Sulphate Free Shampoo: Benefits, Uses & How to Choose the Best One

Let's get you started on what exactly is a sulphate-free shampoo. In simple terms, it's a shampoo that doesn't contain common cleansing ingredients like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulphate (SLES). Instead, it uses other cleansers to get rid of dirt, oil and product build-up without that same type of sulphate-based formula.

Ladies, take notes. We are sharing some rich benefits of sulphate-free shampoo. Here's what a clever switch can change your hair game.

• Less drying:

For those of you who have noticed that your hair tends to become dry or rough post-shampooing, you need not worry anymore because the problem can be solved through the simple act of changing your shampoo.

• Helps hold on to natural oils:

Sulphate free shampoos ensure they're not stripping away the natural essential oils your hair produces. It is milder, it may leave more of your hair's natural oils behind. This can be helpful if your hair is already on the drier side.

• Works well for coloured hair:

If you're like us, and have coloured your hair—red, blue or even green, you probably want the colour to last. A sulphate-free shampoo can be a good choice for a gentler hair-washing routine.

• Can be kinder to curls:

Curly and textured hair tends to lose moisture quite easily. A gentler shampoo may help curls feel less dry and keep them looking softer and more defined.

• Less of that 'squeaky-clean' feeling:

You know that super-clean feeling your hair sometimes has after shampooing? It can also leave your hair feeling a little stripped. Sulphate-free shampoos may leave it feeling softer and more natural.

• Handy if you wash your hair often:

Whether you wash after the gym or simply prefer fresh hair every day, a milder shampoo can be easier on your hair when washing becomes a regular habit.

Both types of shampoo can effectively cleanse the hair. The main difference lies in the cleansing ingredients used and how the formula may feel on your hair and scalp.

There is no universal winner. The best sulphate-free shampoo is ultimately one that cleanses effectively without leaving your hair or scalp feeling uncomfortable.

Not everyone should go down this route, but if your hair has been giving you an attitude and has been more of a "Why are you doing this to me?" type since washing your hair, perhaps it is about time to consider sulphate-free shampoo.

You can benefit from sulphate-free shampoo if:

• You have dry or curly hair and it drinks up all the moisture from everywhere.
• After exercising, you wash your hair quite often and are looking for a gentler product.
• You dye or do any other kind of chemical treatment to your hair.
• If you try to include some moisture into your haircare routine especially if you are experiencing constant dryness and frizziness.
• You experience a tightening effect after washing your hair with some products.

After all, your hair is going to know better. If your hair feels softer and looks better, chances are you have found the right formula for your hair.

Amidst endless roaming at the shampoo section, here are some of my tips on how to choose your hair hero, aka sulphate free shampoo.

Choosing the best sulphate-free shampoo involves more than simply looking for the words 'sulphate-free' on the bottle.

• Start with your hair type

First, think about what your hair is actually like. Fine hair may need something lightweight, while thick, curly or textured hair often benefits from a little extra moisture. If your hair tends to feel dry, frizzy or rough, look for a formula that tackles that specific issue instead of choosing one at random.

• Work out what your hair is asking for

Is dryness your biggest headache? Look for hydrating ingredients. Battling frizz every morning? A smoothing formula might be more useful. If you've coloured your hair, consider a shampoo designed with colour-treated hair in mind. The trick is to solve the problem you actually have, rather than chasing every hair-care trend that comes along.

• Don't forget your scalp

We often focus so much on our hair that we forget where shampoo is meant to do most of its work — the scalp. If yours gets oily quickly, you'll want something that can lift away excess oil and build-up without leaving your hair feeling heavy. If your scalp tends to feel dry or tight, a gentler formula may be a better bet.

• Read beyond the 'sulphate-free' label

Here's the thing: sulphate-free doesn't automatically mean perfect, natural or better for everyone. Take a quick look at the full ingredient list and think about how the formula fits into your routine. A shampoo should leave your hair feeling clean and comfortable, not like you've had to compromise one problem to fix another.

• Consider your washing frequency

If you shampoo several times a week, use a gentle formula. However, if you style your hair more often then you need to pay heed to how effective your shampoo is in terms of getting dirt out. If you wash less frequently and use a lot of styling products, you may need to pay more attention to how effectively the shampoo removes build-up.

In the recent month, I and some of my friends have tried these new options. Love Beauty & Planet Argan Oil and Lavender Sulfate Free Shampoo is very mild and moisture heavy shampoo. The TRESemmé Hydra Matrix Hydrating Shampoo is great with hydration and can be used by those who think their hair is dry.

Here's how to use the sulfate free shampoo to get that Rapunzel- like hair.

Use your preferred water temperature to rinse hair and scalp.

Don't go over, at times tiny portions do wonders.

Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips rather than aggressively rubbing the lengths.

Rinse, rinse and rinse. Make sure no shampoo remains on the scalp or hair.

Use a mild conditioner that pairs well with your shampoo or hair type.

Rinse the conditioner and then you're done. Soak up the wet hair with a towel and get ready to fetch complements on your luscious hair.

Here are some common myths about sulfate free shampoos that typically do the rounds. Keep an eye or ears wide open (in this case) for:

Myth 1: Sulphate-free shampoo won't clean your hair properly

It absolutely can. Going sulphate-free doesn't mean your hair is going to be left with all the oil, sweat and dirt from the day.

Myth 2: If there's no foam, your shampoo isn't working

This one is easy to believe. We've grown so used to seeing a lot of bubbles that a low-lather shampoo can feel like it's doing nothing. But foam isn't what gets your hair clean. Some sulphate-free shampoos simply lather less, so there's no need to keep adding more product just to create a mountain of bubbles.

Myth 3: If it says 'sulphate-free', it will suit your hair

Not quite. 'Sulphate-free' tells you what the shampoo doesn't contain, but it doesn't tell you whether the rest of the formula is right for you. Fine or oily hair may not enjoy a heavy, creamy shampoo, while dry, curly or coarse hair might actually love that extra bit of moisture.

Myth 4: Sulphate-free shampoo is only for damaged hair

You don't have to have damaged hair to use it. Maybe your hair feels a little dry after washing, you shampoo several times a week, or you simply prefer a softer feel after a wash.

Myth 5: Sulphate-free shampoo can repair damaged hair

Sadly, there's no shampoo that can turn back the clock on damaged hair. If bleaching, colouring or regular heat styling has left your lengths looking worse for wear, switching shampoos alone won't fix it. A sulphate-free shampoo can still be part of a gentler routine.

Myth 6: Sulphate-free shampoo is only for women.

Hair doesn't care who's using the bottle. Whether it works for you comes down to your hair and scalp, not your gender.

In conclusion, even with all this discussion, one thing remains clear while we stand in the shower with a new bottle: is there any truth behind the idea of sulphate-free shampoos?

Well, perhaps. As we have seen from above, when it comes to hair care, there is always more than one point of view. However, if you have dry hair, or your hair is regularly coloured, or after shampooing it always looks like it has just survived an argument – sulphate-free formula may be what you need.

But there is no need to fear sulphates too much. Healthy hair care does not require following only one rule: there is no such thing as 'bad for your hair' when it comes to formulas – one shampoo works well with some people's hair and doesn't with others'.

What one should focus on is a formula, and not the 'sulphate-free' tag. And remember about your reaction: what seems to be softening and making one's hair manageable for someone may have quite different effect on another. But once you find that right match, you will experience a small step-up in your daily activities.