The Sulfate Debate

There has been a huge shift in the past few years to becoming more environmentally conscious.  New CFL light bulbs, grocery stores offering discounts for bringing reusable bags, exterminators using "green" methods of pest removal, and now the hair care and styling industry are joining the ranks.  

I am a self admitted Pinterest and Blog junky.  I find myself spending more time than I would like to admit surfing around for all sort of random information - some of which I cared to learn more about, and some... well... I could have done without.  Recently, I have been stumbling upon more and more sites advocating to not shampoo your hair.  

Whoa, whoa, whaaaaaaa? The methods vary from blog to blog, but the common theme seems to be one of two things.  Either shampoo your hair on a every-other-day or every-three-day basis, or using a concoction to replace your shampoo all together.  Things that I have seen suggested include; a mix of baking soda and water, apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar, or lemon juice.  The sites that promote people using one of the shampoo alternatives is to help people get away from using shampoos which contain sulfates... we will break that argument down in a second. 

Now before I go any further, I have to say that I have not tried any of these methods - and quite honestly I am skeptical about their results and their potential damage to your hair (not to say they don't work, I am just not comfortable suggesting someone to take this route - if you have experience in this area, I would love to hear it!).  

On a few of the how-to sites, I have seen them advertise that your hair may get worse before it gets better (uhm, no thanks?) and there will be an adjustment period for your hair of 2-4 weeks (again, does not sound appealing at all).  So then, if you want to do your part for the environment by staying away from sulfates in your shampoo, what should you do?  What will the differences be to your hair with a sulfate based shampoo vs. sulfate free?  

First of all... what is the purpose of sulfates being in your shampoo?  Essentially, they are foaming agents... you know, the stuff that gives you that really good lather that you can create all sorts of funky hairdos in the shower with! Spiked hair anybody? OK, but really - sulfates in shampoo are linked to getting your hair really clean, taking out the oils and dirt from your hair.  Sounds great, right?  Besides for giving that really great foamy sensation in your daily (or every-other-day) shampoo, sulfate based shampoos are accused of being over drying and overly harsh on your locks and scalp.  Over drying and harsh can also translate into being damaging to chemically altered (i.e., color treated), professionally treated straightened hair (i.c., Keratin Smoothing Complex) and curly hair.  

Sulfate free shampoos will still give the same amount of clean without the side effects that some may notice from use of a sulfate based shampoo.  A shampoo without sulfates in it can trick some peoples mind that it isn't cleaning as well due to the lack of suds.  That argument, in my mind, does hold some merit.  Sulfate free shampoos do not take out/strip as many of your hairs natural oils, it still does clean your hair though!  Keeping more of your hairs natural oils is important to keep curly hair from getting frizzy.  For more fine textured hair, though, some people may feel like their hair gets more greasy feeling (makes sense right, because sulfate free shampoos don't take as much oil from your hair). 

So your standing in front of our retail display...how do you make the choice?? Thought it was going to be a lot easier choosing a sulfate free shampoo or a shampoo that has sulfates...? Me too!! First of all, ask your stylist!! They know your hair, and also are trained on the lines which we carry!! 

If you're unable to consult with a salon professional, here's a quick synopsis to keep in mind when making the choice. 

• Sulfate free shampoos wont give you the same lather/foam/sudsy feeling in the shower
• Sulfate free shampoos will still clean your hair without stripping you hair of as many natural oils (good for curls, could give fine hair an unclean feeling).
• Sulfate based shampoos are not suggested for chemically straightened hair
• Sulfate free shampoos are a good choice for those who are concerned of the effects of chemicals in the environment, and want to bring that life style change into their hair care routine.   
• Sulfate free shampoo/conditioner recommendation - I have been using Pureology's new Strength Cure line and L.O.V.E it! After one use, it will help to strengthen your hair up to 97%, which is awesome with how much I put it through with coloring and mechanical distress from flat ironing. (I have fine textured hair, and haven't felt like it makes my hair feel greasy or unclean).
• Sulfate based shampoo/conditioner recommendation - The VT's highest seller is Redken's Body Full and Blonde Glam.  Depending on what your hair situation is, Redken has 7 different lines to choose from to best suit you!