There’s a persuasive ‘natural’ movement happening in cosmetics ATM, but are we really better off using ‘-free’ formulated products? We investigate, so you can decide whether it’s time for an ingredient overhaul
Are you one of those shoppers who believes your hair is happier sans sulphates? Or would you like to try and find out? Well, you better understand what it is you’re trying to avoid… Sulphates are a salt of sulphuric acid. Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) are the ingredients brands have avoided when they list their products as ‘sulphate-free’ but despite the ‘–free’ movement, these chemicals remain to be found in countless household items including shampoo, deodorant and soaps.
As far as your locks go, while sulphates are responsible for giving you that oh-so satisfying, commercial-like foamy lather when you shampoo your hair – and are very effective at ridding oily dirt – sulphates can potentially be quite drying, stripping your hair follicles of natural oils and protein, particularly for those of us who have curly hair, colour-treated hair, or are prone to dryness.
Welcome to frizz town!
“We use products that have been used in traditional shampoos namely Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract & Balanites Aegyptiaca (Desert Date) Fruit Extract & Gypsophila Paniculata Root Extract,” tells Dion Nash, founder and director of Triumph & Disaster, a strongly anti-sulphate company.
“Although these will not create the huge faux foams that sulphates will, they create a natural soft foam that has [no harmful effects]. When it comes to foam, less really is more.”
Not everyone will notice a vast difference when switching to sulphate-free hair care but if you’re finding that your current hair care products are irritating your scalp a change may help.
Click through to discover our favourite sulphate-free haircare products…
