Going sulfate-free with your shampoo can be a game-changer for your hair care routine this summer. Here, we round up three sulfate-free shampoos that can prevent dry hair in this heat
On wash day, particularly for those with naturally oily hair, we go for the sudsy shampoos—and these contain sulfates that are strong surfactants in breaking down oils, product buildup, and grime on the scalp. Yes, there’s a deep lather you get right after that leaves you feeling as fresh as ever, but it can also lead to dry, brittle, and frizzy hair when done too much. Sulfates strip you of your natural moisture content, especially for people with color-treated hair, and although we’ve been conditioned to think that a complete lack of oils is “clean,” our skin, scalp, and hair don’t function that way. Oils hydrate the skin, support its natural barrier function, and keep it robust, healthy, and radiant. Your scalp is skin, after all, and a healthy scalp is necessary for healthy hair. Plus, those of us with sensitive scalps can’t handle the heavy chemicals without irritation.
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Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on the hair and scalp, making it easier to balance oil production, prevent color-fading, reduce frizz, and keep the hair hydrated and refined. It’s time to give your crown and glory extra TLC and consider making the switch to these five kinder, sulfate-free shampoos
1. Kérastase Chroma Absolu Sulfate-Free Shampoo
When it comes to choosing the sulfate-free shampoo for you, consider your hair density—is it thin? Thick? Kérastase has options for both. This Chroma Absolu Sulfate-Free Shampoo is a gentle hydrating protective product for all types of sensitized or damaged color-treated hair. Its formula preserves the color and makes your oily roots feel clean, lifted, and not weighed-down. The dose of amino acid or lactic acid dissolves product buildup and breaks down dead skin in your roots, and hydrates your hair without making it lose its volume. Another key ingredient is the Centella Asiatica, which protects the hair from external aggressions such as pollution and heat—apt for the summer. For those with thin strands, get the Bain Chroma Respect, and for those with thicker strands, the Bain Riche Chroma Respect may be for you.
2. L’Oréal Everpure Moisture Shampoo
L’Oréal’s sulfate-free moisture shampoo cleanses all hair types without stripping out its nutrients. Enriched with rosemary flowers, this vegan, sulfate-free formula gently cleanses your hair while its anti-fade complex protects its natural moisture and color. It gives your crown and glory a moisture boost, doesn’t contain harsh salts or surfactants, and is perfect for heat-damaged or dry and dull hair. The result is premium color care, and vibrant, shiny, healthy locks.
3. Human Nature Strengthening +Plus Shampoo
Restore lost nutrients and cleanse it to achieve fuller, thicker, and healthier hair. Human Nature’s +Plus Shampoo is ideal for those with thinning strands or those who are prone to hair fall; the rosemary oil in the formula increases blood circulation in the scalp, which promotes hair growth and slows hair loss. Get smooth and straightened strands from your daily showers.
4. Babe Formula Whimsicle Shampoo
Sulfate-free so you can be worry-free—that is the principle of the Babe Formula so you can achieve soft, smooth, and shiny hair. It contains a chock-full of pro-vitamin B5, hydrolyzed keratin, aloe vera, and argan oil—all of which majorly hydrate and soothe your hair and scalp, improve its luster and shine, and restore its dullness and lifelessness exposed to pollution and heat.
5. Ouai Detox Shampoo
Special smoothing molecules in this sulfate-free shampoo make your hair soft and give it mirror-like shine and volume without using harsh cleansers. This pick uses glycolic acid to improve hair texture, enhance scalp health, and chemically exfoliate your scalp to break down oils, product, and debris. While it’s sulfate-free, it’s also free of parabens (a plus for anyone inching into the green-and-clean beauty movement), and ideal for dry, damaged hair from the heat since it hydrates and boosts shine.
Photo and Featured Image: MEGA Archives
