Ask any stylist what kind of shampoo they use on both themselves and their clients, and I bet they’d all say the same thing: a sulfate-free shampoo. And that’s because sulfates (the sudsy, foamy surfactants used in a ton of traditional shampoos) are actually pretty damaging on your hair. They’re not only super harsh, but they also strip away the good things in your hair, like its natural oils, moisture, and even hair dye.
So even though, yes, sulfates are great at dissolving product buildup and grime, they’re pretty much the mortal enemy of healthy, shiny, moisturized hair. Instead, ditch your harsh formula and try one of these 12 sulfate-free shampoos that are really, truly excellent. They’ll gently cleanse your hair (so no grease or oil) but still leave it feeling soft, moisturized, and healthy.
sephora.com-$28.00
This sulfate-free shampoo is infused with antioxidant-rich superfoods like bananas, coconuts, and acai to help moisturize, nourish, and repair your hair as you wash. Oh, and the fruity fragrance smells like a tropical vacay, which, hey, I’ll take.
ulta.com-$8,99
Instead of using harsh sulfates, this clarifying shampoo is filled with activated charcoal to deep-clean your greasy roots without stripping them. How? Its key ingredient charcoal, which has absorbent qualities that help get rid of buildup, dirt, and excess oils.
ALTERNAamazon.com-$17.49
Not only is this shampoo sulfate-free, but it’s also free of parabens and phthalates (a plus for anyone inching into the green-and-clean movement). It’s especially great for anyone who has dry, damaged hair from heat styling or color treating, since it hydrates, boosts shine, and helps prevent breakage.
ulta.com-$27,00
Special smoothing molecules in this sulfate-free shampoo help shield your hair from the annoying effects of humidity (hi, frizz and flyaways) long after you’ve rinsed it out. And don’t worry—the lightweight formula won’t weigh down fine hair, meaning it can be used on all hair types and textures.
amazon.com-$17.32
Whether your hair is dirty blonde or icy platinum, this sulfate-free toning shampoo should be a part of your cleansing routine. It has tiny purple pigments that help neutralize brassiness to keep your blonde color looking fresh and bright.
amazon.com-$28.00
There’s a reason every stylist swears by this sulfate-free shampoo. In addition to gently cleansing your strands, it helps reverse breakage, minimize frizz, and repair split ends by mending broken protein bonds along the hair shaft.
This sulfate-free shampoo for curly hair doesn’t just clean your coils—it deeply moisturizes them too. It’s packed with moisturizing plant oils, like baobab seed, kernel, and coconut, to coat your hair with strengthening and softening nutrients that’ll keep your curls healthy.
ulta.com-$12,99
Want hair with more volume and body? Get it in the shower with this sulfate-free shampoo. It containsvitamin B3 and lemongrass extracts that help amp up fine, limp hair without making it feel like a tangled mess.
revolve.com-$25,00
Score sexy, beachy texture with this sulfate-free shampoo (and absolutely zero beach time). It uses a combo of kaolin clay, rice starches, and zeolite to add volume, thickness, and grit to even the finest hair.And unlike other texturizing shampoos, it 100 percent won’t dry out your hair or make it feel like straw.
amazon.com-$9.98
This sulfate-free co-wash is ideal for super-dry curls and/or anyone with type 4 hair. The low-lather formula gently breaks down dirt and buildup while simultaneously conditioning hair with moisturizing panthenol and argan oil.
dermstore.com-$34,00
Safe for all hair types (including color treated), this sulfate-free shampoo is made with natural and organic plant-based ingredients, like green tea, aloe, and rosemary extract to gently cleanse roots. And because it’s so gentle and non-stripping, it’s totally fine to lather up with every day if you absolutely need to (although, remember, less often is better).
lorealparisusa.com-$7.99
Dealing with dandruff, flakes, or itchiness? Try this sulfate-free shampoo from L’Oréal Paris. It contains 1 percent pyrithione zinc to soothe and rebalance your irritated scalp without drying out your hair.
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