I have been told that sulfates are what make my shampoo lather up and that they are bad.  Is this true?  my hair is in pretty bad shape right now so I am trying to figure out how to take good care of it.  It is quite weak and fried due to repeated bad coloring jobs.
Thanks, Christina

Hi Chirstina nice to meet you :)

Yes sulfates are very damaging to your hair. They over wash and strip your hair.  When I started here (about 5 years ago)  My hair was colored and damaged as well.  I swtiched to a sulfate/phosphate free shampoo and a good orgainic conditoner.  Oiling my hair alot helped with the damage as well as trims.

Good luck! :)

I switched to a no sulfate shampoo early this year.  My scalp had always been itchy, no matter what sort of shampoo I'd used, but when I switched to no sulfate, it was no longer itcy.  When I decided to try a sulfate shampoo again, my scalp actually felt like it was burning.

Sulfates are bad.  Some people use them and are okay, but they're not for me!

The DevaCurl No Poo is sulfate free and so is the low sudsing shampoo Lo Poo.  Whole Foods carries Alaffia, which is sulfate free but lathers up well and they make a poo for curlies.

It depends on the person.

People with severe dryness, irritations or allergies to sulfates shouldn't use them. For most, it's strictly a matter of preference. I personally have used them for the better part of 30 years without any problem. My sister has a different hair and skin type, and also colors her hair regularly, and she prefers sulfate-free shampoo. So it varies, obviously. Everyone reacts differently.

As to whether or not they're "bad," you should check your sources. Anytime someone denounces a product or ingredient it is usually from negative personal experiences, which may not be the same experience that you would have.
   Also, salons will often generate negative rumors about ingredients in drugstore brand shampoos so people will buy the expensive salon products instead. They're just trying to make money like everyone else. It's hype.

Your best bet would be to try quality shampoos - one with sulfates, one without - and decide what you like best. HTH

I switched to sulfate free natural formulas a few years ago because I heard they were bad for hair and your health. (Not sure what specifically.) However I've recently switched back because my hair absolutely hates natural hair products.  ::) It's really best to compare one with and one without like Angel said. It's the only way you'll really know if it's a problem or not.

Christina,

I use a sulfate-free shampoo, and it lathers up just fine.  Since I've switched to no sulfates, my hair has gotten very soft and silky.  Of course, I started oiling at about that time, too, so it may be that.   ;)



Skyfire,

You mentioned that your scalp is itchy--do you have dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis?  I've read that sulfates irritate this condition, but my scalp seems to be itchy and uncomfortable whether I use sulfates or not.  

In a side note: does anyone know of a good remedy for seborrheic dermatitis that won't damage my hair?

YIR, apple cider vinegar rinses are soothing to the scalp.  Neem oil is excellent for a healthy scalp.  I do not have seborrheic dermatitis so I can not speak specifically to it but you can research what I've mentioned.  Good luck!

Hi, Christina,  I just switched to sulfate-free products a few weeks ago.  My hair is fine-textured and I color it.  It is softer, shinier and I get less breakage with the sulfate-free.  Like Yesitsreal, I oil my hair the nite before I shampoo, using jojoba oil, and I do a vinegar rinse between shampoo and conditioner.  I use distilled white vinegar, mixed with water, about 2 tbsp. to 1 cup water.  I also threw away my cheap plastic combs and bought a bone comb and a wood comb; they are gentler on your hair.  I get a mini-trim every month when I get color.

L'Oreal and Burt's Bees make sulfate-free products that are reasonably priced.  I get them at Wal-Mart.  Good luck.