Why Use Sulphate and Paraben Free Hair Products
Importance of Paraben and Sulphate Free
In a world where we've become increasingly aware of what we put in our bodies, it should come as no surprise that we're equally aware of what we put on our bodies. As you’re shopping for make-up and hair products, chances are terms like “paraben-free” and “sulphate-free” will be plentiful, whether you’re specifically searching for them or not. We aim to make this easy for our customers because the majority of shampoos and conditioners in our store are sulphate and paraben free such as MOROCCANOIL, Neal & Wolf, Kerastraight and Kevin Murphy. We even have a category for sulphate and paraben free.
Why are Parabens and Sulphates bad for your body and your hair?
Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in hair and beauty products. They are used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mould and have been widely used since the 1950s. They are considered potentially harmful because there is a possibility that they are endocrine disruptors. Studies have shown that some parabens specifically mimic the activity of the hormone estrogen and therefore can interfere with estrogen production. Too much estrogen can trigger an increase in breast cell division and tumor growth, which is why paraben use may be linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.
Sulphates are also preservatives that are added to shampoos and conditioners, but they differ from parabens in what they do. Sulphates are a type of surfactant (detergent, emulsifier, or foaming agent) that attracts both oil and water. In other words, sulphates are what makes a shampoo sudsy. Sulphates can be easily confused their chemical descriptions are often named as these below:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Sodium
- Laureth Sulphate Sodium
- Lauryl Suloacetate Sodium
- Lauroyl Isethionate
- Sodium Lauroyl Taurate
Although going sulphate and paraben free may seem like it is going to be more expensive we have some good value products available to help you avoid these preservatives. While sulphates help remove dirt and dead skin cells from your scalp, they can also strip your hair of its natural oils, making it dry and brittle. If your scalp is sensitive, sulphates can also cause irritation like redness, dryness, and itching. In addition, sulphates will strip colour quickly shortening its life.
So if you spend money on having your hair coloured or have naturally coarse or dry hair, coloured hair, or sensitive skin, you may want to consider using hair products that are free of sulphates and parabens. Products from our range such as Neal & Wolf, Moroccanoil, Kerastraight and Kevin Murphy are great for these hair types because they moisturize and cleanse without stripping strands of their colour and natural oils.