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Are sulfates the enemy of healthy hair? The chemical compound, commonly used in shampoos and other hair care products, has a bad reputation. But the truth is not as black and white: sulfates are actually sometimes OK for certain hair types. That’s pretty wishy-washy, especially when you’re trying to shop for a new hair care product.
To get to the bottom of it, I talked to dermatologists and asked them to weigh in on whether sulfates are actually bad for your hair.
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What are sulfates?
Sulfates are a common ingredient in skin and hair care. Manufacturers often use them in formulas because of their ability to act as surfactants, says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. Surfa-what? That’s a fancy word for chemical compounds acting as a cleansing agent — exactly what sulfates do.
Sulfates are most commonly used in shampoos because they “aid in the process of lifting oil, debris and dirt from hair shafts and allowing them to be rinsed out easily without leaving a residue,” says Camp, who points out that sulfates are also in conditioners and hair masks.
The most common sulfates used in hair products are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
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Our favorite sulfate-free shampoos
If you have dry hair or think your hair could benefit from a sulfate-free shampoo, consider shopping for one of these top-rated options.
This Olaplex shampoo, which made our list of best clarifying shampoos, is safe for color-treated hair. It’s ideal for those who want to remove buildup — like oil, heavy metals and chlorine — without totally stripping hair and is intended as a weekly treatment, according to Olaplex. I got this shampoo (and the complimentary conditioner in a beauty subscription box and use it once a week. I have fine hair and find that it’s too heavy for everyday use, but using it weekly helps keep my hair hydrated and shiny.
Included in our list of the best shampoos of 2025, this fragrance-free formula is also free of parabens, which can irritate the scalp and dry out hair. It’s designed for all hair textures, according to the brand, and reviewers with sensitive scalps say they like it because it doesn’t cause irritation and leaves their hair soft.
This dentagler is specially formulated for wavy, curly and kinky hair. It’s gentle enough to use on chemically treated and colored hair, as well as on extensions and wigs. This Design Essentials shampoo has a pleasant almond scent, according to reviewers, many of whom also note that it hydrates textured hair well and leaves it shiny.
If you are avoiding sulfates because you have color-treated hair, consider this shampoo from Nexxus. It has quinoa and elastin protein to strengthen hair, and is also free of silicones, which create a protective layer around hair but can also cause buildup. I use a number of Nexxus hair products, including their hair spray and a different shampoo. I love the smell of their products — they all smell like an old-school hair salon. The best way to describe the scent is warm yet clean and inviting. The brand recommends using it with the coinciding sulfate-free conditioner.
Free of dyes or parabens, this Pantene shampoo has rose water in it that works to gently hydrate hair, along with vitamin B5 to help repair any damage. Reviewers like how soft it leaves their hair and say it has a nice floral scent.
I always have a bottle of this in my shower. I have fine hair that can get dry, especially in the winter. This shampoo makes my hair feel thicker when I use it regularly. It’s safe for color-treated hair and is also free of salt and phthalates, two ingredients that can also cause dryness. L’Oreal makes a sulfate-free conditioner to go along with this shampoo, too.
Made for color-treated hair, this shampoo doesn’t have thickening agents or anything else that will weigh down hair. It does, however, have vitamin E to help address damage, according to the brand. Some reviewers say that it helps keep their highlights vibrant between appointments, while others say it leaves hair squeaky clean but not dry.
Are sulfates bad for your hair?
Sulfates aren’t bad for all hair types all of the time. For example, when hair has a lot of product buildup or oil, a shampoo with sulfates can effectively cleanse strands. However, their ability to cleanse is a double-edged sword that can make them not-so-great for certain hair types. “Sulfates are known to strip natural oils from the hair and scalp, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and damage,” says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
What hair types should avoid using products with sulfates?
If sulfates strip away too much of your hair’s natural oil, it can lead to dryness or brittleness. Because of this, those with already dry, damaged or overly processed hair should skip shampoos and other hair products with sulfates. The same goes for those with coarser hair textures, which tend to be on the drier side naturally. If you already have dry hair, using a shampoo with sulfates regularly can make it more fragile and cause it to appear frizzy or dull, says Camp.
You should also proceed with caution if you have sensitive skin. Sulfates can sometimes lead to scalp skin redness and irritation in stripping natural oils, says Camp. Those with color-treated hair may also want to avoid shampoos containing sulfates. “They can also cause color-treated hair to fade faster, as they remove the color along with dirt and oil,” says Chacon.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
- Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. She has previously written stories on onion shampoo, recession hair and what happens to your hair during menopause. For this story, she interviewed two board-certified dermatologists about sulfates in hair care.
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