Can Sulfate-Free Shampoo Give Me Nourished Hair?
Need a hydration hit for your hair? Here’s everything you need to know about going sulfate-free
We all have our individual hair goals, but while we might not all want the same color, style and cuts, we can agree that healthy, nourished hair is what we’re striving for. In the same way you read the ingredients labels on your food to check you’re eating a balanced diet, the same method can apply to hair care. If you know what to look for, you can make a better decision, not only for yourself but for the environment.
You may have seen labels like ‘Sulfate/SLS free’ on your shampoo and conditioner bottles, but do you know what that actually means? We’ll help you out..
What are sulfates?
Sulfates are cleansing agents that are found in everything from hair products to skincare. In hair products, their job is to remove oil and dirt from the scalp and strands. They do this thanks to their lathering effect, which is why they’re effective and so widely used.
The truth is, sulfates can be a little too good at removing oil and dirt if they are used in high doses: in the case of your hair, they can strip essential hydration away. Remember, just like our face, our scalp is skin. So while you may be conscious about avoiding skin care products that strip the skin on the face, it’s common to forget the same rule for our scalps.
How avoiding sulfates help hair
Just like your face, your scalp needs natural oils and moisture to stay balanced. Using a shampoo that’s too high in sulfates can strip natural moisturizers away. A lack of moisture dulls hair and makes it more prone to breakage, and can also leave you with dry ends.
In extreme cases this can lead to irritation, which is why opting for a sulfate-free shampoo has many benefits, especially when you’re trying to tackle dry hair.
Love Beauty and Planet’s Sulfate-Free Indian Lilac & Clove Leaf Shampoo helps re-inject the shine that dry hair so desperately needs into strands thanks to its superstar ingredient, Indian Lilac. Sourced from tropical and semi-tropical areas, Indian lilac has been an essential part of herbal beauty traditions throughout history due to its soothing capabilities. One wash and you’re left with vibrant, shiny and nourished hair, sans sulfates.
And if your strands are especially dry, you’ll know how prone to breakage parched hair can be. Love Beauty and Planet’s Sulfate-Free Turmeric & Tonka Essence Shampoo tackles hair breakage, helps prevent split ends and reverse extreme dryness. Natural turmeric, or ‘golden goddess’ (as it’s affectionately called in its native Southwest India), is cherished in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, as it offers a plethora of health and healing benefits. The formulation also includes an infusion of hydrating coconut oil to further strengthen strands.
On that note, if you’re a coconut oil fan, you’ll also want to check out Love Beauty and Planet’s Sulfate-Free Coconut Oil & Ylang Ylang Shampoo. Offering mega moisture to keep locks looking healthy and feeling strong, it’s a real treat to use in the shower thanks to a refreshing burst of ylang ylang.
Other sustainable ways to support your hair and planet
Alongside your new sulfate-free wash routine, to help rehydrate your parched strands, always apply a heat protectant prior to styling and, when you can, try to minimize heat styling. You’ll not only use less electricity, but your hair will benefit from the reduced daily heat. With your heat styling reduced and your army of sulfate-free products, your hair will be back to its moisturized, glossy best in no time.
