Harmful chemicals, like sulfates, are often hiding in that long list of hard-to-pronounce ingredients.
Unsure what sulfates are? Sulfates are a type of detergent that helps get hair squeaky clean and are often used as foaming agents in shampoos. They’re usually listed as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Sulfates can be harsh and sometimes even contribute to hair problems.
A sulfate-free shampoo is a gentler alternative. It still cleanses hair but uses ingredients that don’t strip strands of their essential oils or cause breakage. It’s also kinder to colored hair. Click through the gallery above to see the best sulfate-free shampoos for shinier, healthier hair.
