Advantages and disadvantages of sulfates in hair care

Sulfate-free shampoos may be a hot topic, but like many hair care ingredients, the opinions behind the trending terms pluses and minuses are divided.

Sulfates remove product buildup well.

For those with more oily scalps, shampoos containing sulfates are generally recommended unless the hair is color-treated. For those prone to it, she recommends a weekly clarifying shampoo with sulfates. She says this helps control oil production on the scalp. Later, celebrity hairstylist Justin Marjan said, “My hair is clean, free of residue, and free of buildup.”

Sulfates thoroughly cleanse the hair.

Reslan says one of the biggest benefits of sulfates is that it grips sebum well, adding that sulfates make it easy to wash off the product regardless of hard or soft water conditions. If your hair ever feels squeaky clean, it’s likely due to sulfates, says Mahjong. “Most natural and sulfate-free shampoos don’t cleanse the scalp well enough, so they aren’t ideal for people with oily scalps or those who don’t wash often.”

Sulfates create a nice lather.

Cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline says that experience with shampoos containing sulfates is more luxurious because it promotes sufficient lathering. It’s the salt that’s added to the shampoo to help,” he explains, while the foaming sulfate “inspires a feeling of cleanliness. Hair.”

Less product is needed if the formula contains sulfates.

Highest lathering capacity means less product lasts longer than products made without sulfates.Koestline says sulfates also help provide a thicker consistency. “This could soon make sulfate products cheaper than non-sulfate surfactants,” she says.

Sulfates can fade colored hair.

Sulfates are great at stripping excess oil and product buildup from hair, but in the process, they tend to take color along with them. I recall colorists recommending using color-safe shampoos and conditioners that don’t contain them. She points out that there is some conflicting evidence about

Sulfates can cause acne and rashes.

Yes, sulfates are great for cleansing your hair and scalp, but sometimes you can overdo it.Koestline notes that certain sulfates can be irritating for those with sensitive skin and scalp. I am warning you. “It can even lead to acne and skin irritation if you have sensitive skin,” says Marjan.

Sulfates can strip your skin of needed oils.

Sulfates “can disrupt the scalp microbiome and cause other scalp problems,” warns Kestline. That’s because “sulfates remove excess sebum, removing the skin’s natural barrier to the protective layer,” says master hairstylist and colorist Paul Labrecque. “This can make the skin more vulnerable to irritation, rashes and swelling. This can also cause dermatitis of the scalp.

Labrecque agrees that sulfate-containing shampoos are great for those with overly oily hair and scalp, but should be used sparingly. It’s a conditioner and necessary to create a healthy scalp environment,” he says.

Sulfates can dry out hair and cause scalp flaking.

Marjan notes that as a known ‘degreaser’, sulfate can dry out. ” Hair and skin can feel dry as the natural oils and buildup are stripped away. ”

Leslan warns that sulfates in shampoos can also cause flaking. Luckily, in most cases, flaking can be quickly eliminated by switching to a sulfate-free shampoo. Reslan says it can be handled.