Sulphates are a type of surfactant, which is a chemical that helps to remove dirt and oil from the skin and hair. Sulphates are found in many personal care products, including shampoo, body wash, and toothpaste.
The most common sulphates found in shampoo are sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES). SLS is a stronger surfactant than SLES, but it is also more irritating to the skin and hair.
Why are sulphates bad for hair?
Sulphates can be bad for the skin and hair in a number of ways. They can:
- Strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage.
- Irritate the scalp, leading to itching, redness, and inflammation.
- Cause allergic reactions.
- Be harmful to the environment.
Why do shampoos have sulphates?
Shampoos have sulphates because they are very effective at cleaning the hair and scalp. Sulphates are able to remove dirt, oil, and product build-up from the hair and scalp, which can leave the hair feeling clean and refreshed.
However, there are a number of sulphate-free shampoos on the market that are just as effective at cleaning the hair and scalp as shampoos that contain sulphates. Sulphate-free shampoos are often gentler on the skin and hair, and they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Why should you use a sulphate-free shampoo?
If you have dry, frizzy, or damaged hair, or if you have a sensitive scalp, you may want to consider using a sulphate-free shampoo. Sulphate-free shampoos are less likely to strip the hair of its natural oils, and they are less likely to irritate the scalp.
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your personal care products, you may also want to consider using a sulphate-free shampoo. Sulphates are harmful to the environment, and they can pollute waterways.
How to choose a sulphate-free shampoo
When choosing a sulphate-free shampoo, it is important to look for a shampoo that is labelled "sulphate-free" or "no sulphates." It is also important to read the ingredients list carefully to make sure that the shampoo does not contain any sulphates.
There are a number of sulphate-free shampoos available on the market, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs.
