What exactly do I know about Shampoo that is Sulphate free? Diddly squat that's what. Actually that isn't true, I know that if you have a Brazilian Blow Dry (a hair straightening treatment) you are encouraged to buy sulphate free products. I know this because my sister in law has had a Brazilian and has to buy products of this nature, but my eyes were opened whilst watching C4's "How Not To Get Old" the other week.
Now, I know all about Parabens in beauty and skincare products (a type of aluminium) but I didn't know about Sulphate until I watched the feature where a top hairdresser was (supposedly) making women look younger by updating their hairstyle on the programme. He happened to mention that Sulphate started out as a garage floor cleaner and upon further investigation, as I was intrigued by his statement, I found out that it is an industrial de-greaser and is used not only shampoo, but also in cosmetics, bubble bath and toothpaste! Yuk!
It made me feel really bad, as if covering our underarms in a coating of metal every time we deodorise isn't bad enough, now I find out that Sulphate can affect your health and can lead to heart, liver and even brain problems which has made me re-think the products I provide for myself and my family. Skin irritation and canker sores can also be side effects of this chemical which can not be metabolised by our Liver. Makes you wonder how well the people with skin conditions would do to change all their products to Sulphate free as reports I have read mention a noticeable softness to both skin and hair upon changing.
As I have got older my hair has taken on a completely different persona from a curly/fizz angle and now when I let it dry naturally, resembles something that somebody has just sat and knitted, so sulphate free products would be perfect for me as the more I have researched this subject, I have found that sulphate free products help to combat frizz and help to keep hair smooth, hence their recommendation for Brazilian Blow Dry fans.
So even if chemicals in the use of personal body and hair products are of no concern to you, if your hair is hard to control and you crave smoother locks, sulphate free products could be the answer.
1. Liz Earle Botanical Shampoo for all hair types £8.75 for 200ml. 2. Tigi S Factor Sulphate Free Shampoo £16.57 for 750ml plus free delivery. Check out the Tigi conditioner from the same range here. 3. L'oreal Expert Smooth Sulphate Free Shampoo £3.99 for 250ml, conditioner here. 4. Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Sulphate and Paraben free Shampoo £6.99 for 385ml, conditioner here. 5. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo currently half price at Superdrug £2.47 for 500ml claims lower sulphate, not sulphate free.
You can read more about Sulphate here.
Will you be switching? I would love to know your thoughts.
If any of you are interested in my post from 2010 about deodorants and their possible links to breast cancer - you can read it here.