Counteracting the Harsh Effects of Sulfate Shampoos

If you've ever used those small little shampoo and conditioner bottle samples that hotels so graciously dispense by the boatload, and have experienced that dry, crunchy, stiff, tangly hair feeling associated with them, then you fully understand the problem with sulfates. This article will give you tips for counteracting the effects of the harsh sulfates in your shampoo.

In my How to Select a Moisturizing Shampoo article, I explain how sodium lauryl sulfate and the other lauryl/laureth sulfates are the popular detergents used in shampoos to help remove dirt, oils, products, and debris from the hair shaft. Unfortunately, the problem is, they work a little too efficiently at the stripping and removal process. In addition to the dirt and old hair products, these sulfates also remove much needed natural hair oils. Textured hair types need these oils in order to remain pliable, soft, and supple. Especially near the ends!

Below you will find several strategies for counteracting the drying effects of harsh sulfate shampoos:

1.) Pre-Shampoo Treatment Strategy

A pre-shampoo treatment is a hair treatment that is done prior to washing the hair. Conditioners, oils, or a combination of those products are applied to dried hair for 10 minutes to several hours while the hair is covered in a plastic cap or towel. During this process, heat may or may not be used. When the desired time has passed, the treatment is washed from the hair and then the hair is shampooed as normal. The pre-treatment softens the hair and reduces the sulfate's effect on the hair during the shampooing.

2.) Dilution Strategy

To counteract the effects of these shampoos you can either dilute the shampoo with water or add your favorite oil or conditioner to them. Try pouring 2 capfuls of shampoo into a cup and then adding just a half a capful of water, oil, conditioner (or a combination of those ingredients) to the mixture. Pour the diluted shampoo mixture over your already drenched, wet hair. You can adjust the dilution mixture as much or as little as you please.

3.) Post Deep Conditioning Strategy

Deep conditioning the hair well after using a stripping shampoo is a must, regardless of the other strategies you choose. A good moisturizing deep conditioner will help put conditioning agents back onto the strand, increasing your hair's manageability. You should deep condition your hair with heat for 15-30 minutes. For help choosing a great deep conditioner, click here.

4.) Usage Reduction Strategy

Usage reduction is by far the simplest strategy for combating the drying effects of sulfate shampoos! Just don't use strong sulfate shampoos more than once weekly. This includes shampoos that claim to be moisturizing formulas yet are chock full of sulfates. For washing throughout the week, you can either choose to use sulfate-free shampoos or incorporate plain water rinsing or "conditioner washing" into your regimen. Shampoos that indicate that they are specifically "clarifiers" (like Pantene's Purity Clarifying Shampoo) should not be used more than one a month to help maintain a proper moisture balance. If you are one who uses heavy oils on a regular basis, you may need to clarify your hair twice in the month.