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12 Sulphate-Free Shampoo Formulas For Maintaining Vibrant Colour And A Healthy Scalp
Keep that balayage looking brighter, for longer.
Ah, sulphates! One ingredient that’s caused quite the stir in the beauty industry over the past few years. If you’re unfamiliar, sulphates are essentially a cleansing agent. In relation to hair, they do an excellent job in removing product build-up, grime, dirt and excess sebum, plus they help achieve that satisfyingly foamy shampoo lather.
Whilst we’re absolutely not here to demonise the ingredient (many of us can’t be without it), we do understand that a lot of people want to use a sulphate-free shampoo.
Aside from allergies, sensitivities and medical reasons, one of the main drivers behind people skipping the sulphates is that studies have shown them to strip hair colour – not what you want when you've just paid triple figures for that balayage.
Additionally, sulphate-free formulas are great for those with natural or curly hair thanks to their non-drying properties.
Read on to get the full lowdown on exactly what sulphates are and which sulphate-free shampoos make it into our list (and our shower shelf).
What are sulphates?
You know that rich, foaming lather that gives a shampoo its defining characteristic and makes your hair feel as clean as fresh linen? Well, that’s down to sulphates.
Sulphates are essentially chemical cleansing agents. You’ll recognise the main ones in hair care as sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium laureth sulphate. As Zoë Irwin, creative director at John Frieda Salons explains: ‘They are great surfactants, meaning they can bind to both oil and water, allowing you to rinse grease and grime away more easily. They also create a lather to help lift dirt, as opposed to sulphate-free shampoos which usually generate little to no foam.’
Sulphates play an important role in a hard-working shampoo formulation, but they're not essential, especially if your hair is naturally drier or more delicate.
Are sulphate-free shampoos good for hair?
Sulphates are neither good nor bad for the hair. This totally depends on your hair type and your preferences. If you use a lot of hair styling products or you’re addicted to dry shampoo, then stick to sulphates to get that thick lather and cleanse to banish the build-up.
Similarly, if you suffer from an oily scalp, shampoos containing sulphates may lift more sebum. However, Irwin recommends steering clear of harsh sulphates if you have coarser hair or sensitive skin. ‘Curly, coily and textured hair and those with rosacea, eczema or a sore, sensitive scalp can find sulphates to be aggravating,' she says. ‘Likewise, those who have keratin or straightening treatments shouldn’t use sulphates as they can negatively impact the results.’
No shampoo is guaranteed to be good for colour, but swap out the sulphates and your shade should stay fresher for longer.
Sulphate-free options will help your hair retain some of its natural oils, too – ideal for those with dryer ends. Irwin stops short of branding sulphates a hair care 'bad guy', insisting that balance is key: 'In a world where we have become ingredient savvy, it’s for people to choose based on their personal taste and the needs of their hair. Both sulphate and sulphate-free shampoos have their place in the bathroom. I like to do two washes – the first with sulphate shampoo and the second, sulphate-free,’ she adds.
The best sulphate-free shampoos to trust now
Briogeo Color Me Brilliant Mushroom + Bamboo Color Protect Shampoo
Mushrooms are all the buzz in skincare and it looks like you'll soon find it in your hair products too. Turkey tail mushrooms in Briogeo's formula act as a vegan keratin alternative to prevent colour fade while plant proteins ensure hair stays strong and healthy. It also contains sunflower, linseed and apricot kernel oils to replenish lost moisture.
From US-based hairstylist Helen Reavey comes Act+Acre, a scalp-focused haircare brand that uses a cold-pressed technique to yield plant oils that are extra potent. The Hair Cleanse gets rid of excess sebum and grime using apple amino acids to prevent irritation scalp while baobab oil, which is rich in omega 3 and has anti-inflammatory benefits, help to soothe the scalp while infusing strands with moisture.
Similar to the skin on your face, maintaining a healthy scalp is all about having the enough moisture and a balanced microbiome. Aveda's Scalp Solution formula contains probiotics for barrier protection, cica to calm reactive scalps and hydrating ingredients to ensure hair stays soft. The refreshing, minty feels good in the summer heat too.
Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, panthenol...sounds like the ingredients list of your favourite face serum? Well, Nécessaire's shampoo aims to treat your scalp with the same level of care we usually reserve for our complexions. This formula is so gentle, it actually has a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. That said, it also effectively removes all impurities from the scalp, leaving it clean without feeling irritated.
For thick locks in need of serious hydration, Gisou's rich and nourishing shampoo will leave your tresses feeling bouncy and soft. As the name suggests, this formula has honey as its star ingredient to help imbue strands with vitamins and omegas. It also contains argan oil and hydrolysed pea protein for extra shine and take care of damage. The caramel-y honey scent is gorgeous, too.
Specifically formulated for curl patterns 3A-4C, this shampoo uses generous amounts of aloe and glycerin to deliver intensive moisture without weighing down the hair. Say hello to glossier, happier curls.
This weekly shampoo aims to keep your blonde, lightened or grey hair looking its swishiest and glossiest thanks to optical brighteners within the lilac-tinted formula. It also uses conditioning ingredients to keep frizziness and parched ends at bay.
Kérastase Chroma Absolu Bain Riche Shampoo
Salons love Kérastase, and for good reason. The brand understands exactly what it takes to maintain vibrant colour while ensure hair health is in top condition. This shampoo is ideal for thicker, colour-treated strands. Lactic acid gets rid of dulling agents while centella provides protection from environmental damage.
Targeting the broken bonds in the hair, Olaplex's patented formula helps to repair damaged strands, leaving frazzled hair feeling soft and repaired. What’s special about the Olaplex 4C shampoo is that it deeply cleanses the scalp — unlike some sulphate-free shampoo formulas — lifting impurities and helping it feel weightless.
Sensitive scalps listen up, because this shampoo is as delightful as it sounds. Truly lightweight and gentle so that even the most irritated of scalps can use it everyday. Of course, it’s Sam McKnight, so the scent was going to be magical. Combining juniper wood and water lily —inspired by his garden — the scent is light, comfortable and quintessentially English, without being overpowering.
This sulphate-free favourite claims not only to protect colour but also to unclog hair follicles and leave no residue, preventing the blockages that can cause hair thinning. Indeed, it's one of the most effective for those that like a spritz or two of dry shampoo, making roots feel squeaky-clean.
You’ll be hard pushed to find a colour specialist that doesn't have this bottle in their arsenal; the jojoba and soy protein-rich formula has become a cult classic for those looking to revitalise bleached hair.
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