17 best sulphate-free shampoos to protect your hair colour (and the reason they work wonders)
Sulphate-free shampoos are nothing new. We've all spotted the “sulphate-free” label splashed across a shampoo bottle before, but what exactly does it mean and what are the benefits?
“Sulphate free shampoos are crafted with essential oils that lift grime and residue gently, whilst aiding moisture retention so your hair is softer, and your scalp is happier,” shared Belle Cannan, Co-Founder of Salon Sloane. It's especially worth considering if you have dry hair, sensitive skin and dandruff or you want your hairdresser’s colour magic to look better for longer.
Personally, as someone who's changed five hair colours in the past three years (from platinum blonde to bright red), I've been a long-standing fan of sulphate-free shampoos. Seriously, the difference in how my hair looks and feels is astounding, especially considering how dry and dull it was before I made the switch.
A recent favourite of mine is the Virtue Recovery Shampoo. I've been using it for the past 12 months and it's safe to say that it's become an irreplaceable staple in my hair routine. Thanks to its innovative Alpha Keratin technology, not only did it strengthen my hair, but it also helped stimulate hair growth, which is something that I've struggled with ever since I've bleached my hair platinum blonde. It manages to gently cleanse my hair while providing just enough nourishment that it so desperately needs.
So if you're also considering to ditch our go-to hair cleansers for one of the best sulphate-free shampoos, you've come to the right place. Whether you're looking for more information to find out whether sulphate-free formulations actually suit your hair type or even if you simply want to read up on what on earth sulphates do – we've got you covered. We've taken the time to speak to hair experts to get all the intel, so keep reading to find all the answers to your burning FAQs. Plus, we've also put together a full edit of the best sulphate-free shampoos for you depending on your hair type and concerns.
Skip to: What are sulphates? | Is sulphate-free shampoo good for hair? | How can I tell if my shampoo is sulphate-free? | Should I use sulphate-free shampoo on my hair extensions?
Best sulphate-free shampoos at a glance – our top picks:
- Best hydrating sulphate-free shampoo: Aussie Deeep Moisture Shampoo, WAS £4.50 NOW £3, Boots
- Best sulphate-free shampoo for tangled hair: Virtue Recovery Shampoo, £36, Cult Beauty
- Best affordable sulphate-free shampoo: OGX Coconut Milk Shampoo, WAS £6.99 NOW £3.49, Boots
- Best sulphate-free shampoo for repair: OLAPLEX No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, WAS £28 NOW £22, Amazon
What are sulphates?
First things first, sulphates are cleansing agents which have been used widely in hair care products for a very long time – in shampoo, we’re talking about sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium laureth sulphate specifically. As we all become increasingly savvy about what the symbols on our skincare and hair care packaging actually mean, sulphates have been bundled into the beauty ingredients blacklist. Many experts have proclaimed that it’s sulphate-free shampoo that you should be using for stronger, healthier hair.
Is sulphate-free shampoo good for hair?
When used in regular, everyday shampoo, sulphates leave you with a deliciously foamy lather, which can make a product effective at thoroughly cleaning the hair. So, if you’re a fan of hair styling products like hairspray, hair gel and dry shampoo, then incorporating a sulphate could actually be beneficial for removing product build-up on your scalp.
That said, if you're finding that your hair feels a tad dry – or that your hair colour isn't lasting for very long – then you might want to consider switching to one of the best sulphate-free shampoos.
“SLS – that is most often contained in sulphate shampoos – strips the hair of grime, but it also strips your hair of natural oils, which causes dehydration (and in some cases irritated scalps),” Belle Cannan, Co-Founder of Salon Sloane told us. This may be why you find yourself reaching for moisturising hair masks or conditioner afterwards. Sulphates can also strip the artificial pigments from the hair fibre, causing fading and loss of vibrancy.
“I would always recommend alternating shampoo during the week depending on the look you want or how your hair and scalp are feeling. For example, if you are looking for more volume, pop of colour, or if you have an irritated scalp.”
How can I tell if my shampoo is sulphate-free?
“If it isn’t labelled clearly on the front of the bottle, check the ingredients,” Belle suggested. “The most common sulphates are sodium lauryl sulphate – often labelled SLS – and sodium laureth ether sulphate (SLES).” You can also look out for the following ingredients: Lauryl Sulfoacetate Sodium, Lauroyl Isethionate and Sodium Lauroyl Taurate. They're further examples of sulphates. Many brands now stock sulphate shampoo, from L’Oreal to Noughty, OGX, Color WOW and Kerastase.
Should I use sulphate-free shampoo on my hair extensions?
This depends entirely on whether your hair extensions or wigs are made from synthetic hair or natural hair. If it's synthetic hair, then you should use a clarifying shampoo as products, grime and smells can accumulate on the fibres.
If it's human hair, then you should definitely use a sulphate-free shampoo to be as gentle as possible on the delicate strands, followed by a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture and shine. “It will take care of them for longer,” Belle said.
After more beauty content? Head this way for the best shampoos for all hair types and over here for conditioners to pair with them. Elsewhere, we’ve got purple shampoo, the best shampoo for fine hair, the best shampoo for coloured hair and the best shampoo for frizzy hair. Head this way for soothing shampoo for sensitive scalps, the best shampoo for curly hair and the best shampoo for greasy hair.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Scroll for our full edit of the best sulphate-free shampoos to take to check out in 2023…
Virtue Recovery Shampoo, £36, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Three shampoos from the Virtue range – Recovery, Full and Smooth – are sulphate-free and target different hair concerns. Recovery is our fave for repairing damaged hair, as, unlike other shampoos, it doesn't create impossible knots, but leaves dry ends soft and smooth.
GLAMOUR-approved: I've been using it for the past 12 months and it's safe to say that it's become an irreplaceable staple in my hair routine. Thanks to its innovative Alpha Keratin technology, not only did it strengthen my hair, but it also helped stimulate hair growth, which is something that I've struggled with ever since I've bleached my hair platinum blonde. It manages to gently cleanse my hair while providing just enough nourishment that it so desperately needs. – Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Save when you shop for sulphate-free shampoo with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo, £28, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Packed with nutrients that add volume and shape to the roots of the hair, Ouai's Fine Hair shampoo gently lifts dirt, product-build up and grime from your tresses. It's powered by Hydrolysed Keratin which promotes a silky-smooth finish, while Biotin releases strengthening properties to enhance strands with increased resilience. There's also Hemp Seed Extract to hydrate and condition, plus Chia Seed Oil to increase volume.
Save when you shop for the best sulphate-free shampoo with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Sulphate Free Shampoo With Potent Aloe + Hemp, WAS £6 NOW £4, Boots
Why we love it: pH balanced, paraben-free, colourant-free, paraffin-free and, of course, sulphate-free, this nourishing aloe and hemp shampoo is able to restore hydration and smoothness, while also delivering a burst of jasmine, tropical fruits and luxurious notes of coconut, vanilla and amber for a divine in-shower experience.
Make sure to check out our Boots discount codes.
Aussie Deeep Moisture Shampoo, WAS £4.50 NOW £3, Boots
Why we love it: This rich blend of oils in a silicone and SLS-free formula delivers intense moisture and hydration into dry hair leaving it deeply moisturised, all the while cleansing and removing residue.
Make sure to check out our Boots discount codes.
Kérastase Chroma Absolu Bain Riche Chroma Respect Shampoo, WAS £27.15 NOW £21.72, Amazon
Why we love it: This new formula has been enriched with glycerin, amino acids and hyaluronic acid to smooth the hair surface while nourishing and protecting its colour. Plus, alpha-hydroxylated acids (AHAs) remove minerals than can dull hair shine.
Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo, £19.95, Amazon
Why we love it: Moroccanoil has made it to the backstage of many catwalks for a reason, and this shampoo is one of their cults. For those with thin hair in need of a shiny oomph.
We Are Paradoxx Volume Shampoo, £18, Amazon
Why we love it: Not only is this volumising shampoo free from sulphates, it's also free from parabens, PEGs, perfume, mineral oil and toxins. Oh, and it's vegan, cruelty-free and packaged in an aluminium bottle to reduce plastic waste.
Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo, £13, Boots
Why we love it: Who doesn't want shiny hair? This botanicals shampoo will give you a chemical-free cleanse and leave you with luscious locks.
Save when you shop for the best sulphate-free shampoo with these Boots discount codes.
Color Wow Color Security Shampoo 250ml, WAS £21.50 NOW £19.40, Amazon
Why we love it: If your hair is thinning, due to age, stress or other external factors, reach for Colour Wow's Color Security Shampoo, which not only protects the pigment in your hair but also claims to prevent the blocking of hair follicles and leave you with healthier hair.
OGX Coconut Milk Shampoo, WAS £6.99 NOW £3.49, Boots
Why we love it: All the benefits of coconut oil in a bottle. This sulphate-free shampoo smells lovely but also restores hydration and balance. And for just £6.99? You can't go wrong.
Save when you shop for the best sulphate-free shampoo with these Boots discount codes.
Bumble and bumble Shampoo Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Sulfate Free Shampoo, £21.50, Amazon
Why we love it: We found Bumble and Bumble's Invisible Oil shampoo to give our hair undeniable (weightless) bounce, as though we'd just stepped out of the hair salon. It has a divine scent, boosts shine and is perfect for all dry hair types.
Save when you shop for the best sulphate-free shampoo with these Amazon discount codes.
TRESemme Pro Pure Airlight Volume Shampoo, £5.99, Boots
Why we love it: Tresemme has recently released a selection of Pro Pure shampoo and conditioner duos, which promise 0% sulphates, silicones and dyes work to gently cleanse and condition hair. Airlight Volume is our favourite iteration of the three launches, promising volume and lift without weighing it down.
The coconut oil conditioning properties combined with advanced unique processing technology (a natural alternative to silicones) protects both the surface of the hair, whilst the smaller molecules penetrate the hair shaft. Because it doesn’t sit on the surface of the hair like a silicone, it also leaves hair feeling lighter, conditioning, and nourishing from the inside and out.
Save when you shop for the best sulphate-free shampoo with these Boots discount codes.
Faith in Nature Avocado Shampoo, WAS £6.69 NOW £4.46, Amazon
Why we love it: One of this incredible, planet-friendly brand’s hero products is 99% natural, made with essential oils and packed with anti-oxidant rich Vitamin E and avocado oil to totally nourish and replenish hair, nature’s way.
Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo, WAS £23.80 NOW £19.04, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Infused with ingredients such as keravis and astaxanthin, this sulphate-free formula helps repair damage, prevent breakage and restore your hair to its former glory. Suitable for all hair types, plus it provides great colour protection in between salon visits.
Save when you shop for sulphate-free shampoo with these LookFantastic discount codes.
OLAPLEX No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, WAS £28 NOW £22, Amazon
Why we love it: There's a reason why Kim K swears by this repairing shampoo. Designed to restore broken bonds, repair damaged hair and tame frizz, this product is unmatched in its ability to help bleached and colour-treated hair look shinier and healthier than ever.
Shea Moisture Argan Oil and Almond Milk Shampoo, £10.99, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Organic shea butter, argan oil and almond milk? Sounds like the perfect ingredient list for a hydrating shampoo. Made to give you healthy, bouncy hair, this lightweight formula is just what you need to help make any head of hair more manageable.
Save when you shop for sulphate-free shampoo with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo, £7, Boots
Why we love it: Want to embrace your naturally curly hair? Say no more. Created specifically for curly, coily, kinky or wavy hair, this product is great for gently removing build-up and promoting hair growth. What more could you want?
Save when you shop for the best sulphate-free shampoo with these Boots discount codes.
