“Anyone with dyed, kinky, naturally dry, and/or frizzy hair should consider switching to a sulfate-free shampoo, which will leave your natural oils intact, meaning your hair is moisturized, shinier and overall healthier,” says Fitzsimons. Both also say sulfates can dry the scalp, which could lead to further irritation and dandruff.
While all this doesn’t make the ingredient dangerous per se, there are many benefits to avoiding it altogether. Dorsey lists shiny and frizz-free hair as the major upsides, and says those with dyed locks will notice their color stays vibrant longer. He also explains that sulfate-free shampoos won't leave behind unwanted film.
How to recognize a sulfate-free shampoo? Many bottles call it out, and as Dorsey explains, true sulfate-free shampoos come from plant-extracts and use amino acids and seed oils, such as palm or coconut oil—look for those ingredients. He also says ingredients such as taurates, fatty acids isethionates, amino acid sulfosuccinates, and glutmates are good indicators that a shampoo is sulfate-free.
Should you want to go sulfate-free, we asked Dorsey and Fitzsimons what products they like to use on their clients. Scroll through to see their 6 picks.
YaraShahidi KimKardashian Hey
YaraShahidi KimKardashian While your at it, also avoid artificial fragrance, colours, silicones, and so much more! Don’t just stop at paraben-free!
YaraShahidi KimKardashian Not only in your haircare, but most health and beauty products as well. All SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) does is add that foaming sensation when you brush your teeth or that rich lather when you shampoo. You don’t need it & should completely avoid it!