That said, if you're finding that your hair feels a tad dry – or that your hair colour isn't lasting for very long – then you might want to consider switching to one of the best sulphate-free shampoos.
“SLS – that is most often contained in sulphate shampoos – strips the hair of grime, but it also strips your hair of natural oils, which causes dehydration (and in some cases irritated scalps),” Belle Cannan, Co-Founder of Salon Sloane told us. This may be why you find yourself reaching for moisturising hair masks or conditioner afterwards. Sulphates can also strip the artificial pigments from the hair fibre, causing fading and loss of vibrancy.
“I would always recommend alternating shampoo during the week depending on the look you want or how your hair and scalp are feeling. For example, if you are looking for more volume, pop of colour, or if you have an irritated scalp.”
How can I tell if my shampoo is sulphate-free?
“If it isn’t labelled clearly on the front of the bottle, check the ingredients,” Belle suggested. “The most common sulphates are sodium lauryl sulphate – often labelled SLS – and sodium laureth ether sulphate (SLES).” You can also look out for the following ingredients: Lauryl Sulfoacetate Sodium, Lauroyl Isethionate and Sodium Lauroyl Taurate. They're further examples of sulphates. Many brands now stock sulphate shampoo, from L’Oreal to Noughty, OGX, Color WOW and Kerastase.
Should I use sulphate-free shampoo on my hair extensions?
This depends entirely on whether your hair extensions or wigs are made from synthetic hair or natural hair. If it's synthetic hair, then you should use a clarifying shampoo as products, grime and smells can accumulate on the fibres.
If it's human hair, then you should definitely use a sulphate-free shampoo to be as gentle as possible on the delicate strands, followed by a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture and shine. “It will take care of them for longer,” Belle said.
After more beauty content? Head this way for the best shampoos for all hair types and over here for conditioners to pair with them. Elsewhere, we’ve got purple shampoo, the best shampoo for fine hair, the best shampoo for coloured hair and the best shampoo for frizzy hair. Head this way for soothing shampoo for sensitive scalps, the best shampoo for curly hair and the best shampoo for greasy hair.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Scroll for our full edit of the best sulphate-free shampoos to take to check out in 2023…
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