When we talk about hygiene products, it is common to hear the word ‘sulphates’.
Sulphates are salts or organic compounds that come from sulphuric acid. They are commonly found in toothpaste, shampoos and bath soaps. Their main function is to act as a cleanser, as they can dissolve dirt and grease from the body and hair intensively.
Types of sulphates
The most common ones that can be found in shampoos and can be found on the ingredient label are:
- Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS): has a strong cleansing effect. However, it can cause irritation and dryness.
- Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES): also has a high cleansing power, but provides moisture so it is less aggressive.
- Ammonium lauryl sulphate (ALS): derived from petroleum, this can cause damage to the hair.
The safest and most recommended option is to use shampoos containing laureth, leaving those containing lauryl and ammonium respectively as second and third choices, as they can make hair dry, frizzy and more prone to tangling.
However, it is important to note that it also depends on the type of hair and skin type you have, as people with oily hair or seborrhoeic dermatitis are recommended to use these types of shampoos.
So why are they considered to be bad?
As mentioned above, shampoos with sulphates tend to make hair drier, which tends to be more prone to breakage or thinning, but they do not cause hair loss. Using them too often can also mean that the body’s own natural oils are stripped away.
That does not mean that these shampoos are not suitable for the hair, as they are in fact necessary to cleanse the scalp thoroughly from time to time. But it is best to use it once a week or even every two weeks (depending on your hair), and alternate it with a gentler shampoo.
If you feel that you are sensitive to this type of shampoo, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or trichologist to determine which products are most suitable for your hair.
