What do sulfates do to your hair and why are they in shampoos?
Numerous hair shampoos contain sulfate, which, although typically innocuous, should be avoided in some circumstances.
Sulfates are chemicals used as cleaning or foaming agents by manufacturers. Numerous hygiene items, including toothpaste and shampoo, include sulfates.
What effect do sulfates have on hair?
Sulfates aid shampoo in combining with water and are responsible for the frothy texture produced when washing hair.
It can also assist the shampoo’s active components in penetrating deeper into the hair to eliminate grime and excess oil.
Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are the most prevalent sulfates found in commercially available shampoos.
There may be subtle changes of these chemicals in other goods. Although these are not real sulfates, they perform the same function.
Are sulfates dangerous?
Sulfates aid shampoo in removing oil and grime from hair. To be healthy, hair must maintain some of its natural oils and moisture.
Sulfates can deplete hair of moisture, leaving it dry. In addition, they might make the scalp dry and susceptible to irritation.
It is likely not true that sulfates can build up in the body and create health problems.
Despite the fact that sulfates can collect, the amount is minimal, and there is no indication that they cause significant difficulties for trees.
Who should avoid sulfate shampoos?
Although sulfates are generally innocuous, it is nonetheless recommended that certain individuals avoid goods containing them.
People with skin problems or extremely sensitive skin: Sulfates are not ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or scalp. If you have skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis, you should switch to a shampoo without sulfates.
Sulfates are known to exacerbate hair dryness and deplete the hair of its natural oils and moisture in those with curly hair. It is recommended to use a sulfate-free shampoo on curly hair, as this type of hair is already naturally dry.
If you wish to color your hair, sulfates are a big no-no for you. They can cause the color to fade more quickly, which means you will need to re-dye your hair in a very short time.