Written By: Kriti Saraswat | Updated : September 25, 2014 2:44 PM IST
Does your shampoo give out a nice foamy lather when you use it? If yes, it contains sulfate. This means, apart from cleansing your hair of the dirt, it can also strip natural oils and make your hair too dry. Don't believe this? The truth is, sulfate is a powerful detergent and is found in dish soap detergent, toilet sprays, most laundry detergents, etc. It cuts through grease and makes our soap and shampoo foamy. (Read: Which shampoo should I use to get rid of dandruff?)
According to Dr Sushant Shetty, Senior Consultant, Dermatologist from Sunrise Group of Hospitals, 'Most shampoos contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium laureth Sulfate (SLES). Both are derived from coconut oil and are lathering agents. SLS is cheaper to produce and is preferred for the mass market shampoos. SLES is slightly more expensive but it causes less skin irritation than SLS.
'There has been no conclusive study or proof that says that SLS and SLES can cause cancer. But yes, both have been proven as potential irritants. SLES is much less irritating and gives a gentle cleansing effect. Use of SLS and SLES in shampoos lead to hair being rougher in the long term. Along with this, they strip the scalp and hair of its natural oils leaving an itchy scalp and dry hair.'
How much sulfate is fine in one's shampoo?
Dr Shetty opines that there is no quantity to how much sulfate is good or bad for the skin. Sulfates cause the foaming or lathering seen in the shampoo - this lather helps clean the scalp. Same as how a detergent soap that you use to clean your clothes or vessels. It will dry your hair. As of now, reputed companies use the FDA approved levels of sulfates. Our scalp does have the ability to prevent this effect but over the years it may not be able to keep up with the damage and that's when we see its ill-effects.
What alternatives can one choose? Are sulfate-free shampoos effective in cleansing the hair properly?
'Sulfates are responsible for the actual cleansing action. Sulfate-free shampoos will therefore not have that level of cleansing and this could lead to resultant dandruff and other associated problems. Thus, a small amount of sulfate is important. This way, the damage is minimised and cleansing is maintained. Remember, finally, any shampoo which lathers has to contain sulfates,' advises Dr Shetty.
Director Monsoon Salon and Spa and Vogue Colourist of the year Rod Anker believes that to look after coloured hair and scalp, one should avoid shampoos that have SLS in them if you want the vibrancy to last.
Some of the sulfate-free shampoos available in India are:
Also read these articles on haircare:
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