Sulfates
1. They can strip the scalp barrier
Sulfates are very effective detergents. In doing their job, they can remove not only dirt and oil, but also the scalp’s natural protective lipids. When this barrier is disrupted, the scalp can become dry, itchy, or reactive.
2. They can increase scalp inflammation
For sensitive, eczema-prone, or already compromised scalps, sulfates may trigger irritation or low-grade inflammation. Chronic scalp inflammation can interfere with a healthy hair growth environment over time.
3. They can dry out the hair shaft
Curly, textured, coloured, or chemically treated hair relies heavily on internal moisture. Sulfates can strip away too much oil, leaving hair feeling rough, frizzy, brittle, or more prone to breakage.
4. They may worsen existing scalp conditions
Conditions like eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, or rosacea-type scalps can flare with frequent sulfate use due to increased dryness and irritation.
5. They can create a cycle of over-cleansing
When sulfates strip too much oil, the scalp may compensate by producing more oil. This can lead to frequent washing, ongoing dryness at the ends, and imbalance at the scalp.
1. They can strip the scalp barrier
Sulfates are very effective detergents. In doing their job, they can remove not only dirt and oil, but also the scalp’s natural protective lipids. When this barrier is disrupted, the scalp can become dry, itchy, or reactive.
2. They can increase scalp inflammation
For sensitive, eczema-prone, or already compromised scalps, sulfates may trigger irritation or low-grade inflammation. Chronic scalp inflammation can interfere with a healthy hair growth environment over time.
3. They can dry out the hair shaft
Curly, textured, coloured, or chemically treated hair relies heavily on internal moisture. Sulfates can strip away too much oil, leaving hair feeling rough, frizzy, brittle, or more prone to breakage.
4. They may worsen existing scalp conditions
Conditions like eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, or rosacea-type scalps can flare with frequent sulfate use due to increased dryness and irritation.
5. They can create a cycle of over-cleansing
When sulfates strip too much oil, the scalp may compensate by producing more oil. This can lead to frequent washing, ongoing dryness at the ends, and imbalance at the scalp.