Who really should be using a sulfate free shampoo?
• Those whose hair has been color treated, permed, relaxed or had a keratin straightening (Brazilian blowout)
• People with sensitive skin or dry skin in general including those prone to dandruff, itchy scalp and eczema.
• Anyone with dry or brittle hair
Sulfate shampoos can be drying not just on hair but may also deplete moisture from the scalp and skin as well. If you have eczema on your face, back or arms you may make matters worse by not paying attention to what is in your hair shampoo.
Some studies show that sulfates may contribute to damaging hair follicles and thus thinning hair. If you have been losing hair and have not recently had a baby or, if you're a man and baldness does not run in your family then try using a sulfate free shampoo and see if it helps with your hair loss. Unfortunately, hair loss caused by your family's genetics or hormone fluctuations from a recent pregnancy or side effects from chemotherapy treatment for cancer will not be helped even by the best sulfate free shampoo.
The best sulfate free shampoo for color treated hair should contain light conditioners and humectants to restore moisture balance and softness to hair. Also important are proteins and vitamins.
A wonderful ingredient in any mild shampoo formula for adding incredible softness and conditioning to hair and skin is guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. Although it sounds scary and hard to pronounce this is actually a safe, simple biodegradable derivative of the humble guar bean that is mostly grown in India. Guar has nourished the people of India and their animal livestock for generations. You may have seen guar gum listed as an ingredient in your ice cream and salad dressing. It is made from the same plant and used as a thickener in some food products to enhance creaminess.
Another great ingredient to have in a shampoo for color treated hair is hydrolyzed wheat protein because it will add strength and body to hair. Penetrating the cortex, wheat provides replenishment by adding Cysteine, a hair strengthening protein, to hair weakened by chemical and color treatments as well as regular use of the hair dryer and flat iron.
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) is another very important ingredient as it can lubricate the hair shaft, coat the hair's surface and make the strands appear shiny and smooth. The smooth film also provides excellent slip between adjacent strands of hair and detangling properties. Panthenol is capable of penetrating the cuticle and entering the hair shaft as well, where it aids in moisture retention and provides volume.
In your quest for the best sulfate free shampoo make sure the ingredients include botanicals that would be beneficial for your scalp as well. Remember that maintaining a healthy scalp is essential to beautiful hair.
One example of a skin beneficial botanical is Calendula. The flavonoids in the calendula flower have been found in recent European studies to have antiseptic and antifungal properties. This may explain why calendula has traditionally been attractive to herbalists for centuries in treating wounds, skin and various scalp problems.
The herb Rosemary, rich in phenolic acids, can also be antiseptic, antifungal with scalp healing properties. It has even been used historically as a possible treatment for hair loss and for stimulating hair growth. Rosemary's principle action is increasing circulation to the scalp, stimulating it to regain its own moisture and renewing skin cell health, relieving dryness and itchiness.
Finally, be aware of whether your shampoo has sodium chloride as an ingredient... Especially if you are looking for a post keratin treatment shampoo for your hair. Many hair companies use sodium chloride as an inexpensive thickener in their shampoo formulas. Although sodium chloride is simply table salt and non-toxic, along with sulfate shampoo cleansers it can however diminish the duration and quality of your keratin treatment or Brazilian blowout that you just spent hundreds of dollars on. Remember to avoid sodium chloride along with sulfates in your quest for the best shampoo for your color treated, chemically treated or dry hair.