Why do you still use shampoo which contain sulfates?
Protect your scalp and hair from today!
You’ve likely heard or read about the beauty industry moving to “sulfate free” products. Sulfates act as a detergent and emulsifier and is used in many cosmetic and personal care products, as well as laundry detergents and industrial cleaners. In personal care products it is commonly found in toothpaste (which is why there are warning labels not to swallow it), body washes and cleansers, liquid hand soaps, and bath oils/bath salts. In cosmetics, it can be found in make-up foundations, eye-make up, lipsticks and sunscreen lotions. Sulfates are commonly listed in the ingredient list under names such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), and Ammonium Laurel Sulfate (ALS).
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a powerful, grease cutting detergent, is present in nearly all shampoos, scalp treatments, hair color and bleaching agents. Perhaps you’ve wondered what the big deal is about sulfate free shampoo and cleansing agents. In relatively simple terms, SLS is used to make soap “soapy” (which we like because we are accustomed to associating bubbles with clean) and it cuts and removes oil effectively.
This is a good thing in shampoo, right? I want my shampoo to be foamy to clean oily hair effectively. The problem is that, even in diluted quantities, SLS may be irritating to the skin and scalp. Have you ever got shampoo in your eyes and experienced burning or irritating sensations? SLS is the likely cause of the burning.
The disadvantages of using SLS containing hair products may include irritating the skin and scalp, damage to the hair follicle which can lead to weakened hair structure and diminished hair growth. Some studies suggest that cumulative SLS use over the years can build up organ toxicity or even cause cancer.
Why do shampoo brands include sulfate detergents in shampoo?
The bottom line is price. SLS as detergent are cheap to produce. Alternatively, milder detergents are more expensive to produce and will increase the price of the final product. This is the reason it is difficult to find an inexpensive sulfate free shampoo. However, shampoos sold by hair salons tend to be concentrated so that you don’t need to use as much as a drug store brand shampoos to clean your hair effectively. In addition, salon brand shampoos tend to be gentler on hair for daily use without causing as much residue build-up.
Cutting Edge believes in offering safer alternatives in hair care, which is why we use and sell Morrocanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, which contain argan oil and keratin, and fatty acids and proteins to restore dry or damaged hair. Best of all, Morrocanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner is sulfate-free! Come by and speak to one of our hairstylists today about our alternative sulfate-free hair products!