Sulfate Free Shampoo: What It Is, Who It Is For, And How To Choose

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Nowadays, many people have been betting on sulfate free shampoo. But do you know why? Dr. Flávia Basilio (CRM: 28624), dermatologist, explains that the cleansing ability of a shampoo depends on the surface activity of its detergent (surfactant). Most shampoos are based on anionic surfactants (sulfates), which are responsible for forming the foam. The most common is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which has a low bioaccumulation profile in the body and is readily biodegradable ?, he says.

However, Dr. Flávia explains, due to the high ability to remove residues and even the natural greasiness of the scalp, sulfates can leave the feeling of dehydrated hair. Learn more about the features of sulfate-free shampoos below.

Content Index:

• Sulfate Free Shampoo X Sulfate Shampoo
• Benefits
• The best sulfate free shampoos
• Questions answered

Sulfate-Free Shampoo X

Dr. Rodrigo Pirmez (CRM: 52.89677-2), dermatologist Member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, explains that there are several types of surfactants (substances used in shampoos to promote cleansing). Some have a greater ability to remove tallow and debris from wires such as sulphates. Due to their high cleaning power, sulphates can make hair dry, especially hair with previous treatments and hair that is naturally drier, like curly hair ?, he says.

Considering this, sulfate-free shampoos have emerged. ? They are developed by removing the anionic group, giving rise to the concept? Low poo? ("less shampoo"), which consists of products that use less detergent surfactants. Already the method? No poo? ("No shampoo") is to avoid using shampoos when cleaning hair and scalp and involves different cleaning methods. However, there are no studies that support the hypotheses of the method ?, comments Dr. Flavia.

Read also: Liquid Bepanthol: Benefits and How to Use It on Hair, Skin and Nails

How to tell if your shampoo has sulfate

It is essential to pay attention to the product label. Dr. Rodrigo points out that in the list of components, assets are usually listed in descending order of predominance. "There are different surfactants containing sulfates, such as sodium laurel sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate," he recalls.

Dr. Flávia warns that completely abolishing shampoo use can lead to other problems such as excessive oiliness, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff and even infections. Still in this universe, there is the concept of co-wash. This last method is not harmful to the hair. However, the function of a conditioner is very different from the function of a shampoo, being inappropriate with washing substitute.

All this reinforces that the ideal is to make an assessment with a dermatologist, so that the professional can guide the best type of product for your scalp and hair, because the shampoo that is great for one person will not necessarily be good for another.

Benefits of Sulfate Free Shampoo

Is it worth it to bet on shampoo without sulfate? Check out the key benefits attributed to it.

• Prevents fading of hair, leaving the color more vivid.
• Prevents scalp allergies.
• It is ideal for people with chemically damaged and / or dry hair, as it keeps the hair naturally more hydrated and looks more beautiful.
• It is a great choice for naturally dry and more fragile hair (as is the case with curly hair), as it avoids the removal of natural oils from the scalp.
• Prevents hair breakage as it prevents dryness.
• Avoid the frizz.

A feature? which for some people may be negative, but which for others is exactly the advantage? It is the fact that shampoo without sulfate does not make so much foam. This is because it is the anionic surfactants (sulfates) that are responsible for forming the foam at the time of washing. If there is no sulfate, there is no foam.

Read also: Coffee Shampoo: Know the Product Benefits for Your Hair

Top 10 Sulfate Free Shampoos

Check out the opinion of some people who use or have used shampoo without sulfate.

1. Elséve Light-Poo

Suitable for curly or curly hair, it promises to wash, condition and style at once, leaving the hair soft and soft.

“In wet hair, it feels like that soft hair, when it finishes moisturizing. In dry hair he left nothing to be desired for a shampoo and conditioner combo. Did the hair have clean, shiny roots and satisfyingly soft ends !? ? Bia Munstein

2. Post-progressive Bio Extratus Shampoo

It has moisturizing formula, rich in vegetable ingredients. It is ideal for intensive treatment of progressive hair, as it promises deep repair, nutrition, hydration and shine.

?? Due to the fact that I am using a proper line for progressive hair, I realize that my strands are super aligned, and much brighter and hydrated. ? Bruna Munhoz

Read also: Hair reconstruction: what it is, products and tips on how to do it at home

3. Must Low-Poo Sanitizer Conditioner Shampoo

Enriched with botanicals, it has low foam and ensures to combat dirt accumulation without dehydrating the strands. It has a soft and sweet fragrance of star fruit and mango.

• Has no heavy sulphates, gently cleans, does not dry out or entangle the wires. Although gentle, it efficiently cleans and promotes foam (little, but it promotes), a fact that makes it a well-tolerated product for those not yet familiar with non-foaming hair care. ? Karina Viega

4. Natura wraparound curves shampoo

Creamy formula shampoo with low foam. It promises to clean without damaging the health of the hair.

? Shampoo is great for curls as it does not dry out the locks and has easy application. ? Fernanda Ferreli

5. Less Poo Yamasterol

It has been specially developed for those seeking a soft, low-foam cleaning. It promises to clean the scalp and the hair while preserving the natural greasiness of the hair.

? The product is a supersoft shampoo, one of the most delicate I have ever used, it is transparent, cleans well, but without tangling the strands. It has a very mild and tasty herbal smell.?- Aline France

6. Low Poo Bio Extratus

Shampoo that promises a gentle cleaning of the hair and scalp, ideal for curly hair.

"I really liked the product and thought it resembles sulfate shampoos a little as it creates foam and leaves a very clean feeling." ? Maressa de Souza

7. Color Fixation Surya Shampoo

A vegan and vegetalized product that has mild surfactants that gently clean the hair.

“The shampoo is yellowish but transparent, it made me very happy. It is like Vizacaya Brightness and Softness Shampoo, even though it is transparent, moisturizes well and cleanses hair. Loved it so much !? ? Nicole Make

8. Jaborandi Phytoervas Shampoo

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Especially suitable for weakened and brittle hair. It promises an effective cleaning and revitalization of the hair, leaving hair silky, shiny, soft and more resistant.

"I have chemically treated hair, so the care is more intense here, and the Phytoervas line helped me a lot by having in its composition Jaborandi?" ? Brunella Vettorato

9. Amend Color Reflect

Shampoo based on rice protein and Aminocolor, without sulfate and without salt. It promises to clean the hair fiber without harming the intensity of the color.

"This line is wonderful, it makes the hair incredibly soft, straight and fragrant (great smell!)." ? Cristina Boldi

10. Oro Argan Monoi Bioderm Shampoo

Ensures more hydrated and tangle-free hair, shine and more protection for the hair.

?? It is released for low poo, but makes a satisfactory and clean foam to the extent without drying out, unlike most of the released shampoos I test. ? Daianne Possoly

Today there are several sulfate-free shampoo options on the market. And checking product reviews is always valid for making a good choice. However, it is good to remember that each hair has its peculiarities, so if possible, prefer the shampoo indicated by your dermatologist.

Top Questions About Sulfate-Free Shampoo

As the use of sulfate-free shampoo is relatively new, it is common for people to have questions about the product. Clarify the main issues below.

1. Sulfate-free shampoos for which hair types? Dr. Rodrigo points out that they are good options for chemically damaged, dry or naturally dry and more fragile hair, such as curly hair. "This is because they tend to remove less the natural oiliness of the scalp, especially important in protecting the hair in these cases," he recalls.

2. Is every shampoo without sulfate softer than shampoos with sulfates? Generally, yes, as other surfactants will be softer than sulfate. However, shampoos are a combination of agents, and the addition of conditioning agents for example will also influence this smoothness issue, Dr. Rodrigo replies.

3. Who uses sulfate-free shampoo needs conditioner? This will depend on the specific shampoo (other agents added to the shampoo) and the person's hair type, Dr. Rodrigo points out.

4. Is sulfate-free shampoo really clean? Yes, as other surfactants are added to promote cleanliness. However, each type of hair and scalp needs a specific degree of cleanliness. In some cases, we do need shampoos with a higher degree of cleanliness ?, explains Dr. Rodrigo.

Dr. Flávia stresses the importance of an accurate assessment of the condition of the scalp and hair. ? This is critical in determining how often to wash and what type of product to use.It is very common to find excessively greasy scalp, but there are also dry and sensitive?

You now know that sulfate-free shampoos may be beneficial in some cases, but they are not necessarily suitable for all hair types. Ideally, be in contact with a trusted professional who will indicate the best product, taking into account the particularities of your hair. Learn more about No poo and Low poo techniques.

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