“Are Sulfates in Shampoo Secretly Damaging Your Hair?”

You come into contact with sulfates every day. From shampoos to toothpaste, sulfates give products the ability to develop a satisfying lather. But, for such a common ingredient, “sulfate-free” seems to be a selling point for many shampoos. It’s tricky to understand if we should be avoiding them in our hair care.

So what, actually, are sulfates — and are they bad for your hair? Sulfates are a class of chemicals that manufacturers use as cleansing or foaming agents. Many household products, such as foaming cleansers, toothpaste, and shampoos, contain sulfates.

Sulfates provide the foamy texture that occurs when a person mixes a product, such as a shampoo, with water. Some people have concerns about the inclusion of sulfates in their cleansing products and shampoos. When people use them correctly in normal quantities, sulfates are generally safe.

However, some people may be more sensitive to specific products, and there are times when a person should avoid sulfates. Keep reading to find out more about sulfates, why products contain them, and who should avoid them.

Is Sulfates Harmful for Hair? The Answer

 Sulfates in shampoo, like sodium lauryl sulfate, are effective at removing oil and dirt. However, they can strip moisture, especially from dry or frizzy hair, leading to dryness and faster color fading. For greasy hair, sulfates can be beneficial but may cause scalp irritation and dryness. Despite rumors, there’s no scientific evidence linking sulfates to cancer. While good for cleansing, overuse can damage hair by stripping natural proteins and oils. 

What Are Sulfates?

Sulfates are chemicals used as cleansing agents found in household cleaners, detergents, and shampoo. If your shampoo easily makes a lather in the shower, there’s a good chance it contains sulfates. Sulfate-free shampoos make little to no lather.

Compared to other cleansing ingredients in shampoo, sulfates are said to have the deepest cleansing effects. They belong to a class of cleansers called anionic surfactants, which clean away substances. Sulfates are considered shampooing staples.

Still, the use of sulfates in shampoo has been controversial in recent decades. Some people believe that sulfates can directly damage your health. Since shampoo is used daily in many cases, the thought is that this much exposure to sulfates can lead to serious risks.

Sulfates were once perceived to be cancer-causing agents, but further scientific evidence debunked these claims. However, this doesn’t mean that sulfate-containing shampoo is safe or appropriate for everyone. It can be damaging to certain types of hair, and it may even cause skin irritation in some people.

Sulfates are a group of salts that are produced either naturally or synthetically. The sulfates that are often found in shampoo and beauty products are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES). You may see sulfates lumped in with parabens, but they’re entirely different: Parabens are preservatives that extend the shelf life of products, whereas sulfates are actually involved in the cleaning process.

Sulfates are types of chemicals called surfactants that play an important role in the effectiveness of shampoos. Surfactants lower the surface tension of the liquid they are in, which makes the liquid easier to mix with water and work up into a good foam.

Why are Sulfates Used in Shampoos?

When it comes to store-bought shampoos, one might wonder why sulfates are such a common ingredient. The foaming action of these shampoos helps to spread the shampoo evenly over the head, making it easier to remove dirt and excess oil from the hair.

This means that a person uses less product to get clean hair, which is quite convenient. The sulfates you often find, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium lauryl sulfate, play a crucial role in this process.

These compounds, although sometimes slightly varied, aren’t true sulfates, but they still perform effectively. The active ingredients in these products work deeper into the hair, ensuring a thorough cleanse. Despite the variations, the effectiveness remains, making these shampoos a staple in many households.

How do Sulfates Work?

When it comes to understanding sulfates in shampoo, it helps to know how they work. Sodium lauryl sulfate and Sodium lauryl ether sulfate are types of surfactants that act like detergents. These chemicals release the tension between liquids and solids, causing them to separate.

In shampoos, sulfates create tension between the product washing your hair and the dirt you’re trying to clean. They latch onto both the water and dirt, dragging out oil and impurities from your hair. This process creates the foamy lather that many consider the hallmark of a good shampoo.

I’ve found there’s no short way of figuring out which shampoos contain sulfates. Many popular shampoos contain a mixture of SLS and SLES, though SLES-only shampoos are rarer.

Are Sulfates Bad for My Hair?

When thinking about whether sulfates are bad for your hair, it’s important to understand the effects they can have. The decision to use a sulfate-free shampoo depends on your hair and skin type. Sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate are common in many products because they are very effective at removing oil and dirt.

However, if you have drier or frizzier hair, these sulfate-loaded products can strip away too much moisture, leaving your hair dry and unhealthy. This can also cause your twisty treasure color to fade faster.

On the other hand, for people with greasy hair, the detergent-like qualities of sulfates can be beneficial. The main risk is that sulfates can cause irritation to the scalp and skin, and in some cases, lead to drying effects.

There are rumors about sulfates causing cancer, but scientific studies have not found any evidence to support this. While sulfates can be good for cleansing, they can also be bad if they strip away too many natural proteins and oils, causing damage when overused.

Which Hair Types Should Avoid Sulfates?

Understanding the impact of sulfates in shampoo is essential. Some hair types are more sensitive, and it’s crucial to acknowledge if certain treatments or services are currently present in your hair care routine.

By acknowledging your hair’s unique needs and the treatments it undergoes, you can avoid potential damage and maintain healthier hair.

Dry or Sensitive Scalp or People With Skin Conditions

If you have a dry or sensitive scalp, the sulfate-free formula is more gentle and will clean without drying out your scalp. For those with a skin condition like eczema or rosacea, switching to a sulfate-free shampoo can help reduce itching and irritation. Choosing the right shampoo can make a big difference for your scalp and skin health.

Achieving beautiful, healthy hair isn’t just about sticking to a routine. Yes, it’s necessary to do so, but it’s also about paying attention to the ingredients in your hair care formulas. Some ingredients are more well-known, like formaldehyde, which studies show does have negative impacts.

However, others are a little more ambiguous. For example, sulfates are sometimes thought to be bad for hair—but not always. When we hear about a sulfate-free hair care formula, we can’t help but blindly feel like it must be a better option for our hair. However, many of us don’t actually know the function of sulfates.

And the truth is, sulfates aren’t always harmful to your hair, depending on your hair type and texture. Ahead, we’re clearing up any confusion about sulfates in your hair care, including what they are and who should avoid them.

Sulfate Benefits in Shampoo

Despite the potential risks of sulfates, it doesn’t mean that everyone should automatically switch to a sulfate-free shampoo. “Sulfates get a bad rap by those that are spreading misinformation and fear-mongering,” says Robinson. “Because this ingredient might not be good for some does not necessarily mean it is not good for others.” Here’s why sulfates are important.

Removes Dirt, Debris, and Oil Really Well

The main benefit of using a shampoo with sulfates is that it does an incredible job of removing dirt, grime, leftover products, and oil from your hair and scalp. If you have super dirty hair or have been using a lot of products and need a deep clean, a clarifying sulfate-packed formula can really help refresh your hair and scalp.

Additionally, if you produce a lot of oil, this formula will remove excess oil, which may help lift your hair and give you more volume. However, don’t go overboard, and only use it when you need it to reduce the risk of drying out your hair.

More Sudsy Than Sulfate-free Formulas

Another reason you may want to reach for a formula with sulfates is to get that sudsy lather you desire. “Sulfate-free shampoos are most definitely still cleaning your hair and scalp, but you won’t see the usual sudsy lather that you’ve come to expect from your normal shampoo,” says Cleveland.

Sometimes, people will overuse or waste the product in hopes of seeing their hair sudsy, but sulfate-free formulas don’t give that experience because they offer a more gentle cleanse.

Which Hair Types Should Avoid Sulfates?

So, now that we know that sulfates can be good for some people, who should avoid it? “The key to understanding sulfates is to know your hair type, as well as acknowledging what treatments or services are currently present on your hair,” says Michelle Cleveland, a professional hairstylist and owner of Hair Addict Salon. If you have one of the following hair types, the risks of sulfates outweigh the benefits; consider using a sulfate-free shampoo.

Dry or Sensitive Scalp or People With Skin Conditions

Those with a dry or sensitive scalp could benefit from a sulfate-free formula because it’s more gentle and will clean the scalp without drying it out so much. Additionally, if you have a skin condition, such as eczema or rosacea, you may need to consider switching to sulfate-free shampoo to reduce itching and irritation.

Dry, Fizzy, Curly, or Coarse Hair

For those with super dehydrated, coarse, or curly hair, it’s best to opt out of products that contain sulfates. These ingredients can strip your hair of oils and moisture, causing friction between strands and leading to frizziness. A sulfate-free formula will cleanse your hair without removing its natural oils. This approach keeps your hair healthier and more manageable.

Recent Color-Treated or Serviced Hair

After a chemical or color service, a sulfate-free formula can prolong the life of your service. Sulfates might strip out color from your color treatments, and while scientific evidence is mixed, it’s safer to use sulfate-free shampoo for color-treated hair. These shampoos may not lather as much, but they help your hair maintain moisture that could be lost from color treatments.

Best Sulfate-Free Options

Sulfate-free shampoos can be more expensive than conventional sulfate-containing counterparts, but the trade-offs are often worthwhile for those with sensitive skin or hair.

• For wavy hair, curly hair, or chemically straightened hair, try Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo.
• If you have color-treated hair, AG Colour Savour is a great choice.
• Pravana The Perfect Blonde is ideal for color-treated blonde hair.
• Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo works well for damaged and color-treated hair.
• Nevo Moisture Rich Shampoo is perfect for dry hair.
• Deva Curl Low-Poo suits fine hair.
• AG Hair Curl Revive Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo is excellent for natural hair.

Summary

Sulfates in shampoos are generally safe and help strip dirt and oil from your hair. However, if you have sensitive hair or skin, shampoos containing sulfates might cause mild side effects like dry, brittle hair, dryness, or redness of the scalp. If you’re experiencing symptoms, try switching to a sulfate-free shampoo to see how it affects you. If you’re uncertain about your symptoms or the effects of a product, consult a doctor or dermatologist.

FAQs

What is bad about sulfates in shampoo?

Sulfates can strip too much moisture from your hair, making it dry and causing damage. They can also strip and dull the hair color of color-treated hair.

What are the sulfates in shampoos?

Two main types of sulfates in shampoo are sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Their purpose is to create a lathering effect to remove oil and dirt from your hair. If your shampoo easily makes a lather in the shower, there’s a good chance it contains sulfates.

Are sulfate-free shampoos better?

Unlike traditional shampoo, a sulfate-free shampoo lathers less and uses a gentler wash to maintain your natural oil. This helps cut down on the frizz factor because your hair and scalp stay more hydrated.

Can sulfates cause hair loss?

Some forms of sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate, can cause significant scalp irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. This irritation may contribute to hair damage and hair thinning in some people.however, it does not directly cause hair loss.