Are you spoiled with tons of options when it comes to hair care products and trends for every hair type? Can sometimes these lead to more frustration than satisfaction? Sulphates, which include Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) applied to shampoos, body washes, and even detergents, have been blamed for anything from scalp irritation to cancer. We asked a dermatologist and even a celebrity hairstylist that, if switching to a sulphate-free routine is really necessary?
When it comes to hair cleansers, a common misconception is that the more lather, the stronger. SLS (the chemical that produces lather in shampoos) on the other hand, can cause significant harm to your hair.
I started (or tried to start) the no-poo lifestyle a few months ago. Every shampoo, from herbal satreetha shampoo to cheap and costly detergent shampoos to baby shampoo, had its labels scrutinised. SLS was present in all of them in some form or another. In addition, there’s an incomprehensible list of ingredients that range from “normal” to obviously synthetic.
The only SLS free shampoo in India, I found was a reetha (soapnut) extract that I made myself. Despite the fact that it didn’t lather, it washed the hair just as well as shampoo. After the shower, my hair looked normal again. One disadvantage is that it is a little too drying, so oil must be added after washing with it.
Is SLS bad for the hair?
SLS, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, is a surfactant found in most shampoos that aids in the creation of lather. SLS is used in a lot of common shampoo brands because it is a cheap surfactant that helps produce a lot of lather. This harsh chemical, which is also used in household detergents, removes dirt from your hair, but it also strips your hair shafts of nourishment and moisture. It dries out the hair and scalp, resulting in split ends and hair breakage. Not only does the chemical damage your hair, but it can also irritate your skin if you use it often.
Although most shampoos contain harsh chemicals, SLS is without a doubt one of the worst. If your hair has been feeling lifeless lately, it’s time to swap out your harsh SLS-containing shampoos for these SLS-free options.
Ingredients
Often review the ingredients list to make sure the shampoo doesn’t contain any sulphates. These sulfate-based additives should be avoided:
- Sulfate of Sodium Laureth (SLES)
- Isethionate of Sodium Lauroyl Methyl
- Sulfoacetate of Sodium Lauryl
- Sodium Lauroyl Taurate
- Isethionate of Sodium Lauroyl
- Isethionate of Sodium Cocoyl
Instead, for a gentle brushing, use an SLS-free shampoo with sulphate substitutes including fruit sugars and coconut oil.
When buying a sulfate-free shampoo, look for the following healthy and mild ingredients:
- Decyl glucoside
- Glucoside of Lauryl
- Cocoyl glutamate (disodium cocoyl glutamate)
- Caprylyl capryl glucoside
- Sodium cocoyl glutamate
Know your hair type when ordering the SLS shampoo
SLS-free shampoos are available for a variety of hairstyles. As a result, choose a shampoo that fits your needs. Choose a volumizing shampoo if your hair is thin and lifeless. Choose an anti-frizz shampoo that tames frizz and softens your hair if you have frizzy hair.
We’ve become so used to the additives in our skin and hair products that we’ve forgotten that women have cleansed their hair with only natural ingredients for hundreds of years. Shampoo was first developed in India. The word “shampoo” is derived from the Hindi word “champo,” which is derived from the Sanskrit word “chapayati,” which means “to press or soothe.” Indian gooseberries and Hibiscus flowers were mixed with Sapindus (soap nuts) and other natural extracts to create a liquid that was used to clean the hair and scalp.
So, not only is it possible to cleanse your hair without SLS, but I would argue that it is also appropriate and doable.
Sulfate of SLS free shampoo India (SLS) is a popular washing agent that’s so strong it’s used in dish soap. It’s what gives us the rich lather we’ve come to love, but it also dries out the scalp, hurts the hair, fades the colour, and leaves the hair looking straw-like.
What Does An SLS Shampoo Actually Offer?
SLS free shampoo India is a chemical used in most shampoos and soaps. It’s basically a detergent that lowers the water’s surface tension and provides a lot of lather. It proves to be a more efficient cleaner. So any soap or shampoo that creates a lot of residue despite using low-quality ingredients contains a lot of SLS.
The experts have also proven that the SLS shampoos are a great way to enjoy the best of your hair with a great shine. This also helps in controlling the hair fall and gives your hair a great shine that makes them look flawless.
