Find out exactly what sulfates are and which hair types should steer clear.
Achieving beautiful, healthy hair isn’t just about sticking to a routine.
Some ingredients are more well-known, like formaldehyde, which studies show does have negative impacts.
Photo: Getty Images
However, others are a little more ambiguous.
For example, sulfates are sometimes thought to be bad for hairbut not always.
However, many of us don’t actually know the function of sulfates.
What Are Sulfates?
If sulfates are responsible for cleansing, why do some people think they are bad for the hair?
According to Gretchen Friese, certified trichologist at Bosley MD, sulfates can strip the hair of essential moisture.
“They may also make the scalp dry and irritated.”
“Sulfates get a bad rap by those that are spreading misinformation and fear-mongering,” says Robinson.
Here’s why sulfates are important.
Which Hair Types Should Avoid Sulfates?
So, now that we know that sulfates can be good for some people, who should avoid it?
Sulfates strip the hair of oils and moisture, causing friction between strands leading to frizziness.
A sulfate-free formula will cleanse your hair without removing so many natural oils from your hair.
Friese says people with fine hair textures can use shampoos with sulfates, keeping in mind the other risks.
Sulfates can particularly damaging for those with color-treated hair.
Try using a sulfate-free shampoo to extend your color treatment’s life and maintain your hair’s natural vibrancy.
