Sulfate in shampoo, is it really that bad for my curls?
Is Sulfate Really That Bad For My Curls?
If you have curly hair or work with clients who have curly hair, you’ve likely heard the buzz about sulfate-free shampoos that promise bouncier, healthier curls. But what’s the truth behind sulfates?
Are they truly the enemy of every curl in the land, or is there a time and place for them?
In this post, I want to set the record straight. I’ll walk you through what sulfates actually are, why they became so controversial and how you can make an informed choice for your curly or textured hair.
After all, here at Shedid & Parrish, our mission is to inspire, educate and empower you to make considered decisions for your hair - decisions that support both your gorgeous curls and our beautiful planet.
The Basics First, What Exactly Are Sulfates?
Sulfates are a type of surfactant commonly found in many personal care products, particularly shampoos. A surfactant is essentially a cleaning agent: it helps water mix with oils and dirt, lifting impurities away from your scalp and hair so they can be rinsed off easily.
The most commonly used sulfates in shampoos are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
A word from our founder Jessica:
“I like to think of sulfates as the ‘power washers’ of shampoo ingredients. They’re extremely effective at what they do: deep cleaning. But like a power washer on a delicate surface, it might do more harm than good if you’re not careful - especially if you have curls.”
In other words, sulfates themselves aren’t inherently evil; they are just incredibly strong cleansers that may strip your hair of its natural oils. And, as we’ll discuss, that can be a major issue for curly hair.
So, Why Does Sulfate Have a Bad Rap?
1. Curly Hair Needs More Moisture
Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair because the natural oils produced by your scalp travel down the hair shaft more slowly around each twist and turn. That natural oil is essential for keeping curls healthy, defined and frizz-free. When you introduce a potent cleanser like sulfate, you run the risk of removing these precious oils too aggressively, leading to brittleness, dryness and increased frizz.
2. pH Balance Matters
We often talk about finding hair products that are pH-balanced and there’s a reason for that: your scalp’s ideal pH hovers between 4 and 6. Sulfates, by their very nature, can push your scalp’s pH out of balance, leading to dryness or irritation. At Shedid & Parrish, we carefully formulate our Deep Cleansing Shampoo to maintain a pH of around 5, which helps keep both your scalp and your hair happy and healthy.
3. Long-Term Damage
Over time, using sulfate-heavy shampoos can cause structural damage to your curls. Think split ends, dullness and breakage. None of which are conducive to beautifully strong, healthy and abundant curls.
Our founder Jessica says “When customers ask me, ‘Is sulfate really that bad?’ I always answer with another question: ‘How do you want your curls to look and feel in five years? If the goal is long-term hair health, opting for a gentler, sulfate-free formula is almost always the best route.”
Are Sulfates Ever Beneficial?
Despite their bad reputation, sulfates aren’t always a no-go. If you have very oily hair or use a lot of styling products, you may occasionally need a more intense cleanse to remove buildup. Some individuals also prefer the squeaky-clean feel that sulfates provide.
However, most people with curly or textured hair find that a sulfate-free shampoo is far more beneficial for maintaining moisture and preventing breakage. At Shedid & Parrish, we use a coconut-derived surfactant in our shampoos - a gentle yet effective ingredient that cleanses without stripping. This offers the best of both worlds; a clean scalp and curls that retain their natural oils.
The Rise (and Occasional Confusion) of Sulfate-Free Shampoos
As sulfate-free products have grown in popularity, you might have heard the flip side: are there problems with sulfate-free shampoo? Some people worry that sulfate-free formulas don’t clean as thoroughly, or they take time to get used to.
Well, here’s the truth:
Longer Transition Period
If you’ve been using a sulfate-based shampoo for years, your scalp might overproduce oil to compensate for dryness. When you switch to a gentler, sulfate-free shampoo, there can be a transitional period where your scalp recalibrates. You might notice extra oiliness or residue at first - but this typically resolves as your scalp finds its new balance.
Different Feel, Same Clean
Normally, sulfate-free shampoos often create less foam or lather, leading some people to think they aren’t cleaning as well. However, a rich, bubbly lather doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner hair. The real measure is how your scalp and curls feel after rinsing. With a quality sulfate-free shampoo, your hair will be fresh and clean, but not squeaky-dry. Our shampoo is unique in that it actually does generate a super sudsy wash without the sulfate. So, you still get that luxurious feeling whilst washing.
Our Multi-Award-Winning, Sulfate-Free Shampoo
We’re incredibly proud of our Multi-Award-Winning Deep Cleansing Shampoo here at Shedid & Parrish. Formulated with a deeply moisturising yet lightweight combination of plant-derived ingredients, it’s designed to cleanse gently without stripping your curls of their essential oils.
“Our top priority has always been creating products that truly respect the natural curl pattern,” Jessica explains. “We don’t just want to give you a quick fix; we want to set you up for long-term hair health. That’s beautiful curls that stay strong, soft and luxurious with every wash.”
If you’re curious whether it’s right for you, try asking yourself:
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Do you struggle with frizz or dryness?
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Do your curls seem to fall flat after shampooing?
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Are you looking for a product that aligns with vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and sustainable values?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, our sulfate-free range is likely a great fit. Check out our Curly Hair Products UK Collection for shampoos, conditioners and treatments that are all about nurturing naturally textured hair.
Sustainability, Ethics and Healthy Hair
Beautifully strong, healthy hair is your right—but it shouldn’t be at the expense of our planet. Every decision we make at Shedid & Parrish is a considered choice, from the ingredients we source to the packaging we use. We believe in consciously ethical and sustainable hair care that delivers luxurious texture, luxurious feel and luxurious results without compromising on our commitment to the environment.
“Knowledge is power,” says our founder Jessica. “We want you to feel good about what’s in your shampoo and also about the impact of your purchase on the world around you. That’s why we’re transparent about every ingredient and every choice we make.”
Tips for Transitioning to Sulfate-Free
- Give It Time: Your hair may take a few washes to adjust to a gentler formula. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t feel perfect immediately.
- Use Less Product: Sulfate-free shampoos are often more concentrated, so start with a smaller amount than you think you need. You can always add more if necessary.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Because these formulas can have less foam, it’s important to rinse thoroughly to ensure no residue is left behind.
- Deep Condition Weekly: Keep your curls hydrated with a moisturising mask or deep conditioner at least once a week. Try our Deep Restoring Conditioner for an extra boost of nourishment.
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Listen to Your Hair: If your curls look dry, incorporate more hydration. If they seem weighed down, try a leave-in conditioning treatment or reduce heavy styling products.
Salons, Academies and Beyond: Partner with Us
We’re proud to collaborate with and supply salons, film sets, academies and individuals alike.
Our professional-grade, premium salon collection is specifically tailored for curly and textured hair.
By stocking Shedid & Parrish products, you provide your clients with access to award-winning hair care solutions that are both ethical and effective.
“Working with our partner salons is one of my greatest joys,” Jessica says. “Watching professional stylists get excited about finally having a curly hair shampoo that truly delivers results and aligns with their values, that’s what it’s all about.”
If you’re a salon owner or stylist and want to learn more about incorporating our products into your repertoire, get in touch with us.
