Having dry, damaged hair is no fun and as we age our hair also changes so it’s important to look after it as much as we can. In my post how to restore dry, damaged hair back to health I touched on the subject of using sulphate free products – but what are sulphates and what damage can they do to your hair?
Why You Should Avoid Sulphates…
Sulphates are a commonly used group of detergents that are used in countless consumer goods today.
The most commonly used sulphates are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES). These corrosive cleaning agents started off as an industrial strength cleaning additive since they easily cut through heavily soiled surfaces.
The fact that SLS and SLES detergents produce such a heavy, thick lather is not a good thing when it comes to your skin, hair and mouth. This corrosive lather actually strips away precious moisture and protective barriers.
It also roughs up the cuticle of the hair, making it appear dull, dry and damaged. The stripping action contributes to increased porosity which makes for a dull appearance and more problems with frizz and manageability. It has even been linked to follicular damage and can potentially contribute to hair loss.
Source: Natural News
SULPHATE FREE HAIR PRODUCTS
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturizing Lather Shampoo
is for treating dry, brittle hair. Can be used daily and works to cleanse, hydrate and repair from root to tip.
The gentle shampoo effectively eliminates impurities, whilst strengthening and rebuilding damaged hair thanks to being fortified with Awapuhi Extract (wild ginger) and the brand’s exclusive KeraTriplex® blend. The shampoo has a luxurious fragrance that combines fresh notes of Italian Bergamot and Sicilian Lemon with exotic Ginger and delicate floral accords of Jasmine and Lily.
Macadamia Rejuvenating Shampoo
This shampoo is designed to add moisture and protection, perfect for replenishing dry, damaged hair. It is sulphate and paraben free, and it gently cleanses chemically treated, damaged hair and replenishes dry, damaged hair with no heavy build-up. Suitable for all hair types. Buy your Macadamia shampoo here.
Burt’s Bees Very Volumising Pomegranate Shampoo
This gentle natural hair care shampoo easily rinses and adds super shine while leaving your hair feeling thicker and looking oh-so fuller. Formulated with antioxidant-rich Pomegranate Seed Oil and Jojoba Protein, a natural moisturiser, it’s the natural moisturising shampoo that gives you beautiful, healthy-looking hair. Best used with Burt’s Bees conditioner.
Moroccan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner
Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner are for hair that has been weakened or damaged by color, chemical processing or heat styling. They restore hair by bathing it in a highly concentrated formula rich in antioxidant argan oil, reconstructive keratin and fatty acids. Both products restore elasticity, moisture and manageability. The formulas are free of sulphates, phosphates and parabens, so they’re safer for the environment and won’t dry, fade or strip color-treated hair. Although more expensive than many of the other sulphate free shampoo and conditioners on the market, the results are spectacular, especially when combined with the Moroccan Oil Treatment.
L’Oreal Paris Hair Expertise EverPure Shampoo
L’Oreal Paris Hair Expertise is a non-sulphate cleansing system. Indulgent care to help protect over-processed, dry, coloured hair. It has had great reviews and is relatively inexpensive to buy.
OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo
Organic coconut milk and ultra whipped egg white proteins along with weightless coconut oil to hydrate and nourish your hair as gentle cleansers wash away impurities. Follow up with OGX’s Coconut Milk Conditioner.
Alterna Bamboo Thermal Protectant Spray
If you’re looking for a great heat protectant spray free of sulphates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, sodium chloride, and synthetic colors, then try Alterna Bamboo Smooth Anti-Breakage Thermal Protectant Spray. It boasts all the anti-breakage of other formulas and manages to repair a whopping 87% of damaged hair. The Bamboo formula adds a nutritive, natural quality, which renews and strengthens your locks after any heat damage.
Joico Smooth Cure Thermal Styling Protectant
Before blow drying or straightening your hair, use Joico Smooth Cure Thermal Styling Protectant to protect your hair from the rigours of heat styling. This deeply rehydrating sulphate-free spray coats the hair with an imperceptible shield to provide an extra layer of protection leaving hair looking sleek and smooth.
Interesting fact
Nourishing your hair from the outside is important but it’s also important to look after it from the inside too! Stress is proven to affect you not just emotionally but physically also. Stress can cause hair loss as accelerates it natural cycle. So if you want to ensure you keep your locks looking fabulous then read my ‘6 Ways to Live More and Stress Less’ or bring you and your hairdo down to my photography studio Fabulous by Sharron Goodyear where I can capture some stunning portraits of you! I am only an hour outside of London on the train and based in East Sussex so please do get in touch!
