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Home • Beauty

The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists

The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
Woman washing hair
By Allison Underhill · Updated October 26, 2020
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This article originally appeared on Health. 

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01
Shu Uemura Color Luste Brilliant Glaze Shampoo

To buy: $48; barneys.com

“Many stylists love sulfate-free products to help protect color treatments, as they tend to be gentler,” says Dr. Francis. This sulfate-free wash from Shu Uemura is no exception. It’s specifically formulated for color-treated strands, and the rich foam helps prevent color from fading while also balancing the scalp’s natural oils.

The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
Barneys.com
02
Nexxus Color Assure Replenishing Shampoo

To buy: $17; amazon.com

Tatiana Slaughter, a hairstylist at Kiss Kiss Bang Bang salon in Carmel, Indiana, loves this sulfate-free formula from Nexxus. It contains white orchid extract to help lock in hair’s moisture and keep color-treated strands looking vibrant, even after many washes.

The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
Amazon.com
03
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo

To buy: $9; target.com

Need a formula that will help nix dry hair? You’re in luck. This super-smooth wash (another one of Slaughter’s recommendations) is made specifically for dried-out strands. Thanks to ingredients like sea kelp, argan oil, and shea butter, the formula restores shine and seriously moisturizes hair without the use of sulfates.

    The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
    Target.com
    04
    Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo

    To buy: $31; sephora.com

    Protect strands from damaging UV rays with this cleanser. “It’s pricey, but I always suggest [this shampoo] for anyone with dry hair,” says Slaughter. “It doesn’t leave a lot of buildup and detangles hair instead of leaving annoying knots.” Six oils—including coconut, argan, and grapeseed—infuse moisture into split ends while also smoothing tangles.

    The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
    sephora.com
    05
    Briogeo Rosarco Repair Shampoo

    To buy: $24; sephora.com

    A must-have for thick, curly hair, Briogeo’s Roscaro Repair shampoo (another pick from Slaughter) utilizes nutrient-rich argan, rosehip, and coconut oils to make hair stronger and supersoft to the touch.

    The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
    sephora.com
    06
    Kevin Murphy Hydrate Me Wash

    To buy: $49; amazon.com

    Jackie Remos, a hairstylist at Yanni Erbeli Salon in Red Bank, New Jersey, recommends this super-smooth wash since it’s sulfate-free, paraben-free, smells great, and will leave strands shiny. Bonus: the formula is packed with antioxidants to prevent your scalp from losing moisture.

    The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
    Amazon.com
    07
    DevaCurl No-Poo Decadence

    To buy: $22; sephora.com

    Have naturally curly hair? This ultra-moisturizing milk cleanser will give you gorgeous, silky waves. Not only is it infused with grapeseed oil, but the added quinoa protein strengthens and protects your hair’s natural shine.

    “Curly hair can be hard to treat, because curls need more oil to look bouncy and fresh,” explains Slaughter. “I like this formula because it actually gives your hair moisture.”

    The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
    Sephora.com
    08
    L’Oreal Paris Ever Strong Thickening Shampoo

    To buy: $7; target.com

    Fragile hair has met its match, thanks to this sulfate-free formula from L’Oreal (another one of Slaughter’s go-tos). Rosemary leaf helps boost thickness in thin strands, making it stronger and less susceptible to breakage over time.

    The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
    amazon.com
    09
    Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturizing Shampoo

    To buy: $21; ulta.com

    Your dry hair will thank you for choosing this moisturizing mixture. Awapuhi extract balances moisture while also rebuilding damaged strands. “You only need a small drop the size of a dime to make it work,” says Slaughter. Also good: it’s gentle enough to use every day.

    The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
    Ulta.com
    10
    Aveeno Pure Renewal Gentle Shampoo

    To buy: $6; walmart.com

    Dr. Jaliman is a big fan of this drugstore staple from Aveeno. She recommends it to balance your hair’s moisture levels with each wash, giving it a shiny, healthier appearance. Bonus: it’s wallet-friendly!

    The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
    Walmart.com
    11
    Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

    To buy: $19; walmart.com

    Another formula designed for color-treated hair, Dr. Jaliman tells us that she loves this gentle cleanser for its ability to purify each strand without stripping color. Plus, the ZeroSulfate formula delivers a rich lather while hydrating from roots to ends.

    The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
    Walmart.com
    12
    Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo

    To buy: $7; walgreens.com

    Calm unruly hair and say goodbye to annoying frizz with this deeply moisturizing formula, which is another of Dr. Jaliman’s top picks. The lather works well on all hair types, and helps transform dry hair into soft, silky strands.

    The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos, According To Dermatologists
    Walgreens.com