Sulfates have had a bad rap in the industry – and there’s a reason why. They are added to shampoo formulas to cleanse your hair. While they might be effective in cleansing your hair, especially during winter, they tend to wash off more oil than necessary that it end up stripping your hair. As a result, it leaves your hair brittle and your scalp dry and prone to irritation. Thankfully, you now have a few options for non-stripping and sulfate-free shampoo formulas that you can reach out to for your winter hair TLC.
What’s with sulfate, anyway?
Sulfates are harsh cleansing agents that have been the standard ingredient in many shampoo formulas. This is a type of chemical that is the general term used to refer to various sulfate-based chemicals you often find on your shampoo labels, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Aside from shampoos, they are also added to personal care and home cleaning products.
The sulfates added to your shampoo are mainly there to create lather – that wonderful foaming effect that you get when washing your hair in the shower. Unfortunately, the addition of the lather is only an illusion that seemingly adds to the cleaning power of the shampoo.
There are serious concerns with sulfate such as the potential health side effects with long-term use. Moreover, it can be extremely harsh on your hair and scalp that it strips them with natural oils that maintain healthy hair and scalp. Choosing sulfate-free shampoos to add to your winter hair routine is recommended if you want to keep your hair clean without any nasty side effects.
Best Shampoos We Recommend for Healthy, Winter Hair
Now that you understand the deal with stripping shampoos, it’s important to know what shampoos are available to add to your winter hair without causing unwanted damage. Below you will find the best shampoos that are currently available if you want to nourish your hair while cleaning it at the same time.
Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Everyday Shampoo
This shampoo from Paul Mitchell® Clean Beauty will transform your routine as it is infused with organic, cold-pressed argan oil and succulent aloe vera. It offers a soothing, sulfate-free lather to gently cleanse the hair and scalp to achieve healthier-looking hair.
Original Mineral Original Detox Shampoo
This is another sulfate-free formula shampoo you can add to your winter hair regime. It removes deposits in your hair and scalp without stripping natural essential oils. It is recommended for a deep cleanse and has a cooling effect.
Nak Ultimate Cleanse Shampoo
For deep cleansing, revitalisation, and purifying effect on your winter hair and scalp, choose Nak Ultimate Cleanse Shampoo. Steeped in a unique Bio-Marine Complex combined with Marine Nutrients to deeply revitalise and rejuvenate tired, stressed hair. It is formulated with a neutral pH level, ultimate cleanse is a non-abrasive high cleansing shampoo, designed for all hair types.
Evo The Therapist Hydrating Shampoo
Evo The Therapist Hydrating Shampoo is a super moisturising shampoo formula that is designed especially for cleansing the hair while repairing and hydrating. Also great for colour-treated hair and hair that is frizzy, dry, or damaged.
Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
Color Security Shampoo from Color Wow delivers the ultimate dream clean because it is uniquely formulated without any typical film-forming ingredients that stick to the hair and scalp, leaving you with soft, shiny, manageable hair. Suitable for all hair types, Color Security Shampoo preserves coloured hair too.
Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo
Give your hair strength with this Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo that reduces breakage and brings softness to every hair on your head. With its 100% vegan ingredients, it will strengthen the fibre in your hair and remove dull residue. Featuring Pureology’s Antifadecomplex and Asta-Repair, the Strength Cure rich foam cleanser controls the look of frizz, whilst helping to repair and strengthen micro-damaged zones.
Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Moisture Nutritive Shampoo
Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Moisture Nutritive Shampoo is a gentle daily cleanser for dry hair. Formulated with Nutri-Sugars, it helps to balance a healthy hydro-level of the hair shaft, focusing on intensive moisturising for dry hair. It keeps your hair nourished and shiny over 24 hours – that’s every single day!
Pure Fusion Complex Shampoo
Pure Fusion Complex Shampoo is a bond repairing and protecting shampoo, ideal for colour-treated hair. Fusion Complex range is effective at repairing chemically treated hair from the inside out. Add this to your winter hair routine to keep hair healthy without stripping it.
Eleven Gentle Clean Balancing Shampoo
This is a gentle, soap-free formula designed to pH balance and soothe the scalp and hydrate hair. It’s a must for your winter hair routine!
What’s the best shampoo for winter hair without stripping it?
Shampoo is an essential part of your winter hair routine. However, there is no one-size-fits-all formula. Even the non-stripping formulas can have varying effects based on your hair type. You can choose from any of the shampoos we recommend on this list to keep your hair and scalp healthy for winter and beyond.
Abby
Abigail is a travel enthusiast who enjoys trying new foodie destinations. She graduated with a degree in Creative Writing and has worked as a web content writer since 2010. She enjoys writing about travel, lifestyle, beauty, hair care, and wellness.
