Sulphate Free Hair Care – Why Is It So Important?
Great question! Sulphates, like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), are common ingredients in many hair care products because they create a rich lather and help remove oil and dirt. However, they can be too harsh for some people, leading to issues like:
- Dryness: Sulphates can strip away natural oils from your scalp and hair, making them feel dry and brittle. This can also lead to over production of excess sebum.
- Irritation: For those with sensitive skin or scalp conditions, sulphates can cause irritation, redness, and itching.
- Colour Fading: If you have colour-treated hair, sulphates can cause your colour to fade more quickly.
- Damage: Over time, sulphates use can weaken hair strands, leading to breakage and split ends.
Using sulphate-free hair care can help maintain the natural moisture balance of your hair and scalp, making it a gentler option, especially for those with curly, wavy, or chemically treated hair.
If you have every suffered from and oily, dry, itchy, inflamed or dandruff riddled hair, and you have tried different options. It might just be the sulphates in your shampoo, or conditioner if you massage that into your scalp too.
Common names for Sulphates to look for include Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), keep an eye out for Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate (ALS), Sodium Coco Sulphate (SCS), and similar names. Remember, Sulphates can sometimes masquerade under different words.