new growth. This shampoo is sulphate and paraben free containing allantoin and rosemary.

It revitalises hair and stimulates the scalp to re-grow hair. It also goes a long way to improve scalp circulation which in turn, encourages new hair. Hair comes through stronger and thicker and scalp is kept healthy.

For Brazilian Blow Dried Hair, Brazilian Keratin Salt-Free Aftercare Shampoo by Keratin Kits

This sulphate-free shampoo is the perfect balance for those of you who have Brazilian straightening treatments because it won’t remove the sleek look, therefore keeping your Keratin in for longer.

It’s salt-free, since salt should be avoided with keratine treated hair, and delivers smooth and shiny looking hair.

For Dry, Fragile Hair, L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Low Shampoo Gentle Cleansing Cream

This is a very gentle cleansing shampoo which promises to remove impurities and re-hydrate dry, dehydrated and damaged hair. The formula really nourishes hair so it feels renewed, soft and very healthy.

It also continues working after washing, forming a protective barrier on each strand to help strengthen it against breakage.

For The Best Natural Shampoo, Burt’s Bees More Moisture Baobab Shampoo

This is made with Baobab oil and Cupcuacu butter and is especially formulated to increase moisture levels in hair, therefore hydrating it and adding shine to dull, dry, damaged hair.

With no sulphates, phthalates, parabens, SLS or petrolatum it’s the best quality natural shampoo available.

For Curly Hair, Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl/Shine Shampoo

This shampoo works deep in the scalp to improve circulation and restores shine on dry, curly hair. It also reduces frizz and flyaway and defines curls so they look bouncy and silky-smooth.

Made with Shea Butter and Coconut Oil this is a gorgeously scented shampoo ideal for dry, damaged curly girls.

For Coloured Hair, Joico Colour Endure Shampoo

This is a gentle daily shampoo that is ideal for colour treated hair.

It keeps hair looking vibrant and bouncy with plenty of body and shine without stripping out any colour that has been applied.

With a fragrant scent comprising of raspberries, strawberries and blackberries hair smells wonderfully fresh and fruity.

For Nourishing the hair, Boudica Shine Sulphate Free Shampoo & Conditioner

This set of shampoo and conditioner is especially good for dry, damaged hair and helps to discourage split ends.

It brings endless shine and really penetrates the hair and scalp to nourish it with vitamins and minerals.

Gentle enough for all hair types, even Brazilian Keratin straightened hair.

For Rejuvenation, Macadamia Rejuvenating Shampoo by Macadamia Natural Oils

This sulphate and paraben free shampoo is perfect for chemically treated hair or hair that is damaged because it is gentle and designed to replenish lost moisture without building up in the scalp.

Regular use will develop protection against environmental damage so hair remains healthy.