Hi everyone! For some time now, there has been talk in the haircare world about shampoos with sulfates and the negative effects they can have on hair. Those with a sensitive and irritable scalp are well aware of this: the acronym SLS is effectively banned for those with fine hair or those suffering from dermatitis or dandruff, as they have a potentially irritating effect on the hair. But what exactly are we talking about? Why do shampoos contain them if, apparently, they are so harmful? And furthermore, why use sulfate-free shampoos?
SLS and SLES: what are they
First of all, let's start by explaining what SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), or sodium sulfates, are. Savvy beauty addicts know this well: they are chemical surfactants contained in many detergents such as shampoos and conditioners, whose main function is to help remove grease particles deposited on the skin and hair during rinsing (which is what is traditionally expected of a shampoo, right?), through the formation of a foaming emulsion to allow for effective cleansing.
It is an inexpensive ingredient capable of producing a lot of foam and facilitating the even application of shampoo on the hair, which is why it is widely used by companies that manufacture body care products. On the surface, sulfates do not seem to have any particular contraindications, if not for the fact that they are substances that irritate the skin, which in the long run can be harmful to the skin and in some cases cause damage to the follicles. In fact, their degreasing action can be so aggressive that it removes the oils necessary to protect the scalp. It is a bit like what happens to those who suffer from oily skin or scalp and use products that are too aggressive: after several applications, they find themselves with dry skin and, probably, excessive sebum production.
It is fair to specify, however, that while the presence of SLS or SLES in everyday products is irritating to the skin and is very often the cause of some of the most common skin conditions (such as oily and dry scalp, redness, dandruff, thinning, acne), they are not inherently harmful in terms of toxicity. This explains their widespread use in cosmetology and why, more simply, a girl might continue to have healthy, thick hair despite using SLS-based products, while eliminating it from your hair beauty routine could be a turning point for you!
Sulfate-free shampoo: who is it suitable for?
Who is sulfate-free shampoo recommended for, then? First of all, for those suffering from a delicate and easily irritable scalp. But also in the event that you suffer from itching, especially after washing your hair, or from dandruff, or if you have oily hair, choosing sulfate-free products could improve the health of your hair. If, for example, you are athletic and therefore your hair is constantly subjected to stress and daily washing, or if you have thin and fragile hair, using sulfate-free shampoo could prove to be a relief for your scalp: SLS and SLES, in fact, contribute to making the hair shaft thinner and more fragile, in some cases slowing down its growth. It is therefore highly recommended to use sulfate-free shampoo or sulfate-free conditioner for healthier, stronger, and more voluminous hair.
Pros and cons of sulfate-free shampoo
The question arises spontaneously: why are sulfates used in hair care products if they pose risks, even if only aesthetic? First of all, for an economic reason: precisely by virtue of their more elaborate formula, products without SLS and SLES rarely cost less than 10-15 euros, so they are not exactly within everyone's budget. Secondly, for a reason related to their consistency: sulfate-free products often come in the form of oils or emulsions, and not everyone likes the consistency, which requires more difficult distribution, nor the absence of foam. In fact, it is precisely the presence of sulfates that allows for the formation of foam, and shampoos and conditioners that are free of them do not produce any. However, this does not affect the cleansing of the scalp and hair, which will be equally thorough and gentle on your hair, even the most sensitive.
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