Sulphate-free (sulfate-free) shampoo
Sulphate-free (sulfate-free) shampoos cleanse without SLS or SLES, the harsh foaming agents found in many regular shampoos. Sulphate free shampoos provide a gentler, more nourishing approach to women's hair care routine by cleansing your hair without stripping away its natural oils.
What is sulphate?
Sulphates are foaming agents that help create lather on your products. They effectively remove dirt and oil, but can sometimes be harsh on your scalp, leading to dryness and irritation.
SLS vs SLES: what sulphate-free really means
The two sulphates most often found in shampoos are SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulphate). Both are strong cleansers that create rich lather. SLS is the harsher of the two, while SLES is slightly milder, but both can strip natural oils from the hair and scalp with regular use.
A sulphate-free shampoo leaves out both and uses milder cleansing agents instead. An "SLS-free" label only means SLS is absent, so check the ingredient list if you want to avoid SLES too. For a quick breakdown, read our guide on SLS vs SLES.
Who should use sulphate free shampoos:
A sulphate free shampoo is ideal for anyone with sensitive scalps, dry or damaged hair, and those looking for a gentler product. People with colour-treated hair or keratin treatments should particularly opt for sulphate free options or the ones without SLS to maintain their hair’s vibrancy and smoothness.
Features of sulphate free shampoos
Sulphate free shampoos have the essential features:
- Sulphate free shampoos are often enriched with moisturizing ingredients, making them suitable for all hair types.
- Many sulphate free shampoos contain natural oils and extracts, like argan oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera, which nourish and protect the hair.
- These shampoos effectively cleanse the hair without stripping it of natural oils, making them suitable for everyday use.
- A SLS-free shampoo helps preserve the scalp’s natural oils, leaving your hair softer and healthier.
- Being gentle formulas, sulphate free shampoos reduce the risk of irritation.
How to select the right sulphate free shampoo
Consider the following factors while selecting the best sulphate free shampoo for your hair type:
-
Hydrating ingredients: For dry hair, choose shampoos enriched with argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter for intense hydration.
-
Repairing ingredients: Keratin, ceramides and jojoba oil are great for repairing damaged hair and restoring its strength.
-
Label check: When selecting a shampoo without lauryl sulphate, carefully read the labels to ensure there are no hidden sulphates or harsh chemicals.
- Tailored solutions: Whether you’re dealing with frizz, lack of volume, or hair damage, choose a sulphate free shampoo for women or sulphate free shampoo for men that is specifically formulated for your unique hair concerns. Feel free to check out our guide on achieving thick hair.
Tips for using sulphate free shampoos
-
Your hair may take some time to adjust to a sulphate free formula, especially if you’ve been using regular shampoos. Don’t be discouraged by a lack of lather—this is normal for sulphate free products.
-
pair your sulphate free shampoo with a sulphate free conditioner or hair mask for added nourishment and protection.
Sulphate-free shampoo by hair concern
- Frizzy, wavy or curly hair: Avocado & Argan Frizz Control Shampoo helps tame frizz and keep strands smooth and manageable.
- Dry or damaged hair and split ends: Hibiscus & Ceramides Shampoo hydrates and conditions dry, damaged lengths.
- Dull or rough hair that needs softness and shine: Coconut Milk & Peptides Shampoo leaves hair soft and shiny.
Sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner duos
For the best results, follow your sulphate-free shampoo with a matching conditioner from the same range. These duos pair both steps:
- Hibiscus & Ceramides Shampoo & Conditioner Duo, for dry and damaged hair
- Coconut & Peptides Soft Hair Duo, for soft, shiny hair
A sulphate free shampoo offers a gentle yet effective alternative to traditional shampoos. By choosing a good sulphate free shampoo, you can protect your hair’s natural moisture balance while avoiding the harmful effects of harsh chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sulphate-free shampoo better for hair?
It is gentler. Without SLS or SLES it cleanses without stripping natural oils, which suits dry, damaged, colour-treated or keratin-treated hair and sensitive scalps.
Why doesn't sulphate-free shampoo lather much?
Sulphates create foam. Less lather is normal and doesn't mean less cleansing.
Is sulfate-free the same as sulphate-free?
Yes. “Sulphate” is the British spelling and “sulfate” the American one.
Can men use sulphate-free shampoo?
Yes. Sulphate-free shampoos work for all hair and scalp types, whatever your gender. Pick one based on your hair concern, such as frizz, dryness or dullness.
Is sulphate-free shampoo good for colour-treated or keratin-treated hair?
Yes. Harsh sulphates can strip colour and treatments faster, so a sulphate-free formula helps colour and smoothing treatments last longer.
How often can I use sulphate-free shampoo?
Because it is gentle, you can use it as often as your hair needs, including daily. Most people shampoo 2 to 3 times a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sulphate-free shampoo?
A sulphate-free shampoo is a hair cleanser that doesn’t contain harsh sulphates like SLS or SLES, making it a gentler option for your hair and scalp.
Who should use sulphate-free shampoo?
Anyone looking for a gentler cleansing option, especially those with sensitive scalps, dry hair, or colour-treated hair, should consider using a sulphate-free shampoo.
Why use sulphate-free shampoo?
A sodium lauryl sulphate-free shampoo protects your hair’s natural oils, reduces scalp irritation, and prevents damage caused by harsh cleansing agents.
How to use sulphate-free shampoo?
Apply a generous amount of sulphate-free shampoo to wet hair, massage it into your scalp, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with a sulphate-free conditioner for best results.
How to check if a shampoo is sulphate-free?
Check the ingredient list for terms like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS). A shampoo without sodium lauryl sulphate will indicate this on the label.
What is the difference between sulphate-free shampoo and regular shampoo?
Regular shampoos contain sulphates, which can strip your hair of its natural oils. Sulphate-free shampoos cleanse your hair without harsh chemicals, making them gentler and better for long-term hair health.
Can I use sulphate shampoo every day?
While you can use sulphate-free shampoo every day, it’s important to choose a shampoo that suits your hair type and needs.
Will sulphate-free shampoos clean my hair effectively?
Yes, sulphate-free shampoos can clean your hair effectively without stripping it of its natural oils, leaving your hair soft, smooth, and healthy.
Why does my hair feel greasy after using a sulphate-free shampoo?
Sulphate-free shampoos use milder cleansing agents, so they don’t strip oil as aggressively as regular shampoos. If your hair feels greasy, try using slightly more product, lathering twice, or giving your scalp a few washes to adjust — this is normal, not a sign the shampoo isn’t working.
Does sulphate-free shampoo lather well?
Sulphate-free shampoos typically produce less foam than regular shampoos, but lather isn’t linked to how well a shampoo cleanses. Gentle surfactants clean effectively without the heavy foam sulphates create.
How long does it take for hair to adjust to a sulphate-free shampoo?
Most people notice a difference within 2–3 weeks of consistent use, as hair and scalp adjust to a gentler cleansing routine. Some may take slightly longer, especially if switching from a heavily sulphate-based routine.
Is sulphate-free shampoo safe for colour-treated hair?
Yes — sulphate-free shampoos are one of the best choices for colour-treated hair, since they clean without stripping colour or moisture, helping your colour last longer between touch-ups.
What ingredients should I check for to make sure a shampoo is truly sulphate-free?
Look out for Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) on the ingredient list — if these aren’t listed, the shampoo is genuinely sulphate-free.
Is sulphate-free shampoo good for dandruff or an oily scalp?
Sulphate-free shampoos are gentle, but if dandruff is your main concern, look for actives that treat it directly — like Salicylic Acid or Piroctone Olamine — rather than sulphate-free alone. Plum's Volcanic Minerals & 0.5% Salicylic Acid Shampoo is formulated specifically for dandruff-prone scalps, with Salicylic Acid to clear buildup and Piroctone Olamine to target dandruff-causing Malassezia.
Is there a difference between "sulphate-free" and "SLS-free"?
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) is one specific type of sulphate. A shampoo can be "SLS-free" but still contain other sulphates like SLES. "Sulphate-free" means the formula avoids all sulphate-based cleansers.
