Sulphates are chemicals used as cleansing agents in products. They can be found in most household cleaners, detergents, and shampoos.
There are two sulphate types, mainly sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium laureth sulphate. Both sulphates are used to create a lathering foaming effect to remove dirt and oil from your hair. An easy way to tell if your shampoo has sulphates is if it lathers easily, and of course check the ingredient listing. Sulphate-free shampoos generally make little to no lather. They belong to a class of cleansers called anionic surfactants, which clean away substances.
When should someone avoid sulphates?
While sulphates are effective at removing dirt and oil from your hair if you have sensitive skin, eczema, contact dermatitis, rosacea or any allergies to sulphates you should avoid them completely. Some symptoms to look out for if you are allergic to sulphates: Redness, Skin rash, Swelling (inflammation), Itchiness, and Hives.
Avoid sulphates if you have the following hair conditions:
· Dry or fine hair, sulphates will strip the natural oils needed to keep your hair healthy.
· Coloured hair, avoid sulphates as they might strip the colour from your hair. Rather choose a sulphate-fee shampoo for colour-treated hair, these may not lather as much, but they help your hair maintain moisture that may be lost from your colour treatments.
· Frizzy hair, when sulphates come in contact with your hair, they create a negative electrical charge, which creates frizzy hair after you shampoo.
Always make a habit of checking the ingredient listing on your products to ensure you are using a product suitable for you.
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