Sulfates in shampoos have become highly controversial. Sulfates are the ingredients in shampoo that cause the shampoo to lather. We've come to expect the better the shampoo lathers, the better the shampoo is, however some people disagree, claiming some people are allergic to sulfates.
Sulfates may very well be dangerous, too. Many natural health experts recommend avoiding any shampoos with the foaming agents sodium laureth sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate as main ingredients. Laboratory studies show that products that end in "eth" such as sodium laureth sulphate, polyethylene glycol, oleth, myreth, ceteareth all test positive for 1,4-Dioxane, a proven cancer-causing petrochemical.
John Masters Evening Primrose Shampoo for Dry Hair
A favorite among bloggers concerned about sulfate-free shampoos, John Masters is a great company. If you don't have dry hair, consider other shampoos that fit your hair type:
John Masters Lavender Rosemary Shampoo for Normal Hair
John Masters Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructing Shampoo
John Masters Zinc & Sage Shampoo with Conditioner
Ole Henriksen Natural Hair Wash With Sea Kelp
ABBA Pure Curls
This shampoo used to be "True Curls" and has undergone a makeover recently. It's a great shampoo for permed or naturally curly hair and contains none of the bad chemicals people shy away from. Also not tested on animals. Receives good ratings on Makeupalley.com.
DevaCurl Low Poo
A hugely popular shampoo among my curly-haired friends, DevaCurl's coconut-derived, mild lathering cleanser is gentle enough to use daily while maintaining the moisture balance of the hair and scalp. Scented with Starfruit and Mango. Also try DevaCurl's No Poo.
Jonathan Add Moisture Shampoo
Not everyone loves this shampoo, but those who do, really love it. They love the smell (think mango and coconut) and that it lathers well despite being sulfate-free. A little goes a long, long way. Some users on Makeupalley.com report that it dried out their hair, while others found their strands were left shiny and squeaky clean.
Jason Natural Shampoos
All of Jason shampoos are sulfate-free. If you like the smell of lavender, try the Lavender shampoo, which has just a hint of the fragrance but won't clash with your other hair products or your own perfume.
Alba Botanical Shampoos
Alba, like Jason, makes only sulfate-free shampoos. Most of their shampoo are very popular on Makeupalley.com especially the Coconut Milk Extra-Rich Hair Wash and Honeydew Nourishing Hair Wash.
Earth Mama Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
Perfect for new moms concerned with shampoos. Use on yourself, your baby and your kids and know you're getting a great shampoo that cleanses perfectly without any of the harmful, possibly, toxin chemicals found in most baby shampoos.
California Baby Shampoos
According to the Website this shampoo is extremely mild, has no fragrance and is made to gently cleanse and soothe the most sensitive skin. May be used for hair, face and body. Leaves hair noticeably shiny, soft and manageable. California Baby customers have reported excellent results with this shampoo in their fight against eczema, perioral dermatitis and other skin sensitivities.
