The Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-Free Shampoo Revolution

For the past couple of years it's been known that sulfate in shampoos are damaging to hair but not many people have made the switch to sulfate-free products. Why is that? Most likely because you were unaware of the ingredients in the shampoo. For years beauty experts and professional hair stylists have believed the ingredients in shampoo and over-washing your hair is as damaging as chemical treatments, blow drying and flat-ironing. So perhaps it's not a sulfate-free revolution but an evolution in the hair care industry. If your wondering why; here's an explanation that may just save your hair in the long run.

What is Sulfate?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) are the common ingredients found in your shampoos . It is an ultra cheap surfactant, or rather, cleaning ingredient of your shampoo. It strips your hair of grime, dirt and natural oils and creates lots of foam and bubbles. Although a rich lather is ever present in shampoos that doesnt' mean it cleans your hair any better than a shampoo without heavy bubbles but it is a good selling point.

Wash, rinse and a possible repeat is the format for washing your hair but rinsing your hair doesn't exactly mean you're ridding your scalp of SLS residue. Unfortunately, unless the shampoo is sulfate-free this may be a reason for losing excess hair.

Concern over hair damage is a top priority with virtually every one and excluding shampoos with SLS and ALS could be the answer. To ask plainly; would you ever use degreaser or laundry detergent to wash your hair? That question sounds strange but SLS and ALS are the common threads between every day household cleaners and shampoo.

Sulfate Free Shampoo

Unless your hairstylist specifically recommends a sulfate-free shampoo you may not necessarily know where to find one. Fortunately, the wisdom of sulfate-free shampoos have increased and there are dozens on the market. Here are some sulfate-free shampoos that are in your local hair salons or online. The list of shampoos below begin at $6 and work up to $22.

PAVES PROF- Flawless
BROCATO - Splash
OSMO- Essence Blinding Shine
TREASURED LOCKS- Nothing but Nature
ENJOY
DEVA- Curl Low Poo
KENRA- Platinum
ALFA PARF- Splendore-Hydrate
ALTERNA - Hemp Seed & Cavier
PUREOLOGY
OLE HENRICKSEN- Natural Hair Wash

Drug Store Variations

If you're anything like me visiting the hair salon is a treat but there are plenty of drug stores and retailers that carry sulfate-free shampoo. L'Oreal presented it's line of sulfate-free shampoos in 2009 which contains EverPure, EverStrong and EverSleek which is the newest addition to the line. Organix is also another brand that is carried in drug stores, as well as, Renpure Organics and all are priced under $10.

Excess Shampoo

Making the switch to sulfate-free products can leave you with excess shampoo. Throwing the extra shampoo away may be against your nature so get the use out of them while you can. Use the shampoo to scrub your tub; I did.

Source: Star Tribune
Source: Killer Strands
Source: L'Oreal
Source: Experience