Reasons Why Using Sulfate Free Shampoo is Better For Your Hair

You may have heard that sulfates are present in a number of products. But you may not be aware what they do to your hair. Here is some information to help you make the decision on whether sulfate free shampoo is better for your hair.

Sulfates are recognized as a type of detergent and are typically found in the majority of the rinse-off products and shampoo happens to be one of these. The sulfate shampoos are said to be safe when used in the hair very briefly and then rinsed out thoroughly. However, there are a few people that have a reaction to sulfate shampoos. Here are some of the side effects that some people experience:

Scalp Irritation

Sulfates are associated with skin irritations. When applied to the scalp, these detergents will remove the natural oils. However, they remove all the oil that it ends up stripping the protective layer of oil over the scalp. With a barrier function that is now compromised, the needed moisture escapes and harmful bacteria can get in. The sulfates can leave the scalp more sensitive, itchy and dry.

Dry Hair

Sulphates will not only affect the scalp, but also the hair. You can forget about glossy and healthy hair when using sulfate-laden shampoos. Because sulfates remove all the oil from the hair and the scalp, the lengths of the hair will usually lack shine and moisture. If you already have curly and dry hair, then shampoos with sulfates are definitely not suitable for your hair type. This is also applicable for colored hair, as the sulfates strip out the color after you have just dyed your hair and will fade the color a lot faster.

Hair Loss

There have also been a few claims that sulfates are also associated with hair loss, shedding and thinning. This has to do with causing inflammation in the area of the scalp. The skin and the hair require anti-inflammatory substances in order to grow and stay healthy, which is why it is best to stay away from shampoos that contain sulfates.

You should choose one of the sulfate free shampoos when you have:

• Sensitive skin

• Have naturally dry or curly hair

• You color your hair frequently

Conclusion

Choosing a shampoo that is free from sulfates is always a better decision for your hair. Using an all natural shampoo will preserve the oils in the hair and on the scalp and they are also color-safe. Sulfate-free shampoos may have a reduced lather, as the sulfates is what contributes to creating a lather. You may also find that the sulfate-free shampoo does not remove oil or dirt from your hair as easily. If this is the case, you should give the product and your hair a bit of time to adjust. Like many other products, it will take some time before you start to notice the positive results. After a few weeks you will start to notice that your hair looks and feels a lot better.

Finding the Best Conditioner for Damaged Hair

Damage to hair comes from exposure to the sun, heated styling tools, illness, hormonal imbalances, genetics and sometimes the weather. There are plenty of causes and there are, thankfully, plenty of effective all natural conditioners to fix the problem.

You can either buy a conditioner at your favorite beauty retailer or you can make a conditioner at home using ingredients you have on hand in your kitchen. When choosing a store-bought conditioner there are a few ingredients you want to look for.

Coconut oil is found in many conditioners. This is an excellent ingredient that smooths hair and helps it grow thicker and healthier. You can also buy coconut oil on its own and use it by applying it directly to your scalp and massaging it in. Smooth it down from the roots to the tips sparingly and your hair will become shinier and healthier in a short time.

Popular conditioners that work to fix badly damaged or dry hair contain Moroccan Argan oil. This rich oil has fatty acids that work quickly to moisturize the hair. You should opt for a deep conditioning treatment that contains this oil, too. This way, you can supplement your everyday conditioner once or twice a week with an intense moisture-infusing treatment.

You can also rinse your hair out with all-natural apple cider vinegar a few times a week. In between regular shampoos and intense conditioning treatments, apply apple cider vinegar to your hair when it is dry. Leave it on for five minutes and then rinse it out. Shampoo and conditioner your hair as usual and you will be amazed at how shiny your hair is.

Olive oil is also a good ingredient to help repair damaged hair but use it very sparingly. Blend it with some avocado and your hair will get nutrients that heal the hair right down to the shaft.  Apply it and then cover your head with a shower cap for 20 minutes. Shampoo it out and condition using a good damage control conditioner.

If you do buy pre-made conditioners for damaged hair, get products that are sulfate-free. These products are kinder to hair and will help repair damage without causing any dryness.

More expensive products do not always work better than the less expensive ones do. Some name brands of conditioner are quite effective despite their low prices.

Check online reviews for more information about the best conditioners for damaged hair and find what works for you. Your hair is as individual as you are, so you might need to take some time before you find the ingredients that repair your damaged hair best.