To Sulfate or not to Sulfate

That is the shower-beauty question.  In most over the counter shampoo products the cleaning agent "Sodium Laureth Sulfate" exists.  Next to water, it is the second most used ingredient in a majority of over the counter shampoo brands such as Herbal Essences and Pantene.  It is a low-cost and adequate foaming agent.  Don’t get me wrong, I used to love using these brands’ hair products.  Most Dove shampoos and conditioners left my locks feeling uber soft and silky.  Let me share a short story of my discovery of Sulfate-Free products...

Years ago, I had a friend who was very conscious of what she fed her hair.  She would periodically consult with a beautician and soon her hair began to shine more.  It was a small change to others, but one that I noticed more from being around her everyday.  I asked what made the change and she described her experience of Sulfate-Free shampoos, conditioners, and heat protectants.  I was amazed.  I was even more blown away when I saw the price! The average price of Sulfate-Free shampoos are typically around $15.00.  As a high school student, this was just a little out of my price range.  I would be using that money towards school supplies, lunches, and a prom ticket rather than beauty products.  Then I asked how one can notice the difference between Sulfate-Free and Sulfate shampoos.  She shared a trick with me:  Take about an inch-thick piece of your hair (dry) and run a comb down the strands.  After a few times of running it through you’ll notice small white flecks left behind on the comb.  Essentially that is wax from the Sodium Laureth Sulfate agent left behind on your strands.

Eventually I began to save my money and finally bought a set of Sulfate-Free products.  Results were not present within the first two weeks.  My hair is naturally wavy, so the hot flatiron and curler are always plugged in and ready to go.  Most days the end of my hair strands felt dry as if they would snap off, ugh!  But soon, after a full month, my hair began to feel very soft--even after using heated hair tools.  I mean really soft!  I was so impressed.  It felt healthier too!  I remember showing my mother and sister; I insisted they touch the godly softness of my locks!  Without styling my hair, the healthy feeling continued.  It felt less heavy and more free-flowing.

Now, I’m not saying you should go out and spend large amounts of cash on high end products that are Sulfate-Free.  From my own experience though (and opinions from others), I truly recommend it.  
Especially if:

1.  You use excessive amounts of heat on your hair and style it on a daily basis

2.  Color/Dye it often (more than twice a year)

Shampoos that contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate can fade dyed hair over time.  Some people have also experienced dried and irritated scalps from using these cleaning agents.  It comes down to your preference and lifestyle.  Personally, I've been using Sulfate-Free shampoos and heating protectants for more than a year and my hair has been thanking me every single day.  Currently I'm using Rusk’s Deep-shine Color Repair (Sulfate-Free Shampoo) and AG Hair Cosmetic’s Firewall Argan Flat Iron Spray (Sulfate-Free).  Both have been in use for more than half a year and so far--I’m loving it!

If any of you are interested in more reviews of specific Sulfate-Free products then please make a request (leave it in the comments).  If we get enough then we’ll test drive a few and write about our experiences.