Ever wondered why some shampoos are labeled sulfate-free? Sulfates are a range of chemicals that manufacturers usually use as cleansing agents. Over the past few years, there has been quite a war in the hair care industry against sulfates. Sulfates are found in some of the most common household products, such as detergents, shampoos, and various cleaning tools.
Achieving your dream hair, or healthy hair in general doesn’t come with just sticking to a routine. Even though that is necessary, it’s also equally vital to pay attention to the type of hair care formulas you are using. Whenever we hear about a sulfate-free shampoo, we instantly think that it is somehow a better option for our hair, but that isn’t always true at all times. To make such a decision, one must be properly informed about how sulfates function, which most aren’t aware of. Sulfates can actually be good for hair, but that solely depends on your hair type and texture. Though sulfate shampoos are highly bought, one must be wholly informed about whether sulfates are damaging for the hair or not. Therefore, in this article, we will look at what sulfates are, what types are found in the shampoos we typically use, how exactly they are harmful, what kind of hair should and shouldn’t use sulfates, and what stigma surrounds them.
So let’s get into it!
An Overview of Sulfates
When one steps into a shower, one always wonders how the shampoo quickly becomes foam when mixed with water. The answer to this is quite simple. There are two main types of sulfates found in most local shampoos: Sodium lauryl sulfate and Sodium Laureth sulfate. The purpose of both these sulfates is to create a lathering effect to remove all the excess dirt and oil from your hair that builds up. Sulfates have the highest cleansing effects because they belong to a class of anionic surfactants. If your shampoo doesn’t create that same effect, there is a high chance that the shampoo you’re using is a sulfate-free one.
Who Should Avoid The Use Of Sulfates?
As mentioned above in the article, not all hair types are suitable for sulfate. Therefore, below stated are the types of people with certain hair that should avoid the use of sulfates in their shampoos. First and foremost, people who have sensitive skin and skin conditions. If you have a sensitive scalp or hair, you might feel the adverse reaction of sulfates if you continue your use. People who have eczema and cooperate sulfates while showering can have an itchy, red scalp afterward.
In addition, people who are constantly troubled due to dandruff and greasy hair should consider switching to sulfate-free shampoos. Once they start to use it, they’ll notice that such shampoos are the only ones that happen to clean their scalp effectively. It has been noticed that people who have curly, dry, and frizzy hair may want to avoid sulfates altogether. This is said because sulfates can potentially increase the dryness in your hair due to friction caused by the stripping of the natural oils and moisture.
Furthermore, if you are someone who colors their hair regularly, or likes to straighten or cruel them now and then, then it would be for the better if you go sulfate-free. Staying stress-free and not letting your hair dry are some tips to keep your hair full of life and healthy.
Harmful Effects Of Sulfates
Sulfates are considered suitable for a few exceptions of hair type. That being said, some people believe that using too many sulfates can eventually strip off the natural oils and leave the scalp itchy, dry, and irritating. This might not be the case for all, but it would be best to learn about all the possible risks. Once the sulfates rip off the natural oils, it eventually takes away the moisture from your hair and the shine. Too much moisture loss can dry the hair and eventually damage it and make it look dead. So many people have jumped on the bandwagon and are avoiding the use of sulfates because they are closely linked with the damage to protein. Hair is made up of protein, and too much sulfate can affect its strength and appearance as a whole.
Benefits Of Sulfate-Free Shampoos
Rest assured that there are benefits for people who can’t use shampoos with sulfates in them. Not only are sulfates suitable for every hair type, but there are also more benefits of using this formula for your hair care. Sulfate-free shampoos help reduce the inflammation on your scalp. Since it can reduce the inflammation on your scalp, the person experiences less hair fall than usual. You also ought to notice that your scalp would be less itchy and dry after using sulfate-free shampoos. Moreover, because they are gentle cleansers, retaining oils and moisture is easier, leaving your hair smoother.
There is a common occurrence for people who shift from the traditional shampoos to this sulfate-free one. Their hair is still dirty because the shampoo doesn’t create enough lather. However, one should give enough time to adjust to the new product to get accustomed to your hair. Hence, it would help if you considered giving a two or three-week trial period before coming up with a decision.
Conclusion
Now that the article comes to an end, the real question still awaits its answer. “Are sulfates bad for your hair?” The answer is both yes and no.
Even though sulfates potentially rip off the moisture and natural oils from one’s hair, they have deep cleansing agents that efficiently rid the hair of all the excess dirt and oil. On the other hand, it just does the job; Instead, it leaves them with an itchy and dry scalp that results in dandruff flakes.
That being mentioned, if your hair is sensitive to sulfates, you should try finding a shampoo that retains your natural oils and moisture. You should also keep a check on how you’re washing your hair. If you have oily hair, it might have to be washed daily. If you have dry hair, you might have to wash it a few days a week. Remain patient with the whole process, as, in the end, you’ll get the desired product that will suit your specific hair type. Lastly, if you are unsure about which product might suit you well, it is highly advised that you visit a doctor or dermatologist. A professional insight would be the best option in the end.
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