By Amber Bogumil

Over the last few years, more people have become concerned about the use of sulphates in shampoo.

Most people don’t pay much attention to the ingredients of the products they use and buy what they’re recommended, trusting that they’re doing them good.

However, the use of sulphate in shampoo has been rapidly gaining a negative reputation, and now an increasing number of people are avoiding products that contain it.

Sulphate shampoos are the most common on the high street. Essentially, sulphates are detergents used in products like shampoo, soap and toothpaste and they cause these products to foam and lather but as a consequence, they are surfactants which means they take away both oil and water.

Within shampoo, sulphate aims to keep your hair clean from dead skin and takes away any dirt left on your scalp.

Sound perfect?

Not quite.

This ‘cleanse’ takes away the natural oils in your hair and can leave it feeling dry. If you have sensitive skin it can cause irritation too. It has even been reported that the surfactant can lead to hair loss.

However, don’t fear. There are a large number of affordable shampoos that avoid using sulphates. Here’s a list of a few you can get your hands on:

1. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisture Rich Shampoo

Palmer’s hair products (available at Superdrug) are mostly sulphate free. In fact, the company advertises itself as using ‘gentle cleaning ingredients with pure cocoa butter and vitamin E to moisturise and nourish hair with stripping’. Reviews speak for themselves and the shampoo is even free from paraben, a chemical which became controversial after it was reported to ‘disrupt hormone function’.

2. Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Shampoo

Another brand known for its sulphate-free products is Shea Moisture. Slightly more expensive, the brand has numerous products advertised to leave your hair hydrated and shining, while its use of 100% virgin coconut oil is guaranteed to leave your hair smelling great.

3. LOréal Hair Expertise Riche Nourishing Shampoo

A brand you might not have expected to make the list is LOréal, which has a few good sulphate-free shampoos, including this one. The shampoo is described to leave your hair protected from dryness, exactly what you’re looking for and it’s available from most retailers.

4. Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo – OGX

Like LOréal, OGX has a range of sulphate free shampoos at bargain prices. OGX is known to be an organic brand when it comes to shampoo and although not all of its products are free of sulphate, those that are are clearly labelled.

5. Pantene Gold Series Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Last but not least is Pantene, another popular brand. The description of the product consistently mentions it being free of ‘harsh ingredients’ and how it cleans ‘without stripping hair of its natural oils’, meaning it couldn’t be more perfect to keep your hair balanced. (The matching conditioner is also available at Superdrug for the same price).

There are so many more sulphate free shampoos with some really cheap prices available online. It’s definitely something to consider if you want to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.