Sulfate-free is the rave when it comes to keeping hair clean without the use of harmful chemicals.
Sulfates have been known to cause irritation to the scalp, frizzy hair, and faded colored treatments faster than normal. In addition, the same substance has a reputation of negatively affecting the immune system, triggering breakouts on the face and body, and causing cancer. Yikes!
I fell victim myself to the negative side-effects of sulfate-laden shampoos for the majority of my life. It was not until senior year of high school that I was fed up with second day greasy hair and painful back acne from SLS (sulfate laureth sodium) shampoo. I asked if it was OK to switch shampoos, and my mom agreed, since I disliked the negative effects of SLS. I began trying the L'Oreal Eversleek line, more specifically, their Intense Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner.
My first thought was: Great, no more bubbles! As mentioned, I was an SLS user for the majority of my life, and we all know that these shampoos have great lathering intensity. You can make a foamy beard in the shower with just a nickel-sized amount of Suave shampoo! Therefore, I was not too happy about the anticipation of a bubbly-free hair wash. In fact, I was expecting a straight-up white film, kind of like if baking soda were a powdered sugar texture, mixed in with some water on my head. (Do not ask me why I was so descriptive with that expectation; I have the tendency to be uncomfortably descriptive with certain things.)
The L'Oreal shampoo definitely lathered, that is, after adding a bit of water to whatever amount of shampoo you have in your palm. Simply rub your hands together, over your head so that no product falls onto the shower floor, and massage into the hair. Despite not having sulfates, the shampoo does lather quite well, so you will not be totally disappointed in your hair-washing routine for the day. The conditioner does not have any special application, so just smear it all over your locks. Leave it on for however long you desire, and then rinse.
After the drying was complete, I had already noticed a difference. First, the little frizzies I usually have sticking out on top of my head had flattened. I felt like those girls on YouTube who have sleek hair, but minus the heat styling. There was no scalp irritation happening either, as that used to occur when I used SLS shampoos. My hair felt clean; there was none of that 'dirty feeling' going on, though I think I understand why some people would have that mindset. Sulfate shampoo tends to strip the hair of its natural oils, therefore, making us think that our hair is squeaky clean. The L'Oreal shampoo cleans hair, but does not strip the hair dry.
Unfortunately, it is necessary to note that sulfate-free shampoos do require clarifying shampoos now and then, and probably every week, since they are more of a moisturizing shampoo resulting in more product buildup in your hair. The same goes for sulfate-free conditioners.
As for oiliness, there is no excess oil production going on in the scalp, since not a lot of oils were stripped in the first place. Your hair is not making excess oil in compensation for the loss of its natural sebum. Personally, I have seriously cut down in using dry shampoo for the second day hair. There are no words to describe how glad I am to not be worrying about gross, greasy hair for more than one day of not washing hair. It's been such a huge relief to me that it's not even funny.
All in all, sulfate-free shampoos live up to the hype. The first time around, you may not feel satisfied with the feeling, but with continued usage, you will feel more comfortable with no sulfates. I guarantee you, SLS-free shampoo is an investment worth making. You will not be disappointed.
P.S: tally how many times 'shampoo' was mentioned!
