Sulfates

Should You Be Afraid Of Sulfates? 

Walking down the shampoo isle can become a daunting task, while trying to select a shampoo you are bombarded by different labels and marketing ploys. One of the most noticeable is shampoos labelled as "sulfate free". But what even are sulfates?

Sulfates are the ingredient in shampoo that makes it a surficant, it is what makes shampoo bubbly and lather. As well, it is the agent that removes oil from your scalp and hair. Now that doesn't sound too bad, so where does the bad reputation come from? Dry skin, redness, irritation, and itching have resulted from sulfate containing shampoo, however these symptoms are usually found for shampoo users with sensitive scalps, preexisting skin conditions, or allergies. As well, rumours have circulated such as sulfate free shampoo offers a gentler clean, and prolongs the life of hair colour. Neither of these claims have been backed by science. So why such a fuss? Companies selling sulfate free shampoo have taken advantage of misconceptions about sulfates, which is why you see so many bottles labelled sulfate free. 

Should I Be Using Sulfate Free Shampoo?

If you have been routinely using sulfate containing shampoo, and have not experienced irritation, there really is no reason to switch. Sulfate shampoo offers a much better, quicker, and easier clean. Sulfate free shampoo does not lather as well, and often requires more physically rubbing and massaging of the scalp. Sulfate shampoo is actually highly recommend for individuals with oily hair, or dandruff. Individuals with eczema, sensitive skin, dry or fizzy hair should consider trying a sulfate free shampoo, as it leaves more of the hairs natural oils behind, which can help with these traits. 

The Verdict

If you have never experienced difficulty with your traditional shampoo, it is definitely not worthwhile to try sulfate free shampoo. In fact, switching to sulfate free shampoo may be more of a pain, as you will likely spend more time washing your hair each use, and will have to wash your hair more frequently. 

Citations

Image Credit: Bettmann Archive 

https://www.google.ca/urlsa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiN_92_p6vgAhWSPH0KHU2MBcQQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fthelivingstonpost.com%2Fon-her-special-day-take-your-mom-to-see-the-mother-of-all-hitchcock-films%2Fjanet-leigh-screaming-in-psycho-shower-scene%2F&psig=AOvVaw1UjJndbhvOt2d_Q5gMN58B&ust=1549686778913168

Getting past the hype: dermatologist untangles common hair care misconceptions (2014). Retrieved February 4th, 2019, from https://www.self.com/story/sulfate-free-shampoo

Campbell, D. (2017). When you need to use a sulfate-free shampoo—and when you totally don't. Retrieved February 4th, 2019, from, https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/getting-past-the-hype-dermatologist-untangles-common-hair-care-misconceptions