What To Look For
Sulfates are the foaming agent--or surfactant--in shampoos and other beauty products, such as body wash. Sulfates are used in shampoo because they are inexpensive and they foam a lot, giving you the impression--no matter how untrue--that your hair is getting cleaner because it's "soapier." Unfortunately, these sulfates are also linked to unnatural hair loss, due to follicle damage. When looking for a shampoo without sulfates, read the label and don't purchase anything with Sodium Laureth (or Lauryl) Sulfate or Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate. These are also known as SLS and ALS. Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) is a milder sulfate that is often used.
Common Pitfalls
According to the haircare website Killer Strands, people expect a lot of foaming and lather from their shampoo. Unfortunately, for the amount of money spent, the amount of lather and the smell have very little to do with how clean your hair will get. "Ideally," writes KC Ellis, Killer Strands founder, a Vidal Sassoon-trained hairstylist and color correction specialist, "the head should have just enough lather to lubricate the scalp and hair. This will help your fingers massage the shampoo more effectively into the hair. Fragrances and foaming qualities are not good ways to evaluate shampoos."
Where To Buy
Sulfate-free shampoos can be purchased on the Internet at websites like Amazon.com. Amazon has a large selection of organic and all-natural shampoos available in a variety of sizes. Most natural food stores and co-ops also sell organic and chemical-free shampoos, as do the natural food sections of large, chain grocery stores. Check in the hair care aisle of your favorite discount store for organic and all-natural hair care products. Your local hair salon may also carry sulfate-free shampoos.
Cost
A 25-ounce bottle of TIGI Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-free shampoo will cost you $23 at Amazon.com and could cost between $25 and $30 at your local salon. Organic shampoo from Jason Natural runs about $8, but the bottle size is 8.5-ounces. Compare prices online to prices in stores and find out if you get a better deal buying more than one bottle at a time online. Check for free shipping offers, too, so this doesn't factor into your final cost.
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