There are as many types of shampoos and conditioners as there are shades of hair. So how do you pick the best one for you? Curly hair or fine hair? Do you want volume or moisture? Why can’t you have both? What we’re trying to say here is … hair care is complicated. But it doesn’t have to be!
Sulfates are rough on your hair, period. They strip hair of its natural oils and get it too clean — the dried out, brittle, overwhelmed-and-undernourished type of clean that messes up hair texture and causes an itchy scalp. To remedy this hair care conundrum, we’ve curated a list of the best sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners for clean locks that feel petal-soft and naturally nourished.
This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.
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When things get hairy, you can count on Bulldog Original Beard Shampoo and Conditioner to help control your facial grooming needs. Its fragrance-, sulfate-, paraben-, and triclosan-free, and its made from some of nature’s most appealing qualities such as aloe vera, camelina oil, and green tea. This 2-in-1 Bulldog beard shampoo and conditioner is …
Give your hair some real love with the Soapbox Argan Oil Control & Soften Shampoo and Conditioner Set. This certified B corp donates a bar of soap for every product purchased. So each time you step from the shower with a clean, soft head of hair, you know a child somewhere in the world is also clean because of you.
Take a look at more natural …
This Peach Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Set is formulated for fine, flat hair to invigorate the scalp and bring volume and fullness to lifeless strands.
Get ready for healthier, fuller-looking hair that is good for you and the planet. This plastic-free bar set is also formulated with ingredients like hibiscus oil that will give your hair …
Make things easier at bath time with this Fresh Monster Kids Shampoo & Conditioner 2in1. This 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner cleans and conditions your kids’ hair with just one product. Its hypoallergenic, non-GMO, sulfate-free, triclosan-free, paraben-free, naturally fragranced, vegan, and Leaping Bunny–certified. It’s also gentle on eyes and …
This Peach Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Set is plastic-free and formulated for damaged hair to support scalp health and improve hair strength by reducing breakage and split ends.
Hair types: Damaged and split-end prone
Scent: “Toes-in-the-water” Honeydew Melon
Looking for strong, healthy hair that is good for you and the planet? …
Are you ready to try this Peach Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Set that is plastic-free and formulated for dry and dull hair? It not only will restore scalp health and deeply moisturize your locks but also restores shine without weighing your hair down.
Hair types: Dry, dull, or over-processed hair
Scent: “Take-me-to-the-tropics” …
Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are better for your hair because they don’t dry out your scalp the way products with sulfates do. Sulfate-free haircare is also more likely to be free from parabens and silicones — two harsh chemicals that each have their own downsides.
Parabens are believed to cause hormonal disruption because they mimic estrogen, a hormone that does everything from controlling puberty to strengthening bones. They also cause skin irritation in some people.
Silicones are hydrophobic — they repel water. They remove water from the hair and weaken protein bonds, making hair more susceptible to breakage. Over time, silicones build up on your hair, which can dry it out and give it a dull appearance. That’s the last thing we want!
There are a ton of benefits to going sulfate-free. After you start using sulfate-free shampoos, your hair will be less frizzy and less oily, and your scalp won’t feel so dry and irritated. Keep in mind that these results don’t happen overnight — generally, it takes about six washes with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner for hair to adjust.
Sulfate shampoos strip the hair in an effort to remove product build up — that may not sound so bad but it can ruin hair texture. Once you stop using hair care that contains sulfates, you might be surprised to find that you have natural waves or curls to your locks as your hair texture improves.
Are you thinking about making the switch to a green household? We’ve got tips. Read up on our guide to going green at home for insight and inspiration.
Sulfates are cleaning agents commonly found in household cleaners, detergents, soaps, shampoos, and conditioners. The two main types of sulfates are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). They work into a lather that removes dirt and oil from hair — chances are, if your shampoos and soaps have a lot of suds when you use them, they contain sulfates.
We asked our Senior Director of Science Formulation, Clem Choy, about sulfates. Here’s what he had to say about sulfates, what products they’re used in, and how to avoid them in your haircare and skincare routines.
Sulfates are strong cleansers — they’ve even been used in products made for cleaning car engines. It’s no wonder they’re damaging to certain hair types, like fine or curly hair.
Dull hair? Never met her. You don’t need chemicals to get shiny hair — check out Grove’s guide to glossy tresses for more info on how to get lustrous locks, naturally.
At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.
If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.
