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Most of us highly rely on shampoo to keep our hair clean. We also assume that it is helping the health of our hair by locking in moisture and cleansing the scalp. But, truth be told, many shampoos are actually doing more harm than good. Because of certain ingredients found in the shampoos we use, your favorite sudsy cleanser can actually be stripping your hair of moisture. And it leaves it more prone to breakage, premature shedding, as well as dry scalp.
But hey! There is good news! Sulfate-free dandruff shampoos can minimize the damage done by your current shampoo. These sulfate-free shampoos give you the healthy hair and scalp you can only dream of before.
It is only a simple change that can have some pretty amazing results. Are you ready to really cleanse your hair and scalp?
Check out this sulfate-free shampoo list along with my research on sulfates. You will definitely be ready to switch shampoos by the time you are done.
Also, after you might want to check this out: 2 Ingredient Natural DIY Dry Shampoo For All Hair Colors.
The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos
I love argan oil, so I knew I had to give this shampoo a try. It claims to increase the strength of hair while eliminating frizz, and it did just that.
I had just colored my hair before trying this shampoo, so I was worried that it would ruin my color. But the exact opposite happened!
My hair was incredibly smooth after just a few washes, and the color seemed to last longer than it had in the past. Maybe it was the avocado oil or the peach kernel, but this shampoo completely transformed my hair.
It also smelled fabulous and lathered much more than I expected from a sulfate free shampoo
Key Features:
- 100% safe for color treated hair
- For men, women, teens, and all hair types
Specification:
Pros
- Turns your dry hair to silky hair
- Works great with curly and coloured
- It has a pleasant scent
- Also makes beard soft and manageable
Cons
- Does not work if you have done several processes on your hair
- Only contains low concentrations of the precious oils it says it has
After having such great results with Maple Holistics Argan Oil Shampoo, I knew I had to try their sage shampoo for heavy dandruff.
The smell was so soothing. It really made me feel like I had snuck away to the spa.
The shampoo works to restore pigmentation in hair and stimulates cell renewal in hair follicles. It also has tea tree oil which I think was behind the invigorating tingling I felt when I used it.
After about a month of using this shampoo, I noticed that my scalp was really smooth and never itched. I didn’t have terrible dandruff before using it, but after about a month, there was no sign of a flake anywhere.
For average dandruff problems, this shampoo will take care of it in a flash.
Key Features:
- Promotes hair follicle stimulation for thicker hair
- Fights irritating dandruff itching and flaking
- It is a gentle formula that is great for those who have sensitive skin and color-treated hair
Specification:
Pros
- After a few washes, the flakes on your scalp fade away
- Flakes from dermatitis go away
- Tames scalp psoriasis
- It smells good
Cons
- Contains extra-sodium
- Tea-tree scent is really strong
If your dandruff is a bit more severe, this is the shampoo to try. It’s also by Maple Holistics, so I knew it would be great before I even opened it.
This is a sulfate and paraben free dandruff shampoo that features a hypoallergenic formula ideal for anyone with sensitive skin.
I suggested that my husband use this shampoo since he’s always struggling with dandruff and an itchy scalp. He began to notice a difference in just over a week. His scalp didn’t feel nearly as dry and itchy and his hair was looking and feeling softer as well.
He also loved the minty smell it left behind.
Key Features:
- Relieves itching, oily scalp, and irritation
- Contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that fight dandruff
Specification:
Pros
- Hair is shiny and soft
- It is really effective for itchy and dry scalp
- It minimises flaking and itching
- Hair looks healthy and shiny after usage
Cons
- Makes no difference for some
Tea tree oil is great for hair. It helps to cleanse the scalp and prevent fungal infections which can inhibit hair growth.
Because of its effect on scalp health, most people experience increased hair growth when using products with this oil. Even when it’s added to shampoo, like it is in Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo, you’ll still benefit from everything it has to offer.
I wasn’t looking to grow my hair much longer, but I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed my bangs creeping down into my line of vision after only about a month. I had to schedule an extra haircut when using this shampoo.
My hair felt clean, healthy, and grew quite a bit. If you’re hoping to grow longer, healthier hair, you need this shampoo.
Key Features:
- It boosts circulation that promotes the growth of healthy hair
- It is a mild formula perfect for those with sensitive skin and color treated hair
- Relieves itching, oily scalp, and irritation
- Contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that fight dandruff
Specification:
Pros
- It is really effective for itchy scalp
- It minimises flaking and itching
- Hair looks healthy and shiny after usage
- Hair is shiny and soft
- Relieves dry scalp
Cons
- It has a really strong smell
- Makes no difference for some
If you tend to wash your hair several times a week, this shampoo probably isn’t for you. It’s ideal for weekly hair treatments and brings relief to those with an itchy and dry scalp.
It’s full of all-natural oil extracts and provides the hydration and healing your scalp needs to stop dandruff in its tracks.
I always keep a bottle of this shampoo in the house. When the weather begins to get a bit cooler, I make sure to use it once a week to prevent the dry scalp that usually comes along with cold weather.
It lathers great and the price is a bargain with all of the organic ingredients.
Key Features:
- Natural and organic coal tar with Argan Oil
- Treatment helps anti-itchy scalp
- Symptoms of Psoriasis, Eczema
- Sulfate-Free
Specification:
Pros
- Helps with scalp psoriasis
- Reduces itchiness, irritation, and scaling
- Clears up and maintains Seborrheic Dermatitis
- No flare ups after few usage
Cons
- Need to give it time to work
This shampoo is a bit pricier than the others I tried, but it was absolutely worth it. The ingredients include organic aloe vera, manuka honey, and argan oil.
If your hair is even the tiniest bit dry, it won’t be for long after giving this shampoo a shot.
It works on healing many scalp conditions, including scalp psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff. I thought my scalp was fairly healthy, but a few weeks with this shampoo proved otherwise.
My hair seemed to be perfectly moisturized as well. It wasn’t the least bit dry, but it wasn’t covered in oil either. This quickly became one of my favorite shampoos. I highly recommend it.
Key Features:
- All-Natural, no sulfate
- Anti-dandruff formula with organic essential oils
Specification:
Pros
- Helps with itchy scalp and flaking
- Leaves you with amazing hair and healthy scalp
- Hair feels softer
Cons
- Does not get rid of dandruff for some users
Here’s another shampoo infused with tea tree oil that’s sure to eliminate any signs of dandruff. It also includes rosemary oil for hair health and jojoba oil to ensure that every strand is treated.
The botanical formula smells amazing and completely changed my hair care routine. I must have read the ingredients a million times. There really aren’t any harmful chemicals or unnecessary additives included.
If you do choose to use this shampoo, make sure that you let it sit on your scalp for about five minutes. Otherwise, you might not get that clean hair feeling you want.
I promise, all it takes is one wash with this shampoo and you’ll notice a healthier scalp and softer hair.
Key Features:
- Hair care solution for dry or itchy scalp
- Rich in amino acids and antioxidants to protect your hair with Vitamin E and A
- Pure Jojoba oil and botanical keratin for a moisturizing experience
Specification:
Pros
- No more itchy scalp
- Reduces dandruff
- Has a woody and aromatic scent
Cons
- Works best with a natural hair conditioner
Puriya shampoo is color safe, paraben free, and cruelty-free. I loved the combination of cedarwood, tea tree oil, and rosemary, all which are known for their ability to help grow healthier and thicker hair.
This shampoo is geared towards treating dandruff, but it also helps repair damaged ends.
I have to keep up on split ends or my hair ends up a mess. I gave this shampoo a try a few weeks before I was scheduled for a trim. After just a few weeks, I noticed that my ends were looking a lot better.
I kept my appointment but had them take off a lot less than I usually would have. My stylist noticed a difference in my hair as well and told me to keep going with whatever products I was using.
Key Features:
- Moisturizing and Hydrating, Safe shampoo for men and women even with Color-treated hair
- Paraben-free and cruelty-free with Rosemary, Arnica, Sage
- Effectively reduces scalp dryness
- Contains powerful and plant-based moisturizers
Specification:
Pros
- Helps with flare ups, itchiness
- Effective product for those with Seborrheic dermatitis or eczema
Cons
- May not work for some people
- Makes scalp break out
I’m a big fan of shampoo and conditioner hair sets. It just takes out all the guesswork. The price of these two products is fabulous, and more importantly, they work great together to prevent dandruff and keep your scalp healthy and happy.
The ingredient list features tea tree oil, Amica, sage, and rosemary, all of which work together to stop your scalp from itching and flaking. I noticed an improvement in my scalp health after just a few uses.
But the shampoo does even more. It removes buildup and excess oil to leave your hair looking and feeling better than ever. It also stimulates hair follicles to encourage new growth.
I recommended this to a friend who was dealing with thinning hair. She liked it so much she kept using both the shampoo and conditioner for several months. After a couple of months, she noticed new hair growth in some of the most drastically thinned areas.
It might not be able to reverse advanced thinning, but if you’re just starting to notice it, grab this set and stop the problem in its tracks.
Key Features:
- Deep cleanse for the scalp
- Natural anti-dandruff treatment for dry and damaged hair
- Sulfate-free and safe for color-treated hair
- Promotes hair growth
Specification:
Pros
- Helps with acnes on scalp
- Cleans hair and scalp well
- Gives relief from scalp itch
- Lathers scalp and hair well
Cons
- Take long to get the tangles out with the shampoo
- May cause hair breakage
Here’s one more set to give you a little variety. It contains a sulfate free dandruff shampoo for color treated hair.
Both the shampoo and conditioner feature tea tree oil as well, making them great for fighting dandruff and other scalp conditions. Both are 100% natural and paraben, chemical, and cruelty free.
My only issue with this set is that I wish the conditioner bottle was a bit bigger. I was able to get away with using so little shampoo that I thought the bottle would last forever. But I needed more conditioner to get my hair as soft as I wanted.
I found myself ordering another set before I really needed the shampoo. But if your hair is on the shorter side, you might not have this issue.
Key Features:
- Moisturizing shampoo for itchy, dry scalp and damaged hair
- With Aloe Vera, Manuka Honey
- Paraben-Free
- Strengthens hair follicles
- Soothes itchy scalp
Specification:
Pros
- Helps itching scalp
- Hair smells and looks great
- Removes flakes from scalp
Cons
- Comes in small bottles
What Are Sulfates?
Have you taken a look at the list of ingredients of the shampoo you are currently using? If not, you should start doing so before you check them out at the counter.
You need to always check the label of your shampoo. Chances are, you will find that it includes sulfates. The term, sulfate, may not sound scary or dangerous, but the facts say otherwise.
Sulfates are a common ingredient in shampoos because they’re affordable. It is what gives us the foaming bubbles we want. And while they are able to remove the build up of oil, sulfates can also lead to severe damage of your hair and scalp over time.
Unfortunately, there is only a little pressure on shampoo manufacturers to remove this ingredient. This is why it is important to take control of your hair health by using a shampoo that does not have any sulfate in it.
Reasons to Use a Sulfate-Free Dandruff Shampoo
So, what are the exact reasons for using a sulfate-free shampoos? The following are just a few reasons why:
Sulfates are Irritants.
This shampoo content can irritate your hair, skin, and eyes. The level of irritation varies from person to person, but even the slightest bit of irritation can be annoying and completely avoidable. If you’re very sensitive to sulfates, you can experience severe allergic reactions. This is also one of the reasons why some get allergies from the shampoos they use.
Sulfates Strip Hair.
Your hair needs oil to remain healthy. However, sulfates can actually strip your hair of the essential oils it needs to remain moisturized and shiny. If your hair feels dry to the touch, sulfates could be one to blame.
Sulfate Free Shampoos Increase Moisture
Using a sulfate free shampoo can naturally increase moisture levels in your hair. You will notice that it leaves it silky soft and less prone to tangles. Hair that is properly moisturized is also less prone to frizz and is easier to style. You will never have to worry about static-charged hair either, if it is properly moisturized.
Sulfates Cause Long Term Damage
If you continuously use shampoo with sulfates, as most of the population do, you can cause severe damage to your hair that can’t be easily remedied. Hair can become dry, brittle and coarse. In extreme circumstances, the condition cannot be reversed, and the only option is to wait for new hair to grow.
How to Get the Best Results from Using a Sulfate-Free Dandruff Shampoo
If you make the switch to sulfate-free shampoo, how should you use it to get the best results? The answer isn’t much different from how you use any shampoo. But just to be sure, take a look at this quick guide.
1. Make sure that your hair is soaking wet before applying your shampoo. If you ever apply a shampoo without sulfates to hair that isn’t completely wet, you won’t be able to distribute it evenly.
2. A little goes a long way when it comes to sulfate-free dandruff shampoo. Start with a small amount and only add more if you really feel it’s necessary. Remember that your new shampoo won’t foam as much as your previous brand. This is normal, and your hair is still being cleaned.
3. If you are having trouble getting your hair clean, just add more water before adding more shampoo. This will help activate the shampoo and distribute it throughout the entire length of your hair.
4. If you don’t feel like your hair is clean after shampooing, feel free to shampoo again. The second time around should produce more lather and get rid of any remaining oil and dirt.
5. Use cool water to completely rinse your hair. If you aren’t able to get all of the shampoo out, your hair will feel very heavy and be difficult to style.
6. Condition as desired. Just about all conditioners will be sulfate free as they don’t need to foam or lather, but always double check to be sure.
Can You Use Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoo on Relaxed Hair?
Yes, you sure can. In fact, sulfate-free shampoo is actually recommended for those with relaxed hair. Relaxed hair has already been through quite a bit of abuse, so washing it with a shampoo that has fewer dangerous chemicals is a great idea.
Can You Use Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoo on Keratin Treated Hair?
If you have keratin treated hair, you should only be using sulfate-free dandruff shampoo. It will help to extend the life of your keratin treatment and give you the clean feeling you are after. Switching to a sulfate-free dandruff shampoo for keratin treated hair is the best way to get the most out of your treatment.
What Are the Side Effects of Using Sulfate-Free Shampoos?
There are none!
As long as you aren’t allergic or sensitive to any of the other ingredients found in your sulfate-free shampoo or soaps, you don’t have to worry about dangerous side effects. If you struggle with rinsing all of your shampoo out of your hair, you might notice a heavy and weighed-down feeling.
There is also a bit of an adjustment period when making the switch to a shampoo without sulfate. Stick with it. The side effects of using sulfates are much worse than any associated with a sulfate free shampoo.
Sulfate vs. Selenium Sulfide
Selenium sulfide is the generic name for an ingredient commonly found in dandruff fighting shampoos. Side effects of the ingredient include oily hair, dry hair, dry scalp, hair loss, and scalp irritation.
However, these side effects are fairly uncommon. For the most part, selenium sulfide can help get rid of the embarrassing issue of dandruff.
If you’re comparing the two ingredients, sulfates are certainly more of a concern than selenium sulfide. While it would be ideal to avoid all unnatural ingredients in our beauty products, I’m okay with the recommended amount of selenium sulfide to keep my scalp healthy and moisturized.
If you’re ready to make the switch to a sulfate free dandruff shampoo, there are plenty of options to choose from in my sulfate free shampoo list.
Remember that your hair won’t change overnight. It will take a bit of time for your hair to heal and repair itself. But once you see the difference a sulfate free shampoo can make to your hair, you’ll wonder why you ever waited to make the switch!
Shampoo with confidence using a more natural shampoo. I’ll never go back to my old brand, and I’m sure you won’t either.
