Do sulfates in shampoo really harm your hair? Expert explains
Do sulfates in shampoo really harm your hair? (Photo: Getty Images)
Debates over the benefits and harms of sulfates in shampoos have been ongoing for years. Many brands promote their products as sulfate-free, yet such ingredients may still be present in the formula, according to Ukrainian trichologist Oksana Varlamova.
Why sulfates are needed
According to the expert, the main function of sulfates is to dissolve oil on the scalp.
"Imagine you’ve cooked meat in a frying pan at home. If you just rinse the pan with warm water, will it become clean? If there’s grease, you need an agent that can dissolve it. The same applies to the scalp," Varlamova said.
She added that sulfate-free shampoos don’t always handle this task effectively, especially for people prone to oily hair.
Types of sulfates
There are several kinds of sulfates, and not all of them affect hair in the same way.
"There are four types of sulfates. Some are very harsh, such as ammonium lauryl sulfate. Others are milder, like cocamidopropyl, which also dissolves oil," the expert clarified.
She emphasized that the quality of the sulfate plays a decisive role.
When to avoid sulfates
According to Varlamova, the use of aggressive sulfates is undesirable in shampoos for children and for people with sensitive scalps.
"If it’s a shampoo for a sensitive scalp or for children, and ammonium lauryl sulfate is listed first in the ingredients, that’s a harsh one. It’s better to avoid such shampoo," she advised.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
