10 Best Sulfate Free Shampoo For Color Treated Hair 2018

What Is Shampoo?

According to Wikipedia, a shampoo ‘is a hair care product, typically in the form of a viscous liquid, that is used for cleaning hair. Less commonly, shampoo is available in bar form, like a bar of soap. Shampoo is used by applying it to wet hair, massaging the product into the hair, and then rinsing it out. Some users may follow a shampooing with the use of hair conditioner.

The goal of using shampoo is to remove the unwanted build-up in the hair without stripping out so much sebum as to make hair unmanageable. Shampoo is generally made by combining a surfactant, most often sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, with a co-surfactant, most often cocamidopropyl betaine in water.'[1]

So, in other words, any cleansing agent. The operative word here is cleansing. In order for anything to be able to ‘cleanse’, it should have some degreasing property and dissolving property. Of course, if these properties are natural, it is much better for human use, and if not, then hopefully it won’t be too harmful to human use.

What Is Sulfate Free Shampoo?

Most shampoos contain SLS – sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate  – as a component of their ingredient makeup. ‘Shampoo is generally made by combining a surfactant, most often sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth ]sulfate, with a co-surfactant, most often cocamidopropyl betaine in water to form a thick, viscous liquid.’ [2] It is used because of its ability to clean or cleanse the hair of any type of dirt or grease.

Unfortunately, in cleaning, it also strips away the natural oil (sebum) from the scalp, and also the hair strands. This is not good and over time, your hair will suffer. Your hair will become increasingly:

• dry
• brittle
• breaking or split ends will be a constant friend for you
• itchy scalp will also be a part of the process
• dull and lifeless

It is important that your hair is protected from the abrasive or stripping effect of shampoos made with SLS and its counterparts. And to add to this aggravation is the fact that, if you do not follow up your shampoo wash with any type of conditioner, the condition of your hair will continue to deteriorate. Changing to a sulfate free shampoo is better for your hair in the long term.

What Is Color Treated Hair?

Like most women, we all like to add some color to our face – we do that through, makeup or hair dyes. Now, the intention is a well-intended one, however, it is how it is achieved that makes the difference.

Most women (and men) use chemical dyes to color their hair versus natural plant dyes. I will use myself here as an example. In my later thirties, I started to see the sophisticated gray strands which indicated my graduation to wisdom! And somehow, I appreciated the honor but did not want the world to see it physically. So, I started my journey into hair color.

I first tried bleaching, then dyeing (even ended up with a carrot-colored hair), and after that experience, I stopped using dyes and then started using rinses. They were all hard on the hair. However, I think the rinse was a wee bit gentler on the hair. It wasn’t until about 10 years later than I happened upon an article about using natural hair products to dye your hair that I became interested.

I immediately started doing some research and then started using henna (to strengthen) and indigo (a coloring agent, the same as is used in the making of blue jeans)to dye my hair. At first, it was a scary trial, especially after the time when I did a henna treatment. It worked – there were no more grays, BUT, there was too much red.

Luckily, I did the henna as a two-step process and once I added the indigo, all was well in the camp. I was able to achieve a beautiful and a natural black color to my hair. And I still do a henna-indigo treatment up to today.

The benefits of the henna treatment:

• strengthens your hair by bonding protein cells together
• it helps to promote growth
• it helps to promote smooth and manageable hair
• it makes your hair shiny

How Well Do The Two Work Together – Benefits Of Using A Sulfate Free Shampoo

The combination of a sulfate free shampoo and color treated hair is almost close to a heavenly match made here on earth!

It helps to:

• reduce the stress on the hair after the chemical process
• replenish the lost natural oils which help to moisturize the hair
• rebuild and coat the hair for strengthening
• bright out the shine by ensuring that the cuticles close better
• reduces itchy scalp and irritations

The benefits of using a sulfate free shampoo cannot be expressed enough: your hair will thank you for it!

Back To Top

---

10 Best Sulfate Free Shampoo For Color Treated Hair 2018

 

1/Art Naturals Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set

ArtNaturals brand is one that I really like and I might be a bit biased in that respect. However, I will highlight the main features of this product – ArtNaturals Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set. I include the use of the conditioner here because of the synergistic effect you can get from using both products, however, you can use them separately and still achieve great results.

The main features of these products:

• Shampoo cleans gently but effectively, without stripping color.
• Both the shampoo and conditioner have 100% natural ingredients
• Paraben-free
• Cruelty-free
• Silicone-free

The promises made by this product and (in my opinion, achieves them easily):

• To soften and moisturize your hair
• To nourish the hair from the scalp to the tips of the strands leaving them shiny and healthy
• To strengthen the hair strands
• To revitalize and restore the damage done by color treatments
• Encourages hair growth
• Prevents frizz and breakage and reduces static cling
• Helps to volumize your hair
• Acts as a thermal heat protector
• Helps to protect your hair from the UV rays of the sun
• Safe for not only color treated hair but other hair types as well

Here is a list of ingredients:

‘Shampoo: Ultra-purified water, sodium cocoyl isethionate, cocamidopropyl, be-taine, sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium lauryl glucoside garboxylate, lauryl glucoside, sodium cocoyl glutamate, acrylates copo-lymer cocoa-glucoside, glyceryl oleate, polysorbate 20, argan oil, phytokeratin, peach kernel, almond, jojoba, camellia seed,and avocado oils,pseudocollagen, natural vanilla/honey fragrance. 
Conditioner: Ultra-purified water,ivy, burdock root, fenugreek, rosemary, nettle, thyme, marshmallow root,birch leaf, horsetail, walnut seed, black current seed,hops, sage, sea buckthorn, acai, neem, wild cherry bark, capsicum annuum fruit, and white willow bark extracts,orange blossom and atlas cedarwood essential oils,aloe vera, argan oil, ceatryl alcohol, behentrimonium cholride, stearakonium chloride, dicetyldimonium chloride, glyceryl stearate, peg 100 stearate, amodimethicone, dimethicone, cyclomethicone, hydrolyzed keratin, hydroxethyl cellulose, phenoxethyl ethanol, amyl cinnamal, benzyl alcohol, benzyl salicyclate, heaxyl cinnamal, glycerin, hydrolyzed whole wheat protein (and) hydrolyzed starch, hydrolyzed whole oat, hydrolyzed quinoa protein, trideceth-5, trideceth-10, ppg-26-buthet-26, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, apigenin, oleanolic acid, biotinoyl tripeptide-1,Vitamin E, B and C,limonene, linalool, saw palmetto, butylene glycol, tetrasodium edta, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, citric acid, fragrance.’

Back To Top

---

2/Maple Holisitics Argan Oil Sulfate Free Shampoo

The main features of this shampoo are the botanical extracts and oils which help make it work, improving its performance in the view of over 4,000 people’s feedbacks. The combination of these six botanical oils namely:

• argan oil – moisture builder
• avocado oil – healthy shine and suppleness
• jojoba oil – soothing scalp oil close to the body’s own production of natural oil, sebum
• peach kernel oil – softness
• camellia seed oil – growth oil
• almond oil – anti-bacterial properties which help to cleanse the scalp

All add to its nourishing quality in a shampoo.

The more likely results that you will get from the consistent use of this shampoo is:

• More soft and moisturized hair
• Less frizz due to the silk protein and phyto keratin which helps to repair the hair follicle
• For strength and elasticity
• Reduces split ends
• Softens and cleanses the scalp resulting in a bacteria-free environment
• Reduces hair loss
• Smoothing of the surface for color treated, processed & natural hair

Because this shampoo is formulated with a lot of useful botanical plant extracts and oils, along with Vitamin A B1 B2 D & E which strengthens and replenishes the hair follicle, over time, with consistent use, you should see some results. It is also paraben-free, and silicone-free.

Here is a list of ingredients:

‘Aqua, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauryl Glucoside Carboxylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Acrylates Copolymer, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycerin, Sodium PCA, D-Panthenol, Argania spinosa (Argan) Oil, Botanical Keratin, Prunus persica (Peach Kernel) Oil, Prunus dulcis (Almond) Oil, Simmondia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Camellia sinensis (Camellia Seed) Oil, Natural (Vanilla/Honey) Fragrance, Persea americana (Avocado) Oil.’

Back To Top

---

3/Majestic Pure Argan Oil Restorative Shampoo

Majestic Pure is a brand with a vision for healthy hair in a natural way as much as is possible with the combination of botanical extracts and oils. Their mission statement: ‘We believe in healing through a holistic approach using the natural resources that the Earth provides us with.’  With this in mind, they ensure that only the best natural ingredients are used in their product manufacturing process. The main featured botanical plant extracts and oils blend used in their formula are:

• Argan oil (100%pure from Marocco)
• Avocado oil
• Jojoba oil
• camellia seed oil
• botanical keratin
• almond oil
• coconut oil

Expected benefits from the consistent use of the shampoo should encourage:

• healthy and shiny hair contributed by Vitamin E, carotene, and essential fatty acids
• soothing of scalp irritation by the almond oil which is rich in proteins
• restorative treatment to damaged, dry, and color treated hair
• helps reduce frizz
• makes your hair more manageable

Majestic Pure Argan Oil Shampoo has created a hair formula which will help to bring your hair back to its original health even if used every day, its sulfate free formula is still gentle on your hair. It can be used by men and women and is cruelty-free.

Here is a list of ingredients:

‘Distilled water, Argan (Moroccan) Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Botanical Keratin, and Almond Oil, Coconut oil, acyl sarcosine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium lauroyl sarcosine, GRECAT BTMS-350.’

Back To Top

---

 

4/LuxeOrganix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

Another synergistic duo – LuxeOrganix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner, is poised to deliver. This brand is created by a woman-owned company whose focus is reducing the harsh ingredients used in the cosmetic manufacture and to produce better, healthier alternatives. She created the brand to help men and women combat hair loss in a natural way. They stand behind their products with a “No-Hassle 100% Money Back Guarantee.”

Both products are:

• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• sodium-free
• gluten-free
• no phthalates or sodium chloride
• cruelty-free
• alcohol-free

The results that can be expected from using both products alone or synergistically will encourage:

• rejuvenation of dry and brittle hair (color treated, or keratin treated)
• additional protection from the sun’s UV rays
• thermal protection when using heat appliances
• helps to make hair manageable and soft
• increases healthy shine
• Vitamin B5 helps to penetrate the cuticle and make the hair stronger
• Reduces dryness and frizz
• Reduces scalp itch and flaking

The brand has been ‘Voted Best For

• Keratin-Treated Hair
• Color-Treated Hair
• Dry, Damaged Hair
• Naturally Curly, Wavy or Frizzy Hair
• Chemically-Treated Hair (including highlights and bleached hair)
• And yes…even Fine, Thin Hair loves it without being weighed down!

*Recommended by Professional Stylists for All Hair Types (especially those with frizzy, curly, wavy fine or thick hair).’

They even include a ‘User Guide with Tips for Best Results’ with each purchase of their products.

 

 

Here is a list of ingredients:

‘Shampoo Ingredients: Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (non-sulfate, derived from coconut/palm oils), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (non-sulfate, anionic cleanser, gentle for sensitive skin; removes surface oil, does not penetrate hair or skin, making it safe for keratin treated hair), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (non-sodium chloride, made from coconut oil, derived from sarcosine natural amino acid), Cocamidopropylamine Oxide (conditioning agent & surfactant derived from coconut oil), Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (non-sodium chloride, gentle surfactant based on coconut fatty acids), Propylene Glycol (non-toxic food grade propylene made up of fatty acids & organic gas), Sodium Lauroamphoacetate (non-sodium chloride, plant derived, biodegradable amphoteric surfactant), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Moroccan Argan Oil), Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Stearate, Silicone Quaternium-16, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (non-sodium chloride, gentle surfactant from sodium salt of the coconut fatty acid amide of N-methyltaurine), Lauryl Methyl Gluceth-10 Hydroxypropyldimonium Chloride (non-sodium chloride antistatic, hair conditioning agent), Fragrance (Creamsicle), Panthenol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (non-sodium chloride, natural guar gum derivative; adds volume, smoothes/de-frizzes hair), Citric Acid, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Undeceth-11, Butyloctanol, Undeceth-5, Polyquaternium-59, Butylene Glycol, Methylisothiazolinone, Orange 4/CI 15510, Red 40/CI 16045, Limonene.’

Back To Top

---

5/Tru Morrocan Moroccan Oil Shampoo

I have noticed that most of the effective sulfate free shampoos all use a component of argan oil to achieve success. This shampoo does no less.

Its main ingredient is 100% pure Moroccan argan oil and it:

• is sulfate-free
• can be used daily for all hair types including color treated hair, damaged hair by chemical processing or heat appliances
• helps to control frizz
• adds natural shine and softness to hair
• is paraben-free
• has no artificial coloring, additives or impurities
• cruelty-free
• helps to strengthen and restructure the hair follicle

Here is a list of ingredients:

‘Deionized Water, Alkyl Polyglucosides, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Argania Spinosa oil (organic Argan oil), Sodium Chloride, Vegetable Glycerine, Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B 5), Salix Alba (White Willow) Bark Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (Chamomile), Trifolium Pratense (Red Clover) Flower Extract, Sambucus Nigra (Elder) Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol and Capryloyl Glycol.’

Back To Top

 

---

6/ Baebody Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo

One thing that I have noticed with the more prominent hair brands is that they really do stand behind their product claims. They do this by offering – 100% money back guarantee, no questions asked! And for me, that speaks volumes! You can’t make such an offer unless you know that your product can and will deliver usefulness to the customer. Baebody Argan Oil Sulfate Free Shampoo is one such product.

Formulated with:

• Moroccan argan oil – which helps to deliver moisture and hair volume, is gentle on color treated hair
• Coconut oil
• Jojoba oil
• Avocado oil
• Botanical keratin
• Almond oil
• Camellia seed oil

The expected results with consistent use:

• restore health and shine to dry, damaged, dehydrated hair
• removing free radicals to help promote healthy hair growth
• penetrates the hair follicle to strengthen it from the inside out
• helps protect your hair from the sun’s UV damage
• makes your hair feel soft, smooth and silky

Here is a list of ingredients:

‘Water (Aqua), Moroccan Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Botanical Keratin, and Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Acyl Sarcosine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosine, GRECAT BTMS-350.’

Back To Top

---

7/OGX Nourishing Shampoo

A very simple yet nourishing sulfate free shampoo is the OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo. 

Its simple formula:

• coconut milk
• coconut oil, and
• egg white proteins

are major players in helping to:

• hydrate your hair
• strengthen your hair
• improve the elasticity of your hair
• make your hair feel soft and smooth

with consistent use. It does not contain any sulfates or parabens and is very creamy in consistency.

Here is a list of ingredients:

‘Aqua/Water/Eau (Water), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Parfum, Glycol Distearate, Dimethicone Copolyol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocamide DEA, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium 11, DMDM Hydantoin, Panthenol, Silk Amino Acids, Cocos Nucifera Extract (Coconut), Albumen, Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut), Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) (Vitamin E), Coumarin.’

Back To Top

 

---

 

8/Pure Nature Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

 

Another duo set of sulfate free shampoo and conditioner hair products is the Pure Nature Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner set. Both products can be used alone, however, when used together you get the benefit of a synergistic effect which means a better performance of each product.

It lists its benefits as:

• hydration and increase in moisture levels
• is safe for color treated and keratin treated hair
• it protects the hair from the sun’s UV rays and thermal protectant from heat appliances
• reduces frizz and dryness
• is sulfate free
• paraben and chloride free
• increases shine
• helps with curl definition
• makes hair feel soft and manageable
• strengthens hair through the penetration of Vitamin E through the cuticle
• can be used by all hair types

The main features of this duo:

• hydrolyzed wheat proteins – strengthening agent to help restore the hair’s elasticity
• botanical keratin – natural shine
• argan oil – for softness and moisture
• anti-fade color formula – which helps leave the hair color intact and moisturized and shiny

This duo is a combination package that should make your hair feel better with consistent use.

Here is a list of ingredients:

‘Deionized water, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Cocamide mea, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Argan Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat protein’.

Back To Top

---

9/SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo

The Shea Moisture brand is no stranger to a lot of people who love the effect of the Jamaican Black Castor Oil. It is so good for your hair. It is:

• anti-fungal
• anti-bacterial
• 100% natural
• cleanses the scalp and helps to promote hair growth
• color safe for color treated hair

The use of castor oil has been around for ages and I think it will continue being a great source for modern hair care.

Here is a list of ingredients:

‘Water (Aqua), Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Vinegar, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Niacin, Dextran, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Caramel, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract *Certified Organic Ingredient.’

Back To Top

---

10/Paisle Botanics Natural Sulfate Free Shampoo

 

This is a 100% natural sulfate free moisturizing shampoo by Paisle Botanics. It is safe for color treated and keratin treated hair especially because of its ingredients. This shampoo is formulated with Vitamin E and botanicals to help prevent color fade, sun’s ray damage as well as restore and hydrate your hair without the use of harmful chemicals.

The main featured ingredients are:

• argan oil
• aloe vera
• coconut oil
• hemp seed oil
• rice protein

It will provide benefits to your hair like:

• restores moisture to scalp and hair
• nourishes the hair follicles
• protects from the UV rays and thermal heat application
• reduces split ends and hair breakage
• reduces frizz

This product formula is:

• for all hair types
• 100% natural ingredients
• a hypoallergenic formula without harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde – lye – parabens – sulfates – phosphates – phthalates – SLS – salts – or sodium chloride
• cruelty-free

Here is a list of ingredients:

‘Aqua, coco-glucoside, coco-glucoside (and) glyceryl oleate, cocamidopropyl betaine, aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) extract, cocos nucifera (coconut oil)argania spinosa (argan oil), botanical keratin, hydrolyzed rice protein,cannabis sativa (hemp seed oil), polyaminopropyl biguanide, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, panthenol, citric acid, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate.’

Back To Top

---

My Final Thoughts On 10 Best Sulfate Free Shampoo For Color Treated Hair 2018

What matters most in the choosing of a product for your hair needs, is not so much the product itself (though it is also important in terms of the ingredients in the formulation), but the consistent application of the product. You have to be patient and consistent to see changes. You also have to be aware of the fact that the only way to find the best product for your hair is to try a few and then you will have an idea of what works best for your hair.

Have fun choosing, and I hope this list will help you to find the hair product which ministers to your hair needs. I welcome your comments.

REFERENCES:

[1] [2] Wikipedia